Jet2: Leeds to Rome

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: Leeds, United Kingdom - Leeds Bradford (LBA)

Leeds Bradford International Airport was originally Yeadon Aerodrome, which began operating in October 1931. During that time, club flying and training flights were the principle activities. Since then, it has expanded tremendously with an increase in facilities and many transportation improvements. Location: Leeds Bradford International Airport is located 18 km (11 miles) northwest of Leeds and 11km (7 miles) north of Bradford. Transport: - Rail: Rail service to the airport is available from most UK rail stations via the Leeds City Station, Bradford Interchange, or York City Station. Tickets can be purchased at rail stations or on the train. Allow about 20 minutes for train to bus transfers. For more information on schedules and rates, consult the transit Website. - Bus: First York company provides hourly as well as express service between the airport and the York Rail Station. For more information consult the First York Website. Metroconnect 757 provides connections between the airport and Bradford's Foster Square rail station as well as Greengates, Apperley Bridge, Rawdon, and Yeadon. - Taxi: The Arrow private hire taxis are available for pre-booking at the office in the International Arrivals area. Travelers are able to pre-book online using the company's Official Website. Service: Shopping at the airport includes duty-free, a bookshop, and a newsstand. There are also numerous pubs, cafes, and snack bars at the airport. Other facilities include a quiet room, children's play area, foreign exchange, and on-site spa. The airport is Wi-Fi accessible. more...

Arrival: Rome, Italy - Leonardo da Vinci di Fiumicino (FCO)

Rome Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino Airport or "Aeroporto Leonardo da Vinci di Fiumicino," also commonly known as Rome-Fiumicino International Airport, its former name, is Italy's largest airport and second-largest international air gateway and Rome's primary airport. While the focus at Fiumicino is on long-haul routes flown by conventional airlines, the airport also hosts several budget airlines. Among these, Blu-express, Vueling, and Air Berlin fly the most routes.

Fiumicino may not be one of the most exciting big city airports in Europe, but it does, unsurprisingly, sport some of the best espresso bars we've ever found.

Location:

Rome Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino Airport is situated 30 kilometers (19 miles) southwest of the city, in the coastal city of Fiumicino.

Transport:

•Rail: Fiumicino benefits from a fab airport train connection, which drops passengers off at Rome's massive Termini train station. To take the train, follow the signs at the airport marked "Treni." The train runs every half hour, from 6:37 a.m. until 11:37 p.m. and takes about 35 minutes. Tickets cost €9.50 and can be purchased from one of the (sometimes unreliable) ticket machines or at the train ticket office. If you're pressed for time, you can buy a ticket on the train for €11.

Another option, especially good for visitors staying in Trastevere, is to take one of the local trains, Orte or Fara Sabina. A journey on either train lasts 45 minutes and costs €5. Orte and Fara Sabina trains depart from the airport station for Rome's Stazione Tiburtina. At Tiburtina, you can catch the B subway line. Stops on the B line include Trastevere and Ostiense.

•Bus: Another way to get into the center of Rome from Fiumicino airport is on the Terravision express bus. The Terravision bus connects Fiumicino airport to Rome's Termini Station. Tickets cost €7 one-way and €12 round-trip. Visit the Terravision booking engine to book bus tickets in advance.

•Taxi: Taxis are available at the airport. The official taxis are white and identified by the illuminated Taxi sign on the roof. Ensure the meter is running, and check the approximate price of the journey beforehand. Expect to pay a whopping €60 per ride, not including supplementary charges for luggage, nighttime travel, and Sunday travel. (Stick to the train, folks!)

Service:

There are information desks located in all three terminals. There are a number of restaurants, cafes and bars located throughout the airport. There are numerous first-class shopping centers that have exclusive stores selling quality goods, as well as the duty-free shops. Other facilities include first aid, a chapel and prayer room, a Bureau de change, and 24-hour cash machines (ATMs).