Why Fly with Aegean Airlines?
Aegean Airlines is Greece’s largest airline and one of the most useful carriers for travellers exploring Greece, the Greek islands, and the wider region. Its network combines domestic routes with flights across Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa, making it particularly valuable for journeys that begin or end in Greece.
The airline’s two most important hubs are Athens and Thessaloniki. From Athens, Aegean connects the Greek capital with cities across Europe and a wide range of domestic destinations. Thessaloniki is also an important base, with flights that can remove the need to travel south through Athens before continuing elsewhere.
For travellers exploring Greece, the domestic network is one of Aegean’s biggest strengths. Flights serve major destinations such as Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, Santorini, Mykonos, Kos, Zakynthos, Kefalonia, Samos, Chios, Lesbos, Naxos, Paros, Milos, Skiathos, and many more. Some services are operated by Olympic Air, which works closely with Aegean and forms an important part of the wider domestic network.
This makes Aegean particularly useful when ferry travel would take too long or when a journey involves destinations that are difficult to connect by sea. A flight between Athens and an island can take less than an hour, while the equivalent journey by ferry may take several hours or require an overnight crossing.
Aegean is a full-service airline rather than a traditional low-cost carrier, although the cheapest fares can still be quite restrictive. The experience depends heavily on the fare you choose, so it is important to look beyond the headline ticket price and check baggage, seat selection, changes, and flexibility before booking.
The airline is also a member of Star Alliance, giving frequent flyers access to a much wider international network and allowing eligible passengers to earn and use benefits across participating airlines. For travellers who fly regularly with Aegean or other Star Alliance carriers, the Miles+Bonus loyalty programme can be one of the airline’s strongest features.
Where Does Aegean Airlines Fly?
Aegean’s network is centred on Greece, but it extends far beyond the country. The airline serves a broad mix of domestic, European, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and North African destinations, with additional connections available through codeshare and partner airlines.
Athens International Airport is the heart of the network. From here, passengers can connect between international flights and destinations throughout mainland Greece and the islands. For many travellers arriving from elsewhere in Europe, an Aegean connection through Athens is one of the easiest ways to reach a smaller Greek airport.
The domestic network is particularly extensive. Alongside major airports such as Thessaloniki, Heraklion, Chania, Rhodes, Corfu, and Kos, the wider Aegean and Olympic Air network reaches smaller island airports including Naxos, Paros, Milos, Leros, Ikaria, Kastellorizo, Kythira, Skyros, and Sitia.
This can make a major difference when planning a Greek itinerary. A traveller heading to a smaller island may be able to fly directly or connect through Athens, rather than spending additional time travelling to a ferry port and waiting for a sailing. On the other hand, ferries may still be better for shorter island-to-island journeys, so it is worth comparing both options.
Aegean also serves a wide range of European cities, including London, Manchester, Paris, Amsterdam, Brussels, Rome, Milan, Madrid, Lisbon, Vienna, Prague, Warsaw, Sofia, Bucharest, Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, Copenhagen, Stockholm, and many more. The network changes seasonally, with additional leisure routes appearing during the busy summer period.
Beyond Europe, the airline serves destinations including Cairo, Alexandria, Amman, Beirut, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Jeddah, Riyadh, Tel Aviv, Tunis, Marrakech, and Yerevan, although individual routes and frequencies can change throughout the year.
One important point is that not every destination shown within Aegean’s booking network is necessarily operated by an Aegean aircraft. Some journeys use Olympic Air, while others may involve codeshare or partner airlines. Always check the operating carrier before booking if the aircraft, onboard service, or baggage rules are important to you.
Aegean Airlines Fare Types Explained
Choosing the right Aegean fare matters because the cheapest ticket is not always the cheapest option once you add everything you need. Baggage allowance, ticket changes, seat selection, and flexibility vary between fares, so it is worth comparing the full cost rather than automatically selecting the lowest price.
Aegean uses several fare families, with options ranging from lower-cost economy tickets to more flexible economy fares and Business Class. The exact choices offered can depend on the route and flight, but the booking process clearly shows what is included before payment.
The lowest fares are best suited to travellers who know their plans are unlikely to change and can travel with limited luggage. If you need to add a checked bag, choose a particular seat, or retain flexibility, a higher fare may offer better overall value.
