Easy jet
Jul 27th, 2005, 06:35 AM
#2
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My friend, who lives in London, uses Easyjet quite often. She has no complaints. Use their website to figure out your fare, as there are taxes that they add on.
A "no frills" airline such as "People Express" years ago, if you can remember.
A "no frills" airline such as "People Express" years ago, if you can remember.
Jul 27th, 2005, 06:35 AM
#3
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I have flown with them twice, on both occassions it was ok, nothing special, a bit like boarding a bus really.
The only annoying thing with easy jet is that they don't issue seat numbers and therefore you need to be at check in as soon as it opens to be in the first 40 or 50.When these first passengers get called to board they are the first 'wave' and it's a slight free for all but when the rest get on its manic.
Apart from that they are cheap and cheerful.
Just watch out for the taxes on top of the cheap fare it bumps up the price significantly.
Muck
The only annoying thing with easy jet is that they don't issue seat numbers and therefore you need to be at check in as soon as it opens to be in the first 40 or 50.When these first passengers get called to board they are the first 'wave' and it's a slight free for all but when the rest get on its manic.
Apart from that they are cheap and cheerful.
Just watch out for the taxes on top of the cheap fare it bumps up the price significantly.
Muck
Jul 27th, 2005, 06:36 AM
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I am personally a big fan of Ryanair, their (often) even cheaper (and more successful) main competitor, though I have never flown easyjet. You can find plenty of positive reports of flying both airlines here on this forum. Many low-cost intra-Europe airlines have baggage over-charges that kick in for baggage weights which might not be typical for US carriers. I am not sure about easyjet policies.
Best wishes,
Rex
Best wishes,
Rex
Jul 27th, 2005, 08:12 AM
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As you can see by the responses there is no reason not to use them and I also would have no hesitation in recommending them.
In fact, far from being a budget service with a budget attitude, they are now setting the agenda for European short haul. BA are going to charge for their meals on short haul and I believe that Sabena (Spain) already have - much like UA internally in the US.
Charter companies in the UK are following suit by individually charging for each service on package holidays whereas they used to be offered as an all-inclusive price.
So don't be afraid to use them, but follow the advice and book-in early and as said above, the check-in WILL close exactly 30 minutes before departure (and not a second later) even if the flight has a delay.
In fact, far from being a budget service with a budget attitude, they are now setting the agenda for European short haul. BA are going to charge for their meals on short haul and I believe that Sabena (Spain) already have - much like UA internally in the US.
Charter companies in the UK are following suit by individually charging for each service on package holidays whereas they used to be offered as an all-inclusive price.
So don't be afraid to use them, but follow the advice and book-in early and as said above, the check-in WILL close exactly 30 minutes before departure (and not a second later) even if the flight has a delay.
Jul 27th, 2005, 09:53 AM
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I have had only positive experiences with Easyjet (which is more than I can say for many airlines).
I prefer them to Ryanair but there's not a lot to choose between them.
I have never flown to Toulouse with them but I have been on a dozen or so Easyjet flights from/to London and never had any problems at all.
I use them for weekend breaks so normally only have carry-on luggage. Just check you are happy with their baggage limits (shown on their website)to avoid any possible extra charges.
I usually check in less than an hour before the flight (bit more than 30 minutes or you've had it). You board the plane roughly in order of checking in so I am normally in the last batch to board. This has never been a problem and I have always been able to sit with the people I am going away with. Boarding seems more efficient somehow with fewer people constantly scrambling around in the aisle sorting out their luggage, finding their allocated seat etc - people seem keen to just get sat down in whatever seat they have eyed-up before someone else takes it.
I prefer them to Ryanair but there's not a lot to choose between them.
I have never flown to Toulouse with them but I have been on a dozen or so Easyjet flights from/to London and never had any problems at all.
I use them for weekend breaks so normally only have carry-on luggage. Just check you are happy with their baggage limits (shown on their website)to avoid any possible extra charges.
I usually check in less than an hour before the flight (bit more than 30 minutes or you've had it). You board the plane roughly in order of checking in so I am normally in the last batch to board. This has never been a problem and I have always been able to sit with the people I am going away with. Boarding seems more efficient somehow with fewer people constantly scrambling around in the aisle sorting out their luggage, finding their allocated seat etc - people seem keen to just get sat down in whatever seat they have eyed-up before someone else takes it.
Jul 27th, 2005, 10:58 AM
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I have flown EasyJet twice. Both times, no problems.
The fares you see are the product of a very sophisticated yield management model. In fact the whole EasyJet business model is sound; otherwise it would not be turning a profit. How many American airlines can you say that about?
If you will scan a variety of flights and times, you will see that two conditions are true about EasyJet bookings: (1) the further in advance you book, the cheaper the cost. (2) the price is very sensitive to the date and the route.
