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Flying Around Europe: 6 Low Cost Airlines

Flying Around Europe: 6 Low Cost Airlines

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When I first moved to Europe, I had the romantic notion of the rail. I fantasized about sitting on a train with majestic views of the Alps while I drank champagne and possibly meet Ethan Hawke. This is still completely attainable if you have all the time in the world but with my MBA studies followed by a full time job at an international organization. I did not have too much time on my hands. Instead, I became an expert weekend traveler thanks to some great low cost airlines. Sometimes flying via low cost carriers can save you not only time but money. Here are my six picks:
Vueling Aircraft. Photo Courtesy of Aviation Corner
Vueling:  I am fortunate to have friends who live in Spain, making it the perfect destination for weekend getaways to Madrid and Barcelona.  You can fly from all the main cities in Europe to Spain plus domestic flights within the country for as low as 30 EUR per leg. This year I flew from Madrid to Barcelona for 39 EUR one way, cheaper than the 54 EUR train fare. 
Photo Courtesy of Wizz Air Website
Wizz Air:  Traveling to Eastern Europe? Wizz Air is a great choice. I've flown to Prague with Wizz Air and it was a great, hassle free experience. The prices are low and there are plenty of routes from the main cities such as London, Barcelona, and Milan to cities such as Prague, Budapest, and Split. 



Photo C
German Wings: When I lived in Stuttgart, I took a few flights with German Wings.  Didn't feel like I was in a low cost carrier! My flight from Stuttgart to Vienna was not only cheap (recall 60 EUR RT) but it has the efficiency you can expect of Lufthansa (German Wings is part of the Lufthansa Group)

Photo from EasyJet Website
EasyJet: One of the things I love about EasyJet is that it actually arrives to the bigger airports but it still has the feel of a larger airline versus low cost. Warning: for example, Brussels Charleroi is 50 minutes by bus from Brussels with no train connection from the airport to the city. I had a great weekend trip from Brussels to Berlin for 80 EUR. Good times!
Photo from  RyanAir Website
Ryanair:  My least favorite in the low cost category but it has taken me where I needed to be and cheap. No other airline can take you from Brussels to Lanzarote, Canary Islands for 90 EUR! The only downside is that they will nickle and dime you for everything and try to sell you even lotto tickets! Warning: Pack light or book your luggage ahead of time! This is where they make their money! On a positive note: I am happy to learn now that Ryan Air is also starting to fly from major airports such as Brussels Zaventem and Copenhagen. 
One of my Favorite Weekend Destinations: Madrid
Transavia: If your base is the Netherlands, I highly recommend you take a look at this airline for low cost traveling via Europe. This past December, we flew from Rotterdam to Budapest for 70 Euros each to include one full size piece of luggage each. Rotterdam is a great alternative to the Amsterdam Airport. It's small, modern, and very quick check in and security. My husband has flown them for years and he is a fan. 
From Rotterdam to Budapest
I enjoyed seeing a lot of Europe by plane during my six years living there and my many subsequent trips. Many of these adventures have been done with these low cost carries.  Although you have to do some planning ahead and pack light, you have more options than ever to get to see more of Europe and save time and money! 
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