My Journey from Marseille to Montpellier: A Personal Experience
Booking a flight to Montpellier is the first step in any memorable adventure to one of France’s most vibrant and historically rich cities. Recently, I found myself planning a trip from Marseille to Montpellier, and after careful research, I chose to fly economy class with Air France on flight AF6035. Let me take you through my experience, from booking the flight, the in-flight comfort, and ticket prices to helpful tips for securing the best deals when traveling to Montpellier.
1. My Flight Experience with Air France: Flight AF6035 from Marseille to Montpellier
When planning a short trip from Marseille to Montpellier, my first instinct was to check the direct flight options. After browsing several platforms, I found a reasonably priced flight with Air France. I’ve flown Air France multiple times and have always been impressed with their level of service, even in economy class. However, this was my first time taking a domestic flight between two cities in southern France, and I was curious to see if the regional flights would maintain the same standard.
I booked my flight using Google Flights (though you can also use Skyscanner, Kayak, or the Air France official website), and I was delighted to find a one-way economy class ticket for €90. For anyone familiar with short-haul domestic flights, this is a very competitive price. The ticket included one checked bag and a light refreshment during the 1-hour flight.
In-Flight Experience
On the day of the flight, I arrived at Marseille Provence Airport (MRS), which is a convenient 27 kilometers from the city center, easily reachable by shuttle buses or taxis. Security was smooth, and soon, I was aboard Flight AF6035. Even though it was a regional flight, the Airbus A320 was comfortable with reasonable legroom in the economy class. The seats were upholstered in Air France’s signature navy-blue fabric, and while not as spacious as business class, they provided enough comfort for such a short trip.
One feature that I appreciated was the air-conditioning and the cleanliness of the cabin, which are always high on my list of priorities. The overhead compartments were also adequately sized, ensuring that all passengers could easily store their hand luggage.
The onboard service was quick and efficient. Since this was a short flight, the meal service was limited to a small snack and drink. I was served a light croissant along with coffee, and while it wasn’t gourmet, it was satisfying for the duration of the flight. The cabin crew were attentive, polite, and spoke both French and English fluently, which was a plus for international travelers like myself who might not be proficient in French.
Ticket Pricing and Discounts
As I mentioned earlier, I paid €90 for a one-way ticket, but I also noticed that round-trip tickets were available starting from €160. Depending on the time of booking and season, prices fluctuate, so if you’re looking for discounts, it’s always best to book well in advance.
For example, on Skyscanner, I found that booking three weeks in advance often yields better prices, with round-trip tickets sometimes dropping to €120. Additionally, Air France regularly offers discounts through their Flying Blue loyalty program, where points can be redeemed for flights or upgraded services. If you’re planning multiple trips within France or Europe, it’s worth signing up for their loyalty program.
My Personal Thoughts on Air France Economy Class
Although this wasn’t my first time flying Air France, I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of service on such a short route. The flight was smooth, the staff were friendly, and the aircraft, though not the most luxurious, was clean and functional. Overall, I would recommend Air France for short domestic flights within France, particularly for travelers on a budget who still want a comfortable experience.
2. Other Airlines to Consider for Your Flight to Montpellier
While my journey was with Air France, several other airlines offer competitive options for flying into Montpellier. Let’s take a look at four alternative airlines that can provide excellent services and potential cost savings.
2.1 Ryanair: Budget-Friendly Flights
If you’re looking for the absolute cheapest option, Ryanair often offers budget flights between Marseille and Montpellier, sometimes as low as €30 for a one-way ticket. However, be mindful of the additional fees that come with Ryanair—things like checked baggage, seat selection, and even onboard snacks can significantly increase the overall cost of your flight.
For those willing to sacrifice a bit of comfort for a more affordable option, Ryanair is a solid choice. But, I recommend paying close attention to the baggage policy as it can be strict and lead to unexpected charges.
2.2 EasyJet: Affordable and Reliable
EasyJet is another fantastic low-cost airline option. I’ve flown EasyJet several times across Europe, and they offer a good balance of affordability and reliability. Tickets from Marseille to Montpellier typically range between €50 and €100, depending on the season and how far in advance you book. EasyJet’s flights offer a bit more comfort compared to Ryanair, and their cancellation policies are more flexible, which is always a plus when travel plans change.
2.3 Volotea: Regional Charm
For a regional airline experience, Volotea is an excellent option. They offer affordable tickets and focus on flights within Southern Europe, making them ideal for connecting cities like Marseille and Montpellier. A one-way ticket typically costs around €60, and their service is similar to EasyJet’s. Their flights are known for being punctual, and their fleet of planes is newer, providing a pleasant flying experience.
