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EasyJet survival guide: six simple steps
The name is seductive: EasyJet. This low-cost airline boasts occasional fares of below €10 (one way) and can get you almost anywhere in Europe. What's not to love? Of course, entering the experience, you know deep down that there has to be some unpleasantness involved, but you accept that as a condition for cheap travel. After all, you're only inconvenienced for a few hours at the most – it's not like you're crossing the Atlantic. These are short, easy flights that would be called "regional" back home. Nonetheless, the whole gig can be an absolute drag.
The most difficult part of the EasyJet excursion is the rush of the crowd ... which you'll endure more than once. At some point, the line at the gate descends into chaos, as boarding "zones" decompose from a single line to several crowds of travelers jockeying for position. Then, the bus from the gate to the airport is little more than a cattle car and sets the scene for another crowded push in which any semblance of order is but a wish. By the time you get to your seat, aisle, window or middle no longer matters. You're just happy that the uncertainty (as well as the shoving) is finished.
Fortunately, here are ways to make your EasyJet flight a bit easier (and, for those of you bouncing along the northeastern United States [LINK:tag], you can apply some of this to the Delta Shuttle). It'll never be a first-class experience, but you'll be able to avoid some of the stress involved in this form of air travel.
[Photos thanks to EasyJet]
1. Get to the gate early, and sit as close to it as possible
Since there is no assigned seating, preparation has its rewards. By arriving at the gate early, you can find a seat as close as possible to the gate itself. When it is time to get in line for boarding, you'll be among the first to know.
2. Help start the line rather than join it
Once you see a few people start to hover around the gate (not necessarily forming a line but signaling their intentions to do so), join them.
3. Stand near the door on the bus
Those at the front of the line, naturally, will be the first to board the bus that takes you to the plane. The common mistake is to go as deep into the bus as possible, to make it easier for those who follow. Don't do this. Step through the door and move immediately to one side or the other. You'll be out of everyone's way but will still be among the first to step off the bus when you arrive at the plane.
4. Move quickly to the plane
If you think a line forms somewhere between the bus and the plane's door, you're out of your mind. Movement continues to be by crowd. Step off the bus as quickly as possible and find your way into the plane. Hesitate, and you will find yourself jostled and (worse) passed en route to the best seats in the house. You'll be reduced to the same primal urges as your fellow travelers – instead of watching this animalistic drama unfold from the comfort of your seat ... which happens to be both bulkhead and aisle!
5. Use your overhead storage
Getting onto the plane early means that you can take advantage of the overhead storage, which does fill quickly. Miss this opportunity, and you will lose that precious legroom under the seat in front of you (as I did). I measured the space from the front of my seat's cushion to the back of the one in front of me. I can't give you an exact number of inches, but I can confirm that it's less than the length of a size 9 ½ shoe. The floor-space, of course, is a bit larger, but not much. Every inch counts. If you can recapture some space under the seat in front of you by tossing your bag above your head, don't give it a second thought.
6. Bring your own nourishment
If you thought domestic airlines in the United States were stingy, EasyJet will change your perspective. Even the basics start at €1, and shooting a desperate look will only get you a shrug or an apology – neither of which will address your thirst. Eat before you board, and bring a bottle of water. If you have a longer flight, maybe grab a small snack. Remember: this is not long-haul. I brought neither water nor food on my two-hour flight from Madrid to Marrakech and was fine. But, if the thought of even a short period of time without some sort of refreshment is akin to unchecked brutality, pay either before you board or on the plane. The price will be about the same.
Filed under: Africa, Europe, Airlines, Airline Reviews
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
DJ Feb 11th 2009 2:28AM
I've seen the Easy Jet chaos at the Brussels airport.
You fear for your life. Ryanair is the same way.
A STAMPEDE.
james Feb 11th 2009 10:03AM
the trick to easyjet is just be laid back about it. check in online, sit down in the departure lounge with you ipod, and wait until the queue is short enough to not cause you much annoyance. priority boarding and stuff like that with easyjet is pointless, especially when using the busses that take you to the plane, as the last people to get on the bus are the first to get on the plane because they are nearest the bus exit. you sit where you want, and usually there is an aisle seat if you fancy it, or exit row if your lucky.
AndyC Feb 13th 2009 7:45AM
You get what you pay for. If you want food and allocated seating then pay twice as much and go with a flag carrier. Whilst the bus service isn't at all ideal it is on the minority of the flights.
The other tip I would offer is to use self service check in on the web site as that puts you in group A for boarding (and in most airports they respect the boarding order)
Karl Feb 11th 2009 11:51AM
the prices are cheap for a reason, you're not exactly paying for quality so dont have that expectation :P Andy and James tips are spot on, use the self check in service and relax.
Richard Gordon Feb 12th 2009 3:33AM
If you check-in online and have no hold luggage you are part of the second group on the plane (not-paying for easyjet's priority boarding, which incidentally is MUCH more expensive than Ryanair -- who have queues at their British departure gates). Your tickets says GROUP A on it. This is ahead of people who have paid more to check-in their luggage in the hold. I tend to stand right next to the desk when I arrive at the gate and not move until Group A is called (after speedy boarding). I have done this on MANY occasions and always got an emergency exit seat (I am 6ft 3.5" tall). I also agree with the previous post about being laid back - if all else fails I've paid little for my tickets compared with national carriers, and the flight is usually only 2hrs.