Star Alliance - Star Alliance flights to Biarritz

We go invited to go with family to Biarritz in late September. I have not been able to find a decent way to get there on a *Alliance carrier. We are spoilt and have always either gotten a discounted business fare or used miles to upgrade to business on flights to Europe. I am platinum and hubby is gold so we would really like to stick with UA.

Any creative solutions?

Thanks

Where is the closest airport. It's on the coast of France near the Spanish border so I would think LH or LX can get you within driving distance.

Can you drive from Toulouse? LH will get you there

It has a small airport, BIQ. I think San Sebastian is close (EAS). Bordeaux (BOD) seems to be about a 4 hour TGV. Paris is about 8 hour TGV (really don't want to take that long of a train ride). I found short flights from CDG to BIQ on EasyJet but haven't heard good things about them.

It has a small airport, BIQ. I think San Sebastian is close (EAS). Bordeaux (BOD) seems to be about a 4 hour TGV. Paris is about 8 hour TGV (really don't want to take that long of a train ride). I found short flights from CDG to BIQ on EasyJet but haven't heard good things about them.

Easy jet is fine for short hops around Europe. Think South West in Europe :cool:
My girl friend lives in Germany and takes them all the time to France. They are fine for a short hop

BOD isn't a 2 hr drive from BIQ. Of course it may take that much time getting from BOD (Merignac) to the TGV station in Bordeaux.

*A definitely serves BIO (flew to/from there from FRA) though it's an hour or so drive from BIO to BIQ (traffic permitting).

Easy jet is fine for short hops around Europe. Think South West in Europe :cool:
My girl friend lives in Germany and takes them all the time to France. They are fine for a short hop

That is good to know. Thought they were more like Spirit or Ryan air!

BOD isn't a 2 hr drive from BIQ. Of course it may take that much time getting from BOD (Merignac) to the TGV station in Bordeaux.

*A definitely serves BIO (flew to/from there from FRA) though it's an hour or so drive from BIO to BIQ (traffic permitting).

Didn't know about BIO. An hour drive is not bad at all.

Thanks!

That is good to know. Thought they were more like Spirit or Ryan air!

Maybe a little like Spirit but certainly not like Ryan Air. A lot of people in Europe swear by them, even business travelers. Just no frills 737s from A-B but reliable and same legroom (I'm told) as anyone else. I've booked and paid for tkts for her using there web site. Very straight forward

It has a small airport, BIQ. I think San Sebastian is close (EAS). Bordeaux (BOD) seems to be about a 4 hour TGV. Paris is about 8 hour TGV (really don't want to take that long of a train ride). I found short flights from CDG to BIQ on EasyJet but haven't heard good things about them.Also Lourdes (LDE?). None of which are serviced by *A, at least not when I've tried to fly to them.

Best bet is to fly into CDG or TLS (Toulouse) and take the train in. Plenty of non-stops from Paris, although they leave from Montparnasse, requiring a trip into town (AirFrance bus runs about $20, allow for a couple hours). Perhaps better would be to fly into TLS. $5 shuttle from airport to train station, regional train from Toulouse to Bordeaux, then TGV and/or regional train to Biarritz. About 5 hours. Bahn.de (http://bahn.de)is the best website for train schedules in Europe.

If taking regional jets (EasyJet etc) make sure you're up on all the fees for baggage, checking in, etc. The initial fare can seem quite reasonable, but there can be draconian restrictions on baggage before huge fees kick in.

If fly in to San Sebastian worth hanging out and enjoying the food/ scene.

I found short flights from CDG to BIQ on EasyJet but haven't heard good things about them.

I'd avoid CDG like the plague. UA and *A fly into Terminal 1. Easyjet operates out of Terminal 2B (http://www.easyjet.com/en/airport/Paris). The transfer is terrible. You'll most likely waste a couple of days of your vacation. 1 full day arriving, 1 day leaving to CDG. Easyjet has an early morning and evening flight.


If taking regional jets (EasyJet etc) make sure you're up on all the fees for baggage, checking in, etc. The initial fare can seem quite reasonable, but there can be draconian restrictions on baggage before huge fees kick in.
This is very good advice. Easyjet will get to BIQ but check for how much considering the luggage you'll be carrying and the CC fee and whatever admin fee they've introduced for the pleasure of booking a ticket (yes really, 9GBP/11EUR (http://www.easyjet.com/en/Book/paymentoptions.html))

Just no frills 737s from A-B but reliable and same legroom (I'm told) as anyone else.
Actually it's all Airbus (319 and 320 mostly)


*A definitely serves BIO (flew to/from there from FRA) though it's an hour or so drive from BIO to BIQ (traffic permitting).

I'd go for BIO as well. You have 3 daily flights to BIO from both FRA and MUC on LH. So you could do your TATL on UA to FRA or MUC, and get a connecting flight.

Actually 2hours is a more realistic figure for that drive for a first timer. It's ~150km and even though it's mostly highway it's hilly and with some tight curves.

If you fly to BIO don't miss out on visiting Bilbao and San Sebastian. Great cities, especially the old parts of town.

GBM