Around Europe for 30 Euros* (*168.98 including tax)
A journey into understanding every aspect of the revolution unleashed by low cost airlines*.
**Their social impact, their history, their passengers’ stories, the transformation of the European market, facts, interviews, contradictions and how-to instructions.
The opportunity for low cost travel is a distinctive sign of the globalization process. This book tells us how to do it with taste and irony.
This new book, by Italian author Emanuele Giusto, is the first to globally address and explain the social, economic and geographical revolution unleashed in Europe by low cost airlines. It is not a manual or travel guide, but rather an author’s report, an investigative novel, an entertaining essay; a profoundly informative journey, both critical and entertaining, that provides an overall perspective of the low cost world.
The book runs through the mechanisms of low cost airlines, describes passengers’ experiences and throws us into the mysterious logic of cheap flights. Giusto provides us descriptions of the major names in low cost travel’s thirty-year history, including interviews with some of the most important figures. The book reveals all the secrets behind low cost principles, as well as everything that is wrong with the cynicism of this economic model. It is for both passengers and those in the business, encompassing the interests of all type of readers, whether low cost travelers or not.
Giusto’s journey takes us to seven important European cities – Madrid, Brussels, Milan, Paris, London, Berlin, and Rome – for a surprising overall cost of 30 euros (168.98 Including tax), thus showing us that it is truly possible to fly around Europe on a tight budget. It’s a revelatory perspective on the democratic revolution unleashed by the development of low cost airlines, a phenomenon that is changing the old continent’s social, economic and geographical landscape.
Book/Libro: “Il giro d’europa con 30 euro* (*168,98 con tasse)
This book presents many interesting angles:
The Facts and How-To:
Around Europe for 30 Euros provides practical information to plan your flights around Europe on the author’s budget. Giusto gives the American traveler all the facts and tips necessary to plan an extremely economical journey around the old continent; this is, in essence, the evolution from the European InterRail pass. The book’s Appendix individually analyzes each of the European low cost airlines’ websites – more than thirty – with clear instructions on how to use them best and find the cheapest tickets.
The Social Experience:
Who are low cost travelers? How have European habits changed? How has the low cost phenomenon changed the lives of millions of European workers? With this book, readers can enjoy a true snapshot of contemporary European society. You’ll become immersed in the mentalities, everyday lives and work habits of Europe’s citizens through personal experiences, the latest studies and sociological research.
The Economic Revolution:
Low cost airlines have revolutionized the civil aviation market. In less than ten years they have surpassed historic companies like British Airways, Continental or American Airlines in terms of number of passengers transported.
What is the secret of the low cost economic structure? What is the philosophy behind these airlines? What are the most important economic facts of the low cost revolution?
In this book you’ll find interviews with several low cost company Presidents and CEOs that help to illustrate the economic logic and philosophy behind the success of low cost airlines in a comprehensive manner.
Premise
The author, an Italian journalist based in Madrid, is sent by a magazine to travel to 7 of the major European cities: Madrid, Brussels, Milan, Paris, London, Berlin, and Rome. The price on which he does so is shocking: 30 euros (168.98 including tax). Thus we find direct confirmation that it truly is possible to travel within Europe on just a few Euros.
Method
The information contained in this book is the result of journalistic research and the direct experience lived by the author as both a journalist and a low cost globe-trotter.
The reporting method immerses the reader in a true low cost trip from a first person perspective. The details of a trip Around Europe for 30 euros, both positive and negative, are exposed in a ‘live’ narrative with a constant eye on the sometimes cynical logic of low cost airlines.
Via direct experiences, the reader comes to understand the changes, new necessities and trends of European citizens. Through this gallery of personalities pass businessmen with their laptops constantly turned on, students, families with children hanging around their necks, VIP’s, politicians, intellectuals, and civil servants.
Giusto analyzes low cost studies and the existing facts to further evidence the impact this wave of low cost companies has had on European society. In order to provide an exhaustive account, he also conducted interviews with the presidents and CEOs of all the key low cost airlines in the Mediterranean region.
One chapter is dedicated to the environmental questions and the security issues that surround low cost airlines.
Focus
Giusto hones in above all on the democratic revolution unleashed by low cost airlines, a radical change that is currently affecting the old continent in social, economic and geographic terms. He provides answers to the following and more:
How did the low cost airlines begin? The book recounts the history behind the sector’s main low cost airlines, portraying the key personalities who created them alongside their clients. You’ll discover the sector’s classic anecdotes as well as the yet to be published stories of this revolution.
