Today's journey begins from my local airport, East Midlands.
Although who signed off on these drop-off charges? Absolutely astronomical.
I have very fond memories of this airport - it hasn't changed much in all the 30 years I've been coming here.
EMA mainly caters to Ryanair, TUI and Jet2, as well as being the largest cargo airport in the whole of the UK.
I worked here for two seasons as a member of Cabin Crew for the then Thomson Airways, now TUI.
No extra charges for us today - our sneaky Ryanair-sized Amazon backpacks fit.
We had about 45 minutes before boarding so got chance to check-out the Escape Lounge here at East Midlands Airport.
Pie, mash potatoes, mushy peas and gravy was the 'hot food' offering of the day.
As well as a variety of salads, cheese, crackers and sweet treats like these little beignets.
The lounge is on the smaller side but wasn't full, so it didn't feel cramped.
Some cheese and crackers for me, although, please make way with the proper butter. I can't be doing with this margarine.
The gate was assigned 15 minutes before the gate closed, and guess what, it was a 5-10 minute walk from the main terminal. Is this common for Ryanair? It's the second time it's happened in all the years I've travelled with them and makes me wonder what would happen if you were disabled or simply needed a bit of extra time?
Today's aircraft is this Boeing 737 Max 8, registration EI-DCZ. We were instructed to board via the front door.
Our seat is 12A and although it boasts a window seat, it is a bit cheeky for Ryanair to market this as such.
The plane also hadn't been cleaned properly - probably that short-turnaround.
The legroom though? Surprisingly good!
Ryanair also haven't scrimped when it comes to overhead air vents. A welcome addition in this summer heat.
All ordering is done via a QR code utilising the Bluetooth function on your mobile device.
A little late on the take-off roll due to cabin crew having to be called off standby after staff sickness. Everyone was very understanding and thankful that they showed up so quickly!
A sharp bank out of EMA and off towards BER.
Apparently no Ryanair flight is complete without trying your luck at the famous scratchcards.
Not a sausage, back to the day job for me and the husband!
Nothing else really to report, a very smooth flight, friendly crew and surprisingly good legroom.
A lovely approach into BER this evening - it's always great views over Berlin.
And efficient entry into BER, too. From plane to train in under 15 minutes - that's what I call German efficiency!
