Berlin, a European capital full of culture, history and art, attracts tourists from all over the world. From the majestic Brandenburg Gate to the modern Museum Island, from the bustling ruins of the Berlin Wall to the quiet Tiergarten Park, every place is exciting. For travelers, choosing a company to fly to Berlin determines the comfort and cost-effectiveness of the entire trip.
1. Factors to consider when choosing an airline
1.1 Airline type and budget
Airlines flying to Berlin can be mainly divided into two types: full-service airlines and low-cost airlines. Full-service airlines usually offer more flight options, more comfortable seats and more comprehensive services, but with higher fares; while low-cost airlines offer simpler services and cheaper fares, suitable for travelers with limited budgets.
1.2 Flight duration and direct flight accessibility
When choosing a flight, flight duration and whether the flight is direct are also important considerations. Direct flights are usually shorter, but the price is relatively high. Some flights require a transfer, and the flight time will be longer, but it may be more affordable.
1.3 Airline Service Quality
The service quality provided by airlines directly affects the flight experience, including seat comfort, food quality, entertainment facilities, etc. Different airlines have different comfort levels for long-distance flights. Choosing an airline that suits your needs can greatly enhance the travel experience.
2. Recommended major airlines
2.1 Lufthansa
Lufthansa is the national airline of Germany and one of the world’s leading full-service airlines. Its flight network covers many countries and regions around the world, and flights to Berlin usually include direct flights from major cities such as New York, London, and Paris.
2.1.1 Flight Features and Services
Flight Directness: Most of Lufthansa’s flights to Berlin are direct flights, which greatly shortens travel time and is especially suitable for time-pressed passengers.
Flight duration: A direct flight from New York takes about 8 hours, and a flight from London takes about 2 hours.
Seats and Services: As a full-service airline, Lufthansa provides relatively spacious seats and a wide variety of meals during the flight. Passengers in business class and first class can also enjoy high-end entertainment facilities and high-quality seat services.
2.1.2 Cost and recommended groups
Ticket prices: Lufthansa’s fares are relatively high, with economy class fares usually ranging from 500-800 euros, while business class and first class fares are more expensive.
Recommended groups: Suitable for business travelers and long-distance tourists with a higher budget, especially those who pay attention to flight comfort and service quality.
2.1.3 Booking platform and fees
Booking platform: You can make reservations through Lufthansa’s official website, Expedia, Skyscanner and other platforms.
Additional fees: Services such as luggage and meals sometimes require additional payment, and the specific fees may depend on the cabin selected.
2.2 Eurowings
Eurowings is a low-cost airline subsidiary of Lufthansa, offering cheap flights to Berlin, especially for travelers with limited budgets. Its flights cover most European cities and provide convenient connections from Berlin to other major European cities.
2.2.1 Flight Features and Services
Direct Flight Accessibility: Most of Eurowings’ flights are short-haul flights, and the prices are relatively affordable. Flights from other European cities to Berlin are usually direct flights.
Flight Time: It takes about 2 hours from London and about 1 hour and 30 minutes from Paris to Berlin.
Seats and Services: As a low-cost airline, Eurowings offers relatively compact seats, luggage usually requires additional fees, and food and entertainment facilities are relatively simple.
2.2.2 Costs and Recommended Groups
Fare: Eurowings’ fares are very competitive, and economy class fares are usually between 100-250 euros, which is suitable for tourists with a limited budget.
Recommended Group: Suitable for travelers who are looking for economical and affordable services and do not mind simpler services, especially short-distance travelers in Europe.
2.2.3 Booking Platform and Fees
Booking Platform: Eurowings’ official website is the most direct booking channel. In addition, platforms such as Expedia and Skyscanner also provide discounted flight options.
Additional costs: Services such as baggage check-in and meals need to be purchased separately, and can be selected according to personal needs.
2.3 Ryanair
Ryanair is one of the most famous low-cost airlines in Europe, attracting a large number of budget travelers with its highly competitive fares. Flights to Berlin are very frequent, especially suitable for those who pursue low prices and can accept simple services.
2.3.1 Flight features and services
Flight directness: Ryanair provides direct flights to Berlin from major European cities.
Flight duration: Ryanair’s flights are usually shorter, and the flight from major European cities such as London, Paris, and Milan to Berlin is about 1-2 hours.