For example a heavily demanded flight booked 1 day before departure can cost 3 to 4 times what a lightly demanded flight might cost 60 days before departure.
Also, EasyJet is a good business model.
It charges the users based on several factors including luggage weight. If you have heavy luggage that exceeds the limit, there is an extra charge. Food and beverages on board are sold for a fee. You board in order of arrival at the check-in counter and seats are not assigned in advance, thus cutting labor costs.
Because of the cost structure, the flexibility and responsiveness of the pricing model, and the low cost of operation on the ground, prices are less than you might expect in many cases.
In Geneve earlier this month, for example, I tagged my own luggage and put it on the conveyor belt. For check-in, I was not given a seat assignment but a priority number for boarding.
The early arrivals go on first and select their seats. Then the second wave comes in, and finally the stragglers.
You sit where you can find a spot. I was among the first, so there was still room in the overhead bin, and we got good seats.
I ran into one minor snag. On this flight from Switzerland to London-Gatwick, only Swiss francs, British pounds, and euros were accepted. All I had was US dollars, having spent all my Swiss money in the airport. So I could buy nothing until I got to the ATM in Gatwick.
Let's put it this way, if you fly any one of 4 or 5 American airlines and don't blink, why would you have a question about EasyJet??
The fares you see are the product of a very sophisticated yield management model. In fact the whole EasyJet business model is sound; otherwise it would not be turning a profit. How many American airlines can you say that about?
If you will scan a variety of flights and times, you will see that two conditions are true about EasyJet bookings: (1) the further in advance you book, the cheaper the cost. (2) the price is very sensitive to the date and the route.
For example a heavily demanded flight booked 1 day before departure can cost 3 to 4 times what a lightly demanded flight might cost 60 days before departure.
Also, EasyJet is a good business model.
It charges the users based on several factors including luggage weight. If you have heavy luggage that exceeds the limit, there is an extra charge. Food and beverages on board are sold for a fee. You board in order of arrival at the check-in counter and seats are not assigned in advance, thus cutting labor costs.
Because of the cost structure, the flexibility and responsiveness of the pricing model, and the low cost of operation on the ground, prices are less than you might expect in many cases.
In Geneve earlier this month, for example, I tagged my own luggage and put it on the conveyor belt. For check-in, I was not given a seat assignment but a priority number for boarding.
The early arrivals go on first and select their seats. Then the second wave comes in, and finally the stragglers.
You sit where you can find a spot. I was among the first, so there was still room in the overhead bin, and we got good seats.
I ran into one minor snag. On this flight from Switzerland to London-Gatwick, only Swiss francs, British pounds, and euros were accepted. All I had was US dollars, having spent all my Swiss money in the airport. So I could buy nothing until I got to the ATM in Gatwick.
Let's put it this way, if you fly any one of 4 or 5 American airlines and don't blink, why would you have a question about EasyJet??
Jul 27th, 2005, 12:29 PM
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We flew Easyjet in June/july from London Gatwick to Venice and back. The flight was fine. Not much different from other carriers. They do not assign seats, but do preboard families. You can purchase food on board. Our flight leaving Gatwick was delayed a bit, and they do not tell y which gate until just before boarding. On return there was a problem at Gatwick's luggage transport, so the flights were all much delayed coming from Gatwick. I would most definetly fly Easyjet. Just beware of the pushy old men trying to get the best seats.
Book early.
Travelatte
Book early.
Travelatte
Jul 27th, 2005, 02:48 PM
#18
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I have flown Easyjet twice (round trip Madrid-London) and it was OK. It left on time, arrived on time, etc. Just be sure you take anything you might want to drink or eat with you, because their prices for a little snack on the plane are outrageous!
To tell truth, I liked British Midlands much better. I flew round trip London-Paris and it was OK. They leave from Heathrow into CDG, which is better that Easyjet option (Lutton). Besides, they serve free snacks.
To tell truth, I liked British Midlands much better. I flew round trip London-Paris and it was OK. They leave from Heathrow into CDG, which is better that Easyjet option (Lutton). Besides, they serve free snacks.
Jul 30th, 2005, 09:49 AM
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I live in the UK and have used both Easyjet and Ryanair. You get what you pay for and there are no frills. Suggest you buy a drink and something to eat before you board the plane as on board they often run out and it is more expensive. If you want hot tea or coffee fine.
I now only use them to go somewhere when it is more convenient as the seats are definitely tight. Flying to Italy I have often done better pricewise flying Alitalia and had more comfortable seats, better times and a meal provided.
I now only use them to go somewhere when it is more convenient as the seats are definitely tight. Flying to Italy I have often done better pricewise flying Alitalia and had more comfortable seats, better times and a meal provided.
