Words of Wisdom on Budget Airlines in Europe

One thing quickly discovered on a trip to Europe is the beauty (or lack thereof) of budget airlines. Vueling, EasyJet, Ryanair... these companies help make seeing so many countries in one trip possible without spending a ton of money. At the same time though, their no frills approach may come as a shock to those unprepared.

Our flight from Amsterdam to Barcelona was no exception. While incredibly affordable (around $100 for a 2 hour flight), the flight was also less than comfortable. Want to sit with the person you're traveling with? Pay extra. Used to being served a drink on the flight? Even water costs more. Leg room? At 5"1, even I felt cramped.

Adding to the enjoyment of the flight, the people around us did not stop talking the entire time, making the nap I desperately needed much less possible. And, as the line formed for the bathroom in the front of the plane, I marveled at how different this was than traveling in the US. (Shoes remained on, body scanners were almost nonexistent, and the toughest customs I faced were when I came back to the US).

But on the other hand, despite the no-frills approach, the flight was only $100. You do the math.