Everything You Need to Know About Europe’s New Budget Airline

The newest low-cost airline to fly within Europe isn’t actually new at all. IAG will expand Level to a second Austrian base, serving as their intra-European hub. The aviation conglomerate promises nearly 80 flights weekly from Vienna to the continent’s most popular destinations.

The latest low-cost carrier to fly over European skies isn’t actually a newcomer, as it has it’s roots in one of the continent’s biggest aviation companies. International Airlines Group (IAG) announced they will expand their long-haul, low-cost arm Level across the continent.

Based out of Vienna International Airport (VIE), the intra-Europe Level will fly under an Austrian air operator certificate. Four Airbus A321 aircraft will be dedicated to the base, creating an estimated 200 new jobs. Flights begin on July 17, with inaugural service to London Gatwick Airport (LGW) and Italy’s Parma Airport (PMF).

When all routes are launched by mid-August, the airline promises nearly 80 weekly flights to 14 destinations. Fourteen weekly trips are promised between VIE and LGW, while Paris Charles de Gaulle International Airport (CDG) and Milan-Malpensa Airport (MXP) will get 13 flights weekly out of the hub. Other destinations in the European network include Barcelona, Ibiza, Valencia and Venice.

As with other discount carriers, introductory fares are incredibly low. The first flights are on sale now at flylevel.com starting at around $30. However, flyers shouldn’t expect to get much legroom or amenities with their ticket. The Airbus A321 airframes will be fit with 210 economy seats and offer extra fees for everything from taking a second carry-on bag, to food and drink.

“We are launching this new shorthaul subsidiary to provide Austrian consumers with more flight choices across Europe,” IAG chief executive Willie Walsh said in a statement. “[Flyers] can choose to pay for additional items, such as checked luggage, from a menu of options designed to suit a variety of budgets and needs.”

Level’s expansion marks the second major growth spurt in Europe’s budget-friendly aviation market targeting Millennials. Air France-KLM launched Joon earlier this year, while Lufthansa Group’s Eurowings opted to attract flyers with a premium seat package.

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