italy travel easyjet

Everything you need to know about flying EasyJet

Traveling on a l ow-cost carrier probably isn't your favorite way to cruise the skies, but if you play your cards right, your experience doesn't have to be all that bad. After all, the allure of scoring that super-cheap fare may outweigh the negatives -- like being nickel-and-dimed for all the extras.

To help those of you who are considering purchasing a fare on low-cost carrier EasyJet (or are wondering if you should), TPG is here to tell you exactly what you need to know about flying the airline so you can have a pleasant travel experience. If you're interested in learning more about other low-cost carriers, check out our low-cost carrier comparison guide and our guide to flying Ryanair .

Check in beforehand or at the airport

EasyJet is one of the few low-cost carriers that won't charge you to check in or print your boarding pass at the airport. But if you aren't checking a bag, you can save time by checking in ahead of time and getting a mobile boarding pass. To check in online, go to the EasyJet website under "Manage Bookings" or use the free app using your booking reference. You'll be prompted to enter your surname and booking reference, then, follow the instructions to download or send the mobile boarding pass to your phone.

Web check-in is available between 30 days and two hours before the flight, giving you plenty of time to get your boarding pass printed or downloaded before you take off. Be prepared to enter advanced passenger information during check-in, which can include details like nationality, passport number, birth date and more. And remember, if you change your booking in any way (select new seats, change the date, name, add an infant or special assistance), you'll have to reprint your boarding pass or download it again.

It's actually okay if you spell your name wrong

If you notice you made a typo when entering your name, you can change it for free. However, if you want to give your ticket to another person entirely, you'll have to pay a fee of $34 to change it online if it's 60 days or more before travel. If it's 60 days or less before departure, the fee is $69. These changes (and any others) to your booking can be made in the Manage Booking section on the EasyJet app or webpage.

Take advantage of EasyJet's impressive app

In 2019, EasyJet's app launched an interesting function: voice flight bookings . You can speak your departure city, destination and travel dates into your mobile's microphone and voilà -- the app will pull up available flights.

This new feature is in addition to the app's Book with Instagram feature that's already available. Using it, you can upload a screenshot of a destination you'd like to visit that you've snapped from social media. If EasyJet flies there (or close by), it will find the location and show you flight options.

You don't need a stamp

Unlike low-cost carrier Ryanair, which mandates non-EU/EEA passengers must have their travel documents checked and stamped at the Ryanair Visa/Document Check Desk before certain flights, EasyJet has no such rule.

If you have your boarding pass and you're not checking a bag, the airline recommends you arrive 60 minutes before your scheduled departure and proceed directly to security. If you need to check a bag, it's best to arrive a minimum of 90 minutes ahead of your scheduled flight to most destinations; however, this may be different when flying to or from spots like Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Morocco and Serbia.

So, make sure to check the EasyJet website ahead of time when traveling between those countries. Also, note that bag drop closes 40 minutes before the departure time for most flights (60 minutes if departing from the aforementioned countries). And because many airports have self bag drops, be prepared to tag your bag yourself in some cases.

Know the carry-on luggage rules

All passengers can bring one bag on board with a maximum size of 22x18x10 inches including handles and wheels. There is no weight limit, but you must be able to lift your bag into the overhead bin.

Travelers who have purchased an extra-legroom/up front seat, FLEXI fare or hold an EasyJet Plus card can bring an added personal item to place under the seat with a maximum size of 18x14x8 inches.

In some cases, the airline staff may be lax to enforce this one-bag-only rule if you are flying with one bag and one small personal item, like a purse. In other cases, the staff at the gate may strongly enforce the rule. So, if you decide to push the limit and travel with an additional personal item that's not included in your fare, be prepared to put the smaller item inside your carry-on bag if asked, in order to avoid paying extra fees.

According to EasyJet, there is only room for 70 cabin bags in the airplanes' overhead lockers. All remaining cabin bags will be checked and can be collected from the baggage carousel on arrival. So, if you want to be certain your baggage travels with you in the cabin, pack a backpack that can fit under the seat or purchase speedy boarding to be one of the first passengers on the plane.

Know the checked luggage rules

Each traveler can bring three checked bags weighing under either 33 pounds, 51 pounds or 71 pounds. Checked baggage fees are dependent on route, flight and time of booking. If purchased online, prices range from $10 to $48 for bags weighing up to 33 pounds and from $21 - $52 for those weighing more than 33 pounds up to 51 pounds. An extra $17 for every 7 pounds of weight is added for bags weighing more than 51 pounds on up to 71 pounds.

Passengers can only pay to check the lower-priced 33-pound or less bag online. If you wait to pay for your bag at the airport, you'll be charged $55 at the bag-drop desk or $69 at the boarding gate for a bag up to 51 pounds. Additional weight can only be purchased online in increments of 7 pounds, either at initial booking or post-booking. If your bag weighs more than the amount you pre-purchased, expect to pay an extra $12 per pound above the pre-booked weight.

A final option is to take advantage of EasyJet's Hands Free option. This means that you check your carry-on bag at the bag drop, allowing you to navigate the airport and security checks efficiently without dragging a bag with you. The bags also reportedly arrive first off the baggage carousel. This service costs $10 per person, or $22 for a family or group of three to six passengers.

Here are TPG tips for checked baggage:

• Always weigh your bag before traveling.
• Pack a small travel scale to weigh it again before returning home.
• Book and pay for your checked luggage online to avoid extra charges for doing so at the airport.
• Ensure your checked baggage doesn't exceed the maximum size. The length + width + height must total under 108in.

Pay for your extras in advance

It's clear from reading the baggage rules that purchasing in advance will save you money. You should consider purchasing your seats and other extras in advance too, not only to save money but to avoid hassle and disappointment later on. Each aircraft has up-front seats, extra legroom seats and regular seats. Prices for seat selection range from $3- $11 for standard seats to $11 - $41 for front, extra legroom or overwing seats. FLEXI fares or EasyJet Plus have seat selection included.

If you choose not to pay extra for seats and are traveling with a group, be sure to check in as early as possible (remember, you can do so 30 days in advance) for the best chance of being seated together. Unfortunately, speedy boarding isn't available as a standalone purchase, but it's available to travelers with an EasyJet Plus card, FLEXI ticket or an up-front or extra-legroom seat.

Consider a FLEXI fare or EasyJet Plus

FLEXI fares allow changes to flight dates and times, plus a free 51-pound checked bag, dedicated bag drop, speedy boarding, Fast Track security at selected airports, a seat at the front of the airplane, an under-seat bag in addition to your cabin bag and a $10 (or currency equivalent) bistro voucher to spend onboard.

EasyJet Plus membership costs $275 per year and includes allocated seating every time you fly, dedicated bag-drop desks, Fast Track security at select airports, speedy boarding, an additional cabin bag and more. This option may be worth it if you fly EasyJet several times per year.

EasyJet partners with other airlines to fly you, well, everywhere

EasyJet flies to over 150 destinations across Europe and North Africa. They also partner with airlines like Emirates, Cathay Pacific, Norwegian, Singapore, Virgin and several others to help serve destinations the airline doesn't fly to itself, like spots in North America, the Caribbean, Asia and beyond. To book these flights go to Worldwide EasyJet .

Be prepared

If you haven't flown EasyJet in a while, you may be pleasantly surprised. Compared to some of the more bare-bones low-cost carriers, EasyJet can seem like a delight -- they even have a seatback pocket!

But don't get too excited. The seats don't recline and have a pitch of a mere 30 inches. All food and beverages are at an added cost, including water. You may have to line up for a while before boarding in order to board early enough to store your carry-on in the overhead bin.

To ensure you'll have a comfortable flight make sure to bring:

• Noise-canceling headphones
• Water (post-security)
• A neck pillow, if you plan to sleep
• A travel scarf or blanket, if you get cold

Read the fine print

This EasyJet cheat sheet will definitely help you prepare for your flight, but remember, the airline can change their policies at any time -- baggage limitations, check-in procedures or fees, etc. So be sure to read the conditions of your fare and ticket before purchasing. It's also a good idea to know and understand your rights as a flyer in case of delays, flight cancellations and strikes. Once you know the rules, your airport and in-flight experience will be much easier.

Find cheap flights to Italy from £20

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a kayak user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from the united kingdom to italy departing on 29/8. fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. click the price to replicate the search for this deal., search hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to italy.

Save 28% or more Compare multiple travel sites with one search.

Track prices Not ready to book? Create a price alert for when prices drop.

Filter your deals Choose cabin class, free Wi-Fi and more.

Bundle and save Save money when you bundle your flight + hotel.

Best Italy Flight Deals

Cheapest return prices found by our users on KAYAK in the last 72 hours

Good to know - Cheap tickets to Italy

Faqs - booking italy flights, are there direct flights to italy.

There are direct flights from all of London's major airports to Italy. The most frequent flights are provided by British Airways and Ryanair. The flights average about 2 hours.

What if I want to visit Verona in Italy?

When you find cheap flights to Italy you may want to visit Verona in the North. The best way is to fly from Stansted Airport (STN) in London to Orio al Serio International Airport (BGY) and then catch a local flight to Verona Airport (VRN). 

Are there low-cost flights to Italy?

Italy is a popular country with many airports that receive low-cost flights from various airports in the UK. Airlines such as Ryanair, vueling, Flybe and easyJet operate low-cost flights from airports such as London Stansted (STN), London Luton (LTN), Manchester Airport (MAN), Glasgow Airport (GLA) and London Gatwick (LGW) to name a few.

Is it mandatory to use child car seats in Italy?

It is mandatory to use a child car seat for children who weigh under 48 lbs and children who weigh between 50 lbs and 97 lbs will need to use a booster seat. It is possible to reserve a car seat in advance when you book your hire car, but you may need to take your own booster seat with you.

Where should I fly to in Italy if I want to see Lake Como?

If you are travelling into the mountains in the north of Italy to spend some time relaxing at Lake Como, you should consider flying into Milan and then hiring a car to drive up into the mountains.

I am going to visit Positano, which is the best airport to fly to?

The best way of reaching the village of Poistano, situated on the Amalfi Coast in the south of Italy, is to fly into Naples International Airport. From here you can continue your journey south on public transport.

How long is the flight to Italy?

An average direct flight from the United Kingdom to Italy takes 2h 46m, covering a distance of 829 miles. The most popular route is London - Milan with an average flight time of 2h 00m.

What is the cheapest flight to Italy?

The cheapest ticket to Italy from the United Kingdom found in the last 72 hours was £6 one-way, and £31 round-trip. The most popular route is London Heathrow to Milan Malpensa and the cheapest round-trip airline ticket found on this route in the last 72 hours was £82.

Which airlines fly to Italy?

British Airways, easyJet & American Airlines fly the most frequently from the United Kingdom to Italy. The most popular route is from London to Milan, and British Airways, American Airlines and Japan Airlines fly this route the most.

What are the most popular destinations in Italy?

Based on KAYAK flight searches, the most popular destination is Milan (31% of total searches to Italy). The next most popular destinations are Rome (14%) and Venice (9%). Searches for flights to Naples (7%), to Florence (6%) and to Catania (5%) are also popular.

How does KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy?

KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a given destination and date is likely to change within 7 days, so travellers know whether to wait or book now.

