EasyJet & Go merge
 

2 low cost airlines merged 8/1. Once the merge is finished in about 18 months, it will be all under EasyJet logo. It will extend the reach of EasyJet as Go had destinations not covered by EJ. I did not fly Go, but used EasyJet everytime I went to Europe. Low price and superior product made me a satisfied customer. Hopefully that will not change with the merger.

I've flown Go twice and thought the service excellent, and although haven't flown EasyJet, it's a common thought here in England that Go will have to go down to meet EJ, rather than EJ dragging Go up.... I too hope my level of satisfaction isn't affected by the merger!

Jimbo,<BR>I did not mean that EJ was/is better when I stated my hopes of the service and prices not disappearing. We all know that sometimes these corporate mergers get way out of hand, and next thing we know they think they have a monopoly on routes, thus higher prices, less service, etc...etc..... Still, it's great news for visitors like myself, being able to see more Europe everytime I visit. The train thing is way overblown. It's fun once maybe twice. Short hops are ok, but I did some of the 12-15 hour ones, and I for one am over it.

Agreed, but with luck Ryanair will continue their price war, and we still have Buzz on the go at the moment too (who are brilliant for getting to most places in France, incidentally!) so although two budgets become one, it's not total monopoly yet. There's still a choice...! <BR><BR>Also, it's my understanding that Ryanair are being offered substantial sums of money by some foreign towns to fly to them to boost their economies, so Ryanair's schedules should get busier and busier. Especially now Stansted airport is getting three more runways soon!

That's great news every which way. I will be visiting early December, as I'm a ManU fan, to see 2 games. Dec.1 at Liverpool and Dec 6 or 7 at home vs Arsenal. The few days inbetween I need to see an old friend from Poland, so we agreed to meet in Prague, where Go will take me from London return for about 75BP. That would have been impossible just few years ago. <BR>Jimbo, whats your take on RyanAir, only because I've heard horror stories?<BR>Also don't forget VirginExpress(I think that's their name).

Don't forget BMIBaby (British Midland Airlines).

Europe<BR><BR>Funny you should say you're following football, even if it is the wrong team! I went to watch Ipswich Town play in both Sweden and Italy last year, both times going very afforably with Ryanair. I've flown with Ryanair to Brussels, Malmo (Sweden), Genoa (Italy) and Pisa, never really any serious issues with them... Taking the first flight of the day with them (usually around 7am) is a good call because they use the same aircraft there and back on routes all day, so delays add up. Only real stress I had was with the two "football" flights because they were 100% crammed and full of slightly merry football fans! Bit of a scrum getting in but otherwise, I can't really fault them, especially when I've flown to four separate European destinations for 150 pounds in total!

Well, it's a small world. Last fall the game I saw was against your boys at the Old Trafford. It was one sided 4:0, our way ofcourse, so it made the trip all that much better. Have great pictures from the game. Last February I got to see a UEFA game at the OT, and that time I had a seat 4 rows behind the MU bench. The old man (Sir Fergie)signed my program. I'm really excited about visiting Liverpool this time around. I was told I have to behave myself as their fans might not buy my 'stupid Yank' 'don't know anything about football' ploy I use everytime I see MU on the road. It worked everytime so far, what do you think?

Well, I'm trying hard to forget last season as it happens, so the less you mention 4-0 the better! The MU v Liverpool game is traditionally a good one to watch and a bad one for fans, there's a whole heap of rivallry between the fans. Probably not as bad as with Leeds but all the same there are elements of each set of fans who go for the fights! Nevertheless, I believe this is the case with almost every single football match in Britain, so you'll be fine, as long as you're not singing for MU whilst sat with Liverpool fans!<BR><BR>Anyway, since your lot did so well in the World Cup this time round, not too many Europeans can claim that Americans know nothing about football!! Although I think Cobi Jones should have packed in years ago...!! Coventry reject....!!!

Totally agree about Cobi. I believe that's it for him on the national team. I guess I'll just be quiet in Liverpool as this time my little ploy might not work. Anyway, what's your prediction for the season? Arsenal again, or MU coming back, or? I really believe that MU will do a double, unless there are some major injuries.

Well, having lived through a series of MU championship victories, my heart says it'd rather have Liverpool win the title (I think Arsenal may have their work cut out this year), but my head says that MU have the best chance, as they do every year. They need to go to games without thinking they just have to turn up to win, which I think happened a few times last season. <BR><BR>But unfortunately, my eyes will be glued slightly further down the leagues, in deepest, darkest division one where my boys will be trying hard to come straight back up...!<BR><BR>How come MU anyway? Not jumping on the glory boy bandwagon I hope...!!

No, I was born in Poland and as a boy remember MU always beating my favorite Polish team Gornik Zabrze back in the late 60's in UEFA. As much as I hated them I also admired them. I left Poland in 71 and for awhile did not pay attention to any football as the new surroundings were enough of a distraction for a young kid. Late 70's early 80's I started to get interested again and since the only European football we got to see (very rarely), was from your country, it was natural for me to pick MU, and it wasn't easy back then as you know. So, no I'm not a fair weather fan. Now fortunately with satelite and cable I get to see at least 3 games every week, and MU at least every 3 or 4 weeks. Plus we get Sky Sports News every night for an hour, so it allows me to keep on top of things. I'm also a HUGE fan of Chicago Bears (American football) since I grew up and lived there for 25 years. I get to see them at least once or twice a year as well, although it will be harder since Tampa Bay is in another division starting this year. I would see them here in Tampa once a year and travel to Chicago for a game. Now it looks like I will have to make 2 trips to cover that.

Baby jane, sorry, did not mean to ignore you. Yes BMIBaby is another one. Never flew with them.

Anfield is indeed an experience. Probably much better for me, though, since I'm a Reds fan. I'll think of you when the MU defense continues to leak goals. Better get that French boy on quick.<BR><BR>Off to see Liverpool at Villa for the season opener, then to see the boys at home against Southampton.<BR><BR>Obviously, Man U didn't have the best chance to win the league last season! My heart and head says Liverpool this year, but it's going to go to the end of season. Arsenal's still so strong, and you never know with ManU. Don't think Rio's going to sort you out at the back, though. But that's been Fergie's answer in recent years--just throw money at the problem. Sad to see, as he really built up that team from nothing. Now he's just spending instead of working.

BTW, I'm quicker than Cobi Jones. But I am just forever grateful that nothing happened to our real goalkeepers, and that moron Meola stayed on the bench.

Hi Ann,<BR>I just happened to be looking at the postings again, and here was mine, on top on again. I work out of my house, get to sit in front of the computer screen most of the day, exciting, hey? so I could go back and forth. Anyway maybe you could help. I have a ticket connection in Manchester, but don't have one for Anfield. How hard will it be to get a ticket for the game? Do you know of any ticket scalpers in Liverpool. Before I fly for 5000 miles I would like to know there is a ticket waiting for me. Maybe you could help me with securing a ticket? Any suggestions, observations, comments would be appreciated. <BR>Thanks in advance.<BR>Andy

Still looking for Ann. Are you out there?