My first experience with a Low Cost Carrier. EasyJet and Ryanair are the only airlines that offered a direct service to Shannon from London Gatwick. The fare, just under £295, was anything, but low cost (for an extra £25 I could have flown with British Airways to New York and back) but this was obviously a combination of travelling at a peak period and a rather late booking (three weeks before departure.

Arriving at Gatwick Airport I was greeted by large queues at all easyJet check-in desks. There were four check-in desks handling five different easyJet flights including our flight to Shannon. It took nearly 40 minutes before I reached the desk, but the check-in agent was friendly, helpful and efficient. Fortunately I was in Group A for boarding, so thought I could get a good seat.

Despite being in departures in good time, we were not called for our 14:10 flight until after 14:30. I went to the appropriate gate and found that passengers were being bused to the aircraft, so the boarding by groups was not used. Despite being one of the first to check-in, I was amongst the last to board and this was not a good start. However, the cabin crew seemed professional and friendly and the plane was clean and new. There was an announcement and apology for the delay, but we soon pushed back and were airborne in no time.

Shortly after take-off the cabin crew started beverage/snack service and I purchased a Cafe Noir coffee (hot and refreshing), a cheese baguette (stale and disgusting) and Kit Kat which cost £5.40. As soon as the beverage service was finished, the cabin crew collected empty cups etc and again prior to landing.

Our arrival in Shannon was 20-minutes late and the captain again apologised for any inconvenience.

Overall, I was impressed by easyJet. Apart from check-in and seat allocation, they are as good as the full fare airlines and I shall have no hesitation to fly with them again.