Top tips for finding cheap flights to Italy

• Enter your preferred departure airport and travel dates into the search form above to unlock the latest Italy flight deals.
• When you find cheap flights to Italy, and you arrive at the airports, it may be best to carry a small amount of cash on you, especially if you are taking public transport to your next destination. If you are flying to Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP), the largest international airport serving most of Italy, head to the second level in Terminal 1 to exchange currency at the best rates.
• If you are travelling to Italy for the love of food, you'll want to visit the foodie playground of Tuscany. You'll find it's best to fly into Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (FCO) and catch a 3-hour local flight to Tuscany. There is also a direct train that leaves every 30min to Tuscany.
• Travelling to Italy on a budget means visiting Rome. Considered the cheapest city in Italy. You'll need to fly into Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (FCO). Once you arrive you'll be able to find pharmacies, banks, currency exchanges, shops, bars and restaurants in the public area before you leave the airport.
• When visiting Milan you'll have the choice of 3 airports. Malpensa (MXP), Linate (LIN) and Bergamo (BGY). To get to the city centre cheaply and timelessly you should fly to Orio Al Serio Airport (BGY), as it's the closest. If you are flying from a non-EU country you will arrive at Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP), which is also a hub for the British low-cost carrier EasyJet.
• Italy has two main international airports – in the centre of the country, the main hub is Leonardo Da Vinci International Airport (FCO) in Rome and the north of the country is served by Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP). There are also a number of regional airports, including Naples International Airport (NAP), Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) and Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ), all of which receive flights from the UK.
• If you are looking at flights to Italy so you can spend time in Tuscany, you should consider flying into one of the regional airports, such as Florence Airport Peretola (FLR) or Pisa Galileo Galilei Airport (PSA), which both receive flights from the UK. For example, Pisa receives flights from Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA), Manchester Airport (MAN) and various London Airports, including London Stansted (STN) and London Heathrow (LHR).
• For visitors wanting to visit Sicily, there are two main airports on the island that both receive flights from various locations in the UK. Palermo Airport (PMO) is situated in the regional capital of Palermo to the north of the island, while Catania Fontanarossa Airport (CTA) is in the south of the island.
• If you wish to explore the Italian Riviera, you should think about flying into Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport (GOA), which is handily located in the middle of the stretch of coast referred to as the Italian Riviera. Another option is to look at flying from the UK to Nice in France and then going by public transport or hiring a car to cross the border into Italy.
• Visitors who want to go mountain climbing and hiking in the summer or skiing in the winter should considering flying into one of the airports near the Dolomites. Venice Marco Polo Airport and Venice Treviso Airport (TSF) both receive flights from various UK airports, and from here you can organise a transfer or hire a car to drive up into the mountains.

Top 5 airlines flying to Italy

I miss my flight due to boarding pass won’t load up

Flight schedule was modified and the final departure time delayed.

Big delay because of the weather but communication not so good. Boarding already late (due to tight schedule on Wizz side). When you get in you are hurried every second even if you still need a few seconds to arrange your bags. Food far away from how it looks in the catalogue and right on row 8 already out of chocolate although you are supposed to receive one for a menu. No replacement was offered.

The border control opens at 4:30 so there is no point in going in early as the wizz email suggests. Our flight utilized a plane with plastic seating which was really uncomfortable.

Check in took very long. All three priority agents left for lunch or something and the line did not move.

Il n’y a pas eu de vol du tout puisque celui à été déplacé à la veille sans aucune information. Aucun remboursement ni service client non plus. Scandale !

A GOOD IDEA IS TO SEND TO ME BOARDING PASS IN ADVANCE SO I DONT HAVE TO FIGHT FOR IT

Attesa lunga nella comunicazione del Gate e dopo l'apertura del Gate

Sempre in ritardo, bagni sporchi e sedili sporchi con le briciole

Wizzair is a mess, don’t trust them, all flights are delayed, nothing is secure with them, they are the poorest of all companies.

Boarding process non existent. No WiFi. No entertainment. Cramped old plane. Worst Kosher meal ever presented on a flight.

Boarding was a zoo. London ground crew was useless. Poor communication regarding where to line up. We were group 2, and everyone was jammed in together. Ground crew didn’t seem to care.

Horrible flight attendant in back of economy that screamed at me, have already reported to United. Horrible food - for Gluten free, why would you assume the person is vegetarian? I was served some kind of horrible curry bean paste and multiple cold rolls and soggy vegetables with no seasoning... um no!

I was at the airport on time , I checked in my luggage . The plane was delayed and the gate was change. The flight board did not give information . I did not get chance to fly. I am going to make a claim for it

Hated every minute of it. Delayed for over 10 hours only to have to cancel rental car, car insurance and hotel. Its taken me 3days to get to my final destination when it should have only taken 12-14 hours. Very unhappy with Lufthansa.

Never flown with LH before so all in all wasba good experience. Also good to know that approx 24hrs prior the flight opens up for being able to organise the seating free.

It was a short flight, no real service (which is okay). Very bumpy because of weather.

I'm Canaadian. I hate Air Canada. I used to give them a pass on their international service. No longer, They suck across the board now! Old planes, exhausted staff bad food and shitty entertainment. Your seats need reupholstered! Start with that...

Good experience. Food was great and passengers helped rearrange seats so our family could be seated together

Great flight. Left on time, not very crowded. Quiet and the right temperature.

Be sure to check bags for 23 kg,.(50 lbs) Coming from US I chose the wrong size luggage weight when I checked in on my phone, and had to pay more when I dropped it off

The on board air steward really made the journey. He was very entertaining

I was disappointed there was a 40 minute delay to flight

They cancelled my flight and we had to fend for ourselves to reschedule another flight. There was no staff to help all the canceled guest. Poor communication and staff. I attempted to reschedule via Kayak and I asked their staff that it looked as it was available. The guy behind the counter just told us to go online..

Nothing! The service was excellent for accessibly challenged passengers, Used lift and all support personnel very helpful. Will fly again.

The trip itself was good. I have given only good as rating, because my first flight has been cancelled by a different airline and that caused disruption in my trip. I spent over ten hours in Luton airport and that caused me high tiredness, sickness, because of the very early initial trip. easyJet staff has been professional and friendly.

Very pleasant crew, working hard on a full plane. Delay by a broken seat. However crew made back 60% of the delay.

Delayed and then further delayed with no announcement made so that all the passengers (who were standing in the jetty) could hear. We stood there for well over 20 minutes. We were further delayed through weather but no one explained that to us until the pilot made an announcement when finally on board

easyJet need to ensure that whether pre-booking seats or not children aren’t split from their parents the crew spent the majority of boarding asking passengers to move to accommodate two families. Surely the system identifies minors on a booking !!!!! It was all very frustrating to watch and caused delays which I’m sure cost easyJet more in the long run rather that automatically allocating families with minors seats together automatically.

Not great! Rude staff in London and the worse baggage reclaim I’ve ever seen. Great staff in flight but doubt I’ll fly with them again

The distance between seats was narrow. So my recommendation is to increase it

The woman at the check-in counter was the rudest woman I have ever encountered. She misspoke, yelled at us and then when she realized she made an error, lied instead of apologizing. I won’t be flying this airline again and that woman should definitely consider a new career.

This was the worst flight experience I’ve had in my entire life. The flight was delayed by four hours, there was no one to ask questions of or get updates from. I had the Ryanair app which showed a later delay than the departure board in the airport, and a different gate, and there was no one who could even tell me, which was the correct gate or time. Then, when we arrived at our destination, it took an hour for the bags to come off.

Very good, everything went straight forward, boarding, during the flight, landing and all on time Well done

flight delayed, no information given until late on, Ryanair app said "on time" until 5 minutes before expected departure time, crew rushed us to board, when it was already 3 hours late

I got denied boarding bevause they said they "ran out of seats on a plane"

Speakers were blaring. It's like being in a Moroccan market and you keep getting shouted at with what's for sale

50 minute of delay on a flight scheduled after 22pm is really annoying. This was even the only flight departing from Frankfurt Hahn on that evening so the delay was inexcusable

What can you say Ryanair get you there,no frills Not so cheap anymore ..... but what is now days! Would use again as always. Good flight times for us.

Boarding process makes no sense for priority boarding or not since everyone gets crammed in a bus and everyone gets out without any difference.

I asked for a window seat and when I got on the plane 24A did not have a window so was very not happy, but good and entertainment was good and the staff was very good, so the only complaint was the seating.

Flight canceled two hours beforehand, BA reticketed us so that we would have had to leave from Edinburgh instead of Glasgow, where we were already at the airport. We would have arrived in Boston too late to get home to Vermont. Instead with some pressure we were reticketed from Glasgow on Lufthansa, which avoided Heathrow, a great benefit after our horrible experience at Heathrow when we arrived in Britain three weeks earlier. (Kayak assebled an itierary that did not leave adeqate time for the connection at Heathrow, where thousands of people were trying tio get through inadequate and badly staffed security and staff did not know the slightest details about where and which lines we should get in.) The British Airways travel experience is not to be recommended these days.

Awful. Delay, lost vacation time and travel time now more than 24h

My seat was in a good row. In our section it was the first row. But it was difficult tooperate seat entertainment features > table, screen, even though I often fly.

Better and more attentive crew and more food options. Leg space is very tight.

We left our sons tablet on the British Airways plane And we can’t get a hold of anyone to try to locate it. I have to call multiple numbers.

Sitting in the plane for an extended period of time was very hot and uncomfortable. Very late arrival happened to not affect me but many others probably missed their connection because it also took a long time to get to the terminal.

My worst flying experience so far. This flight was delayed a total of 42 hours and diverted to New York before it was finally cancelled. It was delayed 4 and a half hours in London. As we were scanning our boarding passes at the gate they advised that the flight was being diverted to JFK since the delays caused us to missed the open hours for Charlotte international customs and immigration. We were assured multiple times by airport personnel, flight attendants, and the Pilot that we would land at JFK go through customs and immigration and then reboard the plane to fly to Charlotte in the same night. When we landed in New York the pilot advised us as we were retrieving our carry on luggage that we were delayed till 10am the next morning and to see guest services to get a room for the night. During this time I had to purchase a room for a family member in Charlotte which drove over 4 and a half hours to pick us up from Charlotte. This could have been avoided if American Airlines had been up front about the delay. Then after standing in line for over 2 and a half hours at guest services we were taken by taxi to a hotel 30 minutes out of the way. Luckily I looked for other flights that night and found one at 8 am to get on. The initial flight which we were scheduled to fly to charlotte in was delayed 12 more times and was finally cancelled 42 hours after it was supposed to land. I am unaware of what happened to the guest that were supposed to fly on the flight after we were placed on another flight but 42 hours in delays for a direct flight is absolutely ridiculous.

The boarding to Gatwick was a breeze but the boarding from Gatwick was a nightmare. The onboard service to Gatwick had a lot to be desired but the onboard sevice from Gatwick was amazing ! Very nice,friendly and funny ! Would I recommend BA to anyone.? ! Yes I would!

Really quick check in and security at Heathrow Terminal 5. Staff on board were lovely and very friendly. Could have provided a few more drinks on the flight but they were available at the back of the plane.

Book Cheap Italy Plane Tickets

Cheapest flights to Italy from the United Kingdom found in 2024

Recent return flight deals

Search by stops, search by airline, search by price, recent one-way flight deals, last minute flights to italy, last minute flight, train and bus deals, flights to italy, return flight deals:.

Italy - United Kingdom

Cabin classes:

Browse origins:.

• Flights  » 
• United Kingdom

Browse destinations:

• Worldwide  » 

• Vacation Rentals
• Restaurants
• Things to do
• Things to Do
• Travel Stories
• Rental Cars
• Add a Place
• Travel Forum
• Travelers' Choice
• Help Center

easyJet Reviews and Flights

• Airlines    

Airline Summary

• Excellent 15,062
• Very Good 19,646
• Average 9,445
• Terrible 14,412
• Premium Economy
• Business Class
• First Class
• All languages ( 63,120 )
• English ( 36,473 )
• French ( 10,050 )
• Italian ( 8,827 )

" Pick a better airline "

" Avoid as you can "

" dont take excess luggage as they rip you off on price charged us £70 for two cases because thm ey where over by 4 c "

" Fly a different airline they aren’t wheelchair or disabled friendly "

" Simply avoid this airline. "

Search flights

Easy or Sleazy? A Brutally Honest easyJet Review

Last Updated: April 12, 2021

*FYI - this post may contain affiliate links, which means we earn a commission at no extra cost to you if you purchase from them. Also, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Check out our Privacy Policy and Disclosure. for more info.

