easyJet: Innsbruck to Blackpool

The carrier: easyJet

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

Downside
Notoriously bad customer service.

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. The airline was founded by Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, and he and his family are still major shareholders. 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 not quite so many complaints as Ryanair's.

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.

Baggage
*Carry-on: One piece of hand luggage
*Checked: €12 per bag (per flight), combined weight not to exceed 20 kg. Over 20 kg, €9 per kg.

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.

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.
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Departure: Innsbruck, Austria - Kranebitten (INN)

The Kranebitten Airport in Innsbruck, Austria is the largest airport in western Austria and serves many regional flights around the Alps. Airport activity increases seasonally during the winter months due to an increased number of skiers traveling in the region.

Location: The Kranebitten Airport is approximately 2.5 miles from the center of Innsbruck.

Transport:
- Rail: Trains are available for transport to and from the airport and city center. For specific times and prices, consult the online train schedules online train schedules.

- Bus: The Kranbitten Airport is connected to the main train station (Hauptbahnhof) by buses that run every 15 minutes. The journey back and forth takes approximately 20 minutes. For detailed time tables, consult the bus scheduling website.

- Taxi: Taxis are always waiting conveniently in front of the airport building.

Services: Small cafes are open early for the convenience of early-morning travelers. The airport-shop located in the main hall is open 7 days a week.
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Arrival: Blackpool, United Kingdom - Blackpool International (BLK)

Blackpool International Airport has recently had an increase in traffic due to the opening of routes by low-cost airlines such as Ryanair and Jet2.com.

Location: Blackpool International Airport is located 4.8 km southeast of Blackpool, Lancashire in North West England.

Transport:

- Rail: There are Northern Rail Pacer and Sprinter trains available to Blackpool South, Colne, and Preston stations via the Squires Gate railway station. There is a Blackpool tram service from Starr Gate tram stop on the Blackpool tramway as well northbound to Fleetwood, Bispham, and Cleveleys.

- Bus: There is bus service with routes in all directions to Blackpool, Fleetwood, Lytham St Annes, Preston and Manchester.

- Taxi: In the terminal there are free telephones available to request a taxi.

Service: The airport offers boutiques and duty-free shops as well as a few places to eat. Currency exchange and information desks are also available.
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