Infodesk From Switzerland, joined May 2006, 1245 posts, RR: 34 Posted (4 years 12 months 2 days 20 hours ago) and read 3929 times:
When some friends invited us to visit them at their house in Spain, we didn’t hesitate long. A short spring break was just what we needed (and an opportunity to write a trip report on an airline other then LX )
We had the choice between easyJet from Basel or Air Berlin from Zurich to Alicante. As AB’s flights aren’t daily and as I couldn’t be too flexible with dates, I chose U2. The tickets were booked 2 months in advance during an easyJet promotion – 341 CHF for me and my boyfriend plus one suitcase, not bad at all.
Saturday May 3rd
EZS1083 BSL-ALC
ETD 1045 / ETA 1300
A319 HB-JZG
Load factor – ca. 90%
As we only had one suitcase, I decided to do online check in to be assured of group A. However, we arrived at Basel in plenty of time and so both ended up with A. Strangely enough there was nobody at passport control, the second time this has happened to me at BSL. I’d forgotten my empty water bottle, which I normally fill up from a washbasin after security, so had to pay the extortionate price of 5.50.- for one……
Although I’ve flown with easyJet more than any other airline, it had been over two years since my last flight with them. Consequently, I’d forgotten just how bad the boarding procedure can be. I refused to pay the 70 .- they wanted for Speed Boarding, so was left to push and shove at Gate 82.
It’s actually quite comical. People behind me with group A were trying to push past, whilst Group B passengers were at the front of the queue. Anyway, we made it on to the tarmac and were able to secure seats 5A&B.
A nice surprise for me, the Pilot was English; cabin crew German and French. We pushed back at 1050 and took off at 1105, flying time was to be 1hr55.
Ready for take off
I can see our car!
Basel from above
To begin with it was quite hazy, but as we approached Geneva conditions improved and we had a lovely view of the Alps.
Lake Geneva
Geneva with airport
The trolley came round, albeit incredibly slowly. By the time we got our food the trolley that had started at the back was just two rows behind us. I had a cheese sandwich and an ice tea and my boyfriend a noodle soup and some Bündnerfleisch with bread. Total cost 27.-
It was hazy again flying along the coast and before too long we began our descent. The pilot told us we would head inland at Benidorm before flying back out towards the sea for our landing at Alicante. I was amazed at how dry and barren everything looked.
We touched down bang on time and were bussed from our open stand to the terminal.
There was a short wait at passport control (but where isn’t there these days?), although the sight of a security guard amused me. He was sitting reading his book, oblivious to all the queuing passengers. It must have been an enthralling story By the time we reached the luggage belt our case was already waiting for us.
Alicante, after baggage claim
Our friend was ready waiting for us and in just over an hour we arrived at Calpe. Like Benidorm, the resort stretches for several kms, with many skyscrapers but also has many nice villas on the outskirts.
The skyline is dominated by the 332m high Penon de Ifach. This giant rock face is popular with climbers but there is also a path to the top, which is equally as stunning as many here in the Alps. It takes just under 90 minutes to reach the top.
The tunnel on the way up
Views from the summit
One of the dangers at this time of year are the many seagulls protecting their young. Should you come too close, they have no hesitation in trying to attack you. On the way down (and although we kept strictly to the path) one took a swipe at my boyfriend who was left with a cut on his head.
Local ceramic shop - I could have bought all these gorgeous flower pots
Sunrise from the house
Tuesday May 6th
EZS1086 ALC-BSL
ETD 2015 / ETA 2220
A319 HB-JZN
Load factor – ca. 85%
We were dropped off at the airport around 1815 and headed straight for check-in. My boyfriend was given group B this time, which I found somewhat strange, as were at the front of the queue 2 hours before departure. Judging by the number of passengers in the queue for the Newcastle flight departing around 2100, obviously check-in had opened earlier than the 2 hours indicated.
Drop off at ALC
No comment
Security was very well organised and I liked the fact that you collected a tray and put your items in it before you reached the x-ray machine. It certainly saves time. There was a wide range of duty free shops and mainly British style eateries (hardly surprising, considering the number of flights there were to the UK). Gates were only announced a few minutes before boarding time and accompanied by very annoying announcements for every flight, all computerised with 5 seconds gaps between each word.
Activity at Alicante
Around 1945 our gate was announced as 24 and it was here that passport control took place.
Our plane
As we were queuing we saw another Swiss couple who we’d passed walking up the Penon earlier that morning…die Welt ist klein! Boarding started shortly after and this time I took the back stairs and was able to secure 21 A & B.
