easyJet: Paphos to Manchester

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: Paphos, Cyprus - Paphos Intl (PFO)

Paphos International Airport is the country's second largest airport and is most commonly used by tourists on vacation in western Cyprus.

Location: Paphos International Airport is located 15 km (9.5 miles) east of Paphos.

Transport:

- Bus: There is regular bus service to and from central Paphos and the airport. Buses can be found outside the main airport building. Connections to other parts of Cyprus are available.

- Taxi: The taxi rank is located outside the main terminal building.

Service: There are a few places to eat in the main terminal, one which offers a terrace where travelers can watch planes take off and land. Other services include: banking, currency exchange, ATMs, post office, first-aid and a baby care, and public telephones. Shopping(and duty-free) is available as well. more...

Arrival: Manchester, United Kingdom - Manchester Intl (MAN)

Manchester Airport, previously known as Ringway Airport, is the largest UK airport outside London.

Location: Manchester Airport is located 17 km (10 miles) southwest of Manchester.

Transport:

- Rail: The Skylink moving walkway system connects The Station, which is Manchester Airport's rail, bus and coach interchange. Trains serving Manchester Airport run to and from various destinations in the Midlands and Northern England. For more information on schedules and fares consult the National Rail Website.

- Bus: Many local and express buses serve the Manchester airport. For information on local routes consult the travel information Website. The National Express Website has more information on buses from Manchester Airport to various destinations all over the UK.

- Taxi: Taxis are available outside the arrivals halls of each terminal.

Service: Information desks can be found in all terminals as well as Internet stations and ATMs. Banking services are available as well as currency exchange, and Wi-Fi Internet access. All terminals have numerous shops, restaurants, and cafes. Other airport amenities include baby changing facilities, a children's play area, medical center, and prayer rooms.

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