Traveller checks

I used to fly a lot. Obviously I'd use a plane 'cos my arms just don't flap fast enough but nevertheless I really did my best to justify my "jet set" credentials.

One of the things I prided myself on was my ability to arrive at the airport, toss the car keys to the guy from the parking company, throw a suit-bag over my shoulder and make the flight with minutes to spare. Admittedly, there were a few close shaves but the only time I ever missed a flight was courtesy of Easyjet at Luton airport and that little episode was well documented on the TV programme "Airline" (don't ask).

My point being that air travel used to be the quickest and easiest option to get almost anywhere in the world and the very idea of using an alternate method would have been met, almost certainly by me, with derision.

I recall in the early days of Eurostar deciding to use the train to Paris for a change. I ended up ranting how I thought it was an awful experience. Lousy parking at Waterloo, horrible station facilities, "naf" on board refreshments and it took longer than hopping on a plane that would have cost about the same.

Today, however, post "9/11" and other atrocities it is quite a different story. Whilst I totally appreciate and agree with all the modern restrictions, by the time you arrive two hours before take-off, go through security checks that would have made Mother Theresa question her innocence, I reckon it's probably quicker and easier to cycle to Paris.

Back to Eurostar. Well, following a recent weekend break to Brussels, I can confirm that not only has the service improved beyond compare but the St Pancras terminal is so darn gorgeous I could quite happily have spent the entire weekend there!

Now this is all well and good if one is planning on travelling "close to home" but what about the long haul stuff. I'm with Sir Alan ( I know I'm a miserable bugger but I'm so much richer than you that I don't give a stuff) Sugar on this one. He stated in a recent interview that the main indulgence from his enormous wealth are private jets. No queueing, take off when you fancy, gourmet dining, go where you want and a great way of shoving it to your not quite as rich mates.

There's no argument then. I have to make enough dosh to buy my own plane. What's even better? I've already chosen the pilot. I want the guy that landed that bloody great lump of metal on the Hudson River. Happy landings indeed!