Caro-prices for the East? The three companies to fly low-cost from Europe
Here are the low-cost airlines that connect the old continent with Asia; none of these flights leave from Italy
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Longer, and therefore more expensive, routes In terms of fuel, Because of the war between Russia and Ukraine and the closure of Russian airspace for many companies; high demand after the end of travel restrictions in many countries; and a'supply (of flights and seats) that is still far from that of 2019 and is certainly far less than that between Europe and North America.
These are some of the 'ingredients' that have made the increase in airfare prices to the Far East among the 'saltiest' this past year. Estimates are +12-15% in Economy and +7-8% in Business.
Escaping high prices is possible, although it requires some ingenuity and creativity in the search for alternative carriers to well-known ones and low-cost airlines flying between the two ends of the Eurasian continent.
One of these is Bamboo Airways. Which, no, is not Kung-fu Panda's airline, but a Vietnamese full-service airline that offers, if you book well in advance and are a bit elastic about your departure date, low-cost fares. In Europe, fly to Frankfurt and London Gatwick, both from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Its Boeing 787-9s are outfitted in three classes, with a Business class that has nothing to envy in comfort, amenities, food and beverage, and inflight entertainment, to its more emblazoned European and Asian competitors.
By booking, for example, For mid-September, you can find a one-way fare from Gatwick to Ho Chi Minh City at $236, about 210 euros, which includes checked baggage, food and beverages, and inflight entertainment. And Business starts at $1,200 one way, or just under 1,100 euros.
For the past few days, however, Korea's Air Premia is flying a Boeing 787-9 between Frankfurt and Seoul: here the most affordable class, compared to its competitors, is Premium Economy, which starts at 730 euros all-inclusive one-way. And it is not just any Premium Economy, but the one with the largest legroom in the world: 42 inches, or 107 centimeters.
From Athens and Berlin you can instead fly to Singapore with Scoot, Singapore Airlines' low-cost class, starting at less than 400 euros one way in Economy. ScootPlus class, which is Premium Economy, starts at just over 700 euros one way and includes fast track, checked baggage, ample legroom, and food and alcoholic beverages included.
Of course, from Italy you have to add the cost of the flight to London, Frankfurt, Athens or Berlin. But, Frankfurt aside (which is a very expensive destination, in general, to fly to from Italy), all other cities are connected to our country by more than one low-cost carrier. And, by booking well in advance, they can be reached for a few tens of euros.
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