It seemed uneerily quiet onboard and sure enough there was an announcement from the flight deck that there had been a bird strike on departure in Basel and that the wing now had to be checked for any damage. We were given the all clear after about 20 minutes, but then had to wait for the chief engineer to come and give his signature.
Pushback was at 2045, take off towards the sea at 2050 with an estimated flying time of 2hrs10. The crew were all French. We banked steeply over the water and headed back inland but by this time it was getting dark outside.
Alicante from above
Sunset
Our route took us towards Barcelona, France, Geneva and Bern and the flight was uneventful. This time I just had a cup of tea with a sandwich I’d bought at the airport and my boyfriend another noodle soup, which in his opinion is THE reason to fly with easyJet
I also bought a model A319, limited to 5000. I got the comment „Why are you buying another one when you’ve already got one?“. You see anetters, not everyone understands the difference between a 737 and a A319....
We landed 35 minutes late at 2255 and it took sometime for our luggage to arrive.
The car had been left on a car park 10 minutes' walk away, for the reasonable price of 55.- for up to 4 days. And so our trip came to an end.
My thoughts on easyJet? I am always happy to fly with them, my one problem is the boarding procedure. I would be prepared to pay a supplement if I was assigned a particular seat but I guess the chances of this happening are pretty slim. Otherwise no complaints.
Thank you for reading and comments are welcome as always!
Happy flying
Infodesk
[Edited 2008-05-28 09:15:38]
"Do nothing in haste, look well to each step and from the beginning think what may be the end" - Edward Whymper
Sabena332 From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 1, posted (4 years 12 months 2 days 19 hours ago) and read 3880 times:
Hi there,
A very nice report, I enjoyed reading and watching very much! Just last week I rented a house near Alicante (in Torrevieja) for myself and a friend from end of December until early January. I really like the warm weather in this area during the winter months and I am already looking forward to this trip.
Quoting Infodesk (Thread starter): The tickets were booked 2 months in advance during an easyJet promotion – 341 CHF for me and my boyfriend plus one suitcase, not bad at all.
Great deal. We also want to fly on EasyJet from Dortmund and I hope that we get a similar cheap fare. Unfortunately we still have to wait with the booking, I just looked again on their website but DTM-ALC-DTM flights for December/January are not bookable yet.
Quoting Infodesk (Thread starter): Our friend was ready waiting for us and in just over an hour we arrived at Calpe. Like Benidorm, the resort stretches for several kms, with many skyscrapers but also has many nice villas on the outskirts.
I know Calpe from a visit in December 1999/January 2000. We stayed in Altea and made some trips to Calpe, Benidorm, and Alicante with our rental car. This time we want to explore the area south from Alicante because both of us have never been there, but of course we will also do another trip to Altea and Calpe to see how things changed there in the past eight years.
FLIEGER67 From Turkey, joined Sep 2003, 4391 posts, RR: 57 Reply 2, posted (4 years 12 months 2 days 18 hours ago) and read 3775 times:
Hey, Hannah,
nice story and superb pics, a really good read.
I remember Alicante and surroundings from a trip in November, but such a dry looking landscape in spring, extreme.
Quoting Infodesk (Thread starter): so had to pay the extortionate price of 5.50.- for one……
They know how to make money these days.
Quoting Infodesk (Thread starter): On the way down (and although we kept strictly to the path) one took a swipe at my boyfriend who was left with a cut on his head.
And thanks for the aerial shots of Calpe. Reminds me again that this whole stretch of the Spanish coast hardly will become a favourite for my vacation.
-HT
Carpe diem ! Life is too short to waste your time ! Keep in mind, that today is the first day of the rest of your life !
Super737 From UK - Northern Ireland, joined Feb 2008, 105 posts, RR: 0 Reply 4, posted (4 years 12 months 2 days 1 hour ago) and read 3418 times:
Fantastic trip report, the photos you took looked fantastic. Flown easyjet plenty of times and have always been impressed with the service. I must say i've been to a lot of places in spain but never to alicante and this trip report really does want me to go.
Infodesk From Switzerland, joined May 2006, 1245 posts, RR: 34 Reply 5, posted (4 years 12 months ago) and read 3038 times:
Thanks for your comments guys!
