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Taken April 2000 from Glasgow to Funchal

I wouldn't choose to fly this airline again. I didn't choose to fly the airline in the first place.

Here we go:

We booked a weeks holiday in Madeira, flying from GLA with Air2000. Two days before we left, we were informed by Air2000 that our flight, for technical reasons, was being operated by another airline, SATA International Air Azores. Sounded exotic, and it was.

We were due to leave GLA at 12.00. Turned up on time at the airport, to be told that the flight time was pushed back to 16.00. At 15.00 we were told that it was being pushed back to 17.00.

The aircraft was on the stand at 18.00 and when we boarded, we were surprised to see that there were already passengers on board. It transpired that we had to make a stop on Newcastle on the way to Madeira. The aircraft was a 737-300 which although well-maintained, was showing its age slightly - the seats were a bit worn, carpets were a bit tatty. The crew, however, were beautiful, very well-turned out: service was swift and accompanied by a smile.

So, after a brief flight to Newcastle (30 minutes), we were all carted off the 'plane and put in a transit lounge when the aircraft was cleaned. Then there was a hitch with the luggage, so we were delayed for another twenty minutes.

So, once airborne, the crew informed us that due to adverse weather conditions (a severe head wind), we would have to land in Faro to refuel. At this point, all hell almost broke loose.

When in Faro, we refuelled and left for the short hop down to Funchal: this only took 90 minutes.

We arrived in Madeira at 02.30 - almost 12 hours later than intended. The landing in Funchal was rough but having seen the airport and the runway in daylight, it is understandable that the descent was fast and steep.