Differences between domestic flights in the US and Europe (page 2 of 3)

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Differences between domestic flights in the US and Europe

(page 2 of 3)

3) the bus (or train) to airport has a good chance of having no or broken air conditioning.
I often hope for no AC, because at least the windows will be open. With broken AC, sometimes the windows aren't able to be opened, and you ride in an increasingly smelly inferno to the airport (I think this phenomenon also explains 90% of the stinky european stereotypes. Americans get stinky too when they ride in 95F public transportation with no oxygen).

4) don't expect organization
Europeans typically don't make their lines zig-zag. In the US, we have those black rope-like things on poles that organize lines at amusement parks, airports, and even Burger King. In Europe, you get a LONG kinda single-file line. A choice few Europeans like to hop this line, and the lack of a zigzag certainly makes line hoping easier. The European mentality makes them good at blocking those people, so watch and learn.

Electronic quick check-in machines aren't typically available, but if they are available, they are likely underused, so make sure to look for them if you don't mind using these machines.

5) security might feel a little more lax
I find this laxness to be a relief from the airport security in the US that borders on psychotic and can leave you feeling violated. In Europe (at least Southern Europe; England on the other hand is very similar to the US), people will often be cramming through that metal detector, and the dude operating the metal detector might not even be paying much attention. I don't think this is something to worry about. As far as I know, there have been no major terrorist problems on European domestic flights. It's much more likely someone will steal from your luggage (because of this, you'll see many European's have their luggage wrapped in something like Saran Wrap, before they check their luggage).

6) europeans push onto the airplane even when they have assigned seats
Americans flying Southwest will be familiar to this pushing onto the airplane phenomenon. However, it baffles me when I fly Vueling in Europe. Everyone on the plane already has a seat, but people still line up 45-60 minutes early to rush into the airplane.

7) europeans don't carry on much luggage
Along with cheaper tickets, this is another big perk of European domestic flights for Americans. You rarely have to search for space for your carry on baggage, because Europeans put most of their stuff under the plane.

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