easyJet: Lugano to Brugge

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: Lugano, Switzerland (LUG)

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Arrival: Brugge, Belgium - Ostende-Brugge (OST)

Ostend-Bruges International Airport in Brugge, Belgium offers many travel opportunities to warm-weather vacation destinations, most of which are located around the Mediterranean. The airport is very small, which often translates to a quick check-in and relaxed atmosphere. Service is provided primarily by Jetair and Thomas Cook.

Location: Ostend-Bruges International Airport is located near the town of West Flanders, Belgium.

Transport:

- Rail: Train service is available to Ostend-Bruges International Airports. For more information on the train system consult the online railway schedule.

- Bus: Buses are available at Ostend Railway Station with service to and from the airport. Take the "Raversijde via Luchthaven" route which will bring you straight to the airport. For more information on departures and arrivals look at the online bus schedule.

Service: A restaurant is available for a sit-down dinner.
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