What exactly defines a low cost airline (or not)? How have the customs, lives and working habits of Europeans changed? How have the low cost airlines been capable of changing European geography? What are the facts, figures and secrets behind the economic organization of these companies?
How have the low cost airlines changed the civil aviation market? What are their defining characteristics? How have traditional airlines reacted? How do I find a low cost ticket? Are low cost airlines just for young people on a budget? How does one plan a trip around Europe on 30 euros?
Style
The writing style aims to captivate and entertain. It is light and fun, based on the concept of awaking curiosity in all types of readers and helping them experience a low cost journey by throwing them into the world of the low cost revolution in a clear and simple manner. At the same time, it is a comprehensive and highly informative factual account of the phenomenon.
TV / RADIOS
Radio 24 Sole24ore
RaiUno Unomattina
www.unomattina.rai.it/categoryMedia/0,,1067121-1084-66606-media-1-6,00.html
Rai Tre Cominciamo bene
www.cominciamobenestate.rai.it/category/0,1067207,1067002-1078789,00.html
Radio 1 Rai Nudo e Crudo
www.radio.rai.it/radio1/nudoecrudo/view.cfm?Q_EV_ID=258382
Radio 3 Rai Fahrenheit
www.radio.rai.it/RADIO3/FAHRENHEIT/mostra_evento.cfm?Q_EV_ID=258405
http://espresso.repubblica.it/dettaglio/Low-cost-in-avaria/2037658/10
CorrieredellaSera
www.corriere.it/cronache/08_giugno_24/viaggi_low_cost_f9dffd6a-41cf-11dd-b0b2-
00144f02aabc.shtml
Repubblica Sei di Moda
http://seidimoda.repubblica.it/dettaglio/Se-potessi-avere-1000-euro-al-mese/51537?type=ModaArticolo&sub=attualita
CHAPTER BY CHAPTER
Chapter 1:
LOW COST Flying: REPORTAGE
The trip around Europe for 30 Euros is: Brussels, Milan, Paris, London, Berlin and Rome, before landing back in Madrid. The price is a real bargain: 28.95 Euros (166.94 with taxes).
This first chapter offers useful indications, practical tips and all the tricks to becoming a low cost traveler and understanding the logic behind these companies as the author’s journey develops. It also forewarns readers of the potential problems this kind of trip might entail.
Chapter 1 analyzes the phenomenon’s social aspects, with particular attention to how the low cost revolution is affecting the lives and working habits of Europeans and how these companies are redefining the geographical map of the old continent.
How does one go about organizing a low cost trip? How can we understand the complex dynamic of the pricing system? What are the tricks behind the luggage weight limits and extra taxes? Is it really comfortable to travel with low cost airlines?
In this chapter the reader will find the true stories of renowned sector personalities alongside those of the everyday traveler. The phenomenon is analyzed taking into consideration the studies, facts and the opinions of various experts in the field. Throughout the author’s trip, he sketches a picture of the low cost society, a heterogeneous expression of its different users, from VIPs, heads of state and ‘yuppie’ executives to the everyday European tourist. He recounts the experiences of both the satisfied passenger and, on other occasions, the extremely disgruntled customer.
Madrid – Brussels 79 cents* (22.46€ including taxes)
The labyrinth of low cost prices
The luggage nightmare
Low cost — flights for young people with no money?
Low cost — low relax?
Brussels – Milan 29 cents* (19.10€ including taxes)
Unforgiving Charleroi
“Arrivederci Alitalia”
The wrong priorities?
The “Mother,” Ryanair, and the “mouth to mouth” of bargain prices.
“That branch of the lake of Friedrichshafen, which extends towards the south, is enclosed by two unbroken chains of mountains…“
Milan – Paris 49 Cents* (21.92€ including taxes)
Phishing: the lure of low cost
“If you’re late we won’t wait for you!”
Goodbye to the Mediterranean mentality
Paris – London 7€* (*22€ including taxes)
Low cost rhymes with Europe. How society changes with low cost.
The new European commuters. The boom of second homes.
10 hours of flying a day for a little less than a thousand euros.
London – Berlin 30 Cents* (*41.50€ including taxes)
The low cost generation
Chic&Cheap, the society of the Grande Bouffe
Berlin – Rome 15€* (27€* including taxes)
Low cost, one of the 50 reasons to love Europe
“They are capable of taking cold food, prepared the day before… “
“Millions of euros for Malpensa”
Rome – Madrid 15€ all inclusive
“Buen Vueling:” All the comfort of a traditional airline… with an original touch
What?
