Norwegian Air Shuttle: Gran Canaria to Palermo

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: Gran Canaria, Spain - Las Palmas (LPA)

Gran Canaria Airport or "Aeropuerto de Gran Canaria," formerly known as Gando Airport is located on Gran Canaria Island, Spain, in the Canary Islands off the west coast of Africa. The airport is Spain's fifth busiest as well as the largest in the Canary Island (the only airport with more than one runway). It also serves as an emergency landing site for the Space Shuttle. This airport is an essential part of the tourism in the Canary Islands.

Location

Gran Canaria Airport is located to the east of Gran Canaria on the Bay of Gando or "Bahía de Gando," about 18 km (11 mi) from the city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, and 25 km (15 mi) from the popular tourist areas in the south.

Transport

• Bus: The location of bus stops for buses from the city are in zones A and C (departures) and at the center of the terminal (arrivals) for buses to the city. For specific information regarding scheduling and fares consult the bus company’s Official Website.
• Taxi: Gran Canaria taxis can be found outside all three arrival zones.

Service

There are multiple shops and places to eat for travelers at the airport. Other services include ATMs, a bank, an internet café, and a currency exchange. There is an information desk in each zone as well as a tourism desk in the EU Arrivals Hall. There is also a 24-hour medical service, a pharmacy, baby rooms, a children’s play room, a chapel, and a mini-supermarket. Gran Canaria Airport also offers airport tours which give travelers tips and bits of the island's aviation history.

Arrival: Palermo, Italy - Punta Raisi (PMO)

Palermo International Airport, also known as Falcone-Borsellino Airport and Punta Raisi Airport, is one of the busiest in Italy. The airport was given the name Falcone-Borsellino in memory of the two leading anti-mafia judges Giovanni Falcone and Paolo Borsellino who were murdered by the mafia in 1992.

Location:

Palermo International Airport is located 32 kilometers (19 miles) outside of Palermo, in Sicily.

Transport:

•Rail: There is bus service to the central station running every half hour.
•Bus: The "Prestia e Comande" Bus Service runs to and from Palermo daily. The time to the central station is 55 minutes, and to Politeama about 40 minutes.
•Taxi: Taxis are available from outside the Arrivals area.

Service:

There is an information desk at the airport. Travelers can enjoy food at the bars or restaurant in the airport or pass time shopping in one of the numerous stores. There is a bank located on the terminal ground floor and two cash dispensers (one for foreign exchange) can be found in the arrivals hall. A post office is also located on the first floor.