SECOND EUROPE RUN

Another day another trip out to the airport. Today I'm off to Basel before returning to Asia. Why Basel you ask? I chose to visit Basel for the novelty of an airport that straddles an international border, while at the same time the ratio of miles earned per mile flown is great thanks to miles and more fixed mileage for intra-europe.

So I rock up to check in at Frankfurt only to be told the flight was cancelled and I was automatically rebooked on the earlier flight which is just leaving So why wasnt I told about the change in schedule? No answer to that. I am offered the later flight, which would then be a turnaround for me. I decline as I am actually meeting some FTers in Basel. So I am told to go to ticket counter for them to sort out. The ticket counter is right at the far end of check in, by the first class check in area.

I trudge over them pondering alternatives. Perhaps I could fly to Zurich and catch a train? Or Stuttgart or ??? Ticketing offers just the one option (other than the later turnaround), to take Air France via Paris CDG airport - and I better hurry to make it as it leaves in 30 minutes from the other terminal. The agent filled out a form in leiu of a new ticket and I run to catch the sky train to the other terminal. I walk up to Air France check-in, despondent as there is a long line and no premium line for business class passengers! Fortunately I spy a counter with no queue off to the side for passengers travelling without checked luggage which brightens me considerably.

The form seems to satisfy the check in agent and I am promptly issued with 2 boarding passes, along with the unwelcome news that Paris to Basel flight is economy only Oh well at least it is a short flight.

I get held up at security as the WTMD is gone and they are meticulously hand wanding everyone (aka a 5 minute massage). By now I am wondering if I will make my flight or will I need to go back to the other terminal to Lufthansa ticketing (or would Air France now be responsible since I am now checked in??) to again revise plans.

The gate is a long way from security so I run down the corridors. As I approach the gate I dont see to many people so wonder if it is too late, but then notice boarding hasnt started yet. I ask an agent and find boarding isnt for another 15 minutes or so, enough time to visit the lounge which is right by the gate.

I pop in to look around. The lounge seems huge but I think that is more a reflection of there being just 3 passengers inside than its true size. There is a small selection of snacks and drinks. A couple of computers, and a separate smoking area that is unfortunately open plan and so the entire lounge reeks There is a large tv and some newspapers. There is no toilet within the lounge, but the public loos are just outside the doors.