This is especially important on trips to Greece. A traveller heading away for a week or two may need more luggage than someone taking a short city break, while passengers connecting to ferries or smaller islands may want additional flexibility in case their wider itinerary changes.
Before paying, compare the price difference between fare types with the cost of adding extras separately. Sometimes upgrading to the next fare can be more economical than starting with the cheapest ticket and then adding baggage and other services one by one.
Aegean also allows passengers to manage many parts of an existing booking online. Depending on the ticket and fare conditions, you can use My Booking to add baggage or seats, view flight details, book additional services, and make permitted changes.
Aegean Airlines Baggage Allowance
Baggage is one of the most important things to check before booking an Aegean flight. Your allowance depends on the fare type, route, operating carrier, and cabin class, so there is no single baggage rule that applies to every passenger.
Some lower economy fares may include no checked baggage at all, while higher economy fares can include a checked bag of up to 23kg. Business Class allowances are more generous, with some fares including two checked bags of up to 32kg each.
The important thing is to check the allowance shown against your exact flight before paying. This becomes particularly important when a journey includes Aegean, Olympic Air, or another partner airline, as the aircraft and applicable rules may differ between sectors.
If your ticket does not include enough baggage, additional bags can be purchased. It is generally better to arrange this before arriving at the airport, rather than leaving it until departure. Aegean provides an online baggage calculator that shows the allowance and additional charges for a specific journey.
A checked bag weighing more than 23kg but no more than 32kg is normally treated as overweight baggage. Bags above 32kg cannot be accepted as standard checked luggage and may need to travel as cargo instead.
Travellers carrying sports equipment, bicycles, musical instruments, or other unusual items should check the specific rules before departure. This is particularly relevant for visitors heading to Greece for skiing, diving, cycling, sailing, or other activity-based holidays.
The simplest rule is to never assume that baggage is included simply because Aegean is a full-service airline. Check the exact allowance attached to your fare before booking, then compare the cost of a higher fare with the price of adding baggage separately.
Checking In for an Aegean Airlines Flight
Online check-in opens 48 hours before departure, making it easy to prepare for your flight before travelling to the airport. The exact closing time depends on the departure airport, so it is important not to assume that the same deadline applies everywhere.
To check in, you need your surname and either your booking reference or ticket number. The process allows you to confirm your allocated seat or choose another available seat, after which you can receive a mobile boarding pass or print one if you prefer.
The Aegean app is particularly useful for this. You can check in, store your mobile boarding pass, manage parts of your booking, and receive real-time flight information without needing to return repeatedly to the website.
Passengers travelling with hand luggage only can usually proceed directly to security once they have checked in and received their boarding pass. If you have checked baggage, you will still need to use the appropriate baggage drop or check-in desk before the airport deadline.
Airport check-in is also available, although the process varies between airports. Some locations have self-service kiosks, while others rely on staffed counters. Passengers travelling from smaller Greek islands should allow plenty of time, as airport facilities and procedures can be much simpler than those at Athens or Thessaloniki.
The safest approach is to check the airport-specific deadline before travelling. Online check-in may be open, but that does not mean you can arrive at the airport shortly before departure. You still need enough time for baggage drop, security, passport control where required, and reaching the gate.
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Using the Aegean Airlines App
The Aegean app is worth installing if you have a flight booked, particularly if your journey includes several sectors or a connection within Greece. It brings the most useful parts of your booking together and reduces the need to carry printed documents.
You can use the app to book flights, add extras, manage your account, check in, and access your mobile boarding pass. It also provides real-time flight updates, which can be particularly useful when travelling through busy airports or when your itinerary includes a connecting flight.
For travellers exploring several Greek destinations, keeping bookings inside the app can make a complicated itinerary much easier to manage. Instead of searching through emails for confirmation numbers, you can keep your flight information and boarding documents in one place.
The app is also useful after booking. Depending on your ticket and flight, you can manage extras such as baggage and seat selection, while the wider My Booking system allows passengers to view booking details, add services, and make permitted changes.
It is still sensible to save a copy of your boarding pass to your phone before reaching the airport. Mobile data and airport Wi-Fi are not always reliable, particularly at smaller regional airports, so having the boarding pass available offline can avoid unnecessary problems.
For regular Aegean passengers, the app becomes even more useful when connected to a Miles+Bonus account, allowing bookings, membership details, and travel activity to sit within the same system.