If you have spent any amount of time hunting for cheap ways to travel around Europe, I guarantee you’ve come across the name easyJet at some point in your search.

This aggressively orange British low cost airline has been a staple of my flight arsenal ever since I started frequently hopping around Europe 5 years ago.

Is it glamorous? No… but is it also like half the price of mainstream airlines? You betcha.

Save this honest easyJet review for later!

You’ll be very glad you did.

And when flights in Europe don’t usually last more than 2 hours tops, I’m okay with 2 hours of non-luxury in exchange for dozens of extra euros for my pastry fund.

See, for a very long time, I considered easyJet to be the most palatable of all the European low cost airlines I’ve flown with.

Despite its low fares and comically stingy baggage policy, something about flying with easyJet has always felt more dignified than a flight with say, Wizz Air or RyanAir , which often feel like a twisted psychological experiment or study on human behaviour.

So, in this review I’ll be telling you everything you need to know before booking one of the notorious easyJet cheap flights you’ve likely seen while researching your options… is the colloquial nickname “SleazyJet” given by frequent travellers justified? Read on for my opinion after flying with easyJet dozens of times.

Quick easyJet Review: Pros and Cons

I’ll start with a quick rundown of the pros and cons of flying with easyJet. Hopefully this will give you a good idea of what to expect when flying with them.

easyJet Pros

Let’s start with the pros! Why should you fly with easyJet? Well…

easyJet PRICES: 

It’s fairly obvious, but the #1 perk of flying with easyJet is that its fares are absurdly affordable.

Compared to mainstream airlines, fares with easyJet can often be a fraction of the cost, which makes it a strong option to consider if you’re backpacking around Europe or simply more budget-conscious.

I mean, when your flight costs less than a dinner, that’s a pretty tempting offer (although additional fees an easily jack up this price. More on that later).

The easyJet check-in process :

I really can’t fault how easy easyJet makes it to check in.

I love doing it on their app – it takes two seconds and then you have your boarding pass on your phone, which means you won’t have to fumble around trying to find your paper boarding pass.

This is in stark contrast to some other budget airlines which force you to print your own paper boarding pass in advance, or otherwise incur a truly comical printing fee that’s heftier than your actual plane ticket.

Mainstream airports (mostly):

One of the main complaints I have about budget airlines in Europe is often they fly out of the most random little airports that are actually miles and miles away from the actual city they claim to be in (e.g. Memmingen or “Munich West”, which is about 1.5 hours west of Munich to be precise).

I have found this less to be the case with easyJet, and most of the time, flights with easyJet do depart/arrive into the city’s main international airports.

Side note: the airlines is headquartered at London Luton, which is (in my opinion) one of the most chaotic and insane places in the entire world. Maybe I’ve always managed to use it while they’ve been under construction (which feels never-ending), but this is my least favourite airport to fly in/out of in London. Just a warning!

easyJet customer service:

Of all the budget airlines I’ve flown with, the staff at easyJet are consistently the friendliest, and when you have a problem, they actually step in and try to help rather than just judge you from afar and shoo you away like a confused zoo animal.

(This is based on in-person customer service from check-in staff and cabin crew. I have heard less flattering comments about their customer service reps on the phone when handling refunds and such).

easyJet Destinations:

easyJet services a ton of routes all around Europe. Their extensive network means you can cover a great deal of the continent for a cheap price. You can see a route map here.

A relatively peaceful in-flight experience:

easyJet flights are not swanky (I talk about this more under the Cons section), but compared to many other budget airlines, I would say their actual flights are MUCH less ridiculous than say, RyanAir which interrupts you every 2 minutes to sell scratch tickets or Wizz Air who likely powers their jets through chaos alone.

The easyJet Traveller Magazine:

Weird thing to include in a review, but actually one of my favourite things about flying with easyJet is reading their in-flight magazine, which is quirky, funny and punny – basically what an in-flight magazine would look like if I wrote it 😉

I’m a bit sour with them now because the editorial team wanted to publish one of my photos in the magazine without paying (it was a very unprofessional exchange, I assure you) but I do still enjoy reading it when I’m on board.

easyJet Cons

Now onto the cons… What are some reasons you might want to avoid easyJet?

Bare bones in-flight experience:

easyJet flights aren’t luxurious. The seats don’t really recline, leg room is minimal, and you don’t get any complimentary refreshments of any kind… which means sorry – no fun pretzels or thimble-sized bottles of water.

Those used to European budget airlines will already be familiar with this kind of flight experience, but those who are new to it might be (unpleasantly) surprised.

For short flights (and frankly, short legs like mine!), this is not an issue, but might put a damper on your trip if it’s a big bucket list vacation or honeymoon.

Not-so-comfy “easyJet” terminals:

In many of the larger airports around Europe (e.g. Milan Malpensa, Schönefeld, etc.) there are specific terminals (or parts of terminals) that are used exclusively by easyJet.

More often than not, these terminals have minimal food options, limited seating and some of the saddest vibes you’ll find at an airport. It’s definitely not a luxurious place to start your trip, but hey, at the prices you’re paying, you can’t complain too much.

The easyJet luggage allowance:

Among all budget airlines in Europe, easyJet has some of the strictest baggage allowances I’ve encountered.

When they say one bag only, they mean it! Even a tiny purse, camera bag, etc. will not be allowed in addition to your carry on bag, which is a rule that catches most passengers off guard.

A recent update now even means the only bag you get is a small one that fits in the seat in front of you, which is bad news if you want to bring more than a few packs of gum and some spare undies. Be sure to double check the latest rules before you fly!

Lots and lots of additional fees:

Trying to buy an easyJet ticket online is like playing virtual dodgeball with pop-ups and fees.

Unfortunately, as with most budget airlines, anything extra (from choosing seats to checking a bag) will cost you extra.

If you don’t mind a random seat allocated next to a stranger, packing light, and sitting two hours without free snacks and water, then your fare should still stay relatively low. Add on any extras however and you’ll quickly watch those promised savings fade away.

Cancellations and refunds?

Lastly, I have not had any personal experience with this, but I have seen a LOT of negative easyJet reviews lately, most of which revolve around not getting properly refunded for cancellations due to the virus that shall not be named. Be sure to do additional research on this as I haven’t flown with them lately.

Must-Knows Before You Make Your easyJet Reservation

Alright, now let’s get to some must-knows before you book with easyJet so you know exactly what you’re in for. Again, I love flying with this airline for short haul flights on a budget, but you really need to be prepared for it! Keep in mind all the following before buying flights with easyJet:

The easyJet cabin bag allowance is a cruel, cruel joke

As I mentioned in the intro, easyJet has always been my favourite of Europe’s low-cost airlines, but my number one gripe with it is (and has always been) their absurdly strict hand luggage policy.

I would say on every flight I’ve been on, about half of my poor fellow passengers have not understood this rule, and have been forced to (at the gate) attempt to stuff their backpack, purse, etc. into their main suitcase, or be charged a hefty fee.

SO if you will be travelling with a lot of baggage, you might end up paying out the nose in baggage fees, in which case it’s not worth it at all to choose easyJet over another more mainstream airline.

NOTE: A very recent change has meant that their baggage allowance is now even stingier than before! Be sure to read up on the latest rules accordingly as they appear to be changing frequently.

Download their app to make the easyJet check in process much smoother

I love the easyJet app. It’s really well designed and makes check-in such a breeze. Definitely download it before you go!

easyJet Plus is also kind of a cruel joke

Is easyJet Plus worth it? In my opinion, not really…

That is, unless you plan to fly with easyJet really frequently!

A lot of people might buy easyJet plus thinking it’s similar to the business class/deluxe offerings offered by other airlines. In reality, it’s kind of just a slight step up from the bare minimum.

easyJet Plus includes perks normally given for free by most airlines, like:

• Seat selection
• An additional bag (as in, a normal sized cabin bag)

Other (more enticing) perks include speedy boarding, a dedicated check-in desk and um… 10% off food on board.

I’ve flown with easyJet a few times, and it was alright, but not really worth the extra money unless you’re a frequent or business flyer.

This membership comes at over 200GBP a year, which to me would negate most savings from flying easyJet. So, keep that in mind before springing for Plus.

easyJet food (and pretty much everything else) costs extra

Another important consideration to make is that easyJet inflight meals will cost extra, just like pretty much anything else extra you try to add onto your trip.

Of course, you can simply bring your own snacks on board, but this is something that catches a lot of first timers off guard.

On the plus side, the easyJet food menu is actually not as pricey as some other airlines. Here’s a sneak peek:

easyJet is best if you have fixed plans and no intent to change them

As with most budget transportation companies, easyJet is great…… until you need to change things.

While I’ve luckily never been in a position where I needed to amend my ticket or booking, I feel like most easyJet complaints come from people needing refunds, modifications, etc.

So, try to only pick easyJet when you’re confident you don’t need to make any amendments in the future.

At the moment, it seems like they’re having a customer service crisis re: refunds and cancellations related to the events of the past year. I have no personal experience with this, but it seems they’re not the best at handling refunds and customer service on that front. Be warned!

My easyJet Review: The Final Word

easyJet does what it’s supposed to: it’s a low cost airline that gets you to where you need to go for cheap, and (most of the time) with a smile.

What easyJet does not provide is a particularly luxurious experience, or an easy straightforward experience for someone who is new to European budget airlines. If this is your first time booking with a low cost airline in Europe, make sure you look out for all the extra fees, strict baggage rules, etc. and you’ll be fine. Those who don’t research however are likely to be left feeling disappointed!

In summary – should you fly with easyJet? I’d say yes, so long as you’re prepared and well researched. After this post, hopefully you’ll be exactly that!

What have your experiences been like with EasyJet?

Let me know in the comments!

My Go-To Travel Favourites:

🧳 Eagle Creek: My favourite packing cubes

💳 Wise: For FREE travel friendly credit cards

🍯 Airalo: My go-to eSIM

🏨 Booking.com: For searching hotels

📷 Sony A7IV: My (amazing) camera

✈️ Google Flights : For finding flight deals

🌎 WorldNomads: For travel insurance

🎉 GetYourGuide: For booking activities

17 thoughts on “Easy or Sleazy? A Brutally Honest easyJet Review”

I have to say your summing up of EasyJet was spot on couldn’t have put better myself, I have flown a number of times with them and not having had any issues with them I haven’t any grounds for complaint. Last year I had a flight booked for mainland Greece in June, that was until covid took over, as that flight was cancelled the offer of a refund or a change of flight was suggested, so I decided to change flight, the new destination was almost twice as much money but EasyJet to be fair said the change was all free no extra to pay. Also when I booked the original flight the baggage was on offer for 23kgs it was £1 per flight so no argument there, This offer also applied for skis for which I have another flight booked for next January, I can’t comment on the refund situation as I didn’t go down that path. This is in contrast to another budget airline by the name of Ryanair who wanted me to change flights for an exorbitant amount of money and not only that they wanted me to pay extra for luggage I’d already paid for, needles to say I won’t be flying with ryanair ever again..

Thanks so much for sharing your experiences!! That’s very helpful as I haven’t flown with them in a while, so thank you. And I’m glad you found the review accurate too 🙂

People should also note that they state quite clearly that they are a ‘point to point’ airline. This means if you are connecting, even within Easyjet, you have to reclaim and recheck luggage requiring a second run through passport control and security, which is a massive pain in the ass!! And, it can take ages, making connections a real issue at busy times!!! Be warned.

Good to know! Thanks for sharing that!

Easyjet has been getting worse ,quickly and irreparable I think. Virtually every flight is delayed, or worse cancelled these days. Just today my wife got to hear that her flight is overbooked and she cannot fly. I thought these kind of shinanegans were only happening in the US.

