It’s time for another Snapshot, as I take a look at the passenger experience on easyJet Switzerland 1493 between Geneva Airport and Birmingham Airport.
In case you’ve forgotten how we do travel write-ups on Economy Class and Beyond, I have two major travel writing styles:
- Trip Reports – These are full deep-dive reports taking you into the experience and the small things… as well as the big things!
- Snapshots – These are bite-sized reviews that show you the basic product in some nice gentle headlines (and normally, only images shot on the phone)
Today, we’re on the Snapshot. The full in-depth review is very near completion.
And as tempting as it is, I haven’t sent this work out to OpenAI to write it for me.
Check-in
The check-in process was completed when I checked in for the outbound flight, with easyJet allowing for check-in up to between 30 days and 2 hours before departure.
At the airport
I took the train from Geneva Cornavin station for the short one-stop ride between the city and the airport. From there, it was a matter of following the signs to departures.
You need to head to the mezzanine level for departures and security.
Security
The security process took 15 minutes to clear. The airport uses a mixture of scanning methods – I was directed to lanes utilising CT-style scanners – meaning that I did not have to remove any items from my bag.
One bag was pulled aside for manual inspection (I suspect due to the amount of chocolate I was bringing back), but this took minimal time, to be processed.
Inside the terminal
Once inside the secure area, it’s a case of shop, shop, shop, with Swiss brands represented, as well as the ubiquitous duty-free shop.
Providing you hunted, you could find window areas and places to sit.
As I had no lounge access, I did not avail myself of a facility for once.
It is important to note that times are posted to gates, and you need to keep an eye out, as you may be flung to the far end of the terminal, or to one of the four satellites.
Boarding
Our aircraft was scheduled to depart from the B Gates at Gate 43 – out of one of the satellites.
Border control is carried out on entry to the satellites.
The satellites are rather thin on facilities, with only seating and a small combi-shop there.
Boarding priority was controlled, with Passengers needing assistance first, then SpeedyBoarding passengers, and then everyone else. Interestingly your boarding pass is scanned on the ground floor before you accended to a jetbridge to board the aircraft.
The Aircraft
It’s an easyJet Airbus A319, with the aircraft registered and operated by easyJet Switzerland. Note, easyJet’s A319s have two rows of emergency exits to allow for a higher seat count.
Seating
The aircraft is a 156 -seat configured with a 29″ seat pitch in most rows, in a 3-3 configuration throughout. The seats installed have no reclining function.
I was sat in Row 11 – an exit row. There are two exit rows on this aircraft, for those who want extra space, or who are paying for Standard Plus seating.
This aircraft was lightly loaded with it about a quarter full.
Wi-Fi and IFE
The aircraft had a Wi-Fi Server installed powered by AirFi, providing passengers access to an inflight map, providing a menu, an onboard shopping guide and some games.
No external internet access was provisioned on this aircraft.
Catering
The airline offered a buy-on-board service. As the aircraft was lightly loaded, only one trolley was used for the catering run, as well as one for the duty-free run.
Landing
The aircraft landed around 15 minutes early at Birmingham Airport, with very low visibility conditions prevailing.
The aircraft was docked at the far end of the International Pier, with a slight delay. It seemed that the ground staff were not happy with people out and about, with a jetbridge attached to the aircraft.
From here, it was a walk to the UK Border – which was very quiet. After a manual passport check, I was allowed back into the country.
Clearing this area leads to the baggage claim area and the exit, via the last chance shop “duty-free” prices.
From there, I entered the public area of Birmingham Airport, and towards a train back to the city centre – as I was not feeling masochistic for taking the bus back.
Images from the flight
The full review is coming soon!
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