Bit of a mini trip report

[bill]

Flew EZY GLA-BHX last Wednesday, departing at 0700. Gave myself plenty of time to get through security but needn't have bothered as the queue wasn't massive and moved along nicely. 10 minutes from entering security to passing through the scanner (not-beeped,hooray!). Departure lounge however was ram-jammed mostly with revellers intent on getting p*ssed up at 6am before flying off. Some folks really should get out more. I was watching a couple drink Bucks Fizz and the female spilled more over herself than she consumed.
Anyway, away bang on time from gate 8 on G-EZUN A320 and was surprised to see it only 1/3 full. Is this the norm for BHX loads? Uneventful 50 mins later landed into BHX, another dump of an airport.
For my return journey, I was decanted at LTN for the EZY 1910 departure home. LTN was always head and shoulders above STN in my book but that's out the window now. To be fair, the queue for security was horrendous but moved quickly. It all went wrong when I beeped the scanner and was told to wait in a queue of 6 other people to go in to the x-ray bubble, which wasn't working. Meanwhile, my tray had gone through the scanner and was sitting waiting for anyone to walk off with my phone and other possesions. It took 20 minutes to get through this which is not on.
So, re-united with my stuff I made my way to the departure lounge. It was packed to more than capacity. A health and safety issue right there. You really had to just go with the flow. No chance of a seat. Queued for 30 minutes just to get into a bar for a drink only to be told at the bar that there was no draught anything. Chose two bottles of Perroni and they were room temperature, £12.50 thanks. Robbing b*stards.There must have been 8 W6 flights departing at the same time as ours, hence the chaos. LTN is expanding which is good, but they really need to get a grip of the numbers they are allowing through at times.
Anyway, boarded G-EZFR A319 bang on time for the ride home, probably 3/4 full this time.Landed 15 minutes early and off home sharpish to investigate my Perfect Draught beer machine. Thankfully, was still working fine. And, relax!

[Clive]

One has to be either brave or stoopid to fly these days, it’s such a nightmare.

Grim about the warm Peroni’s - that’s sacrilege- but thank goodness your draught beer chiller at home was ready and waiting for you.

[atuk]

Good report, Bill. I agree last time I was in LTN it was W6 land and all those many unknown destinations Tigre Mures, being one. It’s hard to believe this airport was once home to Britannia Airways and Monarch Airlines as well as much much lamented late, great Court Line Aviation.

Where is Rimini these days? Replaced by Tirana, no doubt. It’ll be interesting to see how W6 fare given the withdrawal at DSA and if LGW slots dent their LTN presence.

[bill]

One has to be either brave or stoopid to fly these days, it’s such a nightmare.

Grim about the warm Peroni’s - that’s sacrilege- but thank goodness your draught beer chiller at home was ready and waiting for you.

Indeed mate, or in my case desperate. I'm off again this time for leisure a week on Saturday to NQY courtesy of yet another EZY flight.

[bill]

So,Saturday 6th August it was back to GLA for the 10.35 EZY flight to NQY. Security was empty, the whole airport was really apart from the bars and managed to get a seat and a surprisingly decent roll & sausage from the bar overlooking the ramp. You just cannot beat a pint and a roll 'n square pre departure.
Headed off to gate to catch EZY 511 (G-UZHS) A320N for the ride down. 20 mins late on departure due to ATC restrictions and the flight was about 75% full. Vast majority of them off on a holiday. Unbeknown to us a festival called Boardmasters was taking place later that week where they have surfing competitions during the day and music festivals at night. This alone brings in 50,000 revellers.Newquay ended up absolute carnage with 30/45 minute queues for everything. . Enjoyed a cracking week on some of the best beaches I've seen anywhere in Europe. They really are stunning and the temparature was hovering around the 32-33 degrees mark every day. Declined the offer to go surfing though.
All too soon back to NQY to catch the EZY 512 home, again G-UZHS with the exact same people in the exact same seats. Probably around 85% full on the return though. 65 minutes later was back at GLA in the stunning 27 degrees and obviously brought the weather home with us. Only downside was the 45 minute wait for luggage as they are short staffed.
I hope EZY keep these summer flights going, 'cos we're already looking at going next year. If anyone has ever thought about Newquay, just do it. You'll not be disappointed.