This was my first flight with a so-called 'no frills' airline and I was very impressed with Go. The day (9 July 2002) started at around 0545 with a friendly and efficient check-in agent. For an airport of its size Bristol was busy (about a dozen departures, including four other Go flights, within the hour), but the new terminal ensured an aura of spaciousness.

We took off in a Boeing 737-300 at 0710 in pouring rain, advertised departure being 0700.

Air traffic routed us across the Irish Sea (yes!) to just offshore of Dublin which was clearly visible. We flew back to the mainland and approached Edinburgh over the Pentland Hills. We then flew around three sides of the Scottish capital on a left-handed approach circuit. It was a beautifully clear morning with stupendous views of the city and its environs, including the port at Leith (with the Royal Yacht 'Britannia' clearly visible) and the Firth of Forth with its bridges.

We landed at 0815 the advertised arrival time. The cabin staff members were cheerful, helpful and efficient. The aircraft was clean and comfortable; there was only a handfull of empty seats. The captain kept us up to date all through the 65 minute flight with interesting comments about our progress.

After a most enjoyable day's sightseeing in Edinburgh we took off for Bristol at 2045, advertised departure being 2040. The Go check-in agent was again a model of friendliness and efficiency. The aircraft was a different 737-300 with a different crew. They were just like their outward colleages, and again the aircraft was clean and comfortable. This time though only 96 of the 148 seats were occupied.

We flew back to Bristol along the more normal route, via Lake District, Liverpool and mid Wales. The captain was again a mine of information and a little more light hearted than his morning colleague.

We had the usual Brecon approach into Bristol for traffic from the north. On a lovely summer evening just as the light was beginning to fade we flew in over the South Wales valleys above Newport, across the Severn Estuary and crossed the Bristol City boundary overhead Avonmouth Docks. There followed a final right-handed approach circuit around three sides of Bristol, every bit as clear and spectacular as the mornings's flight around Edinburgh. This time the Clifton Suspension Bridge, Bristol city docks and a distant view of Bath were on the menu.

We landed ten minutes early at 2140, after a flight of 55 minutes.

For this return flight my wife and I each paid £40, including all taxes etc. EasyJet has a lot to live up to when they finally take over Go. If they can improve on these two flights I really will be impressed.