2.4 Air Corsica: For a Touch of Luxury
While Air Corsica is primarily known for its flights to and from Corsica, they also offer routes from Marseille to Montpellier. This is a pricier option, with one-way tickets ranging from €100 to €200, but it’s worth considering if you’re looking for a more luxurious, regional experience. Air Corsica flights often come with more comprehensive onboard services, including complimentary meals and more generous baggage allowances.
3. Tips for Booking Flights to Montpellier
Book in Advance for the Best Prices
The earlier you book, the better. Airlines like Air France and EasyJet tend to have fluctuating prices depending on the time of year, with flights being more expensive during summer and holiday periods. Booking at least a month in advance can help secure the best deals, and don’t forget to check for any promotional fares.
Consider Nearby Airports
While Montpellier-Méditerranée Airport (MPL) is the closest airport to the city, you can also consider flying into Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) or even Nîmes-Alès-Camargue-Cévennes Airport (FNI). Both of these airports are relatively close, and the extra travel time by train or car might be worth it if you find a significantly cheaper flight.
- Montpellier-Méditerranée Airport (MPL) is located just 7 km southeast of the city center, making it the most convenient option.
- Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) is about 130 km away, but a high-speed train connects the two cities.
- Nîmes Airport (FNI) is 52 km from Montpellier and offers direct bus services to the city.
Utilize Flight Comparison Tools
I highly recommend using platforms like Skyscanner, Google Flights, or Momondo to compare flight prices across different airlines. These platforms allow you to set price alerts, ensuring that you’re notified if the price for your desired route drops.
Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates
Flexibility is key to securing the best deals. If you’re able to shift your travel dates by a day or two, you might find significantly cheaper fares, especially if you’re traveling mid-week. Use the flexible dates option on flight booking platforms to see how much you can save.
4. Nearby Airports and Additional Transport Options
While flying into Montpellier is convenient, you might also want to consider landing at nearby airports and then taking the train to Montpellier. Here are some alternative airports and how to reach Montpellier from each:
Marseille Provence Airport (MRS)
- Distance from Montpellier: 130 km
- Transport to Montpellier: Take a shuttle bus from the airport to the Aix-en-Provence TGV station and then hop on a high-speed train to Montpellier Saint-Roch station. The total journey time is approximately 1.5 hours.
- Flight Options: Air France, EasyJet, Ryanair
Nîmes-Alès-Camargue-Cévennes Airport (FNI)
- Distance from Montpellier: 52 km
- Transport to Montpellier: A direct shuttle bus runs from Nîmes airport to Montpellier’s city center, with the total journey taking about 1 hour.
- Flight Options: Ryanair, Air Corsica
Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS)
- Distance from Montpellier: 240 km
- Transport to Montpellier: Although Toulouse is further away, high-speed trains can get you to Montpellier in under 3 hours.
5. Final Tips for Booking Your Flight to Montpellier
Booking flights can feel overwhelming, especially with so many airlines and options. Here are some final tips to make your booking process smoother:
- Set Price Alerts: As mentioned earlier, use flight comparison platforms like Google Flights or Skyscanner to set price alerts. This allows you to monitor any changes in prices without constantly checking.
- Watch for Sales: Airlines often have seasonal sales or special offers, particularly in the off-season (September to March). Keep an eye on their websites or subscribe to their newsletters to catch the best deals.
- Travel Light: Budget airlines such as Ryanair or EasyJet can add hefty fees for checked baggage. If you’re traveling for a short stay, try to pack light and stick to cabin luggage to avoid extra charges.
- Check-in Early: Online check-in can save you time at the airport and also help you secure a better seat, especially if you’re flying with low-cost airlines.
- Consider Train Travel: If you’re traveling between cities in the south of France, such as from Marseille to Montpellier, consider taking the train as an alternative to flying. The TGV (high-speed train) can get you there in about 1 hour and 30 minutes, often at a lower price and with less hassle than flying.
Booking a flight to Montpellier, whether it’s for business or leisure, is a seamless process if you know where to look for the best deals. From my personal experience flying with Air France to the budget options like Ryanair and EasyJet, there’s an option for every traveler and every budget. Remember to book in advance, stay flexible with your dates, and consider nearby airports if you’re looking for the best deals.
Safe travels, and I hope your journey to Montpellier is as pleasant and stress-free as mine was!
