Scott embarks on a unique low-cost flight challenge from Glasgow, aiming to fly east indefinitely. He navigates through various airports, faces unexpected delays, and makes spontaneous decisions about accommodations while documenting his journey across Europe.
Hi everyone, my name is Scott, and welcome to Planes Trains Everything. Today, I’m at Glasgow Airport, ready to embark on a new low-cost flight challenge. Last year, I flew from Glasgow to Europe and ended up back in Edinburgh, just 50 miles away. This time, I have a cunning plan: I will fly east, forever east, and see where I end up.
The premise of my journey is simple: as long as I keep heading east, I can take any flight I want. My first flight is with EasyJet to Gatwick. You might think Gatwick is south, but it’s also east of Glasgow. Using decimal coordinates, Glasgow is 4.4° west of the Greenwich Meridian, while Gatwick is only 0.1° west. So, I’m still on track!
I plan to be away for two nights and three days, potentially taking five or six flights. To add an element of surprise, I have three cards:
I can only use one card per night, and I’ll decide based on the circumstances.
I arrived at the airport with plenty of time to spare, as I wanted to ensure I could film my introduction without rushing. The EasyJet flight was smooth, and we arrived 20 minutes early. However, getting off the plane was chaotic due to a large family blocking the exit. After a long wait for a shuttle bus to the terminal, I finally made it inside.
Once at Gatwick, I had to navigate through a busy duty-free area, which felt more like a shopping center than an airport. After some time, I made my way to the North Terminal for my next flight, which is still a mystery destination but definitely east of Gatwick.
The flight to Barcelona was slightly delayed but ultimately arrived on time. I had a few hours to kill before my next flight, so I decided to grab a bite to eat. I found a nice spot in Terminal 1 and enjoyed some empanadas and a beer.
I booked a hotel at the airport for the night since I didn’t want to venture into the city center late at night. I used my card to stay at a hotel, which was a relief after a long day of travel.
The next morning, I woke up refreshed and ready for my flight to Lyon. The flight was pleasant, and I arrived on time. I checked into the Moxy Hotel, conveniently located at the airport, which was a good choice considering my late arrival.
After a good night’s sleep, I prepared for my next flight to Rome. The flight was scenic, flying over the Alps and the Mediterranean. Upon arrival, I had a long layover at Fiumicino Airport, which gave me time to explore.
With 8.5 hours to spare, I considered heading into Rome for a pizza and beer. However, the cost of the train was prohibitive, so I opted to stay at the airport. I enjoyed a delicious pizza at the airport restaurant, which was a great decision.
After my layover, I boarded my flight to Vienna. The flight was smooth, and I arrived at night. I had planned to rough it at the airport, so I settled in for the night, preparing for an early morning flight.
The next morning, I caught my flight to Sofia, Bulgaria. This marked my sixth flight of the challenge. I was feeling the fatigue from the journey but was excited to explore a new city.
After six flights, I faced a decision. There was an enticing flight to Tbilisi, Georgia, but arriving at 3:45 a.m. didn’t seem ideal. I also had my son’s birthday coming up, which made me reconsider my plans. Ultimately, I decided to use my card to chicken out and go home. This adventure taught me that as you travel further east, flight options diminish, and prices increase.
Thank you for joining me on this journey. I hope to see you next time!
