Up to security where a gaggle of women were arguing over the definition of 'one bag' with the person on duty. Seems that in some languages 'one' is not unary. (Interestingly last week it seemed that for one passenger 'No liquids' did not include his several cans of fizzy drinks and full size toiletries which 'he'd only just bought'). Through the scanners without shoe removal - hurrah!
Up to the Aviance lounge where, for once, EastEnders was NOT on the telly. Read a bit, snacked a bit and admired the lack of fellow pax. At no stage were there more than 4 people in the lounge. at 15:30 the gate was posted and I traipsed down to gate 3 where I was able to watch throngs of RyanAir pax leave for Malta and Ireland. Ten minutes before out posted departure time the familiar drone of the props signalled the arrival of our plane... no on time take off then...
Ten minutes late we boarded and walked across the tarmac and up the rear stairs. I was one of the last to board and rapidly ensconced myself in my seat. The gentleman next to me was wearing a huge pseudo-Arran sweater and trying to read a broadsheet. Now on seats as narrow as this puddlehopper this isn't a bright idea. His elbow kept infringing into my airspace. Tiring of this (and tuts and glares having no affect) I raised the seat arm to 45 degrees. Within 10 seconds his elbow had encountered it. He glared and asked me what I thought I was doing. 'Protecting my personal space' was my reply. 'If you can keep your elbows in your seat space I'll happily lower it'. 'Well as long as you keep in yours' he petulantly retorted. Well d'uh. I'd chosen an aisle seat so I didn't have to.
The Captain came on and apologised for the lateness - head winds on the way over. On the bright side they'd become tail winds on the way back so we'd still arrive on time.
Take off was smooth and we were soon Galway bound on a 75 minute flight. Somehow the two crew still found time to do a drink/snack service. G&T was requested from my left. Someone hadn't bothered reading the in pocket menu. 'Beer or wine sir?'. OK wine. 'And some peanuts' - 'the menu is in your seat pocket sir... Pringles?'. These were duly nursed for the rest of the flight. 15 minutes outside of Galway the Captain announced that we'd be landing soon and at 10 minutes the seatbelt signs went on. Strangely the cabin lights weren't dimmed for landing - an oversight as it was announced they would be.
The landing was bumpy (well it always is a bit on these puddle hoppers) but we were soon pulled up outside arrivals. I was first off and thus able to take pole position on the conveyor belt and miraculously my bag was first off! Through 'immigration' - basically a glance and a wave and off to Avis. Parking my car at the Radisson within 35 minutes of landing. Love it.
