WizzAir: Brussels to Bucharest

The carrier: WizzAir

Upside
Cheap fares and long destination tally lifts Wizz Air into the first tier.

Downside
Route map is more or less restricted to east-west routes. Delays and cancellations are announced at the last minute and left unexplained.

About
In June of 2003, six airline pros joined forces with Jozsef Varadi (the current CEO of WizzAir) to start WizzAir; within three months, WizzAir was ready for takeoff.

Polish-Hungarian low-cost carrier Wizz Air has joined the big leagues. With an impressive destination tally and a whopping 10 UK airports served, Wizz is one of Europe's first tier of budget airlines. On a fare by fare basis, Wizz offers among the very cheapest airfares in Europe.

Wizz Air's route map ranges across western and central Europe, and its routes are mostly set up on an east-west axis, not a north-south one.

Baggage
* Carry-on: One item up to 10 kg and one personal item.
* Checked: Up to 20 kg of luggage and each piece of luggage is charged at the rate of €7.5. Over this limit, you will be charged €10 per kg. If you check luggage after booking you will be charged €15 for each piece.

Seating
Wizz operates on the first-come first-serve basis at check-in. Seats with extra legroom are €5 in advance or at the airport for €10.

Tip
Opt for "pre-boarding", when you book on-line or via the call center, by paying a nominal fee (ranging from €2.5 to €5). In this case, you’ll be called to board before other passengers. Wizz-bang!
more...

Departure: Brussels, Belgium - Charleroi (CRL)

Brussels South Charleroi Airport in Wallonia, Belgium has just opened a new terminal in January 2008 which has the capacity to serve of up to 5 million passengers a year and is a host to sever budget carriers.

Location: South Charleroi Airport is located 4 miles (7kilometres) north of Charleroi, 46km (28.75 miles) from central Brussels, in Wallonia (Belgium).

Transport:

- Rail: From any railway station in Belgium, you can reach Charleroi Brussels South airport by asking for a "bulk-Charleroi airport" ticket at the railway station you start from. When you arrive at Charleroi South station, you only need to take the A bus line to reach the airport passenger terminal in a few minutes. The "bulk" ticket price includes both rail and bus rides. Similarly, when you land at the airport, you can buy the same "bulk" ticket at the airport ticket desk. From Charleroi station, you can take a train to any railway station in Belgium. For specific rates and times consult the railway timetable website.

- Bus: Shuttles are available to and from South Charleroi Airport and the Charleroi bus station using line A. For specific rates and times consult the bus timetable website.

- Taxi: Taxi cabs are always available outside the passenger terminal. Do not hesitate to ask taxi drivers about offering a fixed price to your destination. This will often be an option.

Service: Airport amenities include automated teller machines, internet hotspots, telephone booths, massage seats, baggage storage, a restaurant and bar, newsstand and pharmacy. more...

Arrival: Bucharest, Romania - Baneasa (BBU)

Bucharest Airport, also known as Bucharest City Airportis, was Bucharest's only airport until 1968, when the Otopeni Airport was built.

Location: Bucharest Airport is located 6 km (4 miles) from the city center.

Transport:

- Bus: RATB buses #131, 335 and the Airport Express #783 provide bus service to and from the airport.

- Taxi: Taxis are available at the airport.

Service: Airport services include an information desk, cafes, internet portals, public telephones, medical center, ATM, currency exchange, and a bank.
more...