Air Arabia Review: The Truth About Flying Budget 2025
When you’re booking flights, Air Arabia pops up with prices that make you do a double-take. “Surely there’s a catch,” you think. Well, dear reader, let me tell you about my recent adventure with this budget carrier because yes, there are catches, but also some surprisingly decent bits. The Initial Seduction: That Sweet, Sweet Sale Price I bought my ticket in July after spotting a big sale on fly4free (my go-to site for flight deals). There were a few third-party companies to choose from but I went with Booking.com. I find them the most reliable, plus they have 24/7 chat with actual humans, not AI bots. It cost me €310.99, for a route Warsaw-Sharjah & Sharjah-Bangkok which is quite a steal. Feeling responsible (and mildly paranoid 😃), I paid an extra €40.43 for the “one free change” option that would let me change my flight up to 24 hours before departure…you know, just in case life happens. Spoiler alert: life happenned. Luggage: Keeping It Light (Whether You Want To Or Not) Air Arabia’s base fare includes only hand luggage, which is standard budget airline territory. However (and this is where I have to give credit where credit is due), adding checked luggage was actually quite cheap. I paid €5.63 for 20kg and it was genuinely reasonable. No hidden fees, no surprise charges at the airport, no need to sell a kidney. Just a straightforward, affordable luggage addition. The Verdict on Luggage: Genuinely no complaints here. Affordable and straightforward. Seats: The Hunger Games of Check-In You can check in 48 hours before departure, and that’s when seat selection opens.I did my check-in around 26 hours in advance, feeling smug and organized. Unfortunately, on the first flight, all the window seats were already taken. Gone. Vanished. Claimed by people who clearly have better alarm systems than I do. Here’s what I learned: You need to check in shortly after it opens at the 48-hour mark. Not exactly at midnight if you value sleep, but definitely not 26 hours later like I did. Set an alarm. Set multiple alarms. Tell your friends to call you. Program your coffee maker to remind you. Because if you wait even a few hours, all the good seats will be gone faster than toilet paper in March 2020.😃 The good news? Seat selection itself is free – no extra fees for once! The “Free Change” Trap Here’s where things get spicy. My flight was scheduled for October 11th, but life decided to get interesting. My best friend surprised me by visiting my country and since she was staying longer than my departure date, I thought “Hey, this is exactly why I paid that extra €40.43! I can extend my trip and spend more time with her! I contacted Booking.com (4 days in advance, so well within the 24h policy), and they happily quoted me… €518 to make the change. Yes, you read that correctly. Five hundred and eighteen euros. For my “free” change. That’s €161 MORE than my original ticket cost. When I politely pointed out that I’d literally paid €40 for a free change, here’s the explanation I got: “Yes, you have one free change! However, you still need to pay: So basically, “free change” means “we won’t charge you our administrative fee (probably worth €30-50), but literally everything else that makes up the ticket price still applies.” It’s like ordering a “free burger” but having to pay separately for the bun, patty, lettuce, tomato, and the privilege of eating it. If I’d known that “free” actually means “we’ll just reprint your ticket and charge you more than the original flight,” I would have happily kept my €40 and bought extra snacks instead. Lesson learned. Faced with paying €518 to change my €357 ticket, I did what any rational person would do: I flew on the original date and waved goodbye to my friend like we were in a sad movie. The Actual Flight To be fair, once you’re on board, Air Arabia is actually perfectly fine. The cabin was clean, the crew was friendly and helpful, and everything ran smoothly. For a budget airline, that’s honestly all you need. Leg’s Space I am 168 cm tall (5’5″) and I managed to fit comfortably. My legs had space, I could shift positions, I wasn’t feeling claustrophobic. For me, the legroom was adequate for a budget airline. However—and this is a BIG however—in terms of tall people, there was very, very little space for legs left. I could see the people around me who were over 6 feet struggling. Knees hitting the seat in front, unable to stretch out, basically sitting in the fetal position for hours. Food Let’s talk catering — or, more accurately, the total absence of it. There’s no free food or drinks on Air Arabia flights. None. Not even a sad cookie. You can, however, pre-order