Flew to Newcastle from Bristol for a day in the Northeastern city and back in the evening. Caught the 0825 northbound. It was a fairly new Boeing 737-700 and was nearly full. Bristol is an easy airport to travel through and, although there were over twenty flights taking off in the time I awaited mine, the experience was quite acceptable.

A 48 minute flight brought us into Newcastle eleven minutes early. The flight attendants did well to service the cabin with snacks and drinks (for those who cared to purchase them) in so short a time. The aircraft was clean and comfortable.

The return at 1925 was on a sister aircraft and to my great surprise it was only about fifty per cent full (or empty). I understand this route is the busiest between two English cities not including London and my son, who travels the route regularly on business, says the aircraft are usually full or nearly so.

We had a great bonus as we approached north Bristol. Our route took us almost overhead Filton airfield and beneath us, near the parked jumbo jets and other large aircraft, was Concorde G-BOAF - the last ever Concorde to fly - that now lives back at the place where she was born.

After this we flew around to the south of Bristol and landed at Bristol Lulsgate 18 minutes early.