Flying to Europe This Summer? Nine Shocking Airline Differences That Could Catch You Off Guard

Euro summer has well and truly arrived, and while there’s been a lot of talk about US domestic travel demand taking a major hit from continuing economic uncertainty, airlines are reporting that there’s still plenty of Americans traveling to Europe over the next few months.

But like many things in Europe, there’s no doubt that a lot of Americans are in for a shock when they travel with a European airline… especially when it comes to short-haul flights within the continent.

Even a highly regulated industry like aviation, with international rules and regulations, has lots of differences in Europe from what you might be used to in the United States.

So, don’t be caught out and check out some of the major differences I’ve noticed as a flight attendant.

Budget Airlines Still Rule The Skies in Europe

Scott Kirby, the chief executive of United Airlines, recently announced that low-cost airlines were a failed experiment in the US, with the likes of Frontier and Spirit struggling, as passengers opt for premium travel experiences.

That most certainly isn’t the case in Europe, where low-cost carriers reign supreme. The most famous of the Euro discounters is, of course, Ryanair, and it carries more passengers than any other airline in Europe. The experience is loathed, but travelers can’t resist a bargain.

Low-cost airlines have such a chokehold on Europeans that traditional full-cost carriers have emulated them – after all, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

While the experience might not be luxe, you’ll surely appreciate just how much you can travel on even a small budget. Just be careful to abide by the myriad rules that airlines set, especially when it comes to luggage allowances and the need to check in online before you get to the airport.

Forget TSA PreCheck: What Airport Security is Like in Europe

There is no equivalent to TSA PreCheck in Europe, and while larger airports have separate security lines for elite frequent flyers and premium cabin passengers, everyone has to go through the same checks.

Thankfully, you’ll find the security checks a little more relaxed compared to the TSA experience at most airports (with some notable exceptions).

The European Union is currently rolling out improved screening tech, but this could take many years to complete. Even at airports with new scanners, there are limits on how many liquids you can bring onboard the plane with you.

Windows Shades Have To Be Up For Takeoff And Landing

The United States is pretty unique in allowing passengers to keep their window shades closed for taxi, takeoff, and landing. This most certainly isn’t the case in Europe, where strict safety rules require window shades to be open during these critical phases of flight.

The reasoning behind this is twofold:

• First, passengers are aware of what is happening outside the plane, should there be an emergency situation, like an engine fire.
• Second, it allows passengers to adjust to the outside light conditions in case of an emergency evacuation.

This requirement is a non-negotiable, even when the sun is blazing through the window on a swelteringly hot day.

Airport Gates Work Very Differently in Europe

European airports don’t advertise the gate that your flight is leaving from until about an hour before departure. You’ll need to keep on checking the departure boards until your flight is listed.

There are various reasons why airports do this, one of which is to keep you within the shopping area and close to last-minute spending opportunities.

Unlike the US, also be aware that departure boards list flights by departure time and not alphabetically by destination.

Traveling In First Class Is Going To Feel Very Different

This is probably the one difference that American travelers really dislike. If you’re lucky enough to be traveling in First Class on a short-haul flight within Europe, it is going to feel very different.

To start, European airlines label their premium cabin on short-haul flights as Business Class and not First Class.

However, Business Class will use the same seats as Economy, with the only difference being that the middle seat in a row of three is blocked off. There will also be a curtain dividing Business Class from Economy.

The reason behind this is that the divider separating the two cabins can be moved further forward or back, depending on demand, allowing airlines to sell more Business Class when the demand is there.

The good news is that European short-haul Business Class generally offers better food than US domestic flights, and you’ll also normally get premium lounge access.

Get Accustomed To Using Buses and Stairs To Get To The Plane

Even Europe’s largest airports don’t have enough gates with airbridges for the number of flights scheduled, especially during the height of the busy summer season.

Smaller airports won’t have any airbridges at all, and then some budget carriers deliberately avoid airbridge gates even when they are available because they incur higher charges to use.

As a result, always be prepared for the fact that you might be getting a bus from the terminal to your plane and then using the airstairs to get to the door. At least you’ll have to enjoy the views across the tarmac and look at the plane close up.

Safety Rules Can Be Very Different

Window shades are just one of the safety rules that can differ between the US and Europe, and even between different airlines across the continent.

Rest assured, flight attendants in Europe are rarely on a power trip and are simply following very strict aviation rules set by regulators in Europe.

Examples include:

• Unplugging USB charging cords for take-off and landing.
• No hand luggage is allowed on the floor at emergency exit rows.
• Some airlines will ban passengers at emergency exits from wearing headphones during takeoff and landing.
• No laptops during takeoff and landing.

Flying With a Baby in Europe Could Take You By Surprise

If you’re traveling with an infant under the age of two, you need to be aware of this important difference before flying on a European airline.

In Europe, lap infants must be secured to their parent with a special extension seatbelt which wraps around the infant and then attaches to the parent’s seatbelt.

This is another non-negotiable safety rule, despite the fact that in the United States, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has banned the use of extension safety belts for lap infants.

You’ll need to abide by this important safety rule or travel with an approved car child seat that can be secured to a seat. If traveling with a child seat, remember you will need to pay for the seat for your child.

Don’t Forget About Europe’s Air Passenger Rights

Europe has some of the most passenger-friendly compensation rules in the world, and unlike the United States, you are guaranteed a lot more rights if your flight is delayed or canceled.

Summer air travel often involves long delays, so don’t miss out on compensation because you weren’t aware of your rights.

If your flight arrives later than scheduled by three hours or more, you could be entitled to compensation ranging from €250 to €600, depending on the distance of the flight.

Compensation is payable for common issues like maintenance problems, but airlines can get off the hook if they are able to argue the delay was due to an extraordinary circumstance. Common reasons include severe weather or a security threat.

Even if the delay or cancellation was due to extraordinary circumstances, airlines must still provide passengers with refreshments and accommodation if the delay stretches overnight.

Use this handy tool on the official ‘Your Europe’ website to see what rights you are entitled to.

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Have you noticed any more differences between US and European airlines? Or maybe you have a question you’d like answered? Let me know in the comments below…