a meal or buy one during the flight, with prices hovering around €5–€8. If you’re the kind of person who can’t survive a flight without something warm, definitely pre-book. As for me, being the practical (and slightly cheap) traveler that I am, I brought my own sandwiches. No regrets whatsoever. But please, for the love of humanity, do not bring anything with tuna or egg.This is a closed metal tube cruising at 35,000 feet — the smell will haunt your row (and your reputation) for the entire flight. Entertainment: Your Phone Is Now Your Best Friend There are no screens in front of you like we’re used to from other airlines. However, you can connect from your phone to their WiFi network and it takes you to their entertainment portal. There were a few movies and some series available. It’s not Netflix, but it’s something to stare at while you pretend to ignore your seatmate’s snoring. You also have some basic flight information available: how much time is left, where you are on the map, altitude, speed—all the stats you never asked for but will obsessively check
Cancelled Flight? How to Survive the Panic and Take Control
Flight Cancellations in the EU and UK—Your Ultimate Survival Guide Alright, let’s talk about one of the most soul-crushing experiences known to travelers: cancelled flight. I’ve been there—six times, to be exact. Six of my flights have been cancelled at the last minute, when I was already at the airport, mentally checked into vacation mode. (Shoutout to Wizzair, Ryanair, and EasyJet for the character development.) And let me tell you, it doesn’t get any less frustrating. It’s not just the cancellation that’s maddening—it’s the chaos that comes next. Panic Mode: Activated You’re standing there at the airport, staring at a departure board, watching your flight status update go to”Cancelled”, plans up in smoke, and suddenly you’re hit with that sinking realization: I have no idea what to do next. There’s no one giving you clear information, and you’re left wondering, “What now?” So, like any sane person, you grab your phone and frantically Google “What to do when my flight gets canceled?” on a weak airport Wi-Fi signal. And when it finally loads, you’re bombarded with ads from third-party companies promising to “help” you get compensation for free (which is not actually free, but we’ll get to that later). Here’s the Good News If you’re flying in the EU, you’re in luck (kind of) because EU laws are like your fairy godmother when it comes to flight cancellations. After going through this nightmare scenario 6 times, I’ve learned a few things about how to handle it. This post is designed to be your guide when you’re in that panic-inducing moment at the airport, unsure of your next move. I’ll guide you on how to get rebooked, how to claim compensation, what the airline is obligated to provide, and how to get through the whole ordeal with as little stress as possible. Read it, save it, and the next time your flight gets cancelled, you’ll be the one calmly handling the situation like an absolute pro. Is This Post for Me? -Yes, if you meet both of these conditions: Your flight has been cancelled less than 14 days before departure,(especially if you’re already at the airport and searching for what to do.) Your flight is connected to at least one of the countries below. Austria Belgium Bulgaria Croatia Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Estonia Finland France Germany Greece Hungary Ireland Italy Latvia Lithuania Luxembourg Malta Netherlands Poland Portugal Romania Slovakia Slovenia Spain Sweden United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland) 3 Simple Rules to Know If You’re Covered: 1.Flight Between Two of These Countries If you’re flying from one of the countries from the list to another, you’re covered. Here are some examples: France to Italy Netherlands to Portugal Germany to Sweden Ireland to Spain Poland to the UK 2.Flight Departs from One of These Countries. If your flight only starts in one of the countries from the list and lands outside the EU or UK, you’re still covered. Here are some examples: Germany to Japan Spain to Canada Sweden to Morocco Italy to Egypt UK to USA 3.Flight Arrives in One of These Countries with an EU/UK Airline. If your flight lands in one of the countries from the list AND is operated by an EU or UK airline, you’re also covered. The most popular EU/UK based airlines are: British Airways, Ryanair, EasyJet, Lufthansa, Air France, KLM, Iberia, SWISS, Wizz Air, LOT Polish Airlines. Here are some examples: USA to Germany with Lufthansa Canada to France with Air France Turkey to the UK with WizzAir Tunisia to France with Ryanair Egypt to the UK with