Choosing a Seat with Aegean Airlines
Seat selection depends heavily on your fare type. Some fares include standard seat selection, while passengers on the cheapest tickets may need to pay if they want to choose a particular seat before departure.
Aegean divides economy seating into several categories. Standard seats make up most of the cabin, while Up Front seats place passengers closer to the front of the aircraft. Extra Legroom seats provide additional space and are usually located in specific rows, depending on the aircraft type.
On a Light fare, choosing a seat in advance normally costs extra. If you do not pay to select one, a seat will be allocated during check-in. Flex and Family fares include standard seat selection, while ComfortFlex includes both Standard and Up Front seats, subject to availability. Business Class passengers can choose their seat without charge.
This is worth considering when comparing fares. If you already know that you want to sit together, prefer a window seat, or want to be near the front for a short connection, the difference between two fare types may be smaller than it first appears once seat charges are included.
Aircraft type also matters. Aegean operates Airbus aircraft on many domestic and international routes, while smaller destinations may be served by ATR turboprops operated within the Aegean and Olympic Air network. The cabin layout and available seat types therefore vary between flights.
For short domestic flights, paying extra for a premium seat may offer limited value. On longer journeys, however, extra legroom or an Up Front seat may be more worthwhile, particularly if you want to leave the aircraft quickly after landing.
Managing Your Booking and Adding Extras
Aegean allows passengers to manage many parts of a trip after the original booking has been completed. The My Booking section is the main place to check your reservation, add services, and make changes permitted by your fare.
Depending on your ticket, you may be able to add checked baggage, choose a seat, change a flight, and book additional services. This is useful if your plans develop after booking or if you initially purchased a cheaper fare and later decide that you need luggage.
Other extras can include Security Fast Track, where available. If purchased, the Fast Track entitlement is added to your boarding pass, allowing you to use the appropriate security lane at participating airports. Eligible Business Class passengers, Miles+Bonus Gold members, and Star Alliance Gold members may receive access without an additional charge on qualifying flights.
The key is to make changes before reaching the airport whenever possible. Adding baggage, selecting seats, and arranging other extras in advance is usually more convenient than trying to resolve everything at the check-in desk.
Travellers should also pay close attention to the conditions attached to their original fare. The ability to change a flight does not necessarily mean that changes are free. Fare differences, change fees, and other conditions can still apply.
If you are booking well in advance but are not quite ready to pay, Aegean also offers a Hold My Booking option on eligible journeys. The holding period is 48 hours for domestic flights and 96 hours for international flights, although a fee applies and the reservation is released if it is not confirmed within the allowed period.
For most passengers, the best approach is to treat the initial booking screen as the starting point rather than the end of the process. Once your trip is confirmed, check My Booking to make sure your baggage, seats, contact details, and any additional services are exactly as you expect.
What Is the Aegean Airlines Onboard Experience Like?
The onboard experience with Aegean Airlines varies according to the length of the flight, aircraft type, route, and cabin class, but the airline generally offers more than travellers might expect from a short-haul European carrier.
In Economy Class, passengers can receive complimentary food or snacks and drinks, with the exact service depending on the journey. Aegean places a strong emphasis on Greek and Mediterranean flavours, so the onboard service feels more distinctive than the buy-on-board menus now common with many European airlines.
On shorter domestic flights, the service is naturally simpler. Many journeys between Athens and the Greek islands are extremely short, leaving limited time for the cabin crew to complete the service. On longer international flights, passengers can expect a more substantial offering.
Vegetarian options are available on international flights, while passengers with particular dietary requirements should check the available special meals before travelling. Where offered, these need to be requested in advance rather than after boarding.
Business Class offers a more extensive dining experience, with meal choices inspired by Greek cuisine. On eligible flights lasting more than two hours, passengers can select their preferred meal through My Booking up to 24 hours before departure.
Entertainment is available on aircraft equipped with Wi-Fi technology. Passengers can connect their own phone, tablet, or laptop to the Aegean Portal and stream films, television programmes, documentaries, music, news, and children’s content. The entertainment itself is free and does not require the purchase of an internet package.
Some aircraft also offer onboard Wi-Fi, although availability depends on the aircraft operating your flight. Internet packages can be purchased where available, so travellers who need to work or stay connected should check their specific flight rather than assuming every aircraft has the same facilities.
