Germanwings: Bourgas to Dusseldorf

The carrier: Germanwings

Upside
One of Europe's bigger low-cost airlines, with very good reach into the Balkans.

Downside
Operates in part on a connecting flight model, feeding passengers via hubs.

About
Germanwings is an indisputable giant, one of Germany's big three budget airlines. In 2007 Germanwings brought seven new Airbus A-319 planes into the fleet. These new planes currently have the lowest emissions rate.
In addition to its nine German destinations, 'wings' flies to four destinations in Turkey, six in Greece, six in Italy, and four in Croatia. The airline's less-served destinations include Moscow, St. Petersburg, Skopje, Tirana, Ohrid, Belgrade, and Pristina.

It benefits from one of the best and most wide-ranging destination tallies among the airlines we profile. Unlike many carriers, Germanwings' route map is broad and well-distributed across Europe. An added bonus we love? With the airline's "Smart Connect" one-stop booking tool, it is possible to purchase connecting flights as single fares.

Baggage
* Carry-on: No weight restriction specified, though baggage cannot measure more than 55 x 40 x 20 centimeters.
* Checked: Up to 20 kg of baggage (online €5 per piece is charged, at the airport €7 per piece); over this a charge of €7 per kilo applies.

Seating
Passengers are allowed on the plane in blocks according to when they checked in for the flight. Pre-booking is allowed online no later than 24 hours before departure for €5 per seat.

Tip
Germanwings hosts monthly offers, so check in often. Avoid early morning flights, which tend to be packed, out of their hubs. In general, allow enough time for check-in.
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Departure: Bourgas, Bulgaria - Burgas (Bourgas) International (BOJ)

Burgas ("Bourgas") International Airport, also known as Sarafovo Airport, serves as the airport of Burgas, Bulgaria. At the end of 2004 Burgas Airport was rated "Bulgaria’s Best Airport" and received the award from the Bulgaria Ministry of Transport as the most dynamically developing airport.

Location: Burgas Airport is located 10 km northeast of the Burgas city center on the coast of the Bulgarian Black Sea.

Transport:

- Rail: The airport is located on an important railway junction in Bulgaria.

- Taxi: Taxis are available at the airport.

Service: The airport is in operation around the clock.
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Arrival: Dusseldorf, Germany - Dusseldorf (DUS)

In Brief: Germany's third busiest airport, Duesseldorf is a major Lufthansa hub. It is also an important hub for Air Berlin, and serves a smattering of low-cost and charter airlines in addition.

Transportation: The S-Bahn takes just ten minutes to travel between the airport and Duesseldorf's main train station. A one-way fare costs €3.
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