easyJet: Ibiza to Madrid

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: Ibiza, Spain (IBZ)

Ibiza Airport serves the Balearic islands of Ibiza and Formentera, used virtually by all people who arrive at or depart from these islands. Ibiza airport is characterized by the seasonal nature of its demand by tourists. It also offers very important scheduled inter-island and mainland traffic, with flights centering on business hubs, such as Barcelona and Madrid-Barajas. Location: Ibiza Airport is located 7.5 km from the capital and is well connected to the most important tourist centers of the island. Transport: - Bus: Outside the terminal, travelers can catch the Ibizabus line 10 that runs between the city center and airport. - Taxi: Radiotaxi offers service to the center of town (about 20 minutes). These taxis can be found next to the terminal. Service: At the airport, there is an information desk as well as a passenger service office and tourism desk in the Arrivals Area. Airport financial facilities include ATMs, a post office, currency exchange, and a bank. Before and after security there are various shops, restaurants and cafes (mostly on the first floor). Other airport facilities include first aid, a pharmacy, and a chapel. more...

Arrival: Madrid, Spain - Barajas (MAD)

Madrid's Barajas Airport, named after the adjacent town, is one of the busiest in Europe, is the busiest in Spain, and is the main international airport serving Madrid. The airport serves as the gateway to the Iberian Peninsula from Europe, and also acts as an important link between Europe and the Americas. Many low-cost airlines fly in and out of Madrid; among these, easyJet and Vueling fly to the most destinations. In 2006, the airport made news when it opened the beautiful new Terminal 4. Location: Madrid-Barajas Airport is located 12 km (7.5 miles) northeast of the city. Transport: - Rail: There is a metro stop at the Madrid Airport, and it connects to central Madrid for €2. This journey is very quick, taking about 15 minutes. Both mainline and metro line trains run through Madrid Airport. The RENFE and AVE lines do not go directly into the airport but are minutes away by Metro. The Metro connects Madrid-Barajas with the city center at the Nuevos Ministerios station in the middle of Madrid’s financial district. The Barajas line (no. 8) provides connections from the underground stations at terminals 2 and 4 into Madrid’s city center. The metro system also provides links to stations which are part of the Spanish railway network. - Bus: Madrid Airport Buses run from every terminal into the center of Madrid. Although the bus system is slightly cheaper, the Metro may be a more enjoyable option. For more specific information on bus service, consult the Madrid Municipal Transport Website. - Taxi: The airport taxi ranks are located in front of the Arrivals areas of all terminals. It is recommended that travelers do not take unsolicited services from any drivers inside the terminal buildings. The taxis in Madrid are metered so make sure that the taxi driver has started up the taximeter at the start of the journey. Ask for a bill in case you have any complaints. Taxi ride from Madrid Airport to the city center will cost approximately €30-35. Service: If you are in restaurant areas in any of the terminals, wireless access is provided by the airport. Financial facilities include two banks (one of which is open 24-hours), several currency exchanges, ATMs, and a post office. In the airport, there are more than 30 restaurants, cafés and bars and over 100 shops, including duty-free. Other facilities include nurseries in terminals 2 and 4, pharmacies in terminals 1, 2 and 4 and First Aid stations in terminals 2 and 4, a playground, and a chapel.