Patrick:
Quoting Sabena332 (Reply 1): I rented a house near Alicante (in Torrevieja)
Funnily enough we have some other friends who have a house there. The mild climate must be a big pulling factor and I can certainly understand the appeal - I'd be quite happy to flee the Swiss winters for warmer climes.
Quoting Sabena332 (Reply 1): I just looked again on their website but DTM-ALC-DTM flights for December/January are not bookable yet.
I too have been looking for December flights with easyJet but still not available. They seem to have offers fairly frequently so I'm sure you'll be able to grab a good deal.
Quoting Sabena332 (Reply 1): know Calpe from a visit in December 1999/January 2000. We stayed in Altea and made some trips to Calpe, Benidorm, and Alicante with our rental car.
I'd like to explore the coastline more too. Just that I not sure I'd be happy driving other there.
Apparently there was bad flooding in Calpe back in the autumn which caused much damage and several hundred cars were destroyed
Markus:
Glad you enjoyed it! Interesting to hear you're coming to Zürich soon. When is your trip planned for? I don't have my schedule for July yet, but I'll let you know in due course.
Btw, I noticed on your Flugstatistik that Iceland is one of the few european countries you've not been to. Any plans for a trip?
Ht:
Quoting HT (Reply 3): Reminds me again that this whole stretch of the Spanish coast hardly will become a favourite for my vacation.
-HT
I always thought that i would never go to a place like Benidorm. And whilst I'm not a fan of the skyscrapers, I now understand the appeal it holds for certain people. Any the beaches and sea were some of the cleanest stretches I've ever come across.
Super737:
Thanks for your feedback. I too have a soft spot for easyJet. I'm sure you'd like Alicante - althought we didn't see the city I guess it would be impressive too.
Greetings
Infodesk
"Do nothing in haste, look well to each step and from the beginning think what may be the end" - Edward Whymper
RJ100 From Switzerland, joined Nov 2000, 4107 posts, RR: 32 Reply 6, posted (4 years 11 months 4 weeks 1 day 20 hours ago) and read 2963 times:
Hello Infodesk
Very nice trip report with excellent pictures.
Quoting Infodesk (Thread starter): It’s actually quite comical. People behind me with group A were trying to push past, whilst Group B passengers were at the front of the queue.
This one brought a smile to my lips. It seems Im not the only one who cannot understand the mess people can produce while boarding. It cannot be that difficult to read A, B, C or D on your boarding pass- people are just strange sometimes. I remember one case when we boarded the plane in Istanbul and the people ran over the tarmac to secure their seats...
I hope you didn't have too many problems to find a parking. Last time someone picked me up from the airport we noticed that EAP closed the main parking in front of the terminal for the Euro2008 championship.
Best regards and hope to see another of your trip reports soon again!
FLIEGER67 From Turkey, joined Sep 2003, 4391 posts, RR: 57 Reply 7, posted (4 years 11 months 4 weeks 1 day 2 hours ago) and read 2908 times:
Hey, Hannah,
Quoting Infodesk (Reply 5): Glad you enjoyed it! Interesting to hear you're coming to Zürich soon. When is your trip planned for? I don't have my schedule for July yet, but I'll let you know in due course.
15.07.
Arriving on AB operated by Belair 752 (hopefully!) from TXL late morning
Departing to DUS in the afternoon
Quoting Infodesk (Reply 5): Btw, I noticed on your Flugstatistik that Iceland is one of the few european countries you've not been to. Any plans for a trip?
Still in my mind for the summer months,
but not yet fixed till now.
Sabena332 From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 8, posted (4 years 11 months 4 weeks 17 hours ago) and read 2840 times:
Quoting Infodesk (Reply 5): The mild climate must be a big pulling factor and I can certainly understand the appeal - I'd be quite happy to flee the Swiss winters for warmer climes.
I simply love this area of Spain in the winter because of the mild climate. Spending the whole day outside in the sun in December and January is absolutely fantastic, and the best thing is that it is only 2.5 flight hours away and not a journey half accross of the globe.
Quoting Infodesk (Reply 5): I too have been looking for December flights with easyJet but still not available.
Someone told me yesterday that EasyJet flights for December are usually bookable from the second week of June (i.e. next week).
Quoting Infodesk (Reply 5): Any the beaches and sea were some of the cleanest stretches I've ever come across.
B707forever From United States of America, joined Dec 2007, 459 posts, RR: 0 Reply 9, posted (4 years 11 months 4 weeks 13 hours ago) and read 2794 times:
Thanks for the report. I've been to ALC (Calpe, Benidorm) the last two Christmas's visiting family. I'd love to live in Calpe, I think it's beautiful.