For most passengers, Aegean’s onboard product is best described as a comfortable step above the basic low-cost experience. The complimentary service, Greek touches, and entertainment available on equipped aircraft can make even a relatively short flight feel like part of the journey rather than simply transportation.
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Aegean Airlines Business Class
Aegean Business Class is available on selected domestic and international flights and offers a more comfortable experience both at the airport and in the air.
The exact benefits depend on the route and airport, but the experience can include priority check-in, priority baggage handling, lounge access, Fast Track security, additional baggage, and free seat selection. Eligible passengers should check which services are available at their departure airport, as smaller regional airports may not offer the same facilities as Athens or major international hubs.
At Athens International Airport, Aegean operates dedicated lounges for eligible passengers. These provide a quieter place to wait before departure, with food, snacks, and hot and cold drinks available.
Onboard, Business Class passengers receive a more extensive food and drink service. On eligible flights of more than two hours, meals can be selected before departure, allowing passengers to choose from available options rather than simply accepting whatever remains onboard.
Business Class passengers on compatible aircraft can also access Aegean’s Stream Wi-Fi bundle, providing high-speed internet during the flight. Free onboard entertainment is also available through the Aegean Portal on aircraft equipped with the necessary technology.
The physical seat is worth understanding before paying to upgrade. On many European routes, Business Class uses the same general aircraft cabin as Economy Class rather than a completely separate long-haul-style seat. The additional value therefore comes from the airport benefits, extra space arrangements, baggage allowance, flexibility, food, priority services, and lounge access rather than a lie-flat seat.
For a short domestic flight, the price difference may be difficult to justify unless you value the additional baggage or airport benefits. On a longer international journey, or when connecting through a busy airport, the complete package can be much more attractive.
Aegean Miles+Bonus Explained
Miles+Bonus is Aegean’s frequent flyer programme and one of the most useful parts of the airline for regular travellers. Members can earn miles when flying with Aegean, Olympic Air, and eligible partner airlines, then use them towards rewards including flights and seat upgrades.
Because Aegean belongs to Star Alliance, the programme extends far beyond flights within Greece. Eligible flights with other alliance members can help members earn miles, while status benefits can be recognised across participating airlines.
Miles+Bonus separates the miles used for rewards from those used to determine frequent flyer status. This distinction matters because earning enough miles for a free flight is not necessarily the same as meeting the requirements to move up a membership tier.
The programme is particularly attractive to travellers who fly with Aegean or Olympic Air regularly. The qualification rules reward passengers who include Aegean-operated flights in their travel, while alternative thresholds are available for those earning larger numbers of tier miles.
There are important changes to the programme during 2026, with new tier rules taking effect from 5 November 2026 for relevant upgrade and retention periods. Aegean is also introducing a new Platinum tier, so anyone actively working towards status should check the current rules carefully rather than relying on older guides or forum posts.
Miles can also be used beyond straightforward reward flights. Depending on the service and account, options can include seat upgrades, hotels, car rental, shopping, extra baggage, sports equipment, pet travel, Fast Track, and seat selection.
For occasional travellers, joining is still worthwhile if you expect to fly with Aegean again. For frequent visitors to Greece or regular Star Alliance passengers, however, it is worth looking much more closely at how Miles+Bonus fits into your wider travel plans.
Flying with Children, Pets, or Additional Assistance
Aegean caters for a wide range of passengers who need more than a standard seat and baggage allowance, but advance planning is important.
Families travelling with young children should check the rules attached to the child’s age and ticket. Infants under two generally travel on an adult’s lap, although it may be possible to book a separate seat at a reduced fare. Children have their own baggage provisions, and families can also travel with a collapsible stroller, subject to the applicable rules.
For children travelling without an adult, Aegean and Olympic Air offer a Child Travelling Alone service for eligible passengers. Children aged 5 to 12 can travel unaccompanied when the service has been arranged, with staff taking responsibility for guiding the child through the airport and handing them over to the cabin crew.
Travelling with pets is also possible on many routes. Depending on the animal’s type, size, weight, route, and aircraft, a pet may travel in the cabin, in the aircraft hold, or as cargo. For cabin travel, the combined weight of the pet and carrier must not exceed 8kg.