Lounge, hotel, car…
The landing. “This is the end…”
Chapter 2:
The LOW COST Theorem: PHILOSOPHY. FACTS. DOUBTS. SAFETY.
This chapter explains in depth what a low cost airline is and is not, clarifying the widespread confusion surrounding the low cost airline sector. It explains the philosophy and economic logic behind the low prices. Why have the low cost airlines been so successful? What is the secret of their efficiency? Are they safe airlines?
The research and analysis is presented in a simple and accessible format, directed at all kinds of readers.
The low cost theorem:
The “stingy” airlines. From newcomers to leaders in 10 years.
“The low cost airlines will take over. No one will travel with traditional airlines on short haul routes anymore.”
All of the low cost numbers. The latest facts and figures of the European and world market.
The low cost philosophy:
To be or not to be?
Low fares do not mean low cost. What defines a low cost airline?
The biggest doubt: Are the low cost airlines safe?
The 4 key points of the low cost theorem
Low prices, “no frills” and cutting superfluous costs
Point to point. Frequent flights. Homogenous fleets.
The false myth of the minor airports.
‘No’ to agencies. ‘No’ to printed tickets.
Chapter 3:
THE LOW COST characters: HISTORY. PERSONALITIES. MODELS
From its origins in the US to its boom in Europe, how did the low cost phenomenon come about? This chapter reviews the history of the main low cost companies in an entertaining format, through the sector’s personalities and the faces of its executives. It covers low cost’s thirty-year history, mainly focusing on the phenomenon’s last explosive decade.
Who invented the low cost theory? How did the idea originate? Who are the friendliest, the most cynical, the most efficient? Each of the companies has its own character, its own history and its own business model. This chapter reveals the anecdotes and curiosities of the key companies and the new low cost generation. The passengers’ experiences and comments from the famous low cost personalities carry the reader through the incredible adventure that is ultimately changing the face of Europe.
In order to provide a comprehensive account, interviews were conducted with the executives of all the key low cost airlines in the Mediterranean area.
Southwest: The great success of the pioneer
A company with 90 million passengers
The PSA smile
“Keleher is a genius, a God”
The number one: Ryanair. The imprudent face of low cost airlines.
The boss is a steely type, unfriendly and sometimes even vulgar…
Once upon a time Tony Ryan
The O’Leary era, the reactivation of Ryanair
Michael’s tricks
The hard imprudence of Ryanair
The largest international airline in the world; the signs of change for our society
The youngest fleet in Europe
The tactics: low prices to combat the crisis
S-11: the disciple moves ahead of the master
The Charleroi case
“Yes?” “I am flying…”
Easyjet: The low cost airline “in jeans” with the orange smile
Easyjet, the queen of Europe
The Easyjet low cost model
The Easyjet smile
Stelios, a Guinness boss
Orange “Pantone 021C”
Luton – Glasgow for £29
Stelios, the inventor of the internet
“We have benefited from S-11”
The war with Ryanair: the overtake.
“EasyFlop”
“Let’s do business together?”
The new-generation low cost airlines: the boom of personalized frills
Vueling, high-flying classical music
Clickair, the low cost for executives
The low cost adventure, Italian style
The great Italian wall
Volare: The first Italian low cost enigma
MyAir: The return of the low cost dream
Windjet: Low cost in the shadow of the volcano
Chapter 4:
The DARK SIDE of LOW COST AIRLINES: What Doesn’t Work.
A chapter that talks about what doesn’t work well in the low cost airlines from the author’s and other passengers’ direct experiences to interviews with experts and the companies themselves, in their own defense. The latest controversies in details.
The solitude of the low cost passenger
The penumbra of passengers’ rights
The black list of deceitful companies
Chapter 5:
The FUTURE of LOW COST AIRLINES. ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION. INTERCONTINENTAL LOW COST AIRLINES.
The last chapter looks towards the future. How will the low cost model change? Will we be able to fly to Shanghai or New York for the price of a dinner? Giusto addresses the most urgent topics in the field: the debut of intercontinental low cost airlines and the problem of pollution. He gives us interviews with key personalities from the most important European institutions and the civil aviation sector.
Europe will have the cleanest (and maybe the most expensive) skies of the world.
Intercontinental low cost airlines?
The German luxury low cost airline. Air Berlin, the debut of the intercontinental low cost
Appendix:
THE LOW COST KIT
Giusto analyzes the 30+ websites of European low cost airlines, one by one. This Kit is the essential compass for navigating the main European low cost airlines’ web pages; a guide to how they work and the best way to use them to your advantage.