EasyJet However If you’re flying into the EU or UK but on a non-EU airline, unfortunately the regulation doesn’t cover you. Heads up! Most of my own cancellations have been with Wizz Air (no hard feelings). This post will include some examples, screenshots and emails from my personal experience with them. But don’t worry—the legal rules and advice here apply to all airlines, as long as you meet one of the three conditions above. I’m at the Airport and My Flight Just Got Cancelled. What should I do?! Okay, first things first—don’t panic. I’ve been there, and I know how much it sucks, but we’ll get you though this mess. Here’s exactly what you need to do, step-by-step: Step 1: Act Fast the Moment You Know Your Flight is Cancelled The second you see or hear that your flight is cancelled, get moving. You’ve got to head back to where you entered the airport. You might be thinking, “Wait, isn’t this giving up?” But it’s not. Depending on the option you will choose you will need to re-enter the security for your new flight or head out of the airport. It’s the place to be at, regardless of the option you choose. But Wait! You Can’t Just Turn Around and Go Back! Airports don’t let you simply walk back the way you came from security. Oh no, airports love their one-way systems. They usually have a “secret exit” from the duty-free or gate area that takes you where you need to go. Ask for Directions (Seriously, Don’t Be Shy!): If you have no idea where to go, grab the nearest airport staff (politely, no tackling) and ask them where to go when your flight is cancelled. 99% of the time, they’ll direct you another way that will get you back to the check-in areas ( you know, those check in desks where passengers check-in their luggage) or just somewhere to the arrivals, nearby luggage claim areas where you need to leave and walk to the departures area. Step 2: Sort out your new flight Watch Out for the Airline’s Sneaky “Solutions” By now, you’ve probably received an email or notification from the airline saying, “Your flight has been cancelled. (Bla bla bla.) We apologize for the inconvenience.” Then, they’ll usually give you 3 options: rebook on a new flight. get refund in form of the voucher ( sometimes it’s more than if you requested refund in
Epic Tomorrowland: Secrets of the Global Journey Package
Epic Tomorrowland: Secrets of the Global Journey Package Today, we embark on a journey of discovery into the heart of the Tomorrowland Global Journey package. It’s a magical portal that promises a golden ticket to the kingdom of EDM ecstasy while taking you on a meticulously tailored adventure. In this very post, I am uncovering the mysteries of whether the Global Journey is the key to unlocking the ultimate festival nirvana or just a commercial conspiracy developed by sneaky geniuses to rip us off our hard-earned cash. First, we’re going to get all techy-geeky with some general know-how about this package. And then, I’ll tell you all about my own, wild adventure with it since in July 2023 I went on a journey so epic (and expensive😃) that even my mom questioned my sanity. Get ready to note, laugh ( and possibly question my life choices ) as we journey through the magical landscape of the Global Journey package review. Disclaimer: Before we get this started, let me make one thing crystal clear. This review is 100% powered by my own unfiltered opinions. No one’s sliding me any backstage passes, though I’d totally trade a kidney to be sponsored by Tomorrowland. 😂 Techy-Geeky Know-How: Understanding the Global Journey Package What is Global Journey Package? Convenience Imagine if planning a trip to Tomorrowland was as easy as ordering a pizza. You just pick up your phone (okay, tap on your screen), make a few choices, and bam—everything’s sorted. That’s Global Journey for you. It’s like having a magic festival fairy who, instead of granting you three wishes, fixes up your whole trip with a flick of her wand.🧚♂️ (and yes, a little swipe of your credit card) Customisation It’s not just about convenience. You also get to be the master of your own festival destiny! With Global Journey, you’re in control of two crucial aspects of your festival adventure: transport and accommodation. Firstly, choose your mode of transport from a variety of options, whether you prefer the speed of a flight, the scenic route by train, or the affordability of a bus journey. Then, select your level of comfort from the magical menu of accommodations. Whether you’re drawn to the immersive experience of DreamVille, the tailored comfort of a concept hotel, or the practicality of a hostel, you have the power to choose. This customization ensures that your trip to Tomorrowland is exactly what you want it to be, tailored to your own style, budget and comfort preferences. No drama Once you customise your Global Journey Package, every detail is taken care of. You can dive into the Tomorrowland experience without lifting a finger. Think of it as an ‘all-inclusive’ package in the magic words of festivals. No more staring at flight prices like they’re going to change if you blink, no battling with hotel bookings, and definitely no trying to figure out how to get from the airport to the festival without ending up in a different country.