Larger cats and dogs may be accepted in the hold on suitable aircraft, but there are important route restrictions. Rules for destinations such as the United Kingdom, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi differ from the standard arrangements, so pet travel should never be booked on assumptions alone.
Passengers who need special assistance or support with reduced mobility can request help during the booking process or by contacting Aegean. Arranging this in advance gives the airline and airport teams time to prepare the appropriate assistance.
The main rule for all of these situations is simple: do not wait until you arrive at the airport. Whether you are travelling with a child, pet, wheelchair, mobility aid, or another specific requirement, check the exact conditions for your route and arrange any necessary services before departure.
Booking Aegean Airlines Flights
Booking directly with Aegean Airlines is straightforward, particularly if you already know the route and dates you want to travel. The booking system allows you to search for one-way, return, and multi-city journeys, making it useful for everything from a simple flight to Athens to a longer trip involving several Greek destinations.
When comparing flights, pay attention to more than the departure time and headline fare. A cheaper ticket may not include the checked baggage, seat selection, or flexibility you need, while the next fare level may offer better overall value once these extras are added.
This is particularly important for multi-destination trips around Greece. You might fly into Athens, continue to an island, and return home from Thessaloniki or another airport. Using the multi-city search can help you build the flights around the trip you actually want rather than automatically returning to your original arrival point.
If your dates are flexible, compare nearby travel days before booking. Prices can vary significantly between flights, particularly during July and August, around Greek public holidays, and on routes to popular islands. Travelling a day earlier or later can sometimes make a substantial difference.
Seasonality also matters. Some routes operate throughout the year, while others are added or become much more frequent during the summer travel season. A route that appears easy to book in August may operate less frequently or not at all during winter.
Before completing the booking, check the operating carrier for every flight. Services sold through Aegean may be operated by Olympic Air or another partner airline, which can affect the aircraft type and some aspects of the journey.
If the fare and itinerary suit your plans, booking directly also makes it easier to manage the reservation afterwards through My Booking and the Aegean app.
Plan This Journey with Aegean Airlines
Flying is often the quickest way to travel between Athens, Thessaloniki, the Greek islands, and destinations across Europe. Aegean Airlines lets you search flights and book directly for journeys across its network.
It is particularly useful for trips within Greece, island connections, and international journeys to and from the country. Check available flights, compare travel dates, and book the option that best fits your plans.
Connecting Through Athens with Aegean Airlines
Athens International Airport is the centre of the Aegean network, and many journeys to smaller Greek destinations involve a connection there. For travellers heading to an island or regional airport, this can provide a much wider choice of destinations than relying on direct international flights.
A typical journey might involve flying from another European city to Athens, then connecting to destinations such as Naxos, Paros, Milos, Chios, Samos, or another Greek island. The second flight may be operated by Aegean Airlines or Olympic Air, depending on the route.
When the entire journey is booked on one ticket, the connection is generally much simpler. Your itinerary is treated as a single journey, and checked baggage will normally be tagged through to the final destination unless you are told otherwise.
This is very different from booking separate tickets. If you arrange one flight to Athens and then buy an unrelated onward flight, you may need to collect your baggage, check in again, and clear the necessary airport procedures. More importantly, the second airline may not be responsible if a delay to your first flight causes you to miss the next one.
For this reason, compare the cost of a through booking with separate tickets carefully. A self-connection may look cheaper, but it can require a much longer gap between flights to reduce the risk.
Athens Airport is designed to handle domestic and international connections, but you should still check how much time is available. Depending on the journey, you may need to pass through security or passport control, and the walking time to the departure gate should not be underestimated.
Connections can be especially valuable for reaching smaller islands, but they are not always the best option. If your destination has a direct seasonal flight from your home airport, compare the total journey time and price. Similarly, for some islands close to Athens, a ferry from Piraeus or Rafina may fit your wider itinerary better.
The strongest approach is to compare the entire journey rather than assuming flying or taking the ferry will automatically be faster. Include the airport transfer, check-in time, connection, flight, and onward journey before deciding.
Aegean Airlines Flight Delays and Cancellations
Flight delays and cancellations can affect any airline, and journeys involving Greek islands can be particularly vulnerable to disruption caused by strong winds, weather conditions, air traffic restrictions, and operational problems.
