Got to the airport 2 hours before departure - barely enough time to make it onto the plane. Between check-in, boarding pass check, passport control, terminal train ride, x-ray checkpoint, etc, I got to my gate as the plane was boarding. Much different than my experience leaving from PHL. On my walk through the terminal I did manage to turn my extra 30 Euros into a soccer ball and some chocolate.
I did the web check-in last night and upgraded my seat to a $30 "choice" seat on the aisle - I declined the $500 upgrade to Envoy class. The plane isn't really filling up, lots of empty seats as we get close to take-off. We have to wait a little longer as they remove luggage for a no-show passenger.Finally the doors close and we're ready for departure and at least 25% of the plane is empty - including the window seat next to me. Excellent! I get a view and room to stretch out. Sunny skies, nice weather, my own double-wide, should be a nice flight.
The 2 center rows in front of me are occupied by a group of skaterboy musicians, complete with tattoos, earlobe plugs (?), sandals, etc. They started out pretty loud and rowdy, but settled down once the flight got started.
Fortunately not my plane
Bye-bye Switzerland
Had a nice uneventful flight. A little turbulence about 30 minutes ago, nothing too bad. Much better flying during the day than the red-eye, much more to do. They showed the movie, then lots of tv shows and other programs on the TV to keep your mind somewhat occupied. On the way over it was the movie, then lights out. With all the cabin lights on it was much easier to read as well.
Can't wait to see Michael and Debbi!
Descending back into the land of shopping malls
Sports stadiums were busy
Looking north to Philly
I can resume normal breathing again - I survived
Customs was no problem (once I switched lines from out behind the guy with no paperwork), got my luggage back pretty quickly.
As I approached the International Arrivals Hall it didn't take me long to spot my son - he was as close to the door as he could get without being inside the terminal. He practically tackled me as soon as the doors slid open, and didn't let go until we got outside to the car. My wife was happy to see me as well, and I her, but she had to wait in line behind the boy for hugs and kisses.
The soccer ball from Switzerland was a hit, but nowhere near the excitement the Rossi jersey caused. He'll look good in it at Indy this August.
Coming soon - expenses, what I'd do differently, and final thoughts.