Just flew Glasgow to London Gatwick and flight was delayed by 2 hrs. This meant we missed our next flight which was also with them. Gatwick was a chaotic mess. Very limited, extremely stressed ground staff who made matters worse by behaving borish and totally unprofessional. Told to rebook on app for 2 days later at additional cost to myself or alternatively make a claim on my travel insurance. Customer service on the phone is a joke and the app in no shape or form is in sync with what’s happening at the airport. I would rather swallow arsenic than use them ever again. Blaming the fact that we’re just coming out of a pandemic is not good enough. We flew the next day with an alternative airline.

They just cancelled one of our honeymoon flights without bothering to notify me in any shape or form, essentially fucking me out of 200$, because they offered no alternatives.

I found easyjet to be incompetent, and dishonest. They canceled two flights this year, at the last minute, and although they admitted it was their fault on both occasions, they still will not pay anything for the hundreds of pounds lost in expenses. You should avoid them like the plague. Valance Mclauchlin

I understand the need to make a balance review. I’m my very personal experience, this an awful company. Their customer service is sub-par and embarrassing. As if it’s one of the scam centers.

I think this sums up the customer experience pretty well. As a very frequent flyer who uses a variety of budget airlines, I would add that, at least on the Copenhagen routes, Easyjet are impressive for punctuality and arriving on time. I’ve heard horror stories from the London airports, but when flying to/from CPH I’ve had a uniformly positive experience, including commuting weekly to Berlin for 3 months, when only one flight landed late. That, and I could save the airfare by stocking up on cat food in Berlin.

I’ve also had positive experiences with their help line when changing flights, although that was before Covid. But I agree, I don’t think it’s worth buying their premium service, especially if you travel light, like I do.

First – and last – experience with EasyJet. I bought the flex fare so that I could make changes. Within 10 min, I realized I booked the incorrect flight later in the day. I immediately tried to change, but alas, no changes allowed within the first 24 hours. So it is a real scam – you have to wait past the window for cancellation in order to make a change. I called Customer Service which took forever, and to refund, it would cost 1/3 of the $300 price tag. She said no changes were available, but I can see the seats/flex fares are still available online. Then she put me on hold and disconnected within a second after the call center closed. They are AWFUL. Totally get the “Sleazy Jet” nickname…

Thanks for the review. Now I know what to expect 🙂

All fair enough, but my biggest gripe is LATENESS. I’m running an average of 2h delays with them, always shrugged off as “not our fault”, which means I can’t plan to be anywhere at a specific time.

Worst of all, a 3h delayed evening flight dropping me off in Nice after the airport had shut, no trains, trams or taxis anywhere and having to walk dark unfamiliar streets to find a nearby hotel for an unscheduled night. As a solo woman traveller that’s seriously scary.

Your honest easyJet review is a refreshing departure from the usual travel narratives. Your candid approach and thorough evaluation provide readers with valuable insights to consider when choosing a travel option. Kudos for shedding light on the travel experience in such an informative and engaging manner!

Have flown with them often, and often with other airlines.

In fact choosing an airline is a little like choosing a political party, nothing there, what you really appreciate, however, you have to choose one in the end.

However, easyjet changed to the worse.

Had a flight with them today, and from my today experience I would strongly discourage flying easyjet. Their staff had an aggressive tone. At the end, already late, they didn’t open the door, because they were awaiting police, maybe their hostile staff provoked another passenger.

Maybe it is worse with Ryanair, I have no experience with them.

The bigger players use their market power to lift the prices, and therefore competiton ist of urgent need. However easyjet caught up with their prices, if you’re not booking ridiculous early and their hostile staff compensates some saved euros, if you save at all.

No compensation when they cancel. Minimal support as in phone a call centre which is closed or check your app that took over an hour to update. 12 hour delay and routed to alternate airport. No compensation!! Avoid this so called airline!!!

Our trip was from Paris to Venice. We received a text message saying the flight has been postponed for 1 hour, making departure time 2.20 and not 1:20pm. Our arrival to be listed on our ticket being before12:20pm cut off was to have the bus from the city centre arrive late, 11:55am. We arriving at the check Easy Jet check in at 12:05pm was to be informed we were late for check in. The ticket said check in was to be before 12:20pm. The staff said join the line of 1 person waiting. This person had too much luggage that was over weight. They asked her to address this and in doing so walked off leaving us standing there for 18 minutes. We finally being asked to come forward was to then be informed we were 3 minutes late, 12.23pm. He then asking the manager was to then inform us we are to purchase another flight. We were not impress. Asking to speak with the manager was to be informed we arriving at the check in 3 minutes late makes no change in the decision in spite of the fact the take off time was delayed 1 hour. We discussed this point for nearly 50 minutes to be declined repeatedly. My asking his name was to be declined, resulting my taking his photograph. The manager then said he has as a result now banned us from flying again with Easy Jet. His staff then stepping in, was to ask we delete the photo and they will let us on another flight but a different airport. We considering walking away was then informed there are no other flights from Paris to Venice today. We deleting the photo had the manager indicate he will be calling the Police. I welcomed that. His staff stood in saying no to the manager, finally providing us another ticket at another airport in 3 hours. That cost us dearly. We finally arriving at Venice 8:30pm was to then have my wife and myself try to forget about the whole ordeal but seeing this web site, had me think otherwise.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. *

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes
• Airlines + Airports

What to Know Before Flying EasyJet

Here's everything you need to know before you fly, plus passenger reviews.

Elizabeth Rhodes is a special projects editor at Travel + Leisure , covering everything from luxury hotels to theme parks to must-pack travel products. Originally from South Carolina, Elizabeth moved to New York City from London, where she started her career as a travel blogger and writer.

Since it was founded in 1995, EasyJet has become one of Europe's most popular low-cost airlines. And it's easy to see why — the airline offers flights to over 100 destinations in Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East for super-low prices. (You can easily score round-trip tickets between incredible destinations like London, Paris, Barcelona, and more for around $100).

Of course, as is the case with any budget airline, those affordable base fares can turn out to be a bit more expensive than they appear once you begin adding extras like baggage and seat selection.

Whether you're planning a multi-city tour of Europe or taking a quick weekend trip, there are a few things you'll need to know before booking flights with EasyJet to decide if this is the best airline for your next trip.

Fare Classes

EasyJet offers four different fare classes between the most minimal Standard Fare and the more inclusive Flexi. Here's what each one comes with:

• Standard: Underseat cabin bag
• Standard Plus: Underseat cabin bag, Up Front Seat, overhead cabin bag, Speedy Boarding, Dedicated Bag Dop
• Essentials: Underseat cabin bag, standard seat, 23-kilogram checked bag
• Flexi:  Underseat cabin bag, overhead cabin bag, Speedy Boarding, Dedicated Bag Drop, free route changes, bistro voucher, fee flight changes, 23-kilogram checked bag Up Front Seat, Airport Lounge Access (in available airports)

In addition to these fares, you will also have the option to purchase the Extra Legroom or Up Front Seat add-on when given the option to select your seat. This upgrade comes with the additional benefits of Speedy Boarding, Dedicated Bag Drop, and an allowance of two carry-on bags.

Flight Change and Cancellation Policies

EasyJet's flight change and cancellation policies can be confusing, but generally, it's less expensive to make any adjustments online so always try to do it yourself first before calling customer service. If you cancel your flight within 24 hours of booking, you will receive a full refund (minus the cancellation fee), but canceling after that will not grant you a refund. Here are the fees for various changes you may need to make to your booking. Prices have been converted from the Pound sterling to U.S. dollars.

• Cancellations (within 24 hours of booking): $60 online and $68 with customer service
• Name Change:  $68 online and $74 with customer service
• Flight changes (60 days before departure): $31 online and $37 with customer service
• Flight changes (within 60 days before departure): $60 online and $66 with customer Service

For passengers who miss their flight, EasyJet also charges a "rescue fee" of $136 to transfer your ticket to the next available flight, but only if you arrive at the airport within two hours after your scheduled departure time.

Baggage Policies and Fees

Quick British English lesson: EasyJet's website refers to "cabin" and "hold" luggage — these are your carry-on and checked luggage, respectively. Everyone can bring one small cabin bag (a.k.a. a personal item ) that has to fit under the seat in front of you — it must be 45 x 36 x 20 centimeters or smaller (roughly 17 x 14 x 7 inches). If you book an Up Front or Extra Legroom seat, you can bring a large cabin bag (carry-on) on board that has to fit in the overhead bin — it must be 56 x 45 x 25 centimeters or smaller (roughly 22 x 17 x 9 inches). EasyJet Plus cardholders and Flexi ticket holders can also bring a personal item and carry-on bag.

For hold (or checked) luggage, the fees range from $10 to $70, depending on weight and whether you add them online or at the airport. Checked luggage cannot weigh more than 32 kilograms (around 70 pounds) or be larger than 275 centimeters (about 108 inches, length plus width plus height).

You'll want to carefully look over the baggage policy online before booking so you can get an idea of exactly what your luggage costs will be. Reflecting on the baggage fees, one Tripadvisor reviewer said , "When summing up all the costs, the price can be equivalent or more expensive than proper full-service airlines."

Boarding Order

Those who request special assistance in advance board the plane first, followed by Speedy Boarding passengers, families with children under five, and then everyone else. Tripadvisor reviews about Speedy Boarding were conflicting — some passengers found the service to be a great help, while others said it was inefficient and confusing.

Seats and Legroom

There are three types of seats: Standard, Up Front, and Extra Legroom. The minimum seat pitch of a standard seat is 29 inches, and the minimum width is 17 inches, but specifics will vary by aircraft. In a Yelp review , one passenger said, "Seat pitch was very small, which is par for the course for many low-cost airlines. However, as I am tall, it was horrible for me, with next to no comfortable legroom, and my knees were touching the seat in front. Even worse, the seat did not recline whatsoever. It was in one fixed position."

In another Tripadvisor review , one user pointed out that the Up Front seating system may cause crowding, saying, "Those who choose Up Front seats are entitled to take overhead cases and are entitled to Speedy Boarding. This meant the front of the plane was extremely busy whilst the rest of the plane was emptier."

Amenities and Entertainment

Food and beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) are available for purchase on EasyJet flights. On some routes, passengers can access digital content, such as games, flight maps, and onboard food and drink menus, through their phone, tablet, or laptop. To use the service, you will need to connect to EasyJet's onboard Wi-Fi — which kicks in at 10,000 feet — by scanning the QR code on the back of the seat rest. You won't be able to access the Internet or check your e-mails, however, because it is a closed-loop Wi-Fi system.

EasyJet Plus

EasyJet offers an annual membership, called EasyJet Plus , that's ideal for frequent fliers. For $266 per year, membership perks include seat selection, a dedicated bag drop desk, Fast Track Security, Speedy Boarding, an included carry-on, and more. You will also have the option to take an earlier flight on the same day as your scheduled departure, with no extra fee, and will receive a 10 percent discount on any purchases you make onboard.

Related Articles

• Today's news
• Reviews and deals
• Climate change
• 2024 election
• Fall allergies
• Health news
• Mental health
• Sexual health
• Family health
• So mini ways
• Unapologetically
• Buying guides

Entertainment

• How to Watch
• My watchlist
• Stock market
• Biden economy
• Personal finance
• Stocks: most active
• Stocks: gainers
• Stocks: losers
• Trending tickers
• World indices
• US Treasury bonds
• Top mutual funds
• Highest open interest
• Highest implied volatility
• Currency converter
• Basic materials
• Communication services
• Consumer cyclical
• Consumer defensive
• Financial services
• Industrials
• Real estate
• Mutual funds
• Credit cards
• Balance transfer cards
• Cash back cards
• Rewards cards
• Travel cards
• Online checking
• High-yield savings
• Money market
• Home equity loan
• Personal loans
• Student loans
• Options pit
• Fantasy football
• Pro Pick 'Em
• College Pick 'Em
• Fantasy baseball
• Fantasy hockey
• Fantasy basketball
• Download the app
• Daily fantasy
• Scores and schedules
• GameChannel
• World Baseball Classic
• Premier League
• CONCACAF League
• Champions League
• Motorsports
• Horse racing
• Newsletters

New on Yahoo

• Privacy Dashboard

‘EasyJet made a fool of me – and then refused to admit passport mistake’

In 2021, The Independent began campaigning for easyJet , Ryanair and the UK government to recognise the correct post-Brexit rules for British passport holders travelling to the European Union .

