November 29, 2004 at 6:30 pm
Flight 1 Fri 19th Nov. STN-GSE B737-800 EI-DAF Dep 1110 Arr 1355
We arrived at Stansted in plenty of time for take-off. I last visited the airport about 8 months ago; the terminal interior seems to be constantly being modified in some way. Airport was fairly busy; spotted CSA/Sky Europe 737s in addition to loads of RYR 737-800s. We made our way to gate 55 which as per usual was the farthest from the terminal but in the new satellite(Is this Ryanair only?) Flight took off spot on time and lasted 1h 45 mins. A/c about 1/2 full and we bagged seats next to overwing exits(alot more legroom). I was slightly concerned at general condition of interior(considering a/c only 18months old). The cabin internal wall panel over the aircon pipes? was bulging out so that you could clearly see the insulation underneath. Never seen that on a 30 old plane let alone a nearly-new one. I had read that the runway at GSE was short and sure enough the landing was interesting; mucho reverse-thrust. Overall a pleasant flight.
Flight 2 Mon 22nd Nov. GSE-STN B737-800 EI-DAK Dep 1450 Arr 1540
We arrived at Gothenburg/Save to find earlier flight had been cancelled and they were still clearing snow off the runway. At check-in, I noticed that staff were giving us boarding cards for STN but tagging the bags to go to PIK..I mentioned this and about a dozen bags had to be re-done. The RYR flight landed from PIK followed 20mins later by our plane. Sure enough the flight was almost full and departed about 20mins late. Journey fairly uneventful; landed at STN in 30knot headwind which made the approach quite interesting. Again an enjoyable flight especially considering the cost..£28 incl tax.