Transitted the Snot International zone the other day on the way home from Dinard, routing MP-SAM-CPT. Having crossed the Channel at FL50 we were cleared through VFR at the same level as we didn't need to descend until Newbury. No hassle. However it was mid day, mid week, and apart from a bit of VFR traffic and a couple of mil helos it was quiet.
We gave BHX a wide berth though!
Rattus