Aegean Airlines
Greece
SKY express
Greece's fast-growing island airline
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GreeceCountry
- GQIATA Code
- SEHICAO Code
- IndependentAlliance
- RegionalAirline Type
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About SKY express
Sky Express is a Greek airline flying from Athens to dozens of Greek islands and to cities across Europe. Every fare includes an 8 kg cabin bag, and higher fares add checked baggage and flexibility. This guide covers power bank rules, check-in at Athens, island-hopping and how it compares with Aegean Airlines and Ryanair.
Founded in 2005 in Heraklion, Crete, it has grown into Greece’s second-largest airline. It flies Airbus A320neo and A321neo jets and ATR 72 turboprops.
Contents
Power Bank Rules on Sky Express
New international (ICAO) rules apply from 27 March 2026, and European airlines follow them:
- Each passenger can carry up to two power banks, in cabin baggage only, never in checked bags.
- Power banks cannot be recharged on board, and many airlines also ban using them to charge phones during the flight.
- Up to 100 Wh needs no approval; 100–160 Wh needs approval from the airline. Keep them within reach, not in the overhead bin.
Check-In at Athens
Online check-in opens 48 hours before departure. Athens Airport is very busy in summer, so arrive at least 90 minutes before domestic flights and two hours before international flights.
Families and Special Assistance
Infants under two travel on an adult’s lap, and pushchairs and car seats can usually be checked in free. Request wheelchairs and other special assistance at least 48 hours before the flight.
Island-Hopping in Greece
Flights are much faster than ferries to many islands:
- Crete, Rhodes and Corfu have large airports with frequent flights.
- Smaller islands such as Kythira, Ikaria and Karpathos are served by turboprops.
- Combine flights and ferries to visit several islands.
How to Find Cheap Sky Express Flights
- Compare SKY joy plus a bag with SKY joy+, which includes 15 kg.
- Book early for July and August, when island flights sell out.
- Fly in May, June or September for lower fares.
- Buy round trips on SKY joy+ and SKY enjoy for 10% off.
- Compare airlines: use the FlightSelects flight search to see its fares next to Aegean Airlines, Ryanair and others.
Sky Express vs Aegean Airlines vs Ryanair
Three airlines flying to the Greek islands.
| Sky Express | Aegean Airlines | Ryanair | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hub | Athens | Athens | Athens base |
| Type | Regional | Full-service | Low-cost |
| Cabin bag | 8 kg | 8 kg | Small bag free |
| Alliance | None | Star Alliance | None |
See our Aegean Airlines guide and Ryanair guide to compare.
Arriving in Athens
Athens International Airport is about 30 km from the city centre. Metro line 3 and the X95 bus run to Syntagma Square, and the suburban railway links the airport with Piraeus for ferries.
You can also book an airport transfer in advance at a fixed price.
Is Sky Express a Good Airline?
Yes. It flies to more Greek islands than almost any other airline, with included cabin baggage and modern aircraft.
For more options, see our airline guides and the FlightSelects travel blog.
Facts checked in October 2026 against Sky Express fare types. Rules change, so check the official website before you travel.
Airline Partnerships
The airline is not a member of a global airline alliance.
Codeshare & Interline Partnerships
It connects Athens with dozens of Greek islands and flies to European cities.
Hubs & Focus Cities
Athens (ATH) is the main hub, with a base at Heraklion (HER) on Crete.
Popular SKY express Routes
The busiest routes link Athens with Heraklion, Chania, Rhodes, Santorini and Mykonos, plus European cities such as London and Rome. Choose a route to see recent schedules and fares.
Fares are the lowest recently found by our partners and can change quickly. Select a fare to check live prices and availability.
SKY express Reschedule & Cancellation Policy
Economy is sold as SKY offer, SKY joy, SKY joy+ and SKY enjoy, and Business as BLISS and BLISS+. SKY offer and SKY joy include cabin baggage only.
Changes cost a fee plus any fare difference, except on SKY enjoy and BLISS+.
- SKY offer and SKY joy 8 kg cabin bag; checked bags extra.
- SKY joy+ One 15 kg bag and one free change.
- SKY enjoy One 23 kg bag, free seat and free changes.
- BLISS and BLISS+ Business with two 32 kg bags and lounge access.
- How to change or cancel Use Manage Booking on the website.
SKY express Seat Selection & Additional Services
Seats on domestic flights start from €3, and lounge and Fast Lane access are included on BLISS fares.
Infants under two get a 90% discount.
- Seats From €3 on domestic flights.
- BLISS Lounge and Fast Lane included.
- Infants 90% off the adult fare.
- Special assistance Request wheelchairs and other help at least 48 hours ahead.
SKY express Baggage Allowance
Economy fares include an 8 kg cabin bag plus a personal item, and Business fares 13 kg.
SKY offer and SKY joy have no checked bag (from €15 on domestic flights), SKY joy+ includes 15 kg, SKY enjoy 23 kg and BLISS two 32 kg bags.
- Economy cabin bag 8 kg plus personal item.
- Business cabin bag 13 kg.
- SKY offer and joy No checked bag.
- SKY joy+ 1 × 15 kg.
- SKY enjoy 1 × 23 kg.
- BLISS 2 × 32 kg.
SKY experience+: SKY express Loyalty Programme
The airline runs SKY experience+ for frequent travellers. Check the website for current member benefits.
- Programme SKY experience+.
- Benefits See the website.
SKY express: Frequently Asked Questions
01What are SKY express’ IATA and ICAO codes?
The airline's two-character IATA code is GQ. It appears in flight numbers (for example GQ 101), on tickets and on airport departure boards. Its three-letter ICAO code is SEH, which air traffic control and flight-tracking services use to identify the airline.
02Which airline alliance is SKY express part of?
It is not a member of a global airline alliance, although it may still have codeshare or interline agreements with individual airlines.
03Where is SKY express headquartered?
The airline is headquartered in Heraklion, Crete, Greece.
04When was SKY express founded?
The airline was founded in 2005.
05What are SKY express’ main hubs?
Its main hubs and focus cities are: Athens (ATH) – Main Hub.
06What is SKY express’ frequent flyer programme called?
The frequent flyer programme is called SKY experience+. Members earn points or miles on eligible flights and can redeem them for award tickets, upgrades and other benefits.
07What is the Sky Express cabin baggage allowance?
8 kg plus a personal item in Economy and 13 kg in Business.
08Which SKY express fares include a checked bag?
SKY joy+ includes 15 kg and SKY enjoy 23 kg; SKY offer and SKY joy do not include one.
09Which Greek islands does SKY express fly to?
Dozens, including Crete, Rhodes, Santorini, Mykonos, Corfu and many smaller islands.
10Does SKY express charge for infants?
Yes, but only 10% of the adult fare for infants under two.
11Can I use a power bank on SKY express?
On SKY express you can carry up to two power banks in cabin baggage (up to 100 Wh without approval, 100–160 Wh with approval). You cannot recharge them on board, and ICAO rules advise against using them to charge other devices in flight, so follow the crew's instructions. They are never allowed in checked bags.
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