Paul Malone finds out how effective the Hospitality for Delays scheme really is.
Having arrived at the airport, myself and fellow passengers were told we faced a 6hr delay because our “Airline International” flight ABC543 to Sunland had experienced technical problems.
A letter from the managing director explained the problem, gave the expected departure time and detailed what was planned to keep us amused in the interim.
Refreshments were laid on at the Planet Hollywood restaurant before a coach arrived 45mins later to whisk us off for a three-course lunch at a waterside carvery in Brighton.
On arrival at the restaurant another printed update of the amended timetable was handed out to ensure we remained fully informed of the situation.
Relaxed and well fed myself and other appeased passengers – probably feeling better than they would spending six hours in the airport bar – were returned to Gatwick in time for a spot of duty-free shopping before the flight finally took off.