SusanG

I've booked flights from DC to Paris, for a couple of days.... and then home from Rome to DC for September. I didn't realize it would be so complicated to get from Paris (where we'll be for 3 days) to Rome. So, now I'm looking at Ryanair, one way - which is cheap - but as you guys alerted me to - the luggage fees are HUGE. Option two; Trying to book a one way on the bigger airlines is unbelievably expensive (like $700!) . What to do? Can one book a round trip ticket and just not show up for the return? That would be a lot cheaper than the one ways. RTs are about $200 each.

The other thing is that I am trying to be careful about luggage - (my sister usually has two checked bags weighing in around 40 lbs, I know, it's crazy) and some of the web sites don't allow you to really see specifically what the luggage requirements are (like Iberia on Travelocity.) I realize this is 6 months away and I am probably over reacting, but I'm a little concerned about how to resolve this. Your thoughts and ideas most welcome!

kybourbon

Look at EasyJet from Paris Orly (easier to get to than the other airports) to Rome Ciampino.

http://www.easyjet.com/asp/en/book/index.asp?lang=en

Baggage info:
http://easyjet.custhelp.com/

Your sister can only take one bag at no charge on most international flights. All the airlines state their luggage restrictions.

https://www.iberia.com/OneToOne/v3/p...ANONYMOUS=true

Hallie_A

Try eDreams. It checks a number of obscure international airlines. http://www.edreams.com

Also, in my experience, there is no penalty for buying a return ticket and not using it, although I've only done this in the US. In fact, depending on the airline and refund policy, you may be able to call after the 1st flight and get a credit for canceling the 2nd.

annw

Doesn't seem as if you are looking for train travel, but 11 hours by train from Paris to Rome; another option is an overnight train such as Artesia train.

kfusto

www.whichbudget.com is another source of cheaper airlines.

It is much cheaper to buy roundtrip in the case of the major airlines and since it is not linked to your return from Rome I cannot imagine a problem not using it. I have done this and never had an issue.

SusanG

You guys, you are AWESOME. Thank you so much for feedback. I had done some work research last night and found Vuerling airlines (however you spell it) which is, what Iberia uses. Truth to tell, I'm not really adventurous and so am a bit nervous about the more obscure airlines. I'm thinking I'll book RT on Air France or something and just not show up for the return. That way, I can be really clear from research just exacetly how much they are going to gouge me for luggage. I would have been happy to explore the train option, but we are supposed to meet a friend in Rome in the morning, and I did so want to spend a couple of days in Paris, so I scotched that idea. Thank you all so much for your help!

tracilee

My husband and I used Vueling from Paris to Rome in 2009 with no problema. I think we had to pay to check bags as the bags that we normally carry on were larger than Veuling allowed. If Veuling is cheaper than Air France I'd go with them.

Southam

At this point EasyJet to Rome appears to be cheaper than Vueling by about 10 € for September. The two airlines follow the same service model: Each option the passenger chooses, from number of bags to use of credit card, may raise the price. An assigned seat if available will cost more; otherwise it's a rush to the plane doors. And prices are sure to go up as September approaches.

Keeping these very clear (and strict) limits in mind, both aiarlines are very good value for money on a reasonably short flights booked well in advance.

Both services depart Paris Orly; easyJet lands at Ciampino airport, older and a little closer to the city centre than Fiumicino/DaVinci, Vueling's terminus.

kybourbon

EasyJet probably transport more passengers a year than Iberia. These are not "obscure" airlines. They've been around for years.

kybourbon

Just because you aren't familiar with airlines in other countries, doesn't mean they are obscure.

***EasyJet Airline Company Limited (styled as easyJet) is a British airline headquartered at London Luton Airport. It carries more passengers than any other United Kingdom-based airline, operating domestic and international scheduled services on 500 routes between 118 European, North African, and West Asian airports

***In 2009, EasyJet carried 45.2 million passengers[8] and is the second-largest low-cost carrier in Europe, behind Ryanair.[9]

SusanG

Yes, a better word for me to use was that I was "unfamiliar" with these airlines. Again, thanks everyone,for your thoughts. Much appreciated.

Michael

I found Iberia/Vueling tickets that were cheaper than EasyJet for the dates I wanted to fly from Paris to Rome.

kismetchimera

Usually when I go to Paris from Rome I fly with Easy Jet or Vueling..

opaldog

We used Easy Jet with absolutely no problems.

iris1745

You can check all the airlines on this site, either one way or R/T. kayak.com

kfusto

kayak.com does not price the budget carriers like easyjet unless they have changed.

kybourbon

They price the budgets one-way in Europe (and probably r/t if you select only European gateways, but I haven't tried it).

Michael

http://www.flylc.com/to/en/ap-fco.htm gives the list of discount airlines going into an airport. However, it does not list Ciampino airport as a possibility, and therefore does not list any EasyJet flights between Paris and Rome. Nonetheless, I consider it one site useful for discount airlines exclusively.

lrock5

Easyjet

kybourbon

www.skyscanner.net and www.whichbudget.com list the budget airlines also.