16th July 2019
For reasons too boring to really get into, today commenced with a drive to Heathrow terminal 3 to drop off a suitcase, the tube back into Angel for lunch with brother and future Mrs-brother, return trip to Heathrow, drive to Gatters to drop off the car, train ride to Deptford for dinner with a mate and then return to Gatwick for overnight stay
I did spot some cute Concorde artwork in the underground that I had not seen before


Due to an early flight the next morning I was booked into the Bloc hotel at Gatwick South terminal. Given I'd be arriving after dark and departing early as well I didn't bother for anything more than a windowless double
I had a hell of a time finding it, probably not helped by being tired and having spent most of the day either on London transport or the M25. However the ladies on reception were utterly delightful
The room best described as functional but the bed was certainly comfortable. I did like the ease of climate and lighting control and ultimately had a decent night's sleep



17th July 2019
BA2956
LGW-GLA
0715-0845
Airbus A319 seat 10A

I am not a morning person and despite having slept reasonably well, having to be up at 5am is not a recipe for nancy to be in a good mood
I wandered off to Club check in with the intention to hot foot it through the process and get a coffee PDQ
Those who know gatwick well will perhaps understand the not that great differentiation between first and club check in
Anyway, there I was minding my own business when a highly stressed woman started advancing her way through the queue. Her flight was ages away but there was some story about a disabled husband and needing to get a boarding pass reprinted or some such. Aware I was not that long on time I politely declined to allow her in front of me as I was pushing it as was and her flight was a couple of hours after mine. She was not impressed by this and there was lots of tutting and when a desk became available at first check in she was quite adamant I should be elbowing my way over there in spite of the rather lengthy first class queue (I think she thought it was my first time in a queue or possibly my first in an airport). I restrained myself but honestly lady, calm the .... down!!

Happily we were both soon on our way. I never saw her in the lounge so I'm not even sure what on earth was going on but nowt so queer as folk i suppose

I took this photo which demonstrates the marvellous plane spotting opportunities of the LGW Galleries lounge, and I suppose now is rather a historic image


Boarding was unremarkable and we pushed back slightly early, leading to an arrival 15 minutes ahead of schedule

I think this is on approach to GLA but equally it could be LGW- if someone could let me know and I'll relabel it as appropriate!!



17th July 2019
LM451
GLA-BRR
1015-1130
Loganair DHC-6 Twin Otter
Seat 2A

The Loganair flight was on a separate ticket but baggage collection and recheck went off without a hitch


I had remembered to leave a reasonable gap between flights which gave me a bit of time to wander the GLA terminal. There's not a huge amount I miss about the UK but Tunnock's caramel wafers is one of them so I was very happy with the many reminders of their existence in the terminal, as well as the freebies



There was also an opportunity to look at some rare and exotic planes, including our ride to Barra

Loving the Saltire livery


Presumably one of the ex-BMI regional jets awaiting re-livery?

Noted...

A plane that does not wish to be associated with FlyBe

1015 came and went and most of us waiting either got a text message or an email advising the flight was delayed for a short period of time. At this point a catering trolley full of Tunnocks caramel wafers appeared- I feel this should be formally added to EU261, passenger's own body weight of caramel wafers as duty of care. Would increase customer happiness remarkably i'm sure

Anyway. The next text/email was one to say the flight was cancelled due to a combination of low cloud and the fact the tide was coming in and the runway was now underwater (a unique set of circumstances if ever there was one). There was a little bit of consternation as a very English man travelling with 2 children evidently didn't have an email or phone number registered with the airline and insisted on taking up the first minutes of us all trying to be rebooked wanting to know why he wasn't notified

Apparently it was the supervisor's first day on the job and she was struggling a little bit with the barrage of questions. We ended up getting meal vouchers which were surprisingly difficult to spend and being asked to come back in an hour, by which time 2 things would have happened: the afternoon flight would also have been cancelled, and she would have a plan

Valid in all shops and restaurants, except for literally every shop landside

As predicted

17th July 2019
LM451
GLA-BRR
1015-1130
Loganair DHC-6 Twin Otter
Seat 2A