😃 Since all the logistic of travel and accommodation is handled by the team of pros, in the meantime you can focus on the fun parts, like the selection of festival outfits or just heavy drinking. Your only job is to show up and let the festival spirit sweep you away. It’s literally like the backstage pass to the festival of your dreams, without the chaotic logistical drama. What Exactly Does Global Journey include? Transportation from your home country to Belgium and back. (customizable) Each of these Tomorrowland Global Journey transport options is designed to enhance your festival experience from the moment you start your journey. It’s not just a boring transfer from point A to B. They’re more than just transportation, They’re an integral part of the experience and first step into the adventure offering a seamless transition into the magic world of Tomorrowland. Luckily, you have three exciting options to choose from: plane, train, and bus. Each mode of transportation comes with its own unique experience and set of benefits. Let’s explore the options and help you decide the best way to reach Tomorrowland! Global Journey by Plane Diving back into the high-flying route to Tomorrowland, the plane option really spreads its wings far and wide, with departures from over 55 cities around the globe. These flights, operated in partnership with Brussels Airlines, offer a unique experience with a special Tomorrowland act on board to get the festival started in the sky. However this isn’t your average, “Please fasten your seatbelt” kind of flight. No, no, no! We’re talking about party flights here! The excitement begins the moment you check-in. It’s like a mini rave at 30,000 feet setting the stage for the epic celebration awaiting you at Tomorrowland. From themed decor that reflects the Tomorrowland ethos to in-flight entertainment and live DJ sets that get you in the festival mood, the journey is as much a part of the event as the festival itself. You can check it out on TikTok: HERE FUN FACT: In the past Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike have indeed performed on some of the special Tomorrowland Party Flights. Global Journey by Train These aren’t your grandma’s quiet carriages! We’re talking about Tomorrowland Party Trains, where the festival vibe kicks off the moment the train leaves the station. It’s like Hogwarts Express (if Hogwarts taught festival survival skills instead of spells). There’s an energy in the air, a buzz of excitement as everyone’s headed to the same magical place. Some trains even feature live DJ sets, turning your carriage into the VIP section of the coolest club you’ve ever been to – only it’s zipping through beautiful European landscapes, making it feel like you’ve started Tomorrowland way before reaching the actual grounds. It’s an epic warm-up, ensuring you arrive not just ready, but already living the festival life by the time you arrive. You can depart from: Global Journey by Bus The bus option for Tomorrowland’s Global Journey offers a practical and budget-friendly
Cheap Flights: 13 Insider Tips for Finding the Best Deals
Cheap Flights: 13 Insider Tips for Finding the Best Deals If you’ve ever Googled “how to find cheap flights?” you’ve likely stumbled upon all sorts of ridiculous tips like “Flights are the cheapest if you buy them on Tuesdays,” or “Clear your browser cookies to get better prices.” I’ve seen and heard it all. And trust me, there’s a lot more to finding cheap flights than just hoping the travel gods smile upon you on a random Tuesday. But here’s the good news: You don’t need to believe these fairytales anymore. I know all the ins and outs of scoring the best deals and I’m here to share my 13 real, practical strategies with you (seasoned with a dash of humour, of course😜). The £9 Miracle: My Cheapest Flight Ever Having taken over 200 flights, I’ve found that most of them were cheaper than my bus ride to the airport. No joke—the cheapest flight I ever scored was just £8.99 That’s less than the cost of a fancy coffee or a dubious-looking hot dog at the station. And if I can do it, so can you! And no, I’m not talking