Travelling to Greece
Below is some of basic information we thought you would find useful regarding travelling to and from Greece with us. From getting to and from the airport in the UK to how long the transfer takes once you arrive (that first ice cold beer by the water awaits afterall...)
If you have any questions regarding the information below please call or email our launch crew on 020 8438 1122 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
TRAVEL IN THE UK
Please try to be at the departure airport to check-in two hours before the time of your flight.
Ticket wallets and luggage labels will be posted with your Yacht Manual and Harbour Guide once you have paid your final balance.
YOUR E-TICKETS
E-Tickets for different regions are sent out at different times:
IONIAN ISLANDS: Two weeks before departure
SARONIC ISLANDS: Thursday prior to your departure
SPORADES ISLANDS: Approximately one week before departure
TRAVELLING TO AND FROM THE AIRPORT:
We think they are the best place to find up to date information on how to get to and from the airport, but we've done some of the hard work for you. Simply click below to find out the best way to get to the airport you are travelling from:
GATWICK AIRPORT - www.gatwickairport.com
HEATHROW AIRPORT - www.heathrowairport.com
MANCHESTER AIRPORT - www.manchesterairport.co.uk
BIRMINGHAM AIRPORT - www.birminghamairport.co.uk
AIRPORT HOTELS & CAR PARKING
It is usually best to pre-book your airport parking and hotels. We work with Holiday Extras, who offer agreat choice of Parking, Hotels and Lounge options at amazing prices. Simple click the button on the right to book your airport hotels and parking at the best prices possible!
FLYING TO GREECE
Flights to Greece take around three hours. Greek time is always 2 hours ahead of British time. All times given on your itinerary and tickets are local.
HAND BAGGAGE
One piece of hand luggage per person is allowed up to 5kg (British Airways up to 10kg). The dimensions of hand luggage vary with different airlines.
CHECKED-IN LUGGAGE
Most airlines tend to offer a maximum weight of 20kg (British Airways 23kgs) which is more than anyone could ever use on a sailing holiday! Airlines may charge per kilo if your bag is over this limit.
TOP TIP: It's best to use a soft hold-all rather than a solid suitcase, as it will be considerably easier to store on your yacht.
EXTRA LEG ROOM
You can pre-book seats with extra leg room by contacting the airline direct and paying the appropriate fee. They usually require at least 4 working days' notice and it cannot be done online. If flying with Monarch, phone them on: 0333 003 0700. You will need to quote your confirmation invoice number.
Please note you cannot book extra legroom on British Airways or Aegean Air but these airlines (and in our experience Aegean in particular) but very good legroom compared to their rivals.
INFLIGHT MEALS
BRITISH AIRWAYS - NOT-INCLUDED (drinks and snacks are available on board)
AEGEAN AIRLINES - INCLUDED (along with complimentary drinks! Practice your greek..."Bira parakelo!")
MONARCH AIRLINES - NOT-INCLUDED (drinks and snacks are available on board and you can also pre order hot meals)
EASYJET - NOT-INCLUDED (drinks and snacks are available on board)
TOP TIP: If you need to request a special meal, due to special dietary requirements, we need to know at least one week before your departure date, any later and they may not be guaranteed.
LIFE JACKETS & HAIR STRAIGHTENERS...
We provide everyone on board with a life jacket. Don't panic, this is only in case of emergencies and they are very rarely used. However, if you prefer to take your own self-inflating life jacket that requires gas cylinders please read on...
You are required to get approval from the airline prior to flying, so you must inform the staff at check-in where they have been packed.
Lifejackets can usually go in either your carry-on or check-in baggage, you are usually permitted only one small non-flammable gas cylinder per person. But please check with the airline prior to flying as their rules vary.
Other items such as butane powered gas cordless hair straighteners must be taken in check-in baggage only.
AIRLINE WEBSITES
www.monarch.co.uk
www.britishairways.com
www.aegeanair.com
www.easyjet.com
ARRIVING IN GREECE
When you arrive in Greece, after collecting your bags, you will be met my one of our airport representatives and a (usually much needed) bottle of water. Transfer times in each region vary as listed below:
TRANSFER TIMES
ARRIVAL IN PREVEZA (IONIAN ISLANDS) - 1 hour
ARRIVAL IN ATHENS (SARONIC ISLANDS) - 2 hours
ARRIVAL IN ATHENS (SPORADES ISLANDS) - just over 3 hours
ARRIVAL IN CORFU (IONIAN ISLANDS - EARLY AND LATE SEASON) - 15 - 20 minutes
