Germanwings: Moscow to Reus

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: Moscow, Russia - Vnukovo Int'l (VKO)

Vnukovo International is the oldest of all operating airports in Moscow, Russia.

Location: Vnukovo International is located 28 km (18 miles) outside Moscow's city center.

Transport:

- Rail: There is a high-speed rail link between the Kievsky Train Station in Moscow and Vnukovo Airport. A commuter train is also available with a similar route.

- Bus: There are many bus routes available to and from the airport and Moscow.

- Taxi: Taxi ranks are located outside the main airport terminal.

Service: Airport services include information desks, various shops, cafes, and restaurants, a first aid facility, currency exchanges, banks, nursery, and a pharmacy. If you're in a gambling mood, check out the airport's slot machines.
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Arrival: Reus, Spain (REU)

The Reus Airport receives a large amount of passengers headed to the beach resorts of Salou and Cambrils. A few low-fare airlines use the airport in place of service to Barcelona, which is only 90km to the north and can reached by public and private transport.

Location: Reus Airport is located 3 km southeast of the city and 13 km from the Tarragona city center.

Transport:

- Bus: Public transport buses will take travelers from the airport to the Reus bus station which is located 15 minutes from the Reus town center. You can find these buses outside the Arrivals Hall and the journey will take around 25 minutes. This bus also serves as a connection with the Renfe train station. Tickets can be bought on the bus. For more details visit the Reus Transport Website.

There is also a bus that can take travelers straight into Barcelona (at the María Cristina square and Sants station). The buses to Barcelona can be found outside the Arrivals Hall and the journey lasts roughly 90 minutes. The timetables for this service will vary throughout the year as the bus schedule is planned to meet the flights that arrive each day. For an up-to-date listing of the schedule and fares consult the bus company’s Official Website. If travelers would like to reach the town of Cambrils as well as the towns on the way (La Pineda, Faro, Salou and Vilaseca), there is a line which covers this route. For details visit the bus company’s Website.

- Taxi: If you are traveling with a big group or have children it may be more convenient to book a private transfer to and from Reus Airport. Many of the taxis at the airport rarely have children’s safety seats and the limit of passengers is four.

Service: There are a few shops and restaurants located in the airport. Other services include information desks and a first aid facility. more...