If your flight is disrupted, check the Aegean app, your email, and any text messages sent to the contact details attached to your booking. Keeping your phone number and email address correct is important, as these may be used to provide updated flight information.
Your options depend on what has happened, the reason for the disruption, and the rules that apply to your journey. In some circumstances, passengers may be offered rerouting, a later flight, or a refund, while longer delays can create additional rights to care or assistance.
Flights covered by European passenger rights legislation may also qualify for compensation in certain circumstances. However, compensation is not automatic simply because a flight is late or cancelled. Factors including the length of the delay, route, circumstances, and cause of the disruption all matter.
Weather and other extraordinary circumstances can affect whether compensation is payable, although passengers may still have other rights when a flight is significantly delayed or cancelled.
If you experience a disruption, keep your booking confirmation, boarding pass, receipts, messages from the airline, and details of the actual arrival time. These can be important if you later need to make a claim.
Travellers with a separate ferry, train, hotel, or independently booked connecting flight should also consider the wider consequences of a delay. Aegean will not necessarily be responsible for an unrelated booking made separately, so tight self-connections can create additional risk.
For important journeys, allowing some flexibility is particularly sensible during periods when disruption could have a major impact on the rest of your trip.
Is Aegean Airlines Good for Greek Island Hopping?
Aegean Airlines can be extremely useful for Greek island hopping, but it works best as part of a wider transport plan rather than as a replacement for ferries.
Flights are particularly valuable when you need to cover a long distance quickly. Travelling from Athens to Crete, Rhodes, Kos, Corfu, or another distant island can be much faster by air than by sea, especially if you have limited time.
The wider Aegean and Olympic Air network also reaches several smaller islands, making flying a practical way to begin or end an island-hopping trip. For example, you might fly to the first island, travel between nearby islands by ferry, and then fly home from a different airport.
This can be much more efficient than returning to Athens by ferry simply to catch a flight home.
However, flights are often less useful for moving between neighbouring islands. Many island-to-island air journeys require a connection through Athens, turning what looks like a short distance on the map into a much longer trip. In these situations, a direct ferry can be faster, cheaper, and considerably simpler.
Baggage also deserves attention. Ferry passengers generally have much more freedom with luggage, while flights are governed by the allowance attached to the ticket. Travellers moving between several islands should consider how often they will need to check in, collect bags, travel to airports, and pass through security.
The best Greek island itinerary often combines both forms of transport. Use Aegean Airlines for the long jumps, particularly at the beginning or end of the trip, and use ferries for practical connections between islands that naturally sit on the same route.
That approach can save hours of unnecessary travel while still allowing you to enjoy the flexibility and experience of exploring Greece by sea.
Aegean Airlines or Olympic Air: What Is the Difference?
Travellers booking flights around Greece will often see Aegean Airlines and Olympic Air appearing within the same journey. The two brands are closely connected, but they are not simply different names for exactly the same operation.
Olympic Air is part of the Aegean group and plays an important role in serving Greece’s domestic network. Many routes to smaller islands and regional airports are operated by Olympic Air, particularly those where smaller aircraft are better suited to local demand and airport conditions.
This means you might search for a flight on the Aegean website, complete your booking with Aegean, and then discover that one part of the journey is operated by Olympic Air. This is entirely normal and is particularly common when travelling to smaller Greek destinations.
The most noticeable difference for passengers is often the aircraft. Aegean primarily uses Airbus aircraft, while Olympic Air operates ATR turboprop aircraft on many regional routes. Turboprops are well suited to short domestic flights and smaller airports, although the experience can feel different if you are accustomed to larger jet aircraft.
For most travellers, there is no need to choose between the two airlines. The more important consideration is the route, departure time, fare, baggage allowance, and connection. If Olympic Air provides the most practical flight to your destination, there is no reason to avoid it simply because the aircraft is smaller.
However, you should always check the operating carrier before booking. This helps you understand what type of aircraft you are likely to fly on and ensures you check any rules that apply specifically to your journey.
The close relationship between the two airlines is one of the reasons the wider network works so well for travel around Greece. Aegean connects Greece with major international destinations, while Olympic Air helps extend the network to smaller islands and regional communities that might otherwise be much harder to reach.
When Should You Fly Instead of Taking a Ferry?
One of the biggest decisions when planning a trip around Greece is whether to fly or take the ferry. There is no single answer because the best option depends on the route, the season, and how the journey fits into the rest of your trip.
