Flybe: Milan to Liverpool

The carrier: Flybe

Upside
Recently expanded network has yielded impressive destination list.

Downside
With all bases in the UK, airline not (yet) all-purpose. Booking over the phone extremely expensive. In general, there are many hidden fees and charges.

About
Flybe has emerged as a budget airline to watch. Flybe is now Europe’s largest regional low-cost airline. The UK-based low-cost carrier acquired most of British Airways' BA Connect routes in 2007, and currently operates a dense route map in and out of the UK, with especially good connections to destinations in France, with ten airports.

Flybe's base in Southampton makes it the premiere low-cost airline in the south of England. Most notable about Flybe: its connections to out-of-the-way corners of the British Isles that don't get a lot of low-cost air traffic, like Guernsey, the Isle of Man, and Jersey.
Flybe operates out of more UK airports than any other airline.

Baggage
* Carry-on: Up to 10 kg of hand luggage.
* Checked: Depending on your class (economy, economy plus), you are allowed between 20-30 kg of stuff. Anything over this is charged €9 per kilo.

Seating
You can pre-book seats at the time of your on-line booking or by calling customer service. A fee applies to bulkhead and exit row seats.

Fun Fact
If you have a few minutes, read through Flybe's frequently asked questions regarding baggage. We loved, "Can I travel with a life-jacked used for yachting?"
more...

Departure: Milan, Italy - Malpensa (MXP)

Malpensa International Airport is one of three international airports in the Milan area.

Location: Malpensa International Airport is located 45 kilometers (29 miles) north west of Milan in the province of Varese.

Transport:

- Rail: Trains run from Terminal 1 to Milano Cadorna Station every 30 minutes Monday-Friday. Schedules for both the Malpensa Express and Tren Italia are both found online.

- Bus: Between the two terminals a free shuttle bus is available every 15 minutes for twenty four hours a day. Buses run from both terminals to Milano Centrale Station, and to Linate Airport, Sesto and Torino. The Malpensa Shuttle runs from both terminals to Milano Centrale Station. The schedule for buses from Malpensa are found online. It is possible to reach Malpensa airport by bus from: Milano, Torino, Lugano, Chiasso, Genova, Novara, Como, Menaggio, Lago Maggiore, Domodossola, Gallarate, Castelnovate, Brescia, Bergamo, Bologna and Verona.

- Taxi: Taxis are available from outside Arrivals.

Service: Bars, a cocktail lounge and restaurants are located in the airport. There are also several shops selling a wide range of goods, including duty free. Other facilities include banks, bureaux de change, a chapel, and chemists. The First Aid and health offices are available in both terminals. more...

Arrival: Liverpool, United Kingdom - Liverpool John Lennon (LPL)

Liverpool John Lennon Airport, formerly known as Speke Airport and RAF Speke, serves the English city of Liverpool. In 2002 the airport was renamed in honor of John Lennon, a founding member of The Beatles (the group is from Liverpool). Twenty-two years after his death, a seven-foot bronze statue was erected near the check-in area. In recent years it has been one of Europe's fastest growing airports.

Location: Liverpool John Lennon Airport is located 13 km (eight miles) southeast of Liverpool.

Transport:

- Rail: Inexpensive buses run regularly between the airport and many local railway stations. For information and schedules, check the rail Website.

- Bus: Multiple buses are available in front of the main airport terminal building. The Airlink 500 line goes to the Liverpool City Center stopping at a few stations on the way. The line operates Monday through Friday every 20 minutes during the day. On weekends and evenings the line runs every 30 minutes. The Airlink 700 provides express services (limited stops and connections) and operates every hour from early morning to late night. Bus connections are also available between the airport and nearby rail stations.

- Taxi: The taxi rank is located just outside the entrance of the airport terminal. Private hire vehicles must operate within the nearby short stay parking lot. The trip from the airport into the Liverpool city center takes about 20 minutes.

Service: This airport has various shops, cafes, and restaurants. Throughout the terminal there are five currency exchanges and Wi-Fi internet service. A multi-faith prayer room is also available.
more...