Wow - WOW - W O W!!
That's all I can say about how smoothly this flight has gone so far. Only two things could have made it more perfect - the latter of which being the foreknowledge that it WAS going to be so lovely.
The best way I can tell it is to go through the day so far:
I never even attempted to go to bed. I thought this was realistic, as I was way too excited to stand much chance of sleep.
The simple truth is that I was worried sick about how this would all work out and I just needed it to begin ASAP.
So it was that Liz kindly got up at some unsociable hour to take me to the airport. (I wrote 'chemist' instead of 'airport', but then corrected it so you wouldn't know. See, I'm smart.)
At 4 in the morning, even the busy commutor roads into Newcastle were empty, so we soon made it to the airport - where they only allow 5 mins for drop-offs so Liz had to dash away to avoid a 3 pound fine. Thanks for taking me Liz. Thliz.
Once at the check-in desks for BA, the good stuff started. A very kind lady talked me through automated check-in. Very swish, I must say - although I was glad she was pressing the buttons on this first occasion for me.
She found me a seat with an empty seat next to it. Bless her. I was to later discover that she kept that seat empty for me. I saw her briefly at the gate before boarding and she reassured me she had seen to it for me.
I really wish someone had 'seen too' my agonising walk through the rat-run that is security these days. Lots of corded off lanes that keep doubling back on each other.
My significant figure and case was sufficient to block the flow and create a log-jam behind me, and so I had to keep stopping from time to time to let "ables" through.
It was a very tired Andy who made it to security at Newcastle airport. Seriously..this was to be the hardest part of the whole journey.
After security I quickly got air side - although not before they "kindly" frisked me rather than put me through the bleepy machine. Sadly - I was not grateful to have my damaged legs frisked. Ah well, can't win 'em all I guess.
I was duly boarded ahead of others and made wonderfully comfortable in my two seats. The flight was just being pushed back when it was delayed by an hour. So back to the stand we went and waited.
The flight was eventually very smooth and I arrived at Terminal 5 with bad cramp, but nothing worse.
Imagine my surprise to discover I was met by my personal carer. She made sure I was installed onto a buggy and driven to a transfer bus. She was good, this lass, because another man (from Terminal 4) met me off the bus and drove me straight through to security. The new man put me in a lift afer security and took me directly to he gate for the transatlantic flight.
So well organised.
I was then told that they had saved me not one but two empty seats around me. I am sitting here on a Boeing 747-400 with three seats to myself. Probably more room for me here than those in Club Class.
Do I feel guilty? No, not really. The seats would have been vacant anyway - it was just made so that I could be next to them.
The flight on this monster of a plane has been smoothness epitomised. I am so happy that apart from security in Newcastle, all else has been wonderful. REALLY wonderful. BA are a most excellent airline to fly with if one has special needs and requirements - well, that is certainly my experience so far.
Now to face American immigration. The last big hurdle. Let's see if the "assitance" message has spread as far as Washington. I am hopeful, but also grateful. Very grateful.
Heck - even the Tarragon Chicken was OK.
No-where to sit on arrival at Washington, but I quickly got through customs and immigration to round off a smooth trip.
And guess what? My chariot is here to take me to Lexington Park.
I am quite tired though...
Absolutely brilliant. I couldn't be more delighted that you got there safely and in such style.
Hope you have a spiffing time in Lexington Park. I shall look it up on google maps.
Posted by: Liz Curtis | June 10, 2008 at 08:55 PM
Absolutely brilliant. I couldn't be more delighted that you got there safely and in such style.
Hope you have a spiffing time in Lexington Park. I shall look it up on google maps.
BTW - which airport is it in the photo?
Posted by: Liz Curtis | June 10, 2008 at 08:56 PM
Couldn't be happier that you had such a good experience on the flight. Now go and enjoy America, for heaven's sake!!!! Can't wait to see pctures of where you are. I can't even imagine what it's like in America like the way you'll experience it - as opposed to the touristy way. You're LIVING there aren't you, not being a tourist. There's a subtle difference. Hope you have a superb time - take care.
Posted by: Jason | June 10, 2008 at 08:57 PM
Excellent. Well done God.
Posted by: Joss | June 10, 2008 at 10:18 PM
Fantastic, such a relief, enjoy everything moment and don't hold back. Lots of Love xxx
Posted by: Rebecca | June 10, 2008 at 10:49 PM
Andy in USA .. LOL .. it'll never be the same again ... have fun matey and try and get online
Posted by: Bitova Loon | June 11, 2008 at 06:57 AM
Aw shucks - I know you wanted it to be boring, but really you make it sound very exciting - and you leave us at such a nail biting moment...blog soon you scoundrel. Miss you already :-)
Posted by: Jac | June 11, 2008 at 07:35 PM
Washington airport and those silly "buses" do they still do them between the airports and stand ????
Come on Andy ... we need updates on your trip ;)
Posted by: Bitova Loon | June 12, 2008 at 08:39 PM
Great news Andy, I really hope you have a fab trip...I will look forward to reading the blog and seeing what you are up to, so much more interesting than adding content to a website CMS system!
R x
Posted by: Ruth | June 13, 2008 at 09:11 AM