Germanwings: Milan to Berlin

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: 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: Berlin, Germany - Schoenefeld (SXF)

In Brief: Berlin Schönefeld, one of three airports in Berlin, lies on the outskirts of the city, 18 km (11 miles) away. Schönefeld handles a lot of low-cost and charter airline traffic; it is one of the most important low-cost airports in Europe. EasyJet, to offer one example, has its very own terminal at Schönefeld, which impressively serves almost 30 destinations. Other low-cost and charter airlines serving Berlin Schönefeld include Ryanair, Condor, Germanwings, and Iceland Express.

Transporation: Schönefeld can be reached by the Airport Express train or S-Bahn train. Both forms of transportation cost just €2.10 one-way. The Airport Express takes 25 minutes, while the S-Bahn takes 40 minutes.
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