Hmm, we may have to confront the possibility that plane times really have changed this time. A bit of research confirms what Antonio says, that the current timetable shows that in January and February, there is no outward flight to Almeria on the Saturday, and no return flights apart from Sunday and Friday.
So it may well be that we have to change our routine this year. One option is to go out to Almeria on the Friday, and get to some other airport on the Tuesday for the return. Or to stick with Saturday - Tuesday, but move the arrival/destination point elsewhere. If the latter, here are the options:
----------------------------------------------------------- Murcia: 233km from Almeria, driving time 2 hours 26m
From Gatwick, Saturday 31 Jan:
Either
7:45 arr 11:15 (Monarch)
OR
12:15 arr 15:45 (EasyJet)
Return to Gatwick, Tues 3 Feb:
20:00 arr 21:30
total cost approx £55
===================================================
Malaga 203km from Almeria, driving time 2 hours 53m
Saturday:
07:15 arr 11:00 (Monarch)
OR
10:05 arr 13:50 (EasyJet)
OR
10:20 arr 14:10 (British Airways)
OR
14:25 arr 18:05 (EasyJet)
OR
16:25 arr 20:05 (EasyJet)
---------------------------
Return Tuesday:
12:00 arr 13:30 (Monarch)
OR
15:00 arr 16:45 (British Airways)
OR
15:15 arr 17:05 (EasyJet)
OR
20:55 arr 22:45 (EasyJet)
total cost approx £55-£100 depending on combination of flights.
=========================================
I quite like the idea of getting a later flight and driving for a couple of hours. It means we get to Almeria later than usual, so the usual Saturday breakfast with Antonio wouldn't happen, but at least we wouldn't feel quite as wiped out as usual through Saturday. Also quite like the possibility of a longer lie-in on Tuesday and a later flight.
Any thoughts?
El Gordo
Great things are done when men and mountains meet.