Easyjet experiences?

[sarahc]

We've booked to fly with Easyjet for the first time from Bristol to CDG this November, and I've paid for Speedy Boarding as I don't want to risk us being split up. As we've never flown with them before I just wondered a few things! Please could you help answer my questions?
- What are they generally like to fly with?
- Do they sell drinks, snacks etc on the plane?
- We are catching the TGV from DLp back to the airport. Is it easy to get from the train to Terminal 3?
- What's Terminal 3 like in terms of facilities?

Thanks!

 

[vinny]

I fly often with Easyjet (from Italy) and never had problem.

Don't worry about seats (and don't waste money on speedy boarding!), unless you are the last people to board you can always seat near each others (better to check-in a bit early!).

They sell drinks and snack on the plane (a sandwich = 5 euro).

It is very easy (and fast) to get from the TGV station (Terminal 2) to Terminal 3.

Look at this site : "easycdg.com"

Terminal 3 is, well, think about a big room: there are check-in desk, restroom, a stand that sells sandwiches and nothing more (you can't loose yourself, very boring!).

 

[Bexx]

I've always found Easyjet to be fine - nothing fancy but it gets you there!

They do sell hot and cold (and alcoholic) drinks and snacks on the plane - I would suggest taking some change with you, either UKP or Euros, as they prefer the correct money.

If the CDGVAL* goes from the same place as the buses, then you turn right after exiting the arrivals hall at Terminal 3 and walk about 200 yards alongside the building and through a tunnel - it's very easy. *The CDGVAL is the new light rail service that travels between the terminals - see more about it here.

There are sufficient facilities at the very dinky Terminal 3, but certainly not enough to keep you entertained for long! Have a look at this map of the departures area.

Speedy boarding should work as planned when you fly from Bristol, but not so well from CDG as they bus people out to the plane, so you lose your advantage. But this might help you a bit - I've found that the times I've used it, they only open the door at the front of the bus to let people off!

 

[sarahc]

Great tips! Thanks very much both of you!

 

[Twyler]

We're flying with easyjet for the 1st time next year (from Liverpool) and I thought seats were allocated on check-in, so the earlier you are the better. My understanding of speedy boarding was just that you are the 1st to be called to board (although no guarantees you will be the 1st to actually get on the plane) and it had nothing to do with the allocation of your seats. or am I wrong?

 

[sarahc]

Seats are not allocated on check-in, please read this from easyjet's website:

We operate a free seating policy which means that you can choose where you sit on the aircraft. easyJet operates a strict priority boarding system and you will be boarded by the sequence you checked-in at.

The aircraft is boarded in groups, starting with passengers who have purchased Speedy Boarding (boarding group SB), followed by passengers travelling with babies up to age 23 months and 30 days old (boarding group SA). Boarding will then continue with group ‘A’ boarding cards, and finally group B. Group A is reserved for passengers who have checked in online, and the first 30 people who check in at the airport. Remember that if you booked Speedy Boarding you must be at the gate no later than 30 minutes before the scheduled departure of your flight or you’ll lose your place in the Speedy Boarding group. If you’re late, we won’t wait!

 

[Twyler]

Thanks for that info Sarah. I didn't see any of that info when we booked our flights. I'm really worried now as we haven't booked the speedy boarding (due to misunderstanding what it was all about lol) and my children will only be 3 and 6 when we go, there is NO way i'm having them sat on their own. Do you think it's still poss to book SB or is it too late?

 

[lojo]

It's been my experience when travelling with Easyjet that their policy is only as good as the people at the boarding desk. We've flown with them at least ten times in the last few years and the implementation of the policy varied a lot. Sometimes they didn't bother announcing the boarding groups and it was a free for all, other times they did announce the groups, but just let people through the gate regardless of the group on their boarding card, on just a few occasions they made people stand back if their card didn't match the group called. Unfortunately, this inconsistency means people continue to chance it. It helps if you are aware of the policy and make sure that you are in the right place at the right time.

Having said that, generally things are run quite well, the flights usually make up any time lost on the departure time, and their planes are more comfortable than many charter planes. We tend to eat in the airport as a way to fill up the waiting time, and just have a coffee on the plane.

If you really want to, you can add speedy boarding after you book, but you should be able to get seats together without it. If you can check in online, or alternatively get to the airport early enough not to be in the last group boarding, you shouldn't have any problem. Get to the gate on time - they usually start boarding about half an hour before scheduled time of departure (having a seat close to the actual gate in the departure lounge makes it quicker and easier to bag a place in the queue when (if) boarding is announced. If you're put on a bus to the plane, sit or stand next to the door and run like the clappers when it stops. If one adult can handle the kids, then the other can go ahead and bag seats.

Failing all that, I've found that people are reasonably considerate where children are concerned and if you find yourself with only single seats left, look pitiful and ask the crew if they can sort something out for you. I've seen it happen.

BUT don't worry about it, just go with the flow and enjoy yourself. If you get stressed out, the kids will too (and that's the last thing you want).

Lucy

 

[Bexx]

my children will only be 3 and 6 when we go

My experience of boarding at Liverpool is that if you are travelling with young children you will be called next after the "Speedy Boarders" This just means that you will be among the first in the queue for when they open the door for everyone to start power walking to the plane! It will definitely give you an advantage though, so please don't worry, and I don't think there is any need for you to add speeding boarding. For boarding at CDG, I'll repeat my tip from before - stand near the front of the coach that takes you from the terminal to the plane, as they only seem to open the front door to let people off. I'll check this again when I go next month and let you know if it's still the case.

 

[Twyler]

Thanks lojo and Bexx you've stopped me worrying

 

[ruthiebabie]

Having flown out of CDG T3 (and in) with Easyjet over 50 times I can confirm they only ever open the front door on the busses that take you to the plane at CDG. Therefore its not so much about being first on the bus (shame on those people who push to get a seat for a 1 minute journey) as making your way to be by the driver as thats the only door that opens!