WizzAir: Liverpool to Warsaw

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: Liverpool, United Kingdom - Liverpool John Lennon (LPL)

Liverpool John Lennon Airport, formerly known as Speke Airport and RAF Speke, serves the English city of Liverpool. In 2002 the airport was renamed in honor of John Lennon, a founding member of The Beatles (the group is from Liverpool). Twenty-two years after his death, a seven-foot bronze statue was erected near the check-in area. In recent years it has been one of Europe's fastest growing airports. Location: Liverpool John Lennon Airport is located 13 km (eight miles) southeast of Liverpool. Transport: - Rail: Inexpensive buses run regularly between the airport and many local railway stations. For information and schedules, check the rail Website. - Bus: Multiple buses are available in front of the main airport terminal building. The Airlink 500 line goes to the Liverpool City Center stopping at a few stations on the way. The line operates Monday through Friday every 20 minutes during the day. On weekends and evenings the line runs every 30 minutes. The Airlink 700 provides express services (limited stops and connections) and operates every hour from early morning to late night. Bus connections are also available between the airport and nearby rail stations. - Taxi: The taxi rank is located just outside the entrance of the airport terminal. Private hire vehicles must operate within the nearby short stay parking lot. The trip from the airport into the Liverpool city center takes about 20 minutes. Service: This airport has various shops, cafes, and restaurants. Throughout the terminal there are five currency exchanges and Wi-Fi internet service. A multi-faith prayer room is also available. more...

Arrival: Warsaw, Poland - Warsaw Frederic Chopin (Okecie) (WAW)

Warsaw Frederic Chopin Airport, formerly Okecie International Airport, is named after the famous Polish composer and former Warsaw resident, Frederic Chopin. However, the former name (Okecie) remains in common use to this day. It is Poland's busiest airport, handling almost half of the country's air traffic. Location: Warsaw Frederic Chopin Airport is located 9 km (6 miles) from the Warsaw city center. Transport: - Bus: The bus stops are located outside the Arrivals Hall. The Intercity Polski Express provides direct bus connections to 30 towns and tickets can be purchased on board from the driver. For more detailed information on rates and fares check the website. MZA City Buses #175 and 188 serve Warsaw, including the train station, and the Old Town during the day, while night bus N32 provides a link to the central railway station overnight. For more information on the MZA buses consult the website. Most journey times take approximately 30 minutes. - Taxi: The taxi stand is located in front of the Arrivals Hall. Service: Aside from a few information and tourism desks, the airport has a number of restaurants, shops and cafes. Duty-free shopping is also available. Other services include Wireless Internet access, a post office, currency exchange, medical center (with first-aid), baby changing facilities, and a chapel. Travelers can also enjoy a view on the airport's observation deck.