Many have heard of low-cost airlines that charge low prices on tickets by lowering food, baggage and check-in costs. For thrifty citizens, there are low-cost buses that have their pros and cons. This article will focus on the young carrier FlixBus.
A small digression into history
For the first time, the development of a network of bus routes was discussed in 2009. Entrepreneurs Daniel Kraus, Jochen Engert and Andre Schwemmline organized this company in 2013. Two years later, FlixBus went international. Today, the organization manages hundreds of buses and carries out 200 thousand flights daily. The carrier has opened about 1200 destinations in 26 countries of the world.
The German company MeinFernbus FlixBus has recently joined FlixBus. These organizations have created a new European brand, which is widely popular among tourists. The reviews of Fernbus fahren mit FlixBus note that the merger of the two shipping companies made it possible to travel conveniently, cheaply and safely to all European countries. The company's efforts are focused on providing passengers with the highest level of service.
What it is?
The bus company FlixBus is the largest European transportation operator. Among the main advantages of this organization are the following:
- wide route network, which covers all countries of Europe;
- low prices;
- the opportunity to purchase a ticket on the Internet, at city ticket offices, with the driver and with partners of the company;
- comfortable buses (dry closets, soft seats, the purchase of dry snacks, drinks and the presence of air conditioning);
- a mobile application that allows you to inform about changes;
- comfortable baggage allowance;
It is already impossible to imagine the route of Europe without the branded green buses of this company.
With an incredible speed, the number of offices is increasing, as well as the list of cities from which you can leave on FlixBus. The uniqueness of the project lies in the special model on which trips are organized.
How it works?
A feature of FlixBus is its specific transportation organization model. The company does not have its own bus fleet, and offices act as think tanks. The company's specialists have many responsibilities: the development of new technologies, marketing, ticket sales, customer acquisition, and hiring drivers.
FlixBus and bus companies share among themselves the revenue and the losses incurred. Therefore, the partnership is based on a certain distribution model of financial resources. Both parties are interested in maintaining high quality service and increasing the number of customers.
Specific features
The company positions itself in the market as an environmentally friendly carrier. That is why the company uses buses that emit less carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Also, passengers can make voluntary donations to offset CO 2 emissions. The collected funds are invested in the development of environmental projects around the world. The "green" image has greatly contributed to the company's popularity.
Additional features and services
The company has developed the FlixBus App, a mobile application that can be used to print a ticket. The carrier pays particular attention to digital technology. Therefore, tourists can purchase an electronic ticket, as well as track the bus in real time. Using free Wi-Fi on the bus has created a new travel concept. The company also relied on regular sales and low-cost tickets.
Overall customer experience
In order to form an objective opinion, you can study the reviews about FlixBus. Many of them talk about the fact that the services of this company are really worth the money. Customers enjoy the simple process of booking and buying tickets through the mobile app. Reviews about FlixBus contain information that travel has become much more affordable thanks to this company.
Public opinion
Traveling on modern buses is safe, economical and convenient. The reviews contain information that cheap tickets must be bought at least a month in advance. The indisputable advantage of the company is the ability to cancel or flexibly change the trip, which is confirmed by reviews of FlixBus. However, the cost of this service is 5 euros. Many do not recommend riding night buses, as the seats are absolutely not designed for sleeping. You can book a ticket 3-6 months before departure. However, the period may vary depending on the route.
Some passengers did not like the landing on the principle of a live queue, which is confirmed by numerous reviews of the FlixBus. You can choose a seat only on some flights, for an additional fee. Priority is given only to travelers with young children and people with disabilities. Passengers also talk about the possibility of booking an extra seat nearby. However, for this you have to pay the full cost of the ticket. Passengers recommend that they be on board at least 15 minutes before departure. If the bus has free seats, tickets can be purchased directly from the driver at the bus stop. FlixBus reviews indicate that the carrier does not allow pets.
Service level
Many customers claim that bus drivers do not help load luggage, and also do not answer clarifying questions about the trip. When traveling in Europe, you need to be well prepared. Passengers need to know in advance the duration of the stops, their names and the place where they need to go. Some FlixBus reviews contain information that drivers do not speak English and do not provide important information to passengers.
