Jet2 delivers relaxed low-cost flying experience in Europe

Low-cost carriers often offer cheap, no-frills travel, but their cut-rate modelling may come at the cost of chaotic ground experiences, pushy sales pitches on board, and limited comforts in the air. However, on a recent flight from Newcastle, UK to Las Palmas, Canary Islands, I was delighted to discover that Jet2 Airways has been able to create a LCC model that maintains a relaxed passenger experience even at a very competitive price.

Jet2 has made flying from Newcastle International Airport a breeze. Arriving at the airport the night before my flight, I was surprised to see that Jet2 offers a ‘twilight checkin’ service (all checkin is done online so it should really be called ‘twilight bag drop’). The bag drop area is well staffed, with counter agents and floorwalkers on hand to assist. I availed of this handy service.

The next day, I noticed that many staffers were again present to help passengers. There were no queues.

Jet2 red branding is seen everywhere at checkin.

The ‘twilight checkin’ was a delight. Image: Fintan Horan-Stear

The airport is small and I arrived at the peak hour for departures. But with next generation security scanners speeding passengers through the checkpoint, I was airside in mere minutes!

When our gate was called, passengers were welcomed straight onto the plane with no waiting in an interim lounge. This was the most seamless ground experience I’ve ever had in an airport and I did not have to queue once.

As I boarded the Boeing 737-800 — resplendent in Jet2’s stylish red and silver livery — I was greeted by friendly crew members who directed me to my seat. I had paid extra for an exit row in the middle of the plane and passed through the rows of red Acro Series 3 slimline seats to find my spot by the window. Whilst the seat was spartan with little padding and no storage at all, it did feature a nifty cup holder and large tray table. Individual air nozzles were blessedly available.

Passengers enter the aircraft via airstairs.

Whilst I am a fan of the Jet2 livery, it feel slightly like flying in a giant bowling shoe. Image: Fintan Horan-Stear

After a short audio advert for Jet2’s carbon offsetting programme, the cabin crew completed a clear and diligent safety demonstration before we jetted off from dreary northern England to the sunny Canaries.

One of Jet2’s advantages over easyJet and Ryanair is the ability to preorder meals, which meant I could avail of a meal that meets my dietary requirements. Jet2 facilities the preordering process via both its website and app, enabling me to pay for the meal as part of my fare.

Whilst it was slightly frustrating to be served the meal 20 minutes after our 10am departure rather than later in the four-hour flight, the meal was served hot with a cup of tea or coffee.

I had selected the vegan moroccan Tagine, which was spicy and filling. It was accompanied by a vegan-friendly dessert as well as crackers and margarine, a pleasant and surprising addition.

Red branded boxed meal in-flight via Jet2

The packaging and utensils were made from cardboard and bamboo, respectively. Image: Fintan Horan-Stear

Following the pre-ordered trolley service, the cabin crew passed through the aisle serving drinks and buy-on-board meals. Throughout the flight, the attendants were very friendly and attentive, taking time to chat with passengers. The general feeling on board was fun and upbeat, and I appreciated their enthusiasm.

Whilst there was no hard sell of drinks or meals and the cabin was mercifully devoid of advertisements, the crew did make announcements about duty free and gift sales, including a very hard sales pitch to buy cigarettes before they ran out. This may be common in other countries, but it made me a bit uncomfortable. Print and media cigarette advertisements are, after all, forbidden in the UK.

Aside from these intermittent distractions, however, the general feeling on the plane was, much like at the airport, calm! I felt very comfortable in my seat. The lightweight, slimline nature of the seating platform meant that I had loads of room to spread out. The expansive living space at this exit row outweighed the drawbacks of the seat’s limited padding.

A red economy class seat sits between two grey seats. Each row alternates the color pattern. There is a lot of legroom in this exit row.

The seat initially appeared uncomfortable, but was actually a lovely place to spend 4 hours. Image: Fintan Horan-Stear

As we began our descent into Las Palmas, I felt very fortunate to have discovered Jet2. When booking a flight that costs just over GBP100 for a four-hour journey, you don’t expect much, but Jet2 has created a very appealing product that belies its LCC moniker.

The ground experience was faultless, with no queues and no additional hassles, while the ability to preorder a meal meant I didn’t have to worry about buying food at the airport or wait to see what was available on board.

The aircraft interior design choices were on point, though certainly not luxurious. This all builds on a bold and fun airline ethos that matches bright colours and design with a friendly crew who clearly enjoy doing what they do — creating a very attractive offering that steals a march on competitors.