Lithuania, a country of rich history, unparalleled natural beauty and fascinating culture, has long been on my travel bucket list. Nestled between Latvia, Belarus, Poland and Russia’s Kaliningrad Oblast, it is a fusion of East and West in terms of geography and ethnic customs.
Being a predominantly Catholic country, you’ll find many beautiful churches dotting the landscape. Lithuanian cuisine is a surprise for any foodie, showcasing hearty combinations of European staples such as bread, potatoes and dairy, with rye bread and cepelinai (potato dumplings) being typical favourites. As my travel date approached, I was faced with the task of choosing the right airline for this adventure. After careful consideration, three contenders emerged – Lufthansa, Air Baltic and Ryanair. is my selection tour, and insights into the booking process.
Lufthansa
First on my list is Lufthansa, one of the most famous airlines in Europe. Known for their commitment to quality and high standards of service, I look forward to a comfortable and stress-free flying experience. However, its reputation as a premium airline is reflected in ticket prices, which are much higher than the other options I considered. Still, Lufthansa’s appeal lies not only in its impeccable in-flight service, but also in its top-notch customer support, both of which evoke a sense of reliability and comfort. The wide range of flight times is a significant advantage, giving me the flexibility to find a flight that perfectly fits my travel plans.
Air Baltic
AirBaltic is my next target. As the national airline of Latvia, a country close to Lithuania, it offers several direct flights to Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania. Fares are significantly more affordable compared to Lufthansa, making it an attractive option. However, the key differentiating factor is the AirBaltic’s ultra-punctuality. Air Baltic is known for its strong commitment to punctuality and is regularly recognized as one of the most punctual airlines in the world. For a time-conscious traveler like me, this is a big plus.
Ryanair
The last airline I considered was Ryanair, popular for its affordable fares. As a low-cost airline, Ryanair stands out in terms of cost-efficiency. However, lower fares mean a reduced flying experience and fewer amenities compared to full-service airlines. However, for short flights to Lithuania, I don’t see this as a major issue. Basic comforts are in place, and when it comes down to it, that’s what really matters.
To aid my decision-making process and provide a transparent, side-by-side comparison of options, I turned to Skyscanner. As a globally trusted and widely used flight comparison website, Skyscanner served as a very intuitive and effective tool at this crucial stage of my travel planning. All it needed was my travel dates and destination, and within minutes, I was presented with a comprehensive assortment of prices, schedules, and flight times for each airline.
After careful consideration and evaluation, I chose AirBaltic. The combination of the airline’s competitive pricing and its track record of on-time performance tipped the scales in its favor, making it the best choice for my needs. The booking process with Skyscanner was a snap and within a few clicks I had my flight to Lithuania locked in.
The experience with AirBaltic has been great. From takeoff to landing, the flight was executed flawlessly, in sync with the promised schedule. The staff is a combination of professionalism and warmth, embodying the famous Lithuanian hospitality even before I set foot in the country. The whole journey went well, emphasizing the reasons behind my choice.
However, it must be acknowledged that travel is a highly personal experience and individual preferences can vary widely. For this reason, I strongly advocate using a platform like Skyscanner. They allow travelers to tailor their decision to personal requirements and budgetary constraints.
Whether you choose to enjoy the luxury of Lufthansa, the punctuality of AirBaltic or the cost savings of Ryanair, a trip to Lithuania will be rewarding. Each itinerary ends with the breathtaking scenery of Lithuania unfolding beneath your feet, a sight sure to be worth every penny you spend.
