WizzAir: Madrid 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: Madrid, Spain - Barajas (MAD)

Madrid's Barajas Airport, named after the adjacent town, is one of the busiest in Europe, is the busiest in Spain, and is the main international airport serving Madrid. The airport serves as the gateway to the Iberian Peninsula from Europe, and also acts as an important link between Europe and the Americas. Many low-cost airlines fly in and out of Madrid; among these, easyJet and Vueling fly to the most destinations. In 2006, the airport made news when it opened the beautiful new Terminal 4. Location: Madrid-Barajas Airport is located 12 km (7.5 miles) northeast of the city. Transport: - Rail: There is a metro stop at the Madrid Airport, and it connects to central Madrid for €2. This journey is very quick, taking about 15 minutes. Both mainline and metro line trains run through Madrid Airport. The RENFE and AVE lines do not go directly into the airport but are minutes away by Metro. The Metro connects Madrid-Barajas with the city center at the Nuevos Ministerios station in the middle of Madrid’s financial district. The Barajas line (no. 8) provides connections from the underground stations at terminals 2 and 4 into Madrid’s city center. The metro system also provides links to stations which are part of the Spanish railway network. - Bus: Madrid Airport Buses run from every terminal into the center of Madrid. Although the bus system is slightly cheaper, the Metro may be a more enjoyable option. For more specific information on bus service, consult the Madrid Municipal Transport Website. - Taxi: The airport taxi ranks are located in front of the Arrivals areas of all terminals. It is recommended that travelers do not take unsolicited services from any drivers inside the terminal buildings. The taxis in Madrid are metered so make sure that the taxi driver has started up the taximeter at the start of the journey. Ask for a bill in case you have any complaints. Taxi ride from Madrid Airport to the city center will cost approximately €30-35. Service: If you are in restaurant areas in any of the terminals, wireless access is provided by the airport. Financial facilities include two banks (one of which is open 24-hours), several currency exchanges, ATMs, and a post office. In the airport, there are more than 30 restaurants, cafés and bars and over 100 shops, including duty-free. Other facilities include nurseries in terminals 2 and 4, pharmacies in terminals 1, 2 and 4 and First Aid stations in terminals 2 and 4, a playground, and a chapel.

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.