And we're off...

When getting onto the flight, I realised that social distancing isn’t really a possibility when flying – even easyJet that were quoted originally in the press as looking to ‘leave the middle seats free’ – the flights was almost full, so there was no chance of getting a bit of space. It is mandatory to wear face coverings throughout the flight, covering both your nose and mouth (although there were bizarre versions of this – person people didn’t understand the rules?), but you are permitted to these off to eat and drink (phew!) I have never experienced ‘no aircraft queues’ from the terminal to the runway before – this was definitely a treat – we taxied straight from the terminal, turned onto the runway without even braking!) and took off! Travel and flying is in my blood, and I have to admit I shed a small tear when we took off – I’m not really sure why, possibly because I knew this was likely to be the start of a new era of travel, partly because I knew I was one of the first few flights out of Gatwick taking tourists away, not just the ‘essential travellers’ that we’ve been restricted to for the last 4 months almost. Looking out of the window to see all of the easyJet, TUI and BA aircraft lined up, unused at the airport, was really rather sad, but also gave me a bit of hope that soon they would be in the air again. The onboard service was, not surprisingly reduced, however, thankfully there is still a small drinks service. No hot drinks or fresh food was available, but I managed to get a muffin and some orange juice for breakfast. Other limited options included chocolate, crisps, a brownie, a snack box and water – so not extensive, but sufficient given the circumstances. And as with many shops at the moment, contactless payment is the only payment method accepted. I’m not sure whether its because most of the cabin crew have missed people so much, or that they have been told to be super nice to travellers, but the cabin crew today were some of the nicest easyJet cabin crew I have come across! Finally toilets(!) Contrary to belief, these are all open and usable. They advise people not to queue for them (no more than 2 people), to avoid overcrowding in the galley – but other than that, they were clean and all was good! So, all in all, the airport and travel experience were very good. Different, but very good. Don’t expect to go to the airport and do your usual pre-holiday dash to the shops, it’s not really about the airport experience at the moment. It’s more about getting from A to B – and I think it is likely to stay like this for a while. But don’t be frightened of travelling, don’t let it put you off going away – just be prepared for these changes, accept them, even embrace them…for now anyway. Read my next blog for the overseas arrival experience…