V-Flyer

another I class ticket courtesy of the company TA, so limo again to DTCI, traffic was heavy, a longer ride than expected, but then wafted through check-in in a breeze of efficiency to join the rather long queue at security

several amateur x-rayees were making a meal of entraying their accoutrements, but i caught the eye of one of the screeners and he called me forward to queue jump, i tapped the smiley green button as i passed the "how was it for you" security survey kiosk

loaded up on tawny port at duty free, then up the stairs to a fairly empty clubhouse

bagged a sofa in the area behind the bar, then got my first course from the deli, the first bubbly arriving shortly after

did some emails, more bubbly, the CH was now quite busy, ordered a CH burger, more bubbly, the burger came and went, the CH staff were on tip top form, as soon as my glass neared empty it was refilled with a smile

boarding was called, so i packed up and made my, slightly benumbed, way to the gate, no queue, straight to seat, stowed bag, then into a sleepsuit and time for another bubbly

presented the CC with the chocs i'd got for them, they seemed happy

took off without any delay, converted seat to bed, then i went to the bar for a final bubbly, but ended up chatting for a couple of hours, and my glass was doing that trick again, but i finally managed to empty it, declare victory and return to my seat, out like a light

missed the wakey wakey call for breakfast, but as i was feeling rather blah it probably was just as well, had some water, changed and then it was time to land, about 30 minutes early

big queue at immigration, two planes, BA and one from IST, the pax from IST seemed to be held longer at the desks, and i'd neglected to get a fast track pass, oh well, bags were on the carousel by the time i got through, then out to the lady who escorted me to the car

compared to the previous trip on this route, the CH experience was great, and what i remember of the flight was good

though next time maybe i'll have just 5 or 6 fewer bubblies

Well done on the bubbly consumption! Sounds like a nice straightforward easy ground and inflight experience, just what we like. Hope you're having a pleasant time. I know it's work but you're having a jolly too aren't you?

Thanks for the TR. Pleased to hear you had a much better experience in Upper than I had in PE on the return flight from DXB. Have a good trip and I look forward to reading your return TR.

Bretty wrote:Well done on the bubbly consumption! Sounds like a nice straightforward easy ground and inflight experience, just what we like. Hope you're having a pleasant time. I know it's work but you're having a jolly too aren't you?

yes, even though i'm working through the weekend, really, with the time differences to uk/usa there is much opportunity for jolliment*

* and i am so delighted to find that it's a proper word