Flying usually makes the most sense when travelling between Athens and a distant island. Destinations such as Rhodes, Kos, Corfu, Lesbos, Samos, and Crete involve much longer sea journeys, so a short flight can save a substantial amount of time.
It can also be the better option when moving between different island groups. A traveller going from Corfu to Rhodes, for example, is crossing from the Ionian Islands to the Dodecanese. There is no simple ferry journey between them, so flying via Athens may be considerably more practical.
Ferries usually win when the islands sit naturally on the same route. Journeys such as Paros to Naxos, Santorini to Mykonos, or Kos to another nearby Dodecanese island are often much more straightforward by sea. Flying may require a connection through Athens, turning a relatively short geographical journey into a complicated one.
The location of airports and ferry ports also matters. A flight might take only 45 minutes, but the complete journey includes travelling to the airport, arriving before departure, passing through security, flying, collecting luggage, and travelling from the arrival airport. A ferry may take longer on paper but could still fit the itinerary better.
Overnight ferries add another consideration. On some longer routes, travelling overnight can save the cost of a hotel and allow you to arrive in the morning. For other travellers, a short flight and an extra night at the destination will be much more appealing.
The best approach is to use flights for long jumps and ferries for natural island chains. Aegean and Olympic Air can get you quickly to the first island or home from the last one, while ferries handle the shorter journeys in between.
How to Find Cheaper Aegean Airlines Flights
Aegean fares can vary considerably, particularly on popular routes and during the busiest periods of the Greek summer. Booking early is often important, but there are several other ways to avoid paying more than necessary.
Start by comparing different travel dates. A flight on a Friday evening or Sunday afternoon may cost considerably more than one at a quieter time. If your itinerary is flexible, shifting the journey by a day can sometimes produce a much better fare.
The same applies to departure times. Early morning and late evening flights may be cheaper than the most convenient services in the middle of the day, although the cost of reaching the airport should always be included in the calculation.
For island routes, seasonality is particularly important. Demand can be extremely high during July and August, while flights around major holidays and popular events may also sell quickly. Waiting for a last-minute bargain on a route with limited capacity can be risky.
Always compare the total fare, not simply the first price displayed. If you need a checked bag and seat selection, a more expensive fare may work out cheaper than buying the lowest ticket and adding extras afterwards.
Travellers planning a wider trip should also experiment with one-way and multi-city bookings. Flying into Athens, continuing around Greece, and returning home from Thessaloniki, Crete, Rhodes, or another destination can remove unnecessary backtracking.
Aegean also runs sales and promotional fares during the year. These can be particularly useful if you already know which destinations you want to visit and can book when the right offer appears.
The biggest saving, however, often comes from planning the whole trip intelligently. A cheap flight is not a bargain if it creates an expensive airport transfer, an unnecessary overnight stay, or a difficult connection. Compare the complete door-to-door journey before deciding.
Is Aegean Airlines Worth Flying?
For travel to and around Greece, Aegean Airlines is often one of the most practical airlines available. Its biggest strength is not any single onboard feature but the combination of its international network, extensive domestic connections, Olympic Air services, and Athens hub.
It is particularly useful for travellers visiting more than one part of Greece. The ability to fly into one destination, travel around the country, and return from another can make an itinerary much more efficient.
The airline also offers a more traditional experience than many European low-cost carriers. Depending on the flight, passengers can benefit from complimentary onboard service, digital entertainment, a useful app, a full frequent flyer programme, and Star Alliance membership.
However, Aegean should not automatically be assumed to be the cheapest option. The lowest fare can become more expensive once baggage and seat selection are added, and other airlines may offer better prices or more convenient direct flights on some routes.
The same applies within Greece. Aegean and Olympic Air are excellent for covering long distances quickly, but they do not replace the ferry network. For many island-to-island journeys, ferries remain the more logical choice.
For travellers who understand those limitations, Aegean is particularly strong. Use it for reaching Greece, connecting through Athens, travelling to distant islands, and linking different regions of the country. Combine it with ferries where the sea route is more natural, and it becomes one of the most useful tools for building a genuinely efficient Greek itinerary.
For most visitors, the verdict is straightforward: Aegean Airlines is well worth considering, especially when its network allows you to avoid long overland journeys, complicated ferry combinations, or unnecessary backtracking through Athens.
