I had the same problem trying to book a single with Thomsonfly. The single was three times the price of the return but when I said OK I’ll take the return but then not return I was told it was illegal and they would not sell a ticket on that premise. Same with Ryanair and BA.

It’s just another way of the airline extracting extortionate fares from people only wanting to travel one way. There is, sometimes, a way around it though.

Regards,

kev35

Sandy.

“I don’t think I should be carefull at all.”

Are you sure about that?

“The quality of british products HAS taken a huge nosedive in the last 10 years. Its well known. Companies scrimping on materials and upping label prices to maximise profit.”

Can you substantiate that allegation? Give named examples. If you are that confident in your allegations you should have no qualms at all about identifying companies that do ‘scrimp on materials and up label prices.’ Is it actually well known? Or is it just perceived to be?

“Sure there are still a few respectable companies that deliver the best quality you would expect. BAe systems for example.
These are the ambassadors for british industry.”

There are numerous British companies that lead the world in their field, not just a few. You do appear to be extremely biased in your views and not really able to substantiate your claims.

I have never flown on an Airbus product but have flown on two Boeing 737’s. In both cases the aircraft were neither clean (inside or out) or appeared well cared for. Seats damaged and unavailable, lights not working, tables broken, trim loose or badly fitted and upholstery in a state of disrepair. Is this a symptom of wear and tear or of a product not of the quality I might have expected?

Regards,

kev35

Bert.

Maybe the pictures were in Oesau’s album because he took the photographs? Just a thought….

Fantastic photos all the same.

Regards,

kev35

Do the subsidies not apply to Boeing as well then? For if they do all they have to do is draw up a projection for the sales of 3,000 7E7’s, is it not? And wouldn’t Boeing be subsidised by the US government anyway as they supply most US military aircraft and a good deal of the civil airliners flying in the US? Which brings us to the question of whether they should need subsidies anyway.

Perhaps you, Sandy, would prefer less Airbus production with the subsequent decrease in employment in the aviation industry within the UK. If that happens and those jobs are lost are Boeing going to create employment opportunities in the UK for former Airbus employees? I have my doubts….

Or is all that a symptom of the fact that Boeing’s nymerical and financial superiority as an aircraft manufacturer is now seriously threatened by Airbus?

Regards,

kev35

Steve.

Certainly looks like a POWO (Prisoner of Warbird Owner?) photo. The building in the background is a ‘Bedford shed’ as used in most of the Stalag Lufts. Note the evidence of torture. The poor chap has obviously been deliberately force fed until he can barely fit into his flight suit.

No idea of his identity, keep us posted if you find out anymore.

Regards,

kev35

EAL_KING is an obnoxious arrogant individual who caused many problems both on and off the fora. He sent hateful e-mails and got into messenger conversations where he was abusive, made diatribes full of foul and vile invective and also questioned people’s sexuality and insulted certain members families. He also made numerous threats of physical violence.

Am I sad to see him go? Not at all. He is a perfect example of all that is wrong with society today. This board is pretty much back on form. It does not need people like him.

Regards,

kev35

I’d flown before, but that was in Chipmunks and gliders with the ATC. This was my first commercial flight. It would have been 1975 or 1976 and we would have been 14 or 15 at the time. Rob and I had been regular spotters at BHX for three or four years by then and had both been to Heathrow several times on coach trips, back in the days when it was safe to travel without an adult. We were at BHX on one of our regular Saturday trips when we began to wonder about flying to MAN and back for a day’s spotting. We made our enquiries at the Dan-Air desk in the wonderful old 1930’s terminal which was still in use. A day return would cost us £16.50p. It seemed some saving was in order…..

We were still discussing it a few hours later as the bus swung on to the A45 and from the top deck we must have looked like a pair of lunatics desperately trying to get the registration of the Air India 707 which was just landing. That was the deciding factor, it had to be done. And it was…..

A blisteringly hot sunny day was in prospect as I slid out of bed at 4am and got myself ready. Rob was meeting me at 5.30. Breakfast eaten, sandwiches packed I checked for the umpteenth time. Binoculars? Radio? Pen? Pad? Ticket? TICKET?????? Where was the ticket? Of course it was right where I had left it. Come on Rob, it’s 5 O’clock, where the hell are you? A quiet voice, my Dad’s, “I thought you said he was coming at half past.” Course he is, relax Kev. Better nip to the toilet again. Back downstairs, better check the bag again. WHERE’S THE TICKET????? The door knocks, it’s Rob and away we go. We run to the railway station and board the train for New Street. Have I mentioned I keep looking for my ticket? Off the train and onto the bus and we’re on the last leg to BHX.

Up the A45 and past the end of 06. I can see a BMA Viscount, A BCAL 1-11, A Monarch 720 and a Dan-Air Comet. Flight’s at 8am and we have to book in at 7.15. Anxious glance at the watch reveals it’s …..0640, sighs of relief.
We get off the bus and the terminal is there. This time though it’s different. We’re not just going in to look at the shop or buy a magazine, we are going to be passengers.

Now, where’s my ticket? Ah, there it is, and off we go with the suited businessmen to board our Dan-Air HS748 for MAN. Walking out to the aircraft was a little surreal, everyone else had briefcases, we had haversacks full of sandwiches and binoculars. Up the steps and to our seats, port side, over the wing.

And that is where I leave you for now. More to come if anyone’s interested.

Regards,

kev35