The approach to Gatwick was quiet and we were the only car at the departure drop off point for North Terminal so I thought the airport had closed again whilst we were on route. I told my friend to drive away slowly in case I needed a lift back home again
I walked into a fairly empty terminal and walked straight up to an empty check in desk. I was told that due to the late decision to fly there would be no CW catering on board but htere would be some econ food available. In compensation I was given vouchers for 30 pounds to spend in the terminal
I walked staright through security, again no one around and happy smiling staff
I decided that to go first to the Lounge as I was feeling rather giddy with delight that I was clutching a boarding card 
After some refreshments in a very quiet lounge I went off to spend my vouchers...and decided that I could cope on econ food so bought one sandwich some chocolate and spent the rest on books
I had checked first in true VF spirit that the bar had been stocked on board 
I boarded on time and to my surprise there were many empty seats...I counted over 20 empty in CW
I was the only person in my row of 8. The crew said there hadn't been time to contact people and they had only been told that they were flying at 10pm.We took off virtually on time at 12.25 and had a very steep ascent. I must admit to be slightly nervous only because so many friends had sent texts saying aren't you scared at being a crash test dummy
Its amazing though the calming effects of champers 
The crew were all happy to be working and were faultless throughout the flight
There really wasn't any CW food on board, no snacks, fruit or food of any kind....I did slightly regret buying books instead of food
However the econ meal was surprisingly ok...I haven't flown Y in over 10 years and I thought it had improved or I was just hungry! I had spinach cannelloni, roll and butter, a banoffee pie, and a twix. The snack before landing was a cookie and at that moment I did wish for the lovely warm scones etc. but hey ho I was airbourne
We had a good landing and I was quickly off the plane and had the warmest greeting ever from the passport guy. Bags off quickly and Buns if you can carry them yourselves up the escalators you can take them on the shuttle train. Then I walked into a wall of TV crews...the first Brit to land at Tampa in a week
I was interviewed but had I fixed my make up or brushed hair before leaving plane 
NO There's a lesson to be learned ladies and some men 
Always be prepared So my Crash Test Dummy outfit is now on e bay and we will never take international travel for granted again
Sunshine
) all the way - thanks for the tip BTW.
