easyJet: Berlin to Corfu

The carrier: easyJet

About

EasyJet is Europe's second-largest low-cost carrier, after Ryanair. It's also one of the oldest in Europe; its first flights took off in late 1995, and it pioneered the online purchase model.  EasyJet is based at Hangar 89, which is an orange building adjacent to the main taxiway at Luton Airport.

The easyJet route map is not as wide-ranging as Ryanair's, although the airline tends to fly to primary airports over out-of-the-way secondary airports. Fares are also higher than Ryanair's, though the easyJet flying experience tends to receive fewer complaints.

One place where easyJet does not get high marks is in the telephone customer service department. We've read stories of hundreds of faxes remaining unreturned and hours-long waits on toll telephone lines with high per-minute charges.

Among the airline's more notable destinations are Bucharest, Geneva, Istanbul, Madeira, Sofia, Split and Tallinn.

Upside

Great connections across Europe without the lowest-common-denominator panic.

Downside

Notoriously bad customer service.

Baggage

*Carry-on: One piece of hand luggage.
*Checked: €12 per bag (per flight), combined weight not to exceed 20 kg. Over 20 kg, €12 per kg.

* Please visit EasyJet’s website for more information on its baggage policy.

Seating

Strict pre-boarding policy. Check-in no later than 40 minutes prior to departure. Boarding is on a first-come first-serve basis and can be a nightmare if you don’t arrive early. EasyJet never allows stand-bys.

Check-in and Ticketing

Online check-in is available from 60 days before your flight until two hours prior to the scheduled departure time.  Passengers with hold-luggage are allowed to do this as well. The boarding gate closes 25 minutes prior to the scheduled time of departure.  If your flight leaves London Gatwick before 08.30 you can check in for this flight the night before from 20:00. This will give you the opportunity to leave your baggage at the airport. You will be issued with a boarding pass so you can go straight to security for your flight the following morning.

Tip
Check in online so that you’re automatically entered into the "A" group for boarding, meaning you'll hop on—and off—first. Be careful with personal property as there is little or no compensation for damages or losses.

Fun Fact

EasyJet offers the possibility to carbon offset the CO2 to their customers' trips for a surcharge via a calculator which calculates a passenger's carbon footprint.

Departure: Berlin, Germany - Schoenefeld (SXF)

In Brief: Berlin Schönefeld, one of two airports in Berlin, lies on the outskirts of the city, 18 km (11 miles) away. Schönefeld handles a lot of low-cost and charter airline traffic; it is one of the most important low-cost airports in Europe. EasyJet, to offer one example, has its very own terminal at Schönefeld, which impressively serves almost 30 destinations.

Other low-cost and charter airlines serving Berlin Schönefeld include Ryanair, Condor, Germanwings, and Iceland Express.

Transporation: Schönefeld can be reached by the Airport Express train or S-Bahn train. Both forms of transportation cost just €2.40 one-way. The Airport Express takes 25 minutes, while the S-Bahn takes 40 minutes.

Arrival: Corfu, Greece - Corfu International (CFU)

Corfu International Airport a highly seasonal airport on the Greek island of Corfu. The airport was named after John Capodistria, the first Governor of Greece. Location: Corfu International Airport is located 2 km (1 miles) south of Corfu. Transport: - Bus: Buses provide service in and out of the city center. Bus stops are located just outside the airport. The journey takes approximately ten minutes. - Taxi: The taxi rank is located outside the main terminal building. Travelers are strongly advised to negotiate the price with the taxi driver before the trip. Service: There is a centrally located information desk in the main terminal building. Other facilities include: bank, currency exchange, ATM, and post office. Travelers are also able to grab a bite at the airport's cafe/bar or go shopping at the duty-free store. The airport offers a health center. more...