MY husband and I have travelled abroad fairly often and used a variety of airlines, including SAA (which is now the pits). On our most recent visit to family in the UK we flew, for the first time, on Virgin Atlantic which was a revelation: smiling, efficient, attentive cabin crew who seemed to genuinely like dealing with the public, even in economy.

Another wonderful surprise was the food: for the first time on an aeroplane I ate the supper which looked and tasted good. Normally economy class airline food looks too revolting to try.

The night before our scheduled return to South Africa I was taken ill and travel arrangements had to be cancelled. This is where Virgin really shone: on proof from the hospital that I was indeed an in-patient we were charged not a penny for cancellation and subsequent re-booking, and a request for travel assistance meant I was met by a wheelchair at every turn and whisked through the usual procedures.

To all those prospective travellers who have been shabbily treated by other airlines I suggest they try Virgin, they won’t be disappointed. – Sheila Saunders, Summerstrand, Port Elizabeth