Passengers ready to jet-set for free with airline's gift

FAMILIES were surprised with golden envelopes containing free flights as Jet2 celebrated 20 years of flying from Newcastle Airport.

- DANIEL HALL

Passengers were greeted with cupcakes, a red carpet and a red and white balloon arch on the way to the check-in desk on Thursday afternoon as the airline celebrated the milestone with customers.

Michael Young and Brogan Purdham were heading to Tenerife to celebrate Michael's 21st birthday and Brogan finishing her nursing degree. The County Durham couple weren't sure where they'll fly to with the voucher, but were excited at the prospect of another holiday.

Michael told The Journal: “It’s absolutely amazing, I would never have expected this at all! It’s been a long, hard year at work’

Laura Taylor-Gray and Liam Gray were checking in matching suitcases ahead of a week in Lanzarote with their children; twins Patrick and Ewan 15, Lily, 13 and Bobby, 11.

However, the kids are likely to miss out when Laura and Liam head off with their winning flights.

Liam said: “Mexico jumps to mind, but I’m not sure if Jet2 fly there!”

Laura added: “We were already really excited to go on holiday and I can’t believe we've won this.”