Rich

Yup, she won't be going by air again, not for a very long time.

The Eurostar can get you to Rotterdam now, which is close enough, and although they've had issues too, you're only talking about a couple of hours delay, not a whole day and ultimately a cancelation after all that torture.

I've got to go to Italy again next year, for my stepson's wedding... got to say I am really really tempted to drive, via the ferry. I know it's a hell of a long way, but I think it'd be nice. Spread it over three days or so, take a leisurely route maybe. A whole load better than flying, that's for certain.

I think airlines are like couriers and car hire companies. I've had to use them a fair bit and if I blacklisted all the ones I've had bad experiences with, there wouldn't be many left!