I have used easyJet and Go (that it absorbed) on about eight or nine return flights over the past three years, both internal UK flights and to mainland Europe. I have always been extremely satisfied with the product and price.

This time was no different. I went with a friend for a day in Newcastle. He had never flown with easyJet before and at the end of the day expressed himself impressed with the airline as well.

We checked in at Bristol shortly after seven on a dull Tuesday morning in January for our 08.35 flight. The morning rush was in full swing with nine easyJet flights departing between 6.30 and 8.35, plus a lot of other airlines. However, the check-in area was not crowded (several dedicated desks) and we checked in within three or four minutes.

Our Boeing 737-700 (G-EZKE) aircraft is only ten months old and was in almost pristine condition. The plane was virtually full, but we managed to get the emergency seating row with its extra legroom. Even though we had a headwind time in the air was only 48 minutes and we landed at Newcastle fifteen minutes ahead of schedule. The cabin staff members were friendly and very efficient with their customer service on such a short flight.

The return was scheduled to arrive Bristol at 1950 but landed seventeen minutes early. It was another nearly new 737-700 that only had half a dozen unoccupied seats, with an equally efficient and friendly cabin staff. This time we were in the air for just 41 minutes. And all for £25.98 return, taxes etc included.

I am told this is by far the busiest air route in passenger number terms between two English provincial cities. There are three rotations a day with a rumoured fourth to be added.

I don't know where all the people come from especially when, waiting for my return flight, I saw the Air Wales ATR 42 from Bristol's neighbouring airport at Cardiff arrive at Newcastle with only thirteen passengers getting off and only twenty-five getting on it to return to Wales, and that route operates only two 48-seat turbo-prop rotations a day.