From ryan air to private jet

With Britain sliding into recession and house prices tumbling it felt quite strange to be heading for the Jet Centre. No one asked to look at my plastic bag of liquids nor was I required to remove my shoes. Needless to say I didn't have to arrive hours in advance or queue either. Even my luggage was spirited from me. The plane was luxurious; my feet actually sank into the carpet as I climbed aboard. Even the seat-belts were gold plated and everything was covered in a shiny wood veneer. "This must be what it's like for Victoria Beckham," one of our party mused. One thing I hadn't counted on was that the seating would be so different. Of course I expected more space than on Ryanair ; I'm 5 foot one and find it a bit cramped, but I hadn't anticipated sitting sideways on a sofa (white leather and yes, supremely comfortable). As we took off I had a fabulous view out of the opposite window but I was also aware of the sharp climb of our ascent! Slightly hair raising but not as peculiar, a fellow journalist reliably informed me, as her seating position - sitting backwards. There were eight of us on board including an air stewardess who, once we were comfortably cruising, pressed a button to reveal a large dining table. She covered it with a white linen table cloth and breakfast was served. Not just any breakfast either. As well as croissants, pain aux raisins and jams, we each had a curious plateful of exotic fruit which we ate with heavy silver cutlery. It was a promising start to a fascinating press trip - I can't say more about it, I'm busy writing up the interview for a newspaper - but, I must say I fear Ryanair will no longer hold the same appeal for me. Ho hum.