The passport must pass two tests:

Under 10 years old on the day of travel to the EU and wider Schengen Area

At least three months’ validity remaining on the intended day of return

But ministers and the two giant airlines ignored the evidence from the EU supplied by The Independent . They invented their own, more restrictive conditions for post-Brexit passport requirements. Both easyJet and Ryanair turned away travellers who were properly documented.

In 2022, they accepted The Independent ’s representations and aligned with the actual rules. They continue to comply. Sadly many British travellers are still unaware of the tighter restrictions that the UK asked to be imposed on leaving the EU; hundreds of passengers are correctly denied boarding each day because their passports do not pass one or both of the tests.

Inevitably, occasional mistakes are made and a properly documented passenger may be wrongly refused travel .

If a member of ground staff at the departure gate wrongly denies boarding, a manager should be on hand to double-check the passport and travel dates. Should they also make the wrong call, the airline’s customer service team has a duty promptly to investigate the passenger’s appeal and make good for the distress and expense caused.

Yet readers have contacted The Independent to say easyJet has compounded errors at the airport by repeatedly rejecting legitimate claims for recompense and the compensation stipulated by law.

Jacqueline McGeough was turned away from a flight from Edinburgh to Naples . She and her daughter Eilidh lost their holiday. Knowing her passport was valid for travel to Italy , Ms McGeough appealed six time to easyJet. But on each occasion the airline doubled down, insisting it was right and she was wrong .

She has now written about the whole sorry saga.

“Everyone makes mistakes – and that’s OK. But I now know that easyJet have been making the same mistake for over two years: turning away passengers with valid passports.

On 9 April, the ground staff at Edinburgh didn’t just stop me from boarding their plane, they completely ruined our holiday plans, humiliated us, and belittled me when I tried to point out the published passport validity guidance.

They were, after all, the travel experts and I was just a foolish passenger who had clearly got it wrong. We were so disappointed, I felt that I had let my daughter down as it was me who had clearly got the passport rules so wrong, even though I had read them several times before booking our flights.

I was left wondering how I could have been so stupid. We spent a miserable night in an Edinburgh hotel when we should have exploring Naples .

I now know that I wasn’t so stupid. But the weeks that followed have been needlessly stressful, upsetting and difficult. Having established that my passport had been valid for travel, I naively thought that when I contacted the customer service team, they would recognise the mistake, apologise and reimburse me for the losses incurred without question.

I was wrong. For seven weeks easyJet continued to repeatedly blame me for their mistake, insisting they had ‘thoroughly investigated’.

I spent hours collating and submitting evidence that should have clarified the rules. This including the confirmation I had received from the Italian Consulate that my passport had been valid and articles from The Independent in which easyJet had acknowledged the same error back in 2022, offering assurances it would be addressed.

Despite this, the customer service team still continued to hold their position insisting I was at fault.

I even tried emailing the chief executive, Johan Lundgren , asking him to intervene on my behalf.

After seven weeks of ‘deny, deny, deny’ it took a few short hours for easyJet to do a massive U-turn after I reached out to Simon Calder asking if he could help me.

EasyJet’s initial error and the indefensible treatment I have received from the customer service team over the last two months reflects very badly on an airline that boasts of ‘providing a great service to and from Europe ’s top airports’.

I arrived at Edinburgh airport on 9 April looking forward to my flight – and, as easyJet finally admitted, seven weeks later, properly documented to travel.

I did not ask for any of this distress and inconvenience to happen to me. I would much rather have enjoyed the holiday my daughter and I had been so looking forward to.”

Airline apology for ‘not getting this right’

In response, an easyJet spokesperson said: “We are very sorry for not getting this right for Ms McGeough at the airport and in the subsequent responses we provided from our customer service team.

“EasyJet carries 100 million passengers every year which means our ground handling agents serve up to 300,000 passengers every day, travelling between over 30 countries and carrying a diverse range of travel documentation.

“Since 2022, we have incorporated additional processes to guard against mistakes relating to documentation validity and aim to continuously improve our processes, and we absolutely acknowledge that this complaint was not managed as it should have been.”

Recommended Stories

The best travel tech, according to flight crew members — apple, google and more.

Take a hint from the pros and pick up one of these problem-solving gadgets.

UK retailers file a £1.1B collective action against Amazon over claims of data misuse

E-commerce behemoth Amazon recently reached a wide-ranging settlement with the U.K. competition watchdog over how it uses Marketplace sellers’ data, with commitments to more transparent and fair practices going forward. On Thursday, the British Independent Retailers Association, which has thousands of members, said it is filing a damages claim against Amazon valued at £1.1 billion ($1.3 billion at today’s rates) alleging that Amazon has illegally misused members’ proprietary data for competitive purposes. BIRA also takes aim at Amazon’s “Buy Box,” claiming that Amazon manipulated which retailers were selected for the coveted placement.

Google Sheets' new tool lets you set specific rules for notifications.

Google Sheets is getting conditional notifications, letting you tailor alerts.

TikTok’s AI efforts reportedly exploit loopholes to use premium Nvidia chips

The US has banned companies like Nvidia from selling their most advanced AI chips to China since 2022. But if loopholes exist, profit-hungry corporations will find and exploit them. A bombshell report on Thursday details how Oracle allows TikTok owner ByteDance to rent Nvidia’s most advanced chips to train AI models on US soil.

Apple's Studio Display is $300 off right now

Apple's Studio Display has dropped to its lowest price to date for models with a VESA mount and tilt-adjustable stand.

Gilgo Beach serial killing suspect Rex Heuermann charged with 2 more murders: A look at the case and what's next

Suspected Gilgo Beach serial killer, Rex Heuermann, was charged on Thursday with the murders of two additional women. In total, New York authorities have now charged Heuermann with killing six women. Here's a look at the case and what's next.

French Open 2024: How to watch the Casper Ruud vs. Alexander Zverev match

It's time for the Semifinals on the clay court at Roland Garros. Here's how to tune into Ruud vs. Zverev.

Bugs begone: Stock up on Coleman's bestselling citronella candle while it's $4

'It actually works': Thousands of Amazon shoppers use this tin-can cutie to fight creepy crawlers.

Skatrix for Apple Vision Pro now features room-scale mixed reality gameplay

Skatrix for Apple Vision Pro now features room-scale mixed reality gameplay. The little dude will skate all over your furniture.

Stock market today: Nvidia dips as S&P 500, Nasdaq slip from record

Growing conviction for Fed rate cuts has buoyed megacap techs, injecting life into stocks more broadly.

Shop the best flight crew-approved travel essentials — all on sale

Allbirds shoes, a pilot-approved Travelpro carry-on and loads of bestsellers — these 12 necessities will simplify your trip.

Rivian overhauled the R1S and R1T to entice new buyers ahead of cheaper R2 launch

Rivian has changed 600 parts on its R1S SUV and R1T pickup truck in a bid to drive down manufacturing costs, while improving performance of its flagship vehicles. Rivian lost about $38,784 on every vehicle it delivered in the first quarter of 2024, according to its earnings report. Rivian has recently started producing the second-generation R1T and R1S, with the first deliveries beginning as early as this week.

Chiefs reportedly bringing back receiver Mecole Hardman on 1-year deal

Receiver and return specialist Mecole Hardman is reportedly re-signing with the Kansas City Chiefs on a one-year contract.

Atlassian now gives startups a year of free access

Long before product-led growth became a buzzword, Atlassian offered free tiers for virtually all of its productivity and developer tools. Today, that mostly means free access for up to ten users and some other limitations. For startups, that's a good way to get started with the company's tools like Jira and Bitbucket, but they also quickly hit the limits of what's possible in that free tier.

College football betting: Colorado is bettors' most popular team once again

The Buffaloes' preseason win total sits at 5.5. They're getting the most bets of any college football team on either side of that number.

This viral $10 watermelon cutter will spare your wrists (and sanity) this summer

'I cut three in, like, 10 minutes,' said one fruit-loving fan. Grab this doodad before your next cookout.

Former NASCAR Cup Series driver Tighe Scott arrested for alleged role in Jan. 6 Capitol riot

Scott competed in 89 races over six seasons and had three top-five finishes.

'No pinching, chafing, or poking': Bali's cooling bra is down to $20 — nearly 60% off

Welcome rising temperatures in this smoothing, moisture-wicking wonder with 23,000+ five-star fans.

Jeep says it 'probably' needs to slash the number of trim levels it offers

Jeep believes it should "probably" reduce the number of trim levels it offers to reduce complexity, which in turn keeps production costs in check.

From Deep: These 3 players dropped their 2024-25 fantasy basketball draft stock in the NBA Playoffs

After highlighting some players who boosted their fantasy basketball stock for next season, it's time to see who's on the opposite end of the spectrum after the NBA Playoffs.

What Italy holidays look like:

Delicious food, amazing scenery, golden beaches, and a plethora of iconic cities: it's easy to see why holidays to Italy continue to draw the crowds. This boot-shaped nation is brimming with exciting experiences and once-in-a-lifetime sights.

There's romance in the air on a city break to Venice or Rome, Pisa and Florence offer cultural attractions aplenty, while Tuscany's sunshine makes relaxation easy - Italy holidays really do have something for everyone.

Add to all of this a warm welcome, plates piled high with pasta, and some of the best gelato in the world and you’ve got the recipe for an unforgettable holiday in Italy.

Where is the best place to stay in?

Discover beautiful beaches on the Neapolitan Riviera, iconic glamour on the Amalfi Coast, and laid-back island life on Sicily and Sardinia. For breathtaking scenery, tasty local wine, and beautiful hotels; Lake Garda is hard to beat.

Sorrento nestles on the Amalfi Coast and is your gateway to a varied line-up of small and friendly hotels, boat trips to the nearby island of Capri, and sipping glasses of locally-made Limoncello in the café-lined Piazza Tasso.

Rome is the ultimate city-break; whether it's exploring iconic Vatican City, the Colosseum and the Pantheon, snapping a selfie on the Spanish Steps, or tossing the obligatory coins in the Trevi Fountain.

Travel Guide

May to October is the best time for a holiday to Italy with temperatures between 23 to 30°C.

• Currency: Euro
• Average temp: 22°C/72°F
• Average flight time: 3 Hours
• Time Difference: +1 hours

Our Latest Deals and Offers

• • Italy

Grand Hotel Flora

£755 pp

Tintoretto Hotel

INCLUDES A SAVING OF £120

£419 pp

Baia Azzurra

£60pp Deposit

£569 pp

Amalfi Coast, Pompeii, & Capri

£200pp Deposit

£1,519 pp

Things to see and do in Italy

Holidays to Italy are full of spine-tingling experiences. From the mesmerising architecture in Rome and Florence to the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Sistine Chapel; this place is packed with must-see sights.

Not forgetting the Amalfi Coast's amazing views, Venice's canals, the ruins of Pompeii, and Tuscany's unspoilt countryside. Of course, many Italy holidays are all about relaxing on beautiful beaches or challenging yourself to water sports in the coastal resorts.

On Italy city breaks, discover world-class art galleries, vibrant nightlife, and superb shopping - Milan is often dubbed the capital of the fashion world.

