I booked on the 20.15 to LHR which would get me in around 21.25.
The three or four days prior to the flight were busy with meetings in the community about this, that and the other. By the time Thursday afternoon came, I was pretty bushed. We dashed the 25 miles south to my boy's school (state - he has difficulties) and picked up him up at home time intending to go for food and then straight to the airport. But the traffic on the A1 magically disappeared so even going slow we were way ahead of time so we decided to call home. After 30 mins at home, packed up my bags again and headed to Frankie and Benny's just off the A1, halfway to the airport.
Food was eaten and we were on our way again. Still got there too early and had to wait about 15 minutes for bag drop to open. Finally got checked in after showing her my mobile boarding card, bag dropped and goodbyes said and I was off through security which was virtually empty - even the person who checks boarding cards was absent. Boarding cards were checked at the bag scanners instead. Through security in no time and out into a very empty departure lounge. The Newcastle flight is the penultimate flight out of NCL.
I had access to the Cheviot Lounge with Airport Angel (through my bank) so went in there. It was very, very quiet - only one other person apart from the lounge supervisor was present. Standard lounge fare, selection of drinks plus crisps, cake, nuts. The one person who was in with me at first made a series of business calls, all very loudly and with a bit of language (a***holes was heard to describe some partner organisation). Couple of other people drifted in and then the EZY flight was called and most left. Lounge shut at 19.20. I headed out of the lounge too. Hang around waiting for the 'shopping time' countdown to click down and when about 5 mins were left I headed downstairs towards the holding area while I waited for the usual BA gate to be officially declared open.
They've started a closed gate system at NCL for the BA flights which means that your boarding card is scanned on entrance to the gate. For once we boarded by using the jetty.
Everyone got on board fairly quickly and in an orderly manner - so much so we were ready about five minutes early. Doors were closed, the jetty retracted and was closed. Then we just sat and sat and sat... Eventually the Captain announces that we have had to wait as ATC had advised them that the EZY that had just taken off was returning as an emergency and we had to wait for them to land safely.
Blue lights were seen to the left and about five minutes after that we were given the all clear to take off which we promptly did.
A very swift flight was had, usual domestic service with drink and a bag of snacks. We landed at 21.35 ish - just 10 minutes after our scheduled time. Short walk to baggage reclaim, usual short wait and I was heading towards the Marks food place in T5 arrivals to stock up on snacks and a diet coke but that glass of wine called out ... buy me , so I did!
Food bought and it was off to the Hex to transfer to T4 and the Yotel and a lovely rest before my flight the next day...
Next instalment is the Yotel...
