Travelling around Europe

[michaeljm]

Learned travellers,

I'm seeking opinions on the best ways to fly around Europe.

In particular, how to manage the cost of luggage (travelling for over a month, and first time travelling with an infant ... have mercy on my soul).

We'll most likely be taking flights from Dublin, Manchester, Amsterdam, Corfu.

M.

 

[Kerrodt]

Have you also considered train travel around UK/Europe? In many cases it is a far better experience than flying for short/medium journeys (particularly with an infant).

 

[vetrade]

As Kerrodt said, as much as possible I would do as much of your travelling around Europe via train as you can. You won't be slugged extra for luggage and your baby will probably travel better by train too. With airport check-in times etc, trains often have similar overall trip times as planes.
Where flights are the only sensible option, look closely at the flight times so they are infant friendly and I'd avoid LCCs to reduce extra luggage charges too. LCCs tend to have more delays/cancellations too, which is another reason to avoid them.

 

[justinbrett]

Train won't do much good between Dublin, Manchester, Amsterdam and Corfu. Literally every single place is separated by water! (Granted you could get the train between Manchester and Amsterdam with a stop in London, but it would be cheaper to fly).

My advice is don't just look at the base fare, which might lead you towards the cheap carriers - it can be similar prices to fly with a legacy carrier that doesn't nickel and dime you, and doesn't use airports located in an adjacent country.

 

[ausfox]

If you have time, you could also consider using trains and then ferries between each of your destinations. I done a number of these cities you mention using ferries and enjoyed each of them.

 

[offshore171]

In particular, how to manage the cost of luggage (travelling for over a month, and first time travelling with an infant ... have mercy on my soul).

We'll most likely be taking flights from Dublin, Manchester, Amsterdam, Corfu.

Travelling with an infant, I'd try to minimise the number of destinations and stay longer at each.

That way you don't spend half the trip unpacking, packing, checking out, getting to airports, wrangling the baby through the airport, waiting etc. Rinse and repeat.

Also - would this be in high season? Airports around Europe were pretty chaotic last summer, and similar is predicted over the xmas period. Something to be aware of. If possible, time your travel for a shoulder period.

 

[dajop]

Ok:
1) use kayak.co.uk or other European site you can select the number of carry ons (in addition to small underseat item) or checked luggage pieces you want to include, this will give a good comparison of the fares across different carriers for a given amount of luggage. When purchasing probably best to book directly on website of the carrier though.

2) bear in mind carry ons come with a dimension (but not weight) limit on most LCCs but checked are piece/weight limit. (Unlike say Jetstar where 25kg can be split across several pieces of luggage)

3. Legacy carriers are not necessarily going to be better than LCCs, they’re also getting good and nickel and diming those on the lowest fares. For LCC’s different people have different opinions but I prefer EasyJet to Ryanair.

4. For legacy carriers also check out business class cost. Sometimes it’s very little difference in price. And sometimes crazy expensive.

5. Do your homework on strollers, I assume you are taking one

6. Checkin online , if you can, if taking LCC. Some charge hefty fees to checkin at the airport.

Good luck!

 

[garybatz]

When flying with LCCs in Europe I always look for higher level economy fares with inclusions I value. Obviously they cost more but for me it can be well worth it for overall value for money. The inclusions I look for are checked baggage, priority check-in, seat selection/extra legroom seats and fast track through security. I did several of these this past summer (e.g. with Vueling in Spain and TAP in Portugal) and saved myself a lot of time queueing. With an infant in tow I'd be doing as much as possible to make things easier and quicker.

 

[larrymull]

Travelling with an infant, I'd try to minimise the number of destinations and stay longer at each.

I would 2nd that, after travelling in EU extensively with a 10 month baby and 2yo, and then again with a 2yo and 4yo it is far more enjoyable to base yourself somewhere and do day trips etc. Your plans will be dictated by the baby not the other way around, as if the baby isn't happy neither will you and your partner be, so my tip is to maximise the places you stay in and enjoy.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

2) bear in mind carry ons come with a dimension (but not weight) limit on most LCCs but checked are piece/weight limit. (Unlike say Jetstar where 25kg can be split across several pieces of luggage)

And some LCCs can use the smaller dimensions of 105cm rather than 115cm! A standard international carry on may not be accepted by some airl8nes, meaning a checked bag at considerable cost. Got caught out on FlyBe with this

 

[michaeljm]

Thanks for the thoughts.
Unfortunately, the destinations are dictated by events I have to attend, so I can't relax in one spot.
I think train travel, and crossing seas, across Europe will be too long for the child.
Looks like the best option is to get a high-level economy fare and pay for extra baggage.

 

[offshore171]

Thanks for the thoughts.
Unfortunately, the destinations are dictated by events I have to attend, so

What time of year?

 

[michaeljm]

August/September