We used Speedy Boarding for the first time because we had hold baggage and could not check in on-line and thus obtain an A boarding group.

I have heard comments that Speedy Boarding is a rip-off and not worth the money, but have to say it worked well on this return trip.

We checked in quickly at the dedicated Speedy Boarding Plus desk at Bristol and were later taken to the aircraft by bus. As we boarded the bus the driver told the Speedy Boarders and other priority groups who were first on the bus at which door to stand as he would be opening it first when the bus reached the aircraft.

He was as good as his word and we were quickly aboard the 156-seat Airbus A 319.

The aircraft was almost full (two empty seats according to the crew) and we pushed back a few minutes after the 0745 departure time.

I find the A 319 seats quite comfortable with adequate legroom and all the easyJet 319s are fairly new. I had a tea and a muffin on the outbound flight - I think for a total sum of something over £3.

The flight attendants were fine; not intrusive, but they got on with their job quietly and it seemed efficiently.

The weather was clear all the way and we had a superb view of Lisbon on approach to Portela Airport. Flight time was a few minutes over two hours which meant we arrived around ten minutes ahead of schedule.

The return was on the following Monday evening.

This time one had to be a little more aware to obtain the benefits of Speedy Boarding. As at Bristol we were first through the gate onto the bus, but I had to ask the driver (fortunately he spoke a little English) about exit procedures at the aircraft - it was parked on a remote stand as at Bristol.

He told me which side of the bus to stand to be amongst the first off at the aircraft. Again it worked well and we were up the aircraft steps in double quick time.

The flight attendants were as good as their outbound colleagues and we bought two small bottles of wine for a total of £5 to consume on the flight. The aircraft, another A 319, was about 70% full.

The flight lasted just over two hours and we arrived back at Bristol twenty-five minutes early.

The return fare was around £80 each, but that included Speedy Boarding and hold baggage which I thought was a good deal, especially as I can't fault the service provided and we also had the bonus of two early arrivals.