easyJet: Lisbon to Funchal

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: Lisbon, Portugal - Lisboa (LIS)

As the most important airport in Portugal, Lisbon Airport is served by almost 70 commercial and charter airlines. Among low-cost carriers, easyJet flies the most routes in and out of Lisbon. It is currently undergoing a major renovation. Transportation: The AeroBus, which costs €3.10 per journey, takes 20 minutes to travel between the airport and central Lisbon. Public buses, which cost just €1.30 for the journey into central Lisbon, take 15-20 minutes.

Arrival: Funchal, Portugal - Madeira-Funchal Airport (Santa Catarina) (FNC)

Madeira Airport, also known as Funchal Airport and Santa Catarina Airport, is an international hub on the island of Madeira, Portugal. Location: Madeira Airport is located 4 km (9 miles) from the Funchal city center. ' Transport: - Bus: Buses run hourly (with some variations during the day) to and from the airport and the Funchal city center. - Taxi: Taxis can be found outside the main terminal building. Service: On level one, travelers can find the airport information desk. Other services include a bank, post office, baby changing rooms, and currency exchange. There are several ATMs and internet access points throughout the airport. Wireless Internet access is provided. There are three cafes, a few bars and restaurants as well as a large shopping area that boasts an array of stores. more...