On our first trip overseas for over a year, we are off to Madeira with Jet2. The airline is based in the north of England but during the summer of 2021, they started flying from Bristol, which is a local(ish) airport for us. The prices were comparable with other companies and the price included 22Kg of luggage per person.
Although it was our first time flying with Jet2 it was our third attempt to fly to Madiera. Thanks to the government’s random traffic light system which was incapable of differentiating islands from the mainland. Luckily, this time everything was “green for go”. Grant Shapps was probably tied up in another fiasco to change anything.
Jet Check-In At Bristol Airport
On entering the airport the Jet2 check-in area was busy. Although there were plenty of automated check-in machines you first had to show your vaccination certificate and the Madeira Safe QR code. A little tip to speed things up, print off hard copies. We spent a good 30 minutes behind people frantically scrolling through documents on their phones.
Boarding The Aircraft
Once checked in, the security was quick and easy with friendly staff. American airports please take note, you don’t have to be rude and aggressive to do your job properly.
Unfortunately, EasyJet seem to dominate all the main gates at Bristol Airport so Jet 2 had to park a transfer bus trip away. Luckily, they didn’t pack the transfer buses too tightly. There was still enough room to breathe.
In-Flight With Jet2
If you’re into your aircraft the plane was a 737-800 delivered in 2017. We were sitting in the emergency exit extra legroom seats of row 17. The seats appear quite thin but they are designed to maximise the legroom, they were relatively comfortable.
The staff onboard we very friendly and helpful and that includes the captain and first officer. They knew the majority of people on board were off on holiday for the first time in over 18 months. The flight time to Madeira was just over 3 hours.
The Food On Board
Well, we all know airline food isn’t the best but we had to try it. Meals can be preordered when you book your flight or you can buy on board. I had a toastie that tasted OK but was more of a ‘soggy’ rather than a ‘toastie’. Mel had a bacon sandwich which didn’t resemble the picture and was far from crispy.
Our advice, as with nearly all short-haul flights, go for the coffee and chocolate or stick to the booze!
Arrival In Madeira
After over a year it was good to touch down and feel that holiday heat again. Yes, there was clapping when we landed! Getting off the plane was organised as they let people off row by row. The organisation in the airport was very good and we were soon on the way to the hotel.
We would like to add that the return airport experience was NOT as good. This wasn’t to do with Jet2 or Madeira Airport but was caused by the UK governments ridiculous rules and the decision to leave the EU. A typical case of pretending to be tough after previous shambolic actions (or lack of actions).
However, in a few weeks, a few of these testing requirements are being eased so the process should be easier.
Would We Fly With Jet2 Again?
It’s a definite yes from us. Now they fly from Bristol we wouldn’t hesitate to fly with Jet2 again. Hopefully very soon!