Weather in Italy

Average monthly temperature in Italy (°C)

• Jan 15 °C
• Feb 14 °C
• Mar 16 °C
• Apr 19 °C
• May 23 °C
• Jun 27 °C
• Jul 29 °C
• Aug 30 °C
• Sep 27 °C
• Oct 23 °C
• Nov 19 °C
• Dec 16 °C

Food and drink in Italy

One of the best things about Italy holidays is the food and drink. Italian cuisine is loved the world over but is best enjoyed in its homeland. From pasta dishes, fresh pizzas, and seafood by the sea and wine made with locally grown grapes; dining out in Italy is a true event.

When it comes to desserts, tuck into sweet treats like Tiramisu and Gelato. The epitome of a meal out in Italy is of course dining al fresco, what could be better than all of that delicious food, eaten by candlelight beneath the stars? Bellissimo!

COME AND VISIT US

With over  470 branches and  3000 travel advisors, we'd love to see you in person to help you get the best deals.

• CALL 0800 408 4048
• FIND YOUR NEAREST BRANCH

Cookies on GOV.UK

We use some essential cookies to make this website work.

We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.

We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.

You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

Register to vote Register by 18 June to vote in the General Election on 4 July.

• Passports, travel and living abroad
• Travel abroad
• Foreign travel advice

Warnings and insurance

This travel advice page also covers the Vatican City.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice .

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all of the advice in this guide and and any specific travel advice that applies to you:  

• women travellers   
• disabled travellers   
• LGBT+ travellers

Follow FCDO travel on, Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance . Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities, and expenses in an emergency.

Related content

Is this page useful.

• Yes this page is useful
• No this page is not useful

Help us improve GOV.UK

Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.

To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. Please fill in this survey (opens in a new tab) .

easyJet launches ‘largest ever’ programme from Manchester Airport this summer

E asyJet has announced that it will operate its ‘largest ever’ flying programme from Manchester Airport this summer as it expands its fleet at the northern travel hub. By the end of June the airline will have welcomed two additional Airbus A320 aircraft, bringing the total number of aircraft at its Manchester base to 22.

It means this summer it will offer more than 7.3million seats to and from Manchester Airport. Over the past 12 months EasyJet has expanded at Manchester by introducing seven new routes including to Reus in Spain, Kittila, Lapland, Istanbul and Grenoble in Southeastern France.

The airline offers 79 routes across 19 countries in Europe, the Middle East and North Africa from Manchester Airport. Passengers can choose from classic holiday destinations for a relaxing getaway, or enjoy city breaks in Europe’s most exciting cities.

READ MORE: Virgin Atlantic launches new Manchester Airport to Las Vegas route

There are still seats available to book this summer, including Enfida in Tunisia from £37.99, Naples in Italy from £26.99 and Chania in Crete from £48.99 (all one way per person, including taxes). Ali Gayward, easyJet’s UK Country Manager, said: “We are delighted to be welcoming the first of two additional aircraft to our fleet in Manchester today and having already launched more new routes over the year for what is set to be our biggest ever summer from the airport.

“We are proud to have flown over 40 million passengers to and from Manchester which is a testament to our continued success and commitment to our customers who continue to choose us for our unrivalled network, fantastic service and great value fares. As well as supporting 40 new jobs here in Manchester, the additional aircraft will help deliver even more choice and convenience for the almost 7 million passengers who choose to travel with easyJet across 79 destinations from the airport each year.”

For more of today's top stories, click here.

UK Edition Change

• UK Politics
• News Videos
• Paris 2024 Olympics
• Rugby Union
• Sport Videos
• John Rentoul
• Mary Dejevsky
• Andrew Grice
• Sean O’Grady
• Photography
• Theatre & Dance
• Culture Videos
• Fitness & Wellbeing
• Food & Drink
• Health & Families
• Royal Family
• Electric Vehicles
• Car Insurance Deals
• Lifestyle Videos
• UK Hotel Reviews
• News & Advice
• Simon Calder
• Australia & New Zealand
• South America
• C. America & Caribbean
• Middle East
• Politics Explained
• News Analysis
• Today’s Edition
• Home & Garden
• Broadband deals
• Fashion & Beauty
• Travel & Outdoors
• Sports & Fitness
• Sustainable Living
• Climate Videos
• Solar Panels
• Behind The Headlines
• On The Ground
• Decomplicated
• You Ask The Questions
• Binge Watch
• Travel Smart
• Watch on your TV
• Crosswords & Puzzles
• Most Commented
• Newsletters
• Ask Me Anything
• Virtual Events
• Betting Sites
• Online Casinos
• Wine Offers

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in Please refresh your browser to be logged in

EasyJet turns four-year-old away from Gatwick – but lets him fly from Southampton

Airline refused three times to admit its mistake – until the independent became involved, article bookmarked.

Find your bookmarks in your Independent Premium section, under my profile

Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts

Get simon calder’s travel email, thanks for signing up to the simon calder’s travel email.

A four-year-old and his mother took easyJet flight 1586 from Southampton to Geneva for a week’s holiday in the Alps. Shortly after 6pm on 17 December 2023, they cleared Swiss passport control.

Which, according to easyJet, they should not have been able to do. Earlier that same day, the airline had turned them away from a Gatwick-Geneva flight.

Yet easyJet immediately sold them flights for a further £198 and allowed them on the plane from the Hampshire airport.

The four-year-old, his two siblings and their parents live in Guernsey. They were all booked on the easyJet morning flight from London Gatwick to the Swiss airport, paying just over £150 each.

A few days before their holiday, the parents had realised the four-year-old’s passport would not meet the post-Brexit passport validity requirements the UK requested after leaving the EU.

Fortunately, the Guernsey passport office is able to issue temporary passports for children that are valid across Europe for one year. They duly obtained the document and travelled to Gatwick.

The father describes events at the departure gate at the Sussex airport: “We attempted to board the easyJet flight. The gate picked up that my son had a green-covered UK/Guernsey passport valid for one year.

“The gate staff called their office, and the office refused him to board. We tried to explain but to no avail. So my wife had to stay with our four-year-old, who was distraught, whilst I travelled with our other two children, who were also distraught.

“When my wife and son were escorted from airside to landside, a Gatwick immigration officer asked what was happening. The gate staff said it was an invalid passport. When the immigration officer checked, he said: ‘No, this is a valid passport’ – at which point the ground staff told him the flight had left anyway and hurried my wife and son away.”

Knowing the document was valid for travel to Switzerland, his wife booked a same-day flight with easyJet from Southampton to Geneva. The pair travelled without incident. Due to their late arrival, they had to take a taxi for the last past of their journey.

On their return, the father sought recompense for the extra costs as well as the denied-boarding compensation they were due.

The response from the airline mirrored the case of Jacqueline McGeough, who easyJet refused to allow on a holiday flight to Italy . The airline told her six times she was correctly denied boarding – even though a moment’s scrutiny of her passport and travel dates would reveal she was clear to travel. Only when The Independent became involved did easyJet accept its mistake.

In the case of the family from Guernsey, easyJet’s customer service department once again repeatedly rebuffed the father’s appeals.

The airline initially said: “Having checked the booking, your records show that the passenger on the booking was refused carriage due to insufficient or invalid documentation (passport) which is required to travel with easyJet.”

When he challenged that decision, he was told: “We have received an update from our senior team, they have investigated and have confirmed that a temporary passport is not accepted to travel to Switzerland, and was denied correctly. Therefore under the regulation guidelines we are unable to reimburse your claim for expenses and compensation.”

The father was baffled, because easyJet itself had demonstrated his son was perfectly able to travel.

His final attempt before contacting The Independent was also rebuffed: “Our assessment team have had another look at your claim request and investigated all of the information available have documented that you were refused carriage due to insufficient or invalid documentation (Temperory [sic] passport) which is required to travel with easyJet.”

Once The Independent contacted easyJet, the airline accepted it was wrong to turn the four-year-old away – blaming a third-party documentation system.

A spokesperson said: “Like many airlines, easyJet uses an automated verification system called TravelDoc to validate passengers’ travel documents which uses immigration data collected from various sources including government agencies.

“Unfortunately, on this occasion the system incorrectly informed the ground agent that the passenger was unable to travel on their flight from London Gatwick to Geneva and the same information was subsequently provided to our customer service team.

“We have raised this with TravelDoc who have corrected this and we are in touch with Mr Newark to apologise for his experience, reimburse him for his flights and any travel expenses he incurred and to provide the compensation they are due.”

It appears that ground staff at Southampton, knowing the passport to be valid, did not consult TravelDoc and therefore were unaware of the false information.

EasyJet says TravelDoc has now corrected its error.

The mother and four-year-old are due £220 each in denied boarding compensation and a refund of the unused easyJet flights from Gatwick, as well as the extra costs triggered by the airline’s mistake.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article

Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.

New to The Independent?

Or if you would prefer:

Want an ad-free experience?

Hi {{indy.fullName}}

• My Independent Premium
• Account details
• Help centre

Money blog: Apple overtaken as world's second most valuable company

Nvidia has overtaken Apple to become the world's second most valuable public company; Disfrutar in Barcelona has been named the world's best restaurant; there's a new cola-flavoured Jaffa Cake launching. Read these and the rest of today's consumer news in the Money blog.

Thursday 6 June 2024 17:42, UK

• ECB cuts interest rates - and it could boost your holiday money
• McVitie's launches first ever non-fruit flavoured Jaffa Cake
• There's a new best restaurant in the world - this is how much it costs to eat there
• Now is the time to lock some of your cash away - here's why
• Asda goes from cheapest to most expensive supermarket for petrol

Essential reads

• How brands get you to buy more, more, more
• Top chef shares his take on an Italian classic - and Warwickshire Cheap Eats
• Ed Conway : Claim of £2k tax rise under Labour is over four years - same maths suggests Tories have raised taxes by £13k in last four years
• How much are student loans, when do you start paying back and what is the interest?
• Best of the Money blog - an archive

Ask a question or make a comment

Some Lloyds, Halifax and the Bank of Scotland customers will be charged more to use their overdrafts as of August. 

The three major banks, which are all part of Lloyds Banking Group, are set to launch a new tiered system for determining interest rates which could see some customers paying an extra 10%. 

At the moment, Lloyds has a standard rate of 39.9%, but the overhaul will see some forced to pay 49.9% for using their overdraft. 

The new rates are set to be: 

The 27.5% rate currently being offered to Club Lloyds customers will also be axed. 

There will be specific criteria for each tier based on a customer's credit information and account activity. 

For those who will see a rise, the banks will introduce a temporary tier for six months, which means the initial impact will be no more than 7.4% of what they are paying at the moment. 

"We are writing to our customers to let them know we're introducing new interest rate tiers on our overdrafts," a Lloyds Banking Group spokesperson said.

"The changes mean many will continue to pay the same or less than they do today, while some may see an increase." 

Nvidia has overtaken Apple to become the world's second most valuable public company.

The AI microchip maker's share price has risen to be worth more than $3trn (£2.34trn) for the first time. 

Only Microsoft is a more valuable company listed on a stock exchange, while Apple has fallen into third place.

Nvidia shares rose 5% after a year of growth - with one share now costing $1,224.40 (£957).

Nvidia's chips are powering much of the rush into AI, which has seen it become a poster child of the AI boom.

Demand for its processors from the likes of Google, Microsoft and Facebook owner Meta have been outstripping supply. 

Nvidia's shares - up nearly 150% so far this year - are also being boosted by an upcoming move to split its stock by 10-to-one on Friday. 

Ian Coatsworth, investment analyst at AJ Bell, said the stock split will "bring its share price down and make it more affordable to investors". 

Tech companies - including Microsoft and Apple - have been racing to develop AI and embed it in their products.

Nvidia is a younger company than some of its peers, having been founded in 1993. Similar to many tech giants, it was founded in California in the US.

Britain is less likely to lose power this winter than it was last year, according to the company that runs the grid.

National Grid's Electricity System Operator (ESO) said it expects power plants, wind farms and other generation methods to be able to provide more than enough power to meet demand this time around. 

