Flying the Budget Skies: An easyJet Review

With the cost of air travel continuing to rise, travelers are increasingly looking to low-cost carriers like easyJet to get them to their destination while keeping money in their wallet. As one of the first and largest budget airlines in Europe, easyJet has become a go-to choice for many. But does flying on the cheap mean sacrificing comfort and service? Here’s an in-depth easyJet review covering the key factors to consider when booking with this no-frills airline.

easyJet Booking Experience and Fares

Booking with easyJet is simple, with the ability to book online or via their mobile app. Fares are offered on a one-way basis, allowing travelers flexibility in planning multi-city itineraries. Prices are tiered into several levels ranging from basic to flex-plus, with each tier offering different change and cancellation policies. easyJet also frequently offers promo codes and flash sales, so keep an eye out for deals like easyjet promo code to score lower fares.

The airline flies to over 130 destinations across 35 countries in Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. This extensive route network means easyJet likely has a flight to where you want to go. Just be sure to read the fine print when booking as some routes are seasonal.

One downside is easyJet strictly enforces a cabin bag size limit of 45x36x20cm. This compact size means many standard carry-ons won’t make the cut, so prepare to get creative with packing or pay extra to check a bag.

In-flight Experience and Comfort

As a no-frills budget carrier, easyJet has stripped back service to offer lower fares. So it’s important to set expectations accordingly from the start.

Seats do not recline and have 29-30 inches of legroom in standard class, which is comparable for a low-cost airline. There are no seatback entertainment screens, though you can access limited movies and tv shows through their app. Food and drinks are available for purchase, but at typical airline inflated prices.

Fortunately, easyJet’s fleet of Airbus A319 and A320 aircraft are modern. So you can expect most flights to be smooth and comfortable once in the air. Just don’t expect much in flight pampering. Travel with snacks, entertainment, and neck pillow at the ready.

Baggage Allowances and Fees

Checked baggage fees vary depending on the route, but expect to pay around £13-£45 per bag each way. Given the tiny carry-on limits, most travelers will need to factor these fees in. Sports equipment, musical instruments, and oversized/excess weight bags incur additional charges.

easyJet offers several premium fare options that include a free checked bag such as Upfront and Extra Legroom. For frequent flyers, their £219 annual Club Membership includes free checked bags among other perks.

In-cabin, you’re allowed one small carry-on bag up to 45x36x20cm including handles and wheels. Anything oversized will need to be checked for a fee, so size and pack light. Personal items like purses, laptop bags, and coats are allowed separately.

Booking Tips and Hacks

Since easyJet fares are tiered, there are a few tips and hacks to get the best value when booking:

• Book early – Prices will start cheaper and then increase as more seats fill up. Booking 60+ days out can mean huge savings.
• Be flexible on dates – easyJet runs sales with discount codes frequently, so staying flexible on your dates can help you land one of those promos. Sign up for their email list to get notified of sales.
• Book mid-week flights – Flights on Mondays through Thursdays tend to be less expensive than weekend departures.
• Consider connecting flights – On longer routes, it may be cheaper to do two separate bookings than a single through flight. Double check your options.
• Use price alerts – Set up price drop alerts on Google Flights to notify you if prices decrease after booking. You can then rebook at the lower fare.

Extras Worth Paying For

While easyJet strives to offer bare bones pricing, there are a few extras that may be worth paying for:

• Upfront or Extra Legroom Seats – For longer flights or taller travelers, the extra legroom and dedicated overhead bin space can be well worth the upgrade fee.
• Checked Bag – Trying to cram everything into a tiny carry-on sounds miserable. Check a bag and make packing less stressful.
• Airport Fast Track Security – Skip long security queues by purchasing Fast Track access where available. Essential for short connections.
• easyJet Plus Membership – Get free seat selection, fast track security, and extra luggage allowance with their membership program.

Tips for Flying easyJet

To make the most of your easyJet flight, keep these tips in mind:

• Download the mobile app – Manage your bookings, download your boarding pass, track your flight all in one place.
• Pack light – Adhere to their strict carry-on limitations to avoid excess luggage fees. Wear bulky clothes and shoes to save space.
• Be ready to run – With most easyJet gates at the far end of terminals, hustle to your gate and line up early for best overhead bin space.
• Charge up – Bring your own charged power bank and adapter. In-seat charging is not available. Download entertainment ahead of time.
• Bring food/water – Avoid buying overpriced snacks and drinks on board by packing your own. Some airports even let you bring empty water bottles to refill post-security.
• Study up – Brush up on easyJet’s guidelines around check-in, luggage, boarding etc. to stay compliant and avoid issues.

Overall Summary

For travelers focused on getting from point A to B affordably, easyJet is a solid low-cost choice. Their extensive route network throughout Europe means you can plan an entire trip quickly and easily.

Just be ready to pack minimally, pay extra for checked bags, and not expect much in flight service or amenities. Seats and legroom are standard for budget carriers, so relatively comfortable.

While more restrictive than full-service airlines, easyJet offers a streamlined flying experience at budget fares. With the right expectations set, easyJet can be an ideal choice for travelers wanting to explore Europe without breaking the bank.