Day I was a virgin airline passenger

AIR travel today seems as common as catching a bus, so I had to smile to myself when I recalled my first flight in 1971.

I’d been working in France on an engineering project, and had been taken there by car and hovercraft. After six weeks my part of the job was completed. I’d never been out of the UK before and decided to fly home.

I caught a train to Paris and went on to Orly airport. But I hadn’t a clue what to do.

As I walked in, I saw a long queue. I joined it. When I got to the front I said: ‘ London, please.’ She asked for my ticket. I told her that was what I wanted, a ticket to London. She sent me to where the various air companies were.

Luckily, I spotted a British european Airways desk. Yes, they had a seat. The lady told me where to go and I joined a queue again, feeling a little more confident. I was asked to put my suitcase on a conveyor and was horrified to see it disappear. I stood there as she said: ‘OK, that’s it.’

Another lady with an airport uniform smiled as she told me where to go next and not to worry about my case, as I’d be reunited with it in London.

I had to wait in the departure lounge and listen for the London flight to be called.

At last, I heard the announcement. I asked some- one who got up if they were going to London, just to be on the safe side. Boarding the plane, I found my seat by the window and sat there in my own little world.

Quietly pleased with myself, I knew I wasn’t safe until we were on terra firma — especially an hour later, when the plane banked sharply to the right to land at heathrow, which didn’t help.

After landing, the chap at my side (obviously a seasoned traveller) remarked: ‘Pleasant flight, eh?’ I managed to croak an affirmative reply.

eventually reunited with my case, I then had to work out how to get to a railway station that would get me to Sheffield. But that’s another story . . .

Looking back, it seems as if I was a right dipstick, but I’m sure any young man making his first flight from a foreign country would find it a little daunting to say the least.

I’ve since flown dozens of times and am of the same opinion as everyone today: it’s like catching a bus! Ian Taylor, Barlborough, Derbys.