Aegean Airlines is Greece’s flag carrier and one of the best options for flying to Greece, whether Athens is your final stop or a gateway to the islands and the rest of Europe. Before you book, it helps to understand what the fare includes, how much baggage you can take, when to check in and what to know about a connection in Athens.
Who is Aegean Airlines?
Aegean is Greece’s main airline, with its key base at Athens airport. It operates flights within Greece, across Europe and beyond, and some domestic and regional flights may be operated by Olympic Air. So check who actually operates your flight and do not rely only on the name at the top of the ticket.
For passengers from Israel, Athens can be a destination in itself or a convenient transfer point for the islands and other cities. Schedules from Israel change with the season and the situation, so check the active flight and its times when you search.
Fare types
In economy you will usually find fares such as Light, Flex, Family and ComfortFlex, alongside Business tickets. The differences are not only in price: they can affect baggage, seat selection and how flexible changes and refunds are.
- Light: mainly for travellers who want the basic price and travel light. Extras may cost more.
- Flex: may offer better flexibility for changing the date, but does not necessarily include a checked bag.
- Family: a fare aimed at families, with certain benefits according to the conditions shown at booking.
- ComfortFlex: usually includes more flexibility and a checked bag.
- Business: broader conditions, a larger baggage allowance and business-class services.
Fare names and benefits can change. Before paying, open the fare details and confirm exactly what is included on your specific flight.
Baggage on Aegean Airlines
Cabin bag and personal item
The cabin baggage policy depends on the fare and on the airline actually operating the flight. On tickets that include a cabin bag, the standard size the airline gives is up to 55x40x23 cm and up to 8 kg. Whether you can add a personal item depends on the fare.
Do not assume every ticket includes both a trolley and an extra bag. Check the baggage line in your booking, especially on connecting itineraries where one leg is operated by another airline. Going over the weight or size limits can mean your bag is sent to the hold and you are charged.
Checked baggage
On basic economy fares such as Light, Flex and Family, a checked bag is not necessarily included. ComfortFlex typically comes with one bag of up to 23 kg, and in Business the allowance may reach two bags of up to 32 kg each. What counts is always the confirmation on the ticket you bought.
Under the airline’s policy, a bag weighing more than 23 kg and up to 32 kg may be treated as heavy baggage and incur a fee. The usual maximum total dimensions for a suitcase are 158 cm. An item over 32 kg generally has to be sent as cargo.
Check-in and seats
Check-in
Online check-in usually opens 48 hours before departure. Closing time varies between airports and can be as late as 30 minutes before the flight, but it is not worth leaving it to the last moment. On flights from Israel, arrive early enough for the security check and find out in advance whether you need to go to a desk.
After checking in, save your boarding pass on your phone and as a file you can open offline. If you have a bag to drop, you still need to reach the Bag Drop desk by the time the airline sets.
Choosing seats
You can choose a seat in advance, but the price, and whether it is free, depends on the fare and the type of seat. If you are travelling with children, need a particular seat or prefer extra legroom, look at the seat map before paying instead of waiting for automatic allocation at check-in. For general advice, see our guide to choosing your airplane seat.
Connecting in Athens
A connection in Athens can be very convenient on the way to the Greek islands and elsewhere in Europe. On a single booking, the airline normally plans the transfer time and handles your baggage to the final destination, subject to the ticket conditions. When you buy two separate tickets, responsibility for a missed onward flight and for collecting and re-checking your suitcase may pass to you.
If the onward flight matters, leave a safety margin and avoid a tight connection. Check as well whether the second flight is operated by Olympic Air and what its baggage policy is. Our connecting flights guide explains the general rules.
Families, changes and cancellations
Flying with children
Before a family booking, check the rules on seating, strollers, child safety seats and infant baggage. The Family fare may carry relevant benefits, but do not assume they are identical on every route. Make sure passenger names match the travel documents exactly and that the whole family is on the same booking.
Changes, cancellations and name corrections
What you can change or cancel is set by the fare you bought. Even when a change is allowed, you may have to pay a fare difference and sometimes a fee. On the cheapest tickets refunds can be very limited. Check the exact conditions directly with the airline or with the agent you booked through.
Before paying, go over the English spelling again. A mistake in a name may require a paid correction, depending on the ticket type and the airline’s policy.
How to find a good price
Compare nearby dates, look at flights with a connection in Athens too, and work out the full price after adding baggage and a seat. A basic ticket that looks cheap is not always the best deal once the extras are in.
Flight Hunter lets you compare options and check the price for your dates. For background on the route, see flights to Athens: essential booking tips.
FAQ
Is a trolley bag included in every ticket?
Not necessarily. Baggage depends on the fare and the operator of the flight. Check the exact allowance before paying.
When does check-in open?
Online check-in usually opens 48 hours before departure. Closing time varies between airports.
Is a 23 kg suitcase included?
On some fares yes, on others no. On basic economy fares it may cost extra, while broader fares may include it.
Can you continue from Athens to the islands?
Yes. Athens is an important hub for both Aegean and Olympic Air, with onward flights to many Greek destinations. Popular onward destinations include Rhodes, Crete and Thessaloniki. Check the schedule when booking.
The bottom line
Aegean can be a good choice for a flight to Greece or a connection in Athens, especially when you understand in advance what the fare includes. Check baggage, check-in times, the operating airline and change conditions, and compare the final price, not just the first figure shown in the search.
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