Jet2: Geneva to Edinburgh

The carrier: Jet2

About

We like to think of Jet2 as the little budget airline that could. Based at Leeds Bradford airport in the north of England, Jet2 also flies to multiple destinations from hub airports across England, Northern Ireland and Scotland. Although Jet2 has been flying for nearly 30 years, it was called Channel Express (Air Services) for its first 20 years.

Slightly out of the media loop due to its headquarters in England's north, Jet2 nonetheless flies an impressive number of routes to destinations across Europe, with especially good connections to France, Spain, and Italy.

Jet2 has innovated quietly and consistently in a number of ways. In early 2007, they rolled out an in-flight handheld entertainment device.

Upside

Airline is innovative and particularly good for travel to and from England's north.

Downside

Jet2 should augment current destinations with more big-city destinations. Extra charges during booking can lead to a doubling of the original quoted price.

Baggage

* Carry-on: One "small piece" of hand luggage not to exceed 10 kg.
* Checked: Up to 22kg. Each passenger can have up to three bags, none of which can weigh over 25kg.  The cost is €14 for each additional kilo. 

* Please visit Jet2’s website for more information on its baggage policy.

Seating

You can choose seats at the time of your purchase on-line. Alternately, seats are selected on a first-come first-serve basis at the time of check-in.  Seats with extra legroom can be reserved for €14-33.

Check-in and Ticketing

Online check-in is available from 28 days until 5 hours before departure.  You must select it while you book your flight.  If you forget to check-in online or don’t print your boarding pass then you will be charged a €23 fee. 

Tip

Be aware of the many additional costs when booking online.

Departure: Geneva, Switzerland - Geneva Cointrin International (GVA)

Geneva Cointrin International Airport can be accessed from both Switzerland and France. It serves as an EU freight hub (despite it not being an EU member). Location: Geneva Cointrin International Airport is located 4 km (2 miles) from the Geneva city center. Transport: - Rail: Geneva railway station is located about 300 meters from the Departures and Arrivals floors. All trains stop at central Geneva-Cornavin, in the city center. Direct long-distance trains are also available with destinations throughout greater Europe. - Bus: The bus stop is outside the Departures and Arrivals Halls. In Switzerland, Unireso bus #10 runs to central Geneva, and bus #28 to the United Nations. Bus #23 connects the airport with Tours de Carouge and Fret. - Taxi: Taxis can be found outside the main terminal building. Separate French and Swiss taxis are available. Service: At the airport, there are multiple information desks. Note: The French sector has independent services and there are tourist and airport information services in both sectors. In addition, travelers will find banks, currency exchange, ATMs, a post office, and Internet access available in all public areas. There are restaurants, shops (including duty-free), and other facilities such as a pharmacy, medical center, nursery, and public showers.

Arrival: Edinburgh, United Kingdom - Edinburgh International (Turnhouse) (EDI)

Edinburgh Airport, sometimes referred to as "Turnhouse", was the busiest airport in Scotland in 2007 and is a hub for easyJet, flyglobespan and Ryanair. Location: Edinburgh Airport is located 12 km (eight miles) west of Edinburgh. Transport: - Rail: Most train services operate from Edinburgh Haymarket station which is found on the main bus route between the airport and city center. - Bus: Public bus services stop outside the Arrivals Halls. More information on both Lothian Bus services can be found at the flybybus company's Website. Also, the express service operates daily. - Taxi: At Edinburgh Airport there are three taxi ranks available. One of them operates solely based on pre-booked reservations while the other two are for companies that serve the airport. Usually, a journey to and from the city center and airport takes roughly 25 minutes. The 'black cab' rank is available by the coach stations while others are available outside the Arrivals Hall. Service: In the airport there are numerous shops and restaurants. Several internet stations are available. In addition, there are play areas for children, entertainment facilities, and baby changing rooms.