WizzAir: Paris to Gdansk

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: Paris, France - Beauvais Tille (BVA)

Paris Beauvais Tillé Airport or "Aéroport de Paris Beauvais Tillé" was originally the small regional airport of the city of Beauvais but since the low-cost carrier Ryanair made Beauvais Tillé its Paris-area terminal, it has become the third-largest Parisian airport. Other low-cost carriers utilizing Beauvais include Wizz Air and Blue Air.

Location: Paris Beauvais Tillé Airport is located in the community of Tillé, 3.5 kilometers (2 miles) northeast of Beauvais and 69 kilometers (43 miles) north of Paris.

Transport:

- Rail: The airport is serviced by a shuttle that operates eight times a day to the city's central rail station. Schedules are available at the train’s official Web site.

- Bus: Every shuttle leaves approximately 20 minutes after each flight arrival. The tickets must be purchased at the bus ticket office, outside the airport. The departure from Paris is located at the bus park on the Boulevard Pershing, near the hotel Concorde Lafayette. Tickets must be purchased directly on the bus. Fare is €15 for a one-way ticket to and from the airport.

- Taxi: Multiple taxi companies provide service to and from the airport to various locations in Paris and the suburbs.

Services: In the terminal there are a few shops, restaurants as well as a lost and found claims office. The airport also offers Wi-Fi access.

Arrival: Gdansk, Poland - Gdansk Lech Walesa (GDN)

Gdansk Lech Walesa Airport is named after Lech Walesa, a former Polish president. On the outside wall of the main terminal building, travelers can view a stylized "W" (Walesa’s actual signature) and the logo for the airport. Location: Gdansk Lech Walesa Airport is located 5 km (3 miles) from the Gdansk city center. Transport: - Rail: Train line #510 provides service to Gdynia Glowna (Railway Station). - Bus: Bus line #110 provides service to Gdansk-Wrzeszcz (Railway Station). Line B provides service to Gdansk Glowny(Railway Station). - Taxi: A taxi rank is located in front of the main entrance to the passenger terminal. Service: In the airport there are a few restaurants and cafes, shops, and a currency exchange. more...