Many note the careless attitude of drivers, since no one is waiting for late passengers. Therefore, using the services of this company, do not linger on the way to the flight. Other customer reviews of the FlixBus service report Internet restrictions, which are not enough even to watch a video clip. Other passengers say that free Wi-Fi can be used for one hour due to the limited amount of traffic. Reviews say that when the bus is full, the Internet does not work at all. In general, passengers are satisfied with the conditions of transportation and the level of service. Many say that the company provides the maximum comfortable buses. FlixBus reviews receive mostly positive feedback from those passengers who wish to budget travel across Europe. As an advantage, travelers note the possibility of visiting several places for little money. Some passengers are advised to purchase tickets at least a week before the departure of the flight. The principle of all budget travels says: the sooner the better.
FlixBus Bus Travel Reviews
Passengers should not rely on leather seats and a built-in TV in the cabin, which is confirmed. According to reviews, FlixBus buses offer quite comfortable conditions, without any frills and luxury. The seats recline far enough so passengers can sleep for hours on a trip. Some flights offer paid drinks and snacks, but tourists in the reviews of FlixBus note that it is better to take supplies with you.
The company strictly approaches the sizes of luggage and hand luggage. In this case, one bag should not weigh more than 7 kg, and a suitcase - no more than 20 kg. If passengers comply with these restrictions, they are exempt from payment. Otherwise, you will have to pay an additional fee of up to 9 euros. Some reviews note a complete lack of control over luggage by the driver. Many passengers recommend taking the necessary bags with them to the cabin of the bus. Reviews say that cases of theft of suitcases are frequent, because the company is not responsible for them.
Return Features
Customers warn potential passengers that the company does not refund tickets. The carrier only exchanges vouchers for future trips to FlixBus. Reviews say that it’s impossible to get real money for a ticket.
Company Advantages
Many reviews of FlixBus claim that this service offers a wide network of routes in many directions. Also, passengers note the economy of travel by buses in comparison with other carriers. Clients appreciated the cleanliness, convenience and order in the cabin, which is confirmed by the numerous positive reviews of FlixBus (photos of buses are given in the article). As additional benefits, many highlight the presence of outlets and a dry closet.
On the official website, you can purchase tickets on average 20% below the usual cost, if you make a purchase in advance. Passengers also appreciated the spacious distance between seats and soft chairs in the FlixBus cabin. The bus company receives mostly positive reviews, since tourists can independently get directions and visit countries of interest for little money. If you follow the discounts on the site, you can buy a ticket for only 1 euro. Many passengers liked double-decker buses that are comfortable.
Reviews on FlixBus note that the company is doing everything possible to maximize the convenience of passengers. Before boarding, it is enough to present an electronic ticket on the smartphone screen and settle down in a convenient place in the cabin. Users of this service talk about the fact that you can contact company employees at any time through the application.
Criticism
Many customers say that punctuality is one of the weakest points. Some passengers report that buses are regularly late. Many had to wait a few hours for the flight. Other customers were unsatisfied with the return system, which in fact is absent. Despite the fact that the company offers two options (to exchange a ticket or return money), physically getting the money is simply unrealistic. Funds can only be used for other trips in Europe. However, using this option is quite problematic, since it is not available in the mobile application.
Reviews report that the bus should not wait for caring and preventive maintenance. Delays occur very often, so this carrier is not punctual. Some reviews say that you can use FlixBus if the ticket is much cheaper than on another form of transport. Others say that the prices before starting a bus are quite comparable with train tickets. It is always necessary to take into account the probability of accidental events that can lead to delay: traffic jams, adverse weather conditions, breakdowns. Negative reviews say that an integral part of the service is a long wait in places that are completely unsuitable for this.
Brief conclusion
The pricing policy of the FlixBus bus company pleases many customers, especially those who are used to saving without sacrificing convenience. The carrier launched routes in almost all countries of Central and Eastern Europe. Today, he has at his disposal more than one hundred buses within the European community.
Passengers can independently choose the necessary route on the company's website. To do this, just set the parameters and wait for the system to respond. Despite the negative reviews, the availability of night routes is a great advantage of the transport company.