In an early outlook, it said the grid would have an average margin - the difference between supply of electricity and demand for it - of 5.6 gigawatts (GW) this coming winter. 

This means the period when demand might outstrip supply is just 0.1 hours.

The increased margins are in part because of improved capacity, thanks to a new 765km high-voltage cable that connects the UK's electricity network with Denmark.

The cable, called an interconnector, is known as the Viking Link, and started transporting wind power between the two countries in December.

New gas generation, growth in battery storage capacity and increased generation connected to the distribution networks have also contributed to the higher margins. 

Despite this, ESO's chief operating officer Kayte O'Neill has said it will still need to be "vigilant" due to uncertainties around global energy markets.

"As a prudent system operator we remain vigilant, continuing to monitor potential risks and working closely with our partners to establish any actions necessary to build resilience," she said.

The continent's energy system has been forced to reinvent itself in recent years, faced with potential gas shortages due to the war in Ukraine.

The 20 countries using the euro currency have seen interest rates cut from record highs following progress in the battle against inflation over the past two-and-a-half years.

The Frankfurt-based European Central Bank (ECB) said it was "appropriate" to trim its main deposit rate from 4% to 3.75%.

It followed an assertion last month by its president, Christine Lagarde, that the pace of price increases was now "under control".

But the Bank declared in a statement that the battle was not won - signalling data-driven caution on future policy decisions in the months ahead.

Its staff even revised upwards their forecasts for inflation this year and next.

As we have been discussing in Money this week, the cut before the US and UK could weaken the euro - potentially making Britons' holiday money go further.

McVitie's is selling a new flavour of Jaffa Cake - and it marks the first ever non-fruit flavour since the treat launched in 1927.

Shelves across the country will soon be stocked cola bottle flavoured cakes.

The new flavour will launch in Asda stores from 10 June and be available in other UK supermarkets - including Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons, Iceland and Co-op - in the coming weeks.

Adam Woolf, marketing director at McVitie's, said: "Jaffa Cakes Cola Bottle is certainly one of our more unexpected product launches – stepping away from fruit flavours for the very first time. 

"Jaffa Cakes have always stood out from the crowd (and the biscuit aisle), but we really wanted to try something new with this one. It's no doubt going to cause some debate among our Jaffanatics, and we can't wait to hear what they think."

By  Sarah Taaffe-Maguire , business reporter

Are we entering an era of interest rate cuts? Probably not. Or at least, not yet. 

But the European Central Bank (ECB) which controls the euro currency does look set to make their first cut in four years this afternoon. 

And Canada yesterday became the first country in the club of G7 industrialised nations to bring down borrowing costs by lowering their benchmark interest rate. 

The UK, however, isn't currently expected by markets to make a cut until September. 

Elsewhere, oil prices remain below $80 but are slightly more expensive than earlier this week. A barrel of the benchmark Brent crude oil costs $79.10.

The good news for people going on holidays to countries using the euro continues - the pound is still doing well against the currency with £1 equal to €1.1757. 

That could go even higher after the ECB decision at 1.15pm. A pound also can buy $1.2783. 

Like in the US, the UK's most valuable companies have become more valuable as the FTSE (Financial Times Stock Exchange) 100 and 250 indices are up 0.33% and 0.41% respectively.

Every Thursday  Savings Champion founder Anna Bowes  gives an insight into the savings market and how to make the most of your money...

Can you believe we are almost halfway through 2024?

Although the rate rises that we have seen this year have slowed compared with the previous couple of years, and we have even seen some falls, savers are now able to find hundreds of savings accounts that pay an interest rate higher than inflation.

The latest data from the Office for National Statistics showed inflation was still higher than predicted, however - which means the anticipated base rate cut is likely to be pushed back again – into the second half of this year.

While bad news for borrowers, this is great news for savers.

Incredibly, the latest statistics from the Bank of England show there is over £253bn sitting in current accounts and savings accounts earning no interest at all.

With top rates available paying 5% or even a bit more, that is potentially £12.65bn of gross interest that is not being claimed by savers.

So now really is the time to move your money if you have cash languishing, earning less than inflation, especially if you can lock some away with a fixed rate, as a base rate cut will happen at some stage, we just don't know when.

Easy access

If you think you'll need access to your money, an easy access account is a wise choice.

The base rate cuts that we have been waiting for are yet to start, so the top rates on offer are still paying almost as much as they were at the beginning of the year.

Fixed-term bonds 

There is a strange phenomenon with fixed-term bond rates at the moment: the longer you tie up your cash, the lower the interest rates on offer.

Normally, you'd expect to be rewarded for tying up your cash over the longer term - but base rate forecasts have flipped this.

Fixed-term cash ISAs

A frequent complaint that I hear from savers is that the tax-free rates on ISAs are usually lower than the pre-tax rates on the equivalent non-ISA accounts – and this is particularly true with fixed-term accounts.

As many more savers are paying tax on their interest once again, cash ISAs are more popular than ever, as the tax-free rate of the ISA can still be considerably more than the interest earned after tax has been deducted on the non-ISA bond equivalents.

The renowned "50 Best" list of the world's best restaurants was revealed in Las Vegas last night - with a new restaurant taking top spot.

Disfrutar in Barcelona took the crown from Central in Lima, Peru (previous winners are ineligible and instead join a Best of the Best list).

Eating the standard menu costs £247 (€290) - with an extra £136 (€160) if you want the wine pairing.

To be fair, you do get around 30 courses.

They also offer a unique menu for your table for between €1,050 and €390 per person - the more people, the less it costs.

The 50 Best list says: "The combination of brilliantly imaginative dishes, unsurpassed technical mastery and playful presentation results in the dining experience of a lifetime, as full of surprises as it is memories."

Dishes include:

• Caviar-filled Panchino doughnut
• Frozen gazpacho sandwich
• Thai-style cuttlefish with coconut multi-spherical
• Squab with kombu spaghetti, almond and grape

Two UK restaurants made the top 50 but the UK was eclipsed by countries from across South America as well as Thailand, Italy, France and Spain.

London's Kol moved up slightly to 17, while Ikoyi, which we reported on a few weeks ago following a link-up with Uber Eats, came it at 42.

Three whiskies created by Aldi have been named among the best in the world.

The budget supermarket took home three golds at the International Spirits Challenge awards for: 

• Glen Marnoch Highland Single Scotch Whisky (£18.49, 70cl)
• Highland Earl Blended Scotch Whisky (£16.89, 1L)
• Samuel Joe’s Straight Kentucky Bourbon (£14.99, 70cl)

In the single malt category, Aldi's submission beat the likes of M&S as well as premium brand Lochlea Distillery, which costs around £45 a bottle. 

Other gold winners included Johnnie Walker, Jameson and Glenfiddich. 

Aldi was also given three silver medals for its Highland Black Blended Scotch Whisky, Glen Marnoch Speyside Single Malt Whisky and Glen Marnoch Islay Single Malt Whisky. 

"This industry recognition helps to prove that great quality doesn't have to come with a luxury price tag and customers can be confident they're saving money with us, whilst getting the best whisky taste and experience," said Julie Ashfield, managing director of buying at Aldi UK. 

As we've previously discussed in the Money blog, holidaying Brits can avoid costly roaming charges by using their own travel eSim - and there's now another mainstream option to choose from courtesy of Uswitch.

UK travellers who want to use their phones abroad usually rely on their roaming plans and data passes or sign up for a local SIM at their destination, which can often require time-consuming ID checks and additional documentation.

That can be costly. 

Since Brexit, the UK no longer benefits from several EU-mandated rules, including a worldwide data roaming cap of £45.

Roaming costs, especially in countries outside the EU, can now be as high as £9 for every 1MB of roaming data - equivalent to streaming Netflix for 14.4 seconds.

The savings with eSims are potentially massive, as our cost of living specialist Megan Harwood-Baynes outlined here last month...

USwitch product

Using 10GB of data in Morocco on a UK Pay As You Go network with uncapped fees would cost on average of £56,166, compared to just £17 with a USwitch eSim.

eSims are available online and are entirely digital - meaning customers don't need to visit a phone network store or wait for a physical SIM card to arrive in the post.

Most new smartphones are already compatible with eSim technology, including every iPhone released from 2018 onwards and most Samsung devices released from 2020 onwards.

"eSIMs offer them a newfound freedom that's cheaper than traditional data roaming and with none of the hassle of finding a local SIM card provider when you arrive," said CEO and co-founder of (USwitch's partner in this project) eSIM Go Zacchary Couldrick.

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free

40 Facts About Elektrostal

Written by Lanette Mayes

Modified & Updated: 01 Jun 2024

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

Elektrostal is a vibrant city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia. With a rich history, stunning architecture, and a thriving community, Elektrostal is a city that has much to offer. Whether you are a history buff, nature enthusiast, or simply curious about different cultures, Elektrostal is sure to captivate you.

This article will provide you with 40 fascinating facts about Elektrostal, giving you a better understanding of why this city is worth exploring. From its origins as an industrial hub to its modern-day charm, we will delve into the various aspects that make Elektrostal a unique and must-visit destination.

So, join us as we uncover the hidden treasures of Elektrostal and discover what makes this city a true gem in the heart of Russia.

Key Takeaways:

• Elektrostal, known as the “Motor City of Russia,” is a vibrant and growing city with a rich industrial history, offering diverse cultural experiences and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.
• With its convenient location near Moscow, Elektrostal provides a picturesque landscape, vibrant nightlife, and a range of recreational activities, making it an ideal destination for residents and visitors alike.

Known as the “Motor City of Russia.”

Elektrostal, a city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia, earned the nickname “Motor City” due to its significant involvement in the automotive industry.

Home to the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Elektrostal is renowned for its metallurgical plant, which has been producing high-quality steel and alloys since its establishment in 1916.

Boasts a rich industrial heritage.

Elektrostal has a long history of industrial development, contributing to the growth and progress of the region.

Founded in 1916.

The city of Elektrostal was founded in 1916 as a result of the construction of the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Located approximately 50 kilometers east of Moscow.

Elektrostal is situated in close proximity to the Russian capital, making it easily accessible for both residents and visitors.

Known for its vibrant cultural scene.

Elektrostal is home to several cultural institutions, including museums, theaters, and art galleries that showcase the city’s rich artistic heritage.

A popular destination for nature lovers.

Surrounded by picturesque landscapes and forests, Elektrostal offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and birdwatching.

Hosts the annual Elektrostal City Day celebrations.

Every year, Elektrostal organizes festive events and activities to celebrate its founding, bringing together residents and visitors in a spirit of unity and joy.

Has a population of approximately 160,000 people.

Elektrostal is home to a diverse and vibrant community of around 160,000 residents, contributing to its dynamic atmosphere.

Boasts excellent education facilities.

The city is known for its well-established educational institutions, providing quality education to students of all ages.

A center for scientific research and innovation.

Elektrostal serves as an important hub for scientific research, particularly in the fields of metallurgy , materials science, and engineering.

Surrounded by picturesque lakes.

The city is blessed with numerous beautiful lakes , offering scenic views and recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike.

Well-connected transportation system.

Elektrostal benefits from an efficient transportation network, including highways, railways, and public transportation options, ensuring convenient travel within and beyond the city.

Famous for its traditional Russian cuisine.

Food enthusiasts can indulge in authentic Russian dishes at numerous restaurants and cafes scattered throughout Elektrostal.

Home to notable architectural landmarks.

Elektrostal boasts impressive architecture, including the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord and the Elektrostal Palace of Culture.

Offers a wide range of recreational facilities.

Residents and visitors can enjoy various recreational activities, such as sports complexes, swimming pools, and fitness centers, enhancing the overall quality of life.

Provides a high standard of healthcare.

Elektrostal is equipped with modern medical facilities, ensuring residents have access to quality healthcare services.