about cramming yourself into a suitcase and flying in cargo (because apparently, it doesn’t work 😂 –LINK). Get Ready to Learn: The Real Cheap Flights Secrets So, let’s cut through the nonsense and get down to the real secrets of scoring those sweet, sweet flight deals. Whether you’re planning a spontaneous weekend getaway or your dream vacation, buckle up because in this post, I’m going to share everything you need to know about: Lesser-Known Search Engines Top Websites for the Best Deals Insider Airline Loopholes When to Book for the Best Prices Smart Tips to Keep Your Cheap Flight Costs Even Lower But wait, there’s more! This isn’t just talk—I’m not leaving you high and dry with just theory. This post is packed with real-life examples and screenshots to show you exactly how to use these tricks. Think of it as your personal flight-hacking manual, complete with visual aids and, of course, a few bonus memes for good measure. So fasten your seatbelt, pour yourself a glass of wine (preferably cheap so it matches the budget-friendly vibe of this post 😃) and get ready to save some serious cash on your next adventure. 1. Your Superpower – FLEXIBILITY. Think of flexibility as your secret superpower in the quest for cheap flights. The more you can bend and twist your travel plans, the more likely you are to snag a killer deal! When I was working at the travel agency, clients often came with very specific requirements, like “Can you find me a cheap flight (under £50) from London Gatwick to Ibiza from August 1st to August 8th?” While I’d love to wave a magic wand and make that happen, the reality is, if you’re locked into super-specific dates and destinations finding cheap flights can be pretty tough. Airlines and travel sites often reserve their best deals for travelers who are open to adjusting their plans. While there are tools (which we’ll dive into later) that can help you get the best price if your requirements are set in stone, the truth is that flexibility leads to much better deals. For instance, if instead of specific requirements you say “I want to go somewhere sunny in the autumn,” you open up a world of possibilities. Your chances of scoring an awesome deal just went up exponentially! Tips for Maximizing Flexibility: Play with Your Dates: Sometimes, moving your trip by just a day or two can lower the price. Many sites offer a calendar view with outlined prices. Destination Roulette: If you’re flexible about where you go, you might find cheap flights to places you didn’t even know existed.😃 Use Flexible Search Tools: Most of the sites have tools that let you search for cheap flights across a range of dates or to multiple destinations. Release its power (later I’ll tell you how). By embracing your inner travel chameleon and being open to changing your plans, you’ll be amazed at how many great deals you can find. So, put on your flexibility cape and get ready to save big—your wallet (and your inner travel guru) will thank you! Since many of us are childfree, we have almost an unfair advantage in this travel game.😜 You can ditch the school schedules and family commitments, giving you the ultimate freedom to snag spontaneous bargains. Sure, you might have work or other constraints, but that childfree flexibility? It’s a game-changer! Use it to your advantage, and watch how easily you can score those amazing flight deals. 2. Search for Deals and Discounts! Let’s talk about scoring those elusive cheap flights. Airlines and travel companies are constantly running promotions and discounts, but usually, they don’t advertise them widely. They’ll drop fares, throw flash sales, and even mess up their pricing from time to time. By knowing where to look and how to search effectively, you can tap into these exclusive offers and save big on your next trip. How to Master the Art of Deal-Hunting Become a Deal Detective: Channel your inner Sherlock Holmes and hunt down those elusive cheap flight deals. They might not have flashy billboards, but they’re out there—waiting for you to find them! The more you search, the better your chances of finding a killer deal. Act Fast: When you find a great fare, grab it quickly—otherwise, you might be left staring at the “Sold Out” sign while kicking yourself. These websites are checked by hundreds of people daily so the deal posted today might not be valid tomorrow. It’s a battle of wits, a test of endurance, and a race against time as you try to snatch up those cheap flights before they disappear into the ether… Isn’t it exciting?😜 Keep an Open Mind: Sometimes the best deals are for destinations you didn’t even know you wanted to visit. Embrace the adventure and be open to flying somewhere unexpected