We were soon heading onto the M4 having picked up my brother on the way. For those of you who have followed my ramblings previously, you'll know that said brother does not enjoy air travel but is doing his best to overcome his fears. A quick sprint over the bridge and we were arriving at Bristol airport where we parked in the premier car park, a 2 minute walk from the terminal.
I haven't used Bristol in a few years but there appears to have been a fair bit of refurbishment and upgrading to the terminal and facilities (possibly an influence of Continental flying to NYC). The terminal was pretty busy but as we had no baggage and had used on-line check in we were through into departures within minutes. A quick visit to the duty free saw me replenishing my stock of Elizabeth Arden 8 hr cream (a real lifesaver) and grabbing a quick drink.Our flight was called more or less on time with those paying for priority boarding being called first. As this was an el cheapo day out (1p each way and the lousy 10cc charge) we stood in the orderly queue and awaited our turn. This turned out to be almost immediate and once the boarding cards were scanned and passports scrutinised we heading off out into the wind and rain to our awaiting aircraft a nice new 737-800.We managed to get three seats together and it wasn't long before the doors were being closed and we were pushing back.The flight was pretty much full, with 4 crew e working the cabin, all of whom were polite, helpful and cheery.
The importance of the safety briefing was reinforced by the CSM and after the recent events in NY I though all the passengers would take heed, but it still seems as if some passengers don't believe these requests apply to them. A chap accross the aisle was told TWICE to remove his headphones during the briefing [V](personally I'd have taken them off him).
We were soon scampering down the runway (my brother looking pale and ill)and on our way. Once through the clouds the sun was shining and 35mins later we were descending into DUB (the crew had scooted through the cabin offering drinks and snacks which most passengers declined).The leather seats are fixed with no recline option (which suits me fine) and whilst not overtly comfortable are OK, with passable legroom.
Arrival into DUB was unproblematic and within 10 mins we were disembarking into the terminal. As Ryanair park up at the D gates it's a bit of a hike to immigration, which was extremely busy.We caught the bus into the city and had a lovely day with the weather being glorious. I haven't been to Dublin (or the rest of the country) for 4 years - my last visit there was spent mostly at St James Hospital (where my father was in ICU).
The city seems to have changed a fair bit in the intervening years. Whilst it's never been a cheap city the high rate of the Euro against sterling makes it more expensive than ever. 2 pints of Guinness and a small glass of wine came to 16.30 Euros![:0] 5.20 each for the Guinness and 5.90 for the wine!!Enough to make you temperate [}:)].
I know the low cost carriers take a verbal bashing from passengers, but yesterdays flight gave me nothing to grizzle about (my last flight with Ryanair saw them lose an important piece of luggage).Clean, new aircraft. Bright, pleasant, efficient crew.Reasonably prompt departure (and early arrival).OK, you get charged for all the 'extras' but they delivered on all counts.
DL