Home to the Elektrostal History Museum.

The Elektrostal History Museum showcases the city’s fascinating past through exhibitions and displays.

A hub for sports enthusiasts.

Elektrostal is passionate about sports, with numerous stadiums, arenas, and sports clubs offering opportunities for athletes and spectators.

Celebrates diverse cultural festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal hosts a variety of cultural festivals, celebrating different ethnicities, traditions, and art forms.

Electric power played a significant role in its early development.

Elektrostal owes its name and initial growth to the establishment of electric power stations and the utilization of electricity in the industrial sector.

Boasts a thriving economy.

The city’s strong industrial base, coupled with its strategic location near Moscow, has contributed to Elektrostal’s prosperous economic status.

Houses the Elektrostal Drama Theater.

The Elektrostal Drama Theater is a cultural centerpiece, attracting theater enthusiasts from far and wide.

Popular destination for winter sports.

Elektrostal’s proximity to ski resorts and winter sport facilities makes it a favorite destination for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities.

Promotes environmental sustainability.

Elektrostal prioritizes environmental protection and sustainability, implementing initiatives to reduce pollution and preserve natural resources.

Home to renowned educational institutions.

Elektrostal is known for its prestigious schools and universities, offering a wide range of academic programs to students.

Committed to cultural preservation.

The city values its cultural heritage and takes active steps to preserve and promote traditional customs, crafts, and arts.

Hosts an annual International Film Festival.

The Elektrostal International Film Festival attracts filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts from around the world, showcasing a diverse range of films.

Encourages entrepreneurship and innovation.

Elektrostal supports aspiring entrepreneurs and fosters a culture of innovation, providing opportunities for startups and business development .

Offers a range of housing options.

Elektrostal provides diverse housing options, including apartments, houses, and residential complexes, catering to different lifestyles and budgets.

Home to notable sports teams.

Elektrostal is proud of its sports legacy , with several successful sports teams competing at regional and national levels.

Boasts a vibrant nightlife scene.

Residents and visitors can enjoy a lively nightlife in Elektrostal, with numerous bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.

Promotes cultural exchange and international relations.

Elektrostal actively engages in international partnerships, cultural exchanges, and diplomatic collaborations to foster global connections.

Surrounded by beautiful nature reserves.

Nearby nature reserves, such as the Barybino Forest and Luchinskoye Lake, offer opportunities for nature enthusiasts to explore and appreciate the region’s biodiversity.

Commemorates historical events.

The city pays tribute to significant historical events through memorials, monuments, and exhibitions, ensuring the preservation of collective memory.

Promotes sports and youth development.

Elektrostal invests in sports infrastructure and programs to encourage youth participation, health, and physical fitness.

Hosts annual cultural and artistic festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal celebrates its cultural diversity through festivals dedicated to music, dance, art, and theater.

Provides a picturesque landscape for photography enthusiasts.

The city’s scenic beauty, architectural landmarks, and natural surroundings make it a paradise for photographers.

Connects to Moscow via a direct train line.

The convenient train connection between Elektrostal and Moscow makes commuting between the two cities effortless.

A city with a bright future.

Elektrostal continues to grow and develop, aiming to become a model city in terms of infrastructure, sustainability, and quality of life for its residents.

In conclusion, Elektrostal is a fascinating city with a rich history and a vibrant present. From its origins as a center of steel production to its modern-day status as a hub for education and industry, Elektrostal has plenty to offer both residents and visitors. With its beautiful parks, cultural attractions, and proximity to Moscow, there is no shortage of things to see and do in this dynamic city. Whether you’re interested in exploring its historical landmarks, enjoying outdoor activities, or immersing yourself in the local culture, Elektrostal has something for everyone. So, next time you find yourself in the Moscow region, don’t miss the opportunity to discover the hidden gems of Elektrostal.

Q: What is the population of Elektrostal?

A: As of the latest data, the population of Elektrostal is approximately XXXX.

Q: How far is Elektrostal from Moscow?

A: Elektrostal is located approximately XX kilometers away from Moscow.

Q: Are there any famous landmarks in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to several notable landmarks, including XXXX and XXXX.

Q: What industries are prominent in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal is known for its steel production industry and is also a center for engineering and manufacturing.

Q: Are there any universities or educational institutions in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to XXXX University and several other educational institutions.

Q: What are some popular outdoor activities in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal offers several outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, and picnicking in its beautiful parks.

Q: Is Elektrostal well-connected in terms of transportation?

A: Yes, Elektrostal has good transportation links, including trains and buses, making it easily accessible from nearby cities.

Q: Are there any annual events or festivals in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, including XXXX and XXXX.

Elektrostal's fascinating history, vibrant culture, and promising future make it a city worth exploring. For more captivating facts about cities around the world, discover the unique characteristics that define each city . Uncover the hidden gems of Moscow Oblast through our in-depth look at Kolomna. Lastly, dive into the rich industrial heritage of Teesside, a thriving industrial center with its own story to tell.

Was this page helpful?

Our commitment to delivering trustworthy and engaging content is at the heart of what we do. Each fact on our site is contributed by real users like you, bringing a wealth of diverse insights and information. To ensure the highest standards of accuracy and reliability, our dedicated editors meticulously review each submission. This process guarantees that the facts we share are not only fascinating but also credible. Trust in our commitment to quality and authenticity as you explore and learn with us.

Share this Fact:

• Yekaterinburg
• Novosibirsk
• Vladivostok

• Tours to Russia
• Practicalities
• Russia in Lists

Rusmania • Deep into Russia

Out of the Centre

Savvino-storozhevsky monastery and museum.

Zvenigorod's most famous sight is the Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery, which was founded in 1398 by the monk Savva from the Troitse-Sergieva Lavra, at the invitation and with the support of Prince Yury Dmitrievich of Zvenigorod. Savva was later canonised as St Sabbas (Savva) of Storozhev. The monastery late flourished under the reign of Tsar Alexis, who chose the monastery as his family church and often went on pilgrimage there and made lots of donations to it. Most of the monastery’s buildings date from this time. The monastery is heavily fortified with thick walls and six towers, the most impressive of which is the Krasny Tower which also serves as the eastern entrance. The monastery was closed in 1918 and only reopened in 1995. In 1998 Patriarch Alexius II took part in a service to return the relics of St Sabbas to the monastery. Today the monastery has the status of a stauropegic monastery, which is second in status to a lavra. In addition to being a working monastery, it also holds the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum.

Belfry and Neighbouring Churches

Located near the main entrance is the monastery's belfry which is perhaps the calling card of the monastery due to its uniqueness. It was built in the 1650s and the St Sergius of Radonezh’s Church was opened on the middle tier in the mid-17th century, although it was originally dedicated to the Trinity. The belfry's 35-tonne Great Bladgovestny Bell fell in 1941 and was only restored and returned in 2003. Attached to the belfry is a large refectory and the Transfiguration Church, both of which were built on the orders of Tsar Alexis in the 1650s.  

To the left of the belfry is another, smaller, refectory which is attached to the Trinity Gate-Church, which was also constructed in the 1650s on the orders of Tsar Alexis who made it his own family church. The church is elaborately decorated with colourful trims and underneath the archway is a beautiful 19th century fresco.

Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is the oldest building in the monastery and among the oldest buildings in the Moscow Region. It was built between 1404 and 1405 during the lifetime of St Sabbas and using the funds of Prince Yury of Zvenigorod. The white-stone cathedral is a standard four-pillar design with a single golden dome. After the death of St Sabbas he was interred in the cathedral and a new altar dedicated to him was added.

Under the reign of Tsar Alexis the cathedral was decorated with frescoes by Stepan Ryazanets, some of which remain today. Tsar Alexis also presented the cathedral with a five-tier iconostasis, the top row of icons have been preserved.

Tsaritsa's Chambers

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is located between the Tsaritsa's Chambers of the left and the Palace of Tsar Alexis on the right. The Tsaritsa's Chambers were built in the mid-17th century for the wife of Tsar Alexey - Tsaritsa Maria Ilinichna Miloskavskaya. The design of the building is influenced by the ancient Russian architectural style. Is prettier than the Tsar's chambers opposite, being red in colour with elaborately decorated window frames and entrance.

At present the Tsaritsa's Chambers houses the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum. Among its displays is an accurate recreation of the interior of a noble lady's chambers including furniture, decorations and a decorated tiled oven, and an exhibition on the history of Zvenigorod and the monastery.

Palace of Tsar Alexis

The Palace of Tsar Alexis was built in the 1650s and is now one of the best surviving examples of non-religious architecture of that era. It was built especially for Tsar Alexis who often visited the monastery on religious pilgrimages. Its most striking feature is its pretty row of nine chimney spouts which resemble towers.

Plan your next trip to Russia

Ready-to-book tours.

Your holiday in Russia starts here. Choose and book your tour to Russia.

The Unique Burial of a Child of Early Scythian Time at the Cemetery of Saryg-Bulun (Tuva)

<< Previous page

Pages:  379-406

In 1988, the Tuvan Archaeological Expedition (led by M. E. Kilunovskaya and V. A. Semenov) discovered a unique burial of the early Iron Age at Saryg-Bulun in Central Tuva. There are two burial mounds of the Aldy-Bel culture dated by 7th century BC. Within the barrows, which adjoined one another, forming a figure-of-eight, there were discovered 7 burials, from which a representative collection of artifacts was recovered. Burial 5 was the most unique, it was found in a coffin made of a larch trunk, with a tightly closed lid. Due to the preservative properties of larch and lack of air access, the coffin contained a well-preserved mummy of a child with an accompanying set of grave goods. The interred individual retained the skin on his face and had a leather headdress painted with red pigment and a coat, sewn from jerboa fur. The coat was belted with a leather belt with bronze ornaments and buckles. Besides that, a leather quiver with arrows with the shafts decorated with painted ornaments, fully preserved battle pick and a bow were buried in the coffin. Unexpectedly, the full-genomic analysis, showed that the individual was female. This fact opens a new aspect in the study of the social history of the Scythian society and perhaps brings us back to the myth of the Amazons, discussed by Herodotus. Of course, this discovery is unique in its preservation for the Scythian culture of Tuva and requires careful study and conservation.

Keywords: Tuva, Early Iron Age, early Scythian period, Aldy-Bel culture, barrow, burial in the coffin, mummy, full genome sequencing, aDNA

Information about authors: Marina Kilunovskaya (Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation). Candidate of Historical Sciences. Institute for the History of Material Culture of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Dvortsovaya Emb., 18, Saint Petersburg, 191186, Russian Federation E-mail: [email protected] Vladimir Semenov (Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation). Candidate of Historical Sciences. Institute for the History of Material Culture of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Dvortsovaya Emb., 18, Saint Petersburg, 191186, Russian Federation E-mail: [email protected] Varvara Busova  (Moscow, Russian Federation).  (Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation). Institute for the History of Material Culture of the Russian Academy of Sciences.  Dvortsovaya Emb., 18, Saint Petersburg, 191186, Russian Federation E-mail:  [email protected] Kharis Mustafin  (Moscow, Russian Federation). Candidate of Technical Sciences. Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology.  Institutsky Lane, 9, Dolgoprudny, 141701, Moscow Oblast, Russian Federation E-mail:  [email protected] Irina Alborova  (Moscow, Russian Federation). Candidate of Biological Sciences. Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology.  Institutsky Lane, 9, Dolgoprudny, 141701, Moscow Oblast, Russian Federation E-mail:  [email protected] Alina Matzvai  (Moscow, Russian Federation). Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology.  Institutsky Lane, 9, Dolgoprudny, 141701, Moscow Oblast, Russian Federation E-mail:  [email protected]

Shopping Cart Items: 0 Cart Total: 0,00 € place your order

Price pdf version

student - 2,75 € individual - 3,00 € institutional - 7,00 €

Copyright В© 1999-2022. Stratum Publishing House