Outward flight: Tuesday 2 December 2003 in Britannia B 757 G-BYAY (old livery).

We took off from Bristol at 0845, fifteen minutes after advertised departure time. Departure was delayed because of one person being taken ill and another declining to fly, presumably a nervous flier.

Flight was uneventful with clear views of Lisbon (about 25 miles away) and the Algarve coast of Portugal. We landed at Fuerteventura at midday, 25 minutes early.

The breakfast provided was adequate. The aircraft was clean and comfortable and the cabin staff efficient. One of our party is claustrophobic and Britannia fulfilled a pre-flight promise to provide seats for us at the front of the aircraft near the door.

Return flight: Tuesday 9 December 2003 in Britannia B 757 G-BYAX (old livery).

We were held in the air bridge prior to boarding at Fuerteventura for 25 minutes because another person was taken ill and was off-loaded to be taken away by ambulance. How often does that happen on consecutive flights out and back?

Consequently our take-off was delayed until 1345 (20 minutes after advertised departure time). Another uneventful flight with a very good three-course meal (inevitably chicken was the main course, but it was very acceptable). The aircraft was clean and comfortable with an efficient cabin crew. We landed at Bristol at 1720, five minutes late.

Britannia again provided seats at the front near the door, the check-in agent at Fuerteventura already being aware of the problem. I was very impressed with their actions in this regard and I sent them an email of thanks.