Travel test

WHAT TUI economy with extra leg room

WHERE Newcastle to Sal island, Cape Verde. Return flights from €433, extra legroom from €66, tui.co.uk/flight

EXPERIENCE I was in seat 3D near the front of the cabin. The near six-hour flight time meant the extra leg room was welcome and with my phone loaded with TV series to watch, the time passed quicker than expected. Each seat had a handy USB port, meaning despite all my bingewatching en route, my battery was fully charged on landing.

While we didn’t pre-order any meals for the plane, its slightly longer flight time meant there were a few extras on the menu, compared to the foods available to short-haul passengers. These included lasagna and chicken curry, while wine drinkers were well catered for by a reasonable offer on red, white and rose. The trolleys were also well stocked with beers, ciders and spirits too, with all of those available as part of a package deal. Snack cravings could be kept at bay with all manner of things from salted caramel popcorn to a bag of Haribo.

QUIBBLES Some fellow travellers didn’t seem to heed the instruction that no more than three people could be in the queue for the toilet at any given time. Considering where I was sat near the toilets at the front of the plane, that meant I felt like I had someone standing next to my seat as soon as the seatbelt signs switched off and then again when everyone was advised to go again before landing.

No fault of the cabin crew themselves, but perhaps another one or two reminders could have been given during the flight. VERDICT: A very welcome addition to Newcastle’s flight roster. Very attentive and efficient crew made the journey fly by.

8/10