I regularly use BA to get to PMI and agree the flight is v. early however I can be at the pool shortly after 10am on a good day. The new motorway to the North of the island has cut tavelling time in half, we can do desk to doorstep in 5 hours now.

BA's chav count is a lot lower than the charters and sleazyjet, tending towards owner occupiers and not the 3* accomodation allocated on arrivals hen parties. It is a rare day not to see a dozen giggling girls in matching pink tshirts and too much flesh on display at PMI.

There is access to a lounge at PMI but it closes at 10pm (ish) YMMV. It has been closed at 10 for me and my wife has used it at 11 the following evening. It has been updated recently and the airside lounge is apparently quite good now. BUT I would avoid spending much time at either end if possible although the North terminal is much better than the masses at PMI.

My wife and I are both Sliver and have access to the lounge, we also have a good upgrade rate on these flights. Unless you are desperate for the lounge or TP, go ET. The flights is 2 hours and the incremental gains aren't worth the additional cost - to me at least.

J