MALTA to FRANKFURT (MLA-FRA) on Lufthansa A300-600 A321-200 in business class
Another day another airport. There were 2 lines signposted, one for business and star gold passengers and one for economy. However, everyone was in the business line which moved slowly. When I'd reached about halfway to the front an agent noticed the issue and ordered economy passengers out into the other line, several of which were unhappy to move.
Eventually I reached the front. There was a delay in checking me in because the agent thought I needed a visa for the destination of the 3rd flight in a sequence I would be flying. Normally I bring printouts of entry requirements with me to help assuage any misplaced concerns about visas from check in agents or others. However, I noticed several days ago that this trip I'd forgotten to bring them with me. Fortunately the agent's colleague knew how to look up the system and confirmed I was correct - I do not need a visa for that destination. That settled I was handed 2 boarding passes (yes all that hassle for a flight I wasn't even going to be checked in for) and an invite card for the contract lounge.
No immigration since Schengen flight, and security was surprisingly quick. I had arrived at security just behind a gaggle of women toting lots of bags and various bling. I steeled myself for delays while they disgorge themselves of their many metallic accessories. However, they were seasoned travellers and we got through quickly.
The La Valetta lounge was small but nice. It had a few computers, some food and drink, newspapers, even a fish tank. No showers that I could see though. All airlines use the lounge and, with several departures imminent, it soon filled up. I left at the appropriate time. As with many airports these days you have to walk through a duty free store to get to the gates. It was doing a roaring trade with a long line of buyers and very few passengers squeezing past the checkout without any purchases.
The aircraft had arrived late so there was a delay in boarding. Another short bus ride to the nearby stand. The flight was fairly full. Newspapers laid out at the top of the stairs, and offered magazines pre-departure. Take-off was rather bumpy due to the strong cross-wind blowing. It reminded me of Wellington a little with the pilots fighting for control in the roll and initial ascent.
The lunch menu was as follows
chicken and potato
or
lamb and couscous
prawn salad
selection of bread and rolls
biscuit
fruit plate (strawberries, grapes, lychees, peach half, plum half)
tea, coffee, water, juice, soft drink, beer or wine
A couple of meals had been dropped in the galley and so by the time they reached the rear of business class there was no spares left (chicken went first). I helped out by declining a main so the other passengers had a choice.
There wasn't much of a view. Mostly clouds with a few glimpses of the Alps as we flew over them. We made up some time en route and landed 10 minutes late.