WizzAir: Kiev to London

The carrier: WizzAir

About

Polish-Hungarian low-cost carrier Wizz Air has joined the big leagues. With an impressive destination tally and many 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.

Upside

Cheap fares and a long destination tally lift Wizz Air into the first tier.  The pink and purple website is very cute and has a nice interactive map.

Downside

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

Baggage

* Carry-on: One item up to 10 kg and one personal item.
* Checked: Up to 10 kg of luggage free.  Additional baggage will be charged. 

* Please visit Wizzair’s website for more information on its baggage policy.

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.

Check-in and Ticketing

Wizzair thinks that online check-in is definitely the way to go.  While, online check-in is free, there is a €5 fee for checking in at the airport if it is purchased with the booking and €10 if it is purchased on the day of departure.  Web check-in is available from 7 days until 3 hours before departure.  All baggage must be dropped off at least 40 minutes prior to departure and passengers should be at the boarding gate at least 30 minutes early.

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!

Departure: Kiev, Ukraine - Zhulhany (IEV)

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Arrival: London, United Kingdom - Luton Apt (LTN)

In Brief: London Luton is another of London's budget airline-friendly airports. It serves as a hub for Ryanair, easyJet, WizzAir, Thomsonfly, and Monarch, and also serves Aer Arann and Flybe. It is located just under 50 km (about 30 miles) north of London. Transportation: The airport offers a free shuttle to the Luton Airport Parkway station, where the Thameslink train speeds passengers into King's Cross Station in 35 minutes (£12.10.) EasyBus runs a 90-minute shuttle to a location on Buckingham Palace Road near Victoria Station. Fares technically begin at £2, but we've found fares more commonly to be around £5. There's also a Greenline (Arriva) bus connection, which charges £12 for a 35-minute journey to the City of London.