Jet2: Manchester to Budapest

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: Manchester, United Kingdom - Manchester Intl (MAN)

Manchester Airport, previously known as Ringway Airport, is the largest UK airport outside London. Location: Manchester Airport is located 17 km (10 miles) southwest of Manchester. Transport: - Rail: The Skylink moving walkway system connects The Station, which is Manchester Airport's rail, bus and coach interchange. Trains serving Manchester Airport run to and from various destinations in the Midlands and Northern England. For more information on schedules and fares consult the National Rail Website. - Bus: Many local and express buses serve the Manchester airport. For information on local routes consult the travel information Website. The National Express Website has more information on buses from Manchester Airport to various destinations all over the UK. - Taxi: Taxis are available outside the arrivals halls of each terminal. Service: Information desks can be found in all terminals as well as Internet stations and ATMs. Banking services are available as well as currency exchange, and Wi-Fi Internet access. All terminals have numerous shops, restaurants, and cafes. Other airport amenities include baby changing facilities, a children's play area, medical center, and prayer rooms. more...

Arrival: Budapest, Hungary - Ferihegy (BUD)

In Brief: Budapest has followed a recent trend across several big airports in Europe by reserving an entire terminal for low-cost airlines. Wizz Air and Ryanair are the two biggest low-cost airlines at Budapest, though the airport is also served by a huge number of conventional airlines, and is the base for the Hungarian flag carrier Malev. Transportation: The most budget-friendly way to get to or from the airport is by bus. Bus 93 runs from Terminal 1 to the Kőbánya-Kispest metro terminal; bus 200 runs from Terminals 1 and 2 to Kőbánya-Kispest. From the metro station, the journey to Deák Ferenc Square takes just twenty minutes and costs HUF230 (€.90; $1.35). The train link is only slightly more expensive. Twice an hour trains depart from the airport for Budapest's Nyugati train station. The journey takes around 20 minutes and costs HUF300 (€1.20; $1.75).