Rupert’s Handy Travel Tips
Flying with Aegean Airlines? Here are a few useful tips to make your journey smoother:
- Check the full fare: The cheapest ticket may not include the checked baggage or seat selection you need, so compare the total cost before booking.
- Look at the operating carrier: Some flights booked through Aegean are operated by Olympic Air, particularly on routes to smaller Greek islands.
- Use flights for the long jumps: Flying can save hours when travelling to a distant island or between different parts of Greece, while ferries are often better between nearby islands.
- Download the app: The Aegean app is useful for check-in, boarding passes, booking details, and flight updates while you travel.
- Do not leave baggage until the airport: If your fare does not include enough luggage, arrange additional baggage in advance rather than waiting until departure.
- Build an open-jaw trip: Consider flying into one Greek destination and home from another to avoid unnecessary backtracking at the end of your holiday.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Aegean Airlines
Is Aegean Airlines a low-cost airline?
No. Aegean Airlines is a full-service airline, although its cheapest fares can have restrictions similar to those found on low-cost carriers. Depending on the fare, checked baggage and advance seat selection may cost extra, so always compare the total price before booking.
Does Aegean Airlines include checked baggage?
Not on every ticket. The checked baggage allowance depends on your fare type, route, and cabin class. Some economy fares include no checked bag, while other fares include baggage as standard.
Does Aegean Airlines provide free food and drinks?
Aegean provides a complimentary onboard service, although what is offered depends on the route and flight duration. Short domestic flights generally have a simpler service than longer international journeys.
When does Aegean Airlines online check-in open?
Online check-in opens 48 hours before departure. The closing time can vary by airport, so passengers should check the rules for their specific departure point.
Can I use a mobile boarding pass with Aegean Airlines?
Yes, mobile boarding passes are available for many flights and airports. The Aegean app can be used to check in and store your boarding pass, although it is sensible to save a copy to your phone in case you lose internet access.
What is the difference between Aegean Airlines and Olympic Air?
Olympic Air is part of the Aegean group and operates many domestic and regional services, particularly routes to smaller Greek islands and airports. You may book through Aegean but find that your flight is operated by Olympic Air.
Can I fly between Greek islands with Aegean Airlines?
Sometimes, but many island-to-island journeys require a connection through Athens. Flights are generally most useful for long journeys between different parts of Greece, while ferries are often better between nearby islands.
Is Aegean Airlines good for Greek island hopping?
Yes, particularly when used alongside ferries. A practical approach is to fly to the first island, travel between nearby islands by ferry, and fly home from the final destination.
Can I take a pet on an Aegean Airlines flight?
Yes, subject to the airline’s rules. Depending on the animal, weight, route, aircraft, and carrier, pets may travel in the cabin, in the hold, or as cargo. Advance arrangements are essential.
Is Aegean Airlines part of Star Alliance?
Yes. Aegean Airlines is a member of Star Alliance, allowing eligible passengers to earn miles and receive benefits across participating airlines.
Does Aegean Airlines have a frequent flyer programme?
Yes. The airline’s loyalty programme is called Miles+Bonus. Members can earn miles with Aegean, Olympic Air, and eligible partners, while frequent flyers can work towards higher membership tiers.
Should I book Aegean Airlines directly?
Booking directly can make it easier to manage your flight, add baggage, choose seats, check in, and deal with changes or disruption through the Aegean website and app.
Further Reading & Related Guides
Travellers heading through northern Greece should also explore our Thessaloniki Airport Transfers Guide and Thessaloniki Public Transport Guide.
For island journeys, our Greek Islands Ferry Guide explains how the ferry network works, while our Interrail Greek Islands Pass Guide looks at an alternative way to combine ferry travel between selected islands. Comparing these options with Aegean and Olympic Air can help you decide when to fly and when to travel by sea.
Before travelling, our eSIM Apps Guide can help you arrange mobile data for Greece.
If you are concerned about delays or cancellations, our AirHelp+ Guide explains the available flight protection and disruption benefits.
Last Updated
July 2026
This guide was reviewed and updated for the 2026 travel season. Aegean Airlines may change its routes, schedules, fare conditions, baggage allowances, onboard services, and Miles+Bonus rules, so always check the details shown for your specific flight before booking.
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