Norwegian Air Shuttle: Bordeaux to Geneva

The carrier: Norwegian Air Shuttle

About

Norwegian Air Shuttle is the second largest airline in Scandinavia and the fourth largest low cost carrier in Europe. With its main base in Oslo and secondary hubs in Warsaw, Bergen and Stavanger and code-sharing arrangements with, Sterling, and Rossiya, Norwegian Air Shuttle's network is broad.

A huge selling point is Norwegian's fab offerings across the wide expanse of far-flung Norway. Beyond that, the airline's route map is interesting for its even geographic balance.

Upside

Great network in Norway; good overall route density. Excellent customer service.

Downside

Only one base (in Warsaw) outside of Norway.

Baggage

* Carry-on: Only one item of hand luggage, not to exceed 10 kg.
* Checked: Two pieces of luggage, not to exceed 40 kg. Over the limit, you will be charged €9 per kilo. Other restrictions do apply, so check their site for details.

Note that fees apply.  Booking over the internet reduces fees by about half. 

* Please visit Norwegian Air Shuttle’s website for more information on its baggage policy.

Seating

You can reserve seats up to 25 hours prior to your departure.  It can be done at the time of booking or later.  Non-refundable reservation fees apply and vary by destination.  Passengers can reserve seats with extra leg room as long as they are allowed to sit in front of the emergency exit.  

Check-in and Ticketing

Online check-in is not available.  Passengers must check in at the airport at least 30 minutes prior to departure for domestic flights and 45 minutes prior to international flights.  Passengers on domestic flights with only hand luggage do not need to check-in at all.

Departure: Bordeaux, France - Bordeaux - Mérignac Airport (BOD)

Bordeaux - Mérignac Airport or "Aéroport de Bordeaux – Mérignac" is a main airport serving the French city of Bordeaux. This airport has budget connections to a wide variety of countries in Europe.

Location: Bordeaux - Mérignac is located in the town of Mérignac,10 kilometers (6 miles) west of Bordeaux, within the departément of Gironde.

Transport:

- Rail: There is a main railway station nearby, and shuttles are available between the airport and the station.

- Bus: Travelers are able to go to and from the airport using the Jet’Bus service. The buses run every 45 minutes.

- Taxi: Taxis are available to and from the airport through numerous taxi companies. You can check official tariffs for taxis as of 2011 here.

Service: Bordeaux – Merignac Airport contains many small boutiques, restaurants and bars. Travelers also have access to a bank and currency exchange.

Arrival: 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.