BBC radio says that on his return from vacation in Italy Tony Blair (B-Liar to Cotswolds Scouses) - seeking to portray himself as cutting government expenses on his trip after be criticized for lavish spending on some trips - flew Ryanair back home. It reported however that he paid about 200 quid i think for the seat that could have been as low as 11 quid if he had booked far enough in advance.

I have a hard time believing he was able to travel with only 20 K of checked luggage.

Maybe that's why he paid so much.

Isn't it breaking all security rules and exposing himself to paparazzis? I doubt he'll do it again!

And he flew an Irish-owned airline!

"...he paid about 200 quid i think for the seat that could have been as low as 11 quid if he had booked far enough in advance..."

Well, there's saving money and then there is REALLY saving money.

Did it say where he flew from?

Well given that he's spent £130,000 on Queens Flight jaunts for his holidays, it's the least he can do.

Intrepid1- no it just said returning from his Italian vacation - i think he holidays in Tuscany so probably from Florence-Pisa or Rome. I can just imagine the ordinary blokes on that plane when they see Blair come aboard and all the security, etc.

200 for him..and the security ? I don't know if he wants someone to believe him but..no way ! Probably someone forgot to buy the tickets on time and they had no other option

He normally borrows the Queen's planes.

Better question is :
How much of the taxpayers' money did he spend while he was on holiday in Italy?

"How much of the taxpayers' money did he spend while he was on holiday in Italy?"

Could ask the same question of teachers, policemen, army, firefighters etc

"Could ask the same question of teachers, policemen, army, firefighters etc..."

You mean how much they spent while they were educating people or saving their lives or just pretending to?

At 0.01 GBP per seat (of course, not every seat available at this price), it would do the government well t osimply buy every seat on the plane; simplifies the security issue(s).

Best wishes,

Rex

sorry to steal a question within a post, but Rex, if you read this again, have you completed your vaca to St. John and if so, is your trip report up - I am wondering how it all went for you and the family.

"You mean how much they spent while they were educating people or saving their lives or just pretending to?"

No I meant you could ask any public servant how much tax payers money they spent when they were on vacation - sorry shoudl have been clearer

Thanks for asking - - yes, we are back, of course, and the trip was absolutely spectacular, notwithstanding this problem with one flight segment...

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=564911

...and no, no trip report done. This trip was far less about specific places we visited, and more about activities and interpersonal time together... but there are still experiences worth sharing.

In due time. And it is somewhat tempting to share first on tripadvisor.com as it has a richer treasure trove of useful USVI info... it seems to me.

And no member-banning bronxzilla...

Thanks Rex, I'm so glad you had a good time with your family - I am off to read the links you provided - and hoping something in them will make me think "warm and sunny" during this pelting, pouring, dreary and raw rainy day complete with intermittent power outages !