I always enjoy watch airport operations and ‘germanwings’ has done a great job putting together a time-lapse video showing the progression of a germanwings flight. This 1.5 minute video captures the essence of a typical germanwing flight up through takeoff. The video starts with a ramp view of the aircraft being fueled, the proceeds to check-in, baggage handling, boarding, taxi and takeoff. Its stuff like this that us ‘avgeeks’ never get tired!
The video was taken at the Köln/Bonn and features a germanwings Airbus sporting the new livery. germanwings has an impressive and extensive YouTube channel that is worth checking out!
For those of you not familiar with germanwings, they are Lufthansa Group’s ‘low cost carrier’ airline that serves intra-german and intra-european routes. Lufthansa is currently in the process of consolidating the majority of it’s short haul operations into germanwings. germanwings ‘officially’ becomes the LCC on July 1, 2013.
Personally this is my favorite time of year to travel to Europe and it’s when most of our trips take place. What makes it my favorite time is that the late summer and early fall marks the end of the “High Summer” travel season. Tourists, prices and temperatures recede creating a far more enjoyable atmosphere.
Over the last couple of years I’ve had the good fortune of visiting some of Italy’s greatest places. We have experienced Venice, Rome, Vatican City (I know, technically not in Italy), Poveglia Island, Sorrento, Capri, Naples (including a great visit to Pompeii) and other parts of the Amalfi coast (click each link for my trip reports). Each of these cities and areas have unique experiences that await their visitors which makes Italy such a wonderful place to visit. Every city and region has their own identity and culture!
Back to the Fare Sale…
Fares during this sale start as low as $1109 (Charlotte to Rome). Fares from most other East Coast Lufthansa gateways range in the low $1200 range. If you’re traveling from the West Coast, your fares will range between $1300 and $1369. For you mileage junkies, the best value on a ‘cost per mile’ basis would obviously come from starting your travels from the west coast.
As with any fare sale, terms and conditions apply and are as follows:
Tickets must be purchased by September 4, 2013.
You must depart between August 25 and October 26, 2013
You must return between September 1 and November 24, 2013
Tickets must be purchased at least 7 days prior to departure
Fare is valid for travel on Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian, Brussels, Air Canada and United
If you are planning on originating your travels in Vienna or simply have a long layover during July and August, make sure to take advantage of AUSTRIAN’s Business Lounge sale. Typically the lounge access costs €35 per visit, but during for this promotion it will only cost €17.50.
The last time that I was in ‘VIE’ I had a chance to visit the new lounge which is located in the new dedicated Star Alliance Terminal. The terminal is set up in a very efficient manner, with a fairly large buffet by Do&Co and beverage area along with ample seating. It has a decent view of a view gates as well for the planespotter in you.
Additionally, there is complimentary WiFi , a Business Center complete with computers, fax and telephones and a dedicated “Quiet Area”.
There are 2 Business Lounges available. One in the Schengen area and on in the non-Schengen area. Which Lounge you can access will depend on your itinerary. Eligibility is open to anyone traveling on a Austrian or Austrian partner operated flight. Economy Class passengers are eligible for the discount as well.
You can purchase your lounge pass as soon as 36 hours prior to your scheduled departure or simply walk into the lounge and purchase your pass at that point.
Please be aware that each lounge access pass is valid for one person. You can not “guest” someone into the lounge. Also, the pass is not transferrable.
