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- I flew from Florida to Italy for $260 using budget airlines. My first flight was cheap, but my experience felt anything but. (businessinsider.com)
Orlando to Venice for $260? This Budget Traveler Says “Sì!”
Forget gondolas, the real magic carpet ride was my recent trip from Orlando, Florida, to Venice, Italy, for a mere $260. My secret?
Budget airlines. I’m a seasoned flyer when it comes to discount carriers like Spirit and Frontier, but this was my first transatlantic gamble, and I was pleasantly surprised.
My journey began with Norse Atlantic, a low-cost airline offering a surprisingly comfortable eight-hour flight from Orlando to London for just $196. Boarding their Boeing 787 Dreamliner, I was expecting the usual cramped, no-frills experience.
Instead, I was greeted by plush reclining seats, ample storage, and even in-seat entertainment with charging ports! While food and drinks weren’t included, the in-flight menu offered decent options for purchase.
A slight hiccup occurred in London when my checked bag (a $75 expense due to a carry-on weight mishap – a mistake I won’t repeat, as Economy Light tickets now include a carry-on) was misplaced during an airport evacuation. However, Norse’s customer service was fantastic, quickly locating my bag and shipping it to my home.
The second leg of my trip, a short hop from London to Venice, was with easyJet, another budget airline. At $64, it was undeniably cheap and efficient, but the experience wasn’t as luxurious as Norse.
The seats were less comfortable and lacked entertainment screens, reminding me of my usual domestic budget flights. However, for a two-hour flight, it got the job done.
Overall, my $260 journey to Venice was a resounding success. Norse Atlantic, in particular, exceeded my expectations, proving that budget travel doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort.
While easyJet provided a more basic experience, it served its purpose for the short flight. I’m already planning my next adventure with Norse – who knew flying across the Atlantic could be so affordable and enjoyable?