Seats and services: As a low-cost airline, Ryanair provides the most basic services, no free meals and entertainment facilities, and compact seats with limited space.
2.3.2 Costs and recommended groups
Fare: Ryanair’s fares are very cheap, and you can usually find super low-priced tickets for less than 100 euros.
Recommended for: Suitable for single travelers and short-term business travelers with a very tight budget, who don’t mind basic services.
2.3.3 Booking platform and fees
Booking platform: You can book directly through Ryanair’s official website or price comparison platforms such as Skyscanner.
Additional fees: Services such as luggage, seat selection and catering require additional payment. You need to confirm the fee details when booking.
3. How to choose the most suitable booking platform for yourself
3.1 Skyscanner
Skyscanner is a global flight search engine that can help you compare flight prices from different airlines. It provides a variety of flights from different countries to Berlin, helping you find the most cost-effective flight.
Advantages: The search function is powerful and can quickly find prices for different airlines and different flights.
Fees: Skyscanner itself does not charge any booking fees, and the prices provided are usually discounted, which is suitable for travelers with limited budgets.
3.2 Expedia
Expedia is a world-renowned travel booking platform. In addition to flights, it also provides one-stop services such as hotels and car rentals. Expedia often launches limited-time offers and packages, and sometimes offers some flight discounts.
Advantages: Expedia offers points rewards, which is suitable for users who travel frequently. It also supports redeeming hotel accommodation or other travel products with points.
Fees: Compared with other platforms, Expedia’s prices are slightly higher, but it often offers other additional preferential services.
3.3 Kayak
Kayak is another widely used flight price comparison platform that can help you find the most cost-effective flights, especially for tourists with flexible dates.
Advantages: It provides detailed flight search options that can filter flight time, price and service quality.
Fees: Kayak does not charge any additional fees and can help you choose the most suitable flight.
Choosing the right airline to fly to Berlin depends on your budget, flight preferences and service needs. Whether you choose the high-end Lufthansa or the low-cost Ryanair, understanding the characteristics of each airline, flight duration and additional fees can help you make an informed decision. When choosing a flight, don’t forget to pay attention to the discounts and special services of the booking platform to ensure that your trip is smooth and enjoyable.
4. Things to note for flights to Berlin
4.1 Arrive at the airport in advance
Whether it is an international flight or a flight within Europe, it is recommended that passengers arrive at the airport at least 2 to 3 hours in advance. Especially during the peak tourist season or holidays, the security check queue may be long. Arriving in advance can avoid missing the boarding due to time constraints.
4.2 Note on luggage policies
The luggage policies of different airlines vary greatly, especially low-cost airlines such as Ryanair and Eurowings, which usually only allow a small carry-on baggage, and checked baggage requires an additional fee. Be sure to confirm the baggage allowance of the purchased ticket when booking to avoid on-site price increases.
4.3 Carry-on essential items
During the flight, it is recommended to prepare common travel items such as neck pillows, earplugs, moisturizing sprays, power banks, etc. to improve the comfort of the ride. In addition, many low-cost airlines do not provide free water and meals. It is recommended to bring simple food and drinking water in advance (comply with security regulations).
4.4 Keep electronic or paper boarding certificates
Before boarding, make sure you have the electronic boarding pass saved in your mobile phone or printed paper version, especially for passengers using non-EU passports, who may need to show more information at the border control. Early preparation can reduce unnecessary trouble.
4.5 Understand the situation of Berlin Airport
Currently, the main airport in Berlin is Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER), which is about 25 kilometers from the city center. BER Airport has modern facilities, but it is large in area. The terminal is divided into T1, T2, and T5. Some low-cost airlines such as Ryanair and easyJet use T2 or T5. It is recommended to confirm the boarding terminal in advance. The internal navigation signs are clear, and the walking distance is long, so you need to reserve sufficient time for transfer or boarding.
4.6 Reasonably arrange transfer and entry time
If you take a connecting flight to Berlin, such as transferring via Amsterdam, Frankfurt, or Paris, be sure to reserve at least 2 hours of transfer time. Transfers within the Schengen area are relatively convenient, but if you depart from a non-Schengen country, you must first pass the immigration border control, and the queue may be long.