easyJet: Milan to Bristol

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: Milan, Italy - Orio Al Serio (BGY)

Orio al Serio International Airport is an airport that serves low-cost traffic flights into Milan.

Location: Orio al Serio International Airport is located 45 kilometers (27miles) from Milan, and 5 kilometers from Bergamo.

Transport:

- Rail: After arriving at Bergamo railway station by train, passengers should take the ZANI bus shuttle service from Bus Stop 12 to the Orio al Serio airport. For the train schedule visit the Trenitalia Site.

- Bus: The Zani Bus Service can be found at the front entrance of the airport. There are other private bus services available as well. The airport is easily reachable by bus from Bergamo, Milan and Brescia. Schedules for the shuttles can be found on their officials sites. The companies include Airport Bus, Autostradale, and Orio Shuttle.

- Taxi: Taxis are available at the airport.

Service: There is an Information Office located at the airport. Travelers can enjoy shopping at the fashion boutiques and shops selling a range of good quality gifts and leatherwear, newspaper and tobacco, as well as the duty free shop. There are restaurants and wine bars located throughout the airport. There is a bank located at the airport, as well as ATMs, and a post office. The Eurochange currency exchange facility is available for all money matters such as buying and selling traveler's checks, traveler's checks refunds, sale of national and international telephone cards, and VAT refund service. There are also First-Aid and baby changing facilities. more...

Arrival: Bristol, United Kingdom - Bristol International (BRS)

In addition to serving as a major base for easyJet and Ryanair, Bristol takes quite a bit of charter air traffic. Once we took both the low-cost and the charter activity into account, we realized that Bristol may be one of our most heavily trafficked airports for budget-oriented flyers. Bristol is also southwest England's biggest airport.

Location: Bristol International Airport is located 13 km (8 miles) south of Bristol city center.

Transport:

- Rail: The closest rail connection to Bristol International Airport is at the Bristol Temple Meads station, seven miles away. The Bristol International Flyer express coach service connects from Bristol Temple Meads to the airport every 15 minutes at peak times. For more rail information consult the Official Website.

- Bus: Bristol International Flyer bus shuttle runs to the Bristol city center and takes about 30 minutes. First Group also runs a bus service to the airport with many stops en route. For a specific schedule check the company's Official Website.

- Taxi: The Checker Cars company provides service at Bristol International Airport. Bookings can be made on their Website.

Service: In the airport there are information desks, a few shops and places to grab a bite to eat, as well as a currency exchange.
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