Contact Air From Germany, joined Apr 2001, 1154 posts, RR: 14 Reply 10, posted (4 years 11 months 3 weeks 6 days 17 hours ago) and read 2721 times:
Hi Infodesk,
nice report and a great series of pictures! The area around Calpe looks nice, although the centre of the town itself is dominated by too many huge buildings for my taste.
Quoting Infodesk (Thread starter): It’s actually quite comical. People behind me with group A were trying to push past, whilst Group B passengers were at the front of the queue.
Well, the pleasure of free seating...
Quoting Infodesk (Thread starter): I am always happy to fly with them, my one problem is the boarding procedure. I would be prepared to pay a supplement if I was assigned a particular seat but I guess the chances of this happening are pretty slim.
Who knows - Germanwings has recently changed their policy from free-seating to pre-assigned seats. Like that, they can make some extra money with selling seat reservations for normal seats and "XL seats".
BA319-131 From United Kingdom, joined Jan 2001, 8267 posts, RR: 56 Reply 11, posted (4 years 11 months 3 weeks 6 days 16 hours ago) and read 2710 times:
Nice report and pictures Hannah, thanks, really enjoyed, makes me wany to find tim e for a visit.
Quoting Infodesk (Thread starter): I’d forgotten just how bad the boarding procedure can be. I refused to pay the 70 .- they wanted for Speed Boarding, so was left to push and shove
- Yes, one of the things I dislike when I have to use Easyjet, thankfully it has been some months since my last trip wit them
Quoting Infodesk (Thread starter): The skyline is dominated by the 332m high Penon de Ifach. This giant rock face is popular with climbers but there is also a path to the top, which is equally as stunning as many here in the Alps. It takes just under 90 minutes to reach the top.
- Cool, the kind of thing I'd want to climb whilst on vacation.
Infodesk From Switzerland, joined May 2006, 1245 posts, RR: 34 Reply 13, posted (4 years 11 months 3 weeks 5 days 17 hours ago) and read 2663 times:
Thomas - Glad you enjoyed it. I know you're an easyJet fan
Quoting RJ100 (Reply 6): I remember one case when we boarded the plane in Istanbul and the people ran over the tarmac to secure their seats...
It would make for very amusing viewing to film this kind of scene.....
We parked the car on S4 without any problem although I noticed that they had closed off S5 and wondered why.
Quoting Sabena332 (Reply 8): Someone told me yesterday that EasyJet flights for December are usually bookable from the second week of June (i.e. next week).
Thanks for the tip Patrick, will keep my eyes open.
Quoting B707forever (Reply 9): I've been to ALC (Calpe, Benidorm) the last two Christmas's visiting family
For me that would be quite a surreal experience, spending Christmas by the beach in warmer climes. Something to try one day!
Quoting Contact Air (Reply 10): The area around Calpe looks nice, although the centre of the town itself is dominated by too many huge buildings for my taste.
It was amazing to see just how many of these tower blocks contained flats for sale. They certainly seem to outstrip the demand.
Quoting Contact Air (Reply 10): Germanwings has recently changed their policy from free-seating to pre-assigned seats. Like that, they can make some extra money with selling seat reservations for normal seats and "XL seats".
I noticed this too. I'm flying with them for the first time next month and although I didn't pre-book a seat, I found the fee (5E I think) very reasonable.
Quoting BA319-131 (Reply 11): Cool, the kind of thing I'd want to climb whilst on vacation.
I'm not the sort to seat on a beach all week. Give me a viewpoint and I'm up there like lightning!
Vio - glad you enjoyed reading it!
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Reply 7): 15.07.
Arriving on AB operated by Belair 752 (hopefully!) from TXL late morning
Departing to DUS in the afternoon
Should know by the end of the week how I'm working that day
Greetings
Infodesk
"Do nothing in haste, look well to each step and from the beginning think what may be the end" - Edward Whymper
StefanPAD From Germany, joined Dec 2005, 282 posts, RR: 0 Reply 14, posted (4 years 11 months 3 weeks 20 hours ago) and read 2545 times:
Hi Infodesk!
Interesting read and great pictures. The sunny pics of the landscape makes me envious
Quoting Infodesk (Thread starter): Consequently, I'd forgotten just how bad the boarding procedure can be. I refused to pay the 70 .- they wanted for Speed Boarding, so was left to push and shove at Gate 82.
