For Mrs P and myself, a MAN-AMS flight (and the return) in Y on an aging BAC1-11 with a fantastic and utterly eccentric captain, complete with handbar moustache. At AMS he was een leaning out the cockpit window waving at passengers. On the outbound journey, as it was Mrs P's birthday, she visited the flight deck (pre 9/11!). On return, because it was the same captain, Mrs P sent her regards, shortly followed by an invitation to join him on the flight deck for landing. There was some confusion on approach to MAN about whether a TV mast was Holmfirth or Emely Moor, which Mrs P sorted out, but otherwise a great landing. I was left in my seat but was kept up to date by a PA announcement saying "my lovely wife was staying with Capt X", followed by the arrival of a bottle of champagne.

For me travelling alone, it was a recent A380 trip in F out to SIN and back with the same flight crew. A lovely welcome signed menu from the team was waiting in my seat on the return flight, together with a glass of fizz and a warm welcome.

On reflection, there is something special about have the same crew in close succession that elevates the special feeling of air travel.

I feel saddened that some of those great crew will not be around and I wish them well.