Both outward and return flights were on board very new Airbus A319s. Being one of the first passengers to check in at Inverness's excellent little yet modern airport, I was one of the first on board and easyJet's free seating policy meant that I easily managed to get an emergency exit seat with plenty of leg room.

Departure from Inverness was an hour late - this being due to a puzzling mix up where two passengers were checked in as the same person, thus having 1 "extra" person on board and the crew decided to start calling out what seemed to be random names after about 10 different passengers were asked to make themselves known.

Nevertheless, the aircraft finally made a spectacular take off from the short runway at Dalcross Airport and over the Scottish Highlands and the easyKiosk trolley service commenced. Prices seemed reasonable compared with airport cafes etc. The crew were a efficient and courteous and the flight deck crew kept us informed of our progress. We landed at London Gatwick only 30 minutes behind schedule which meant we were only airborne for around an hour.

The return flight was on schedule in departing and arrived back in Inverness ten minutes ahead of schedule. The crew on this flight were very friendly and seemed to really enjoy their jobs and the knowledgeable supervisor advised passengers on conditions in Inverness and how he thought it was "a very beautiful place" for visiting passengers, which I thought was a nice touch.

I only booked these flights a week before departure and therefore paid £140 return which is certainly understandable, however I am aware that if booked long enough in advance it is possible to get a return for around £40-50. Good on easyJet for taking on rival British Airways on the route and also to bmi for reinstating an Inverness-Heathrow service.