I've never experienced free seating boarding. But as you mentioned you risk to get separated from companions. Did this ever happen to you?
Sunshine79 From UK - England, joined Jan 2006, 1758 posts, RR: 34 Reply 15, posted (4 years 11 months 3 weeks 17 hours ago) and read 2521 times:
Great trip report. It brings back the days when I used to work in ALC.
Quoting Infodesk (Reply 5): I'd like to explore the coastline more too. Just that I not sure I'd be happy driving other there.
Apparently there was bad flooding in Calpe back in the autumn which caused much damage and several hundred cars were destroyed
Yes, these were the worst floods we had, and probably to see in our lifetime. I saw a video online at the time of boats in Denia being swept under bridges and never to be seen again. Car and even coaches were abandoned and flights diverted to IBZ for a few hours. It took 5 days to pump out underground car parks. It was scary stuff, I can tell you. But I live to tell the tale.
Calpe is lovely. Did you know Calpe rock is also known as Mini Gibraltar and is a look out point for sailors, so they know where they are along the coastline. Spain's national flower, the carnation grows on the rock too. It's also a haven for rock climbers in the winter too with it's mild temperatures. Just a bit of useless information I'd share with you.
Egmcman From United Kingdom, joined Jun 2005, 898 posts, RR: 9 Reply 16, posted (4 years 11 months 2 weeks 5 days 16 hours ago) and read 2411 times:
Nice report
Quoting Infodesk (Thread starter): It's actually quite comical. People behind me with group A were trying to push past, whilst Group B passengers were at the front of the queue
I fly U2 STN- AGP to visit my parents and the same thing happens. On my last last flight from AGP I had to push my way through and I had speedy boarding plus.
When I fly from AGP I get group B and check in before just before the check in desk opens. My theory was as I was on my own they knew I don't mind in general who I sit next to.
Quoting Sabena332 (Reply 1): Just last week I rented a house near Alicante (in Torrevieja) for myself and a friend from end of December until early January
I have been there . Based on my experience I agree with what you say about the weather in Spain in winter when I visited my parents between Christmas and new year I was wearing jeans and a t-shirt.
Infodesk From Switzerland, joined May 2006, 1245 posts, RR: 34 Reply 17, posted (4 years 11 months 2 weeks 4 days 17 hours ago) and read 2349 times:
Quoting StefanPAD (Reply 14): The sunny pics of the landscape makes me envious
Yep, we could could certainly do with some more sun and less rain here in central europe at the moment!
Quoting StefanPAD (Reply 14): But as you mentioned you risk to get separated from companions. Did this ever happen to you?
This happened on the way back because I had done online check in. I was able to board fairly quickly and keep a seat for my partner which thankfully didn't cause any problems. It just adds to the stress factor!
sunshine79 - It's frightening what mother nature can do, isn't it? We are so powerless against these things. But I'm glad that you're here to tell the tale.
Quoting Sunshine79 (Reply 15): Did you know Calpe rock is also known as Mini Gibraltar and is a look out point for sailors, so they know where they are along the coastline. Spain's national flower, the carnation grows on the rock too. It's also a haven for rock climbers in the winter too with it's mild temperatures. Just a bit of useless information I'd share with you.
No, I didn't know any of this, although I can understand the similarity with gibraltar. Not useless at all, I always like snippets of information like this about places I visit
Quoting Egmcman (Reply 16): check in before just before the check in desk opens. My theory was as I was on my own they knew I don't mind in general who I sit next to.
Could be. Although I get the impression that they're opening the check-in earlier then advertised. How did your speedy boarding work? Was it worth the extra?
Thanks for your comments
Infodesk
"Do nothing in haste, look well to each step and from the beginning think what may be the end" - Edward Whymper
Egmcman From United Kingdom, joined Jun 2005, 898 posts, RR: 9 Reply 19, posted (4 years 11 months 2 weeks 3 days 16 hours ago) and read 2273 times:
Quoting Infodesk (Reply 17): Although I get the impression that they're opening the check-in earlier then advertised. How did your speedy boarding work? Was it worth the extra?
At STN & AGP they have dedicted desks whenever I have flown before I noticed they were hardly used. On both directions it took around five minutes to check in and go through security which was very good considering at AGP it was busy for the first round of departures for flights to the UK around 11AM local time. Choosing my seat at both ends was nice at AGP because I have always been in group B. On my last flight it nice to two attractive young ladies chosing to sit next to me who looking for a child free are of the cabin.
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