The Journey to Pau: A Ryanair Flight

Why did I feel the need to apologise to Michael O’Leary and Ryanair in the last post; well the strict one bag system works and works well. When you board a plane with no such restrictions it takes ages to get to your seat as people blocking the aisle putting everything and the kitchen sink in the overhead locker and they soon become full. With a one bag limit there is limited aisle blocking, plenty of room for the bags and everybody is seated quickly. And best of all the plane left on time.

I spent most of the journey resting my eyes but heard sales pitches for everything from alcohol to smokeless cigarettes, home delivery services to lottery tickets. So if you got on with only one bag you were getting off with more.

We landed ahead of time and all trooped off to be met by passport control and then the game of find your luggage. While waiting for passport control a couple were having an arguement; where was her coat. The partner said exactly what I was thinking, she had one thing to remember on the flight and she left it on the plane. Passage through passport control was quick, finding my suitcase was quick and then I walked out into the airport forecourt. It occured to me later there was not a customs control.

As I knew I was being met, but not by whom, I wandered about aimleesly knowing that an Englishman can be spotted anywhere.They are the ones wearing inappropriate clothing for their age, looking bemused and carrying a newspaper. I was found and taken to my hotel, my home for the next 5 weeks.