2018 - FIP Glasgow: Day 1: Sun 26 Aug - Home to Hervey Bay to Brisbane to Dubai

The rain came down today! By the time I was ready to leave for the airport it was bucketing down and was quite torrential on the way to the airport. Greg drove me and we left home a bit earlier so we could drive a bit slower. Got to the airport safely and then had to risk being booked by parking in the “Bus Only” zone just to avoid getting drenched. I, and my bag, was checked-in all the way to Glasgow about 1:15pm and then began the long wait. By the time I get to Glasgow I will have been in transit for about 33 hours; love international travel!

Took off on time but were told to slow down about half way to Brisbane, consequently disembarking 10 minutes later. No problems as I had just short of four hours to get to the international terminal to board my flight to Dubai. The T-Bus arrived within five minutes and I was at the international terminal not long after. A quick visit to the Travelex money booth and for GBP100 I had to hand over AUD230!!! This is going to be an expensive trip.

Made my way through security (I am not sure there is a Customs any more) and then Immigration (remembered to take my glasses off) and was on the other side in no time at all. Wandered through the duty free but did not need anything so walked all the way to the Emirates lounge (opposite gate 75) to find it did not open until 5:30pm, another hour away. Back to the QC for a coffee and a softie and some nibbles whilst reading the paper. Greg rang to say the van was sold; could have sold it twice in fact.

Headed back to the Emirates lounge and arrived at 5:37pm and it still was not open. I could see lights on so walked up the stairs and they let me in with the usual dribble about why they were late opening up. Not to worry, I was the first in and had the pick of the place. A shabby glass of Moët and a beef carpaccio and I was quite full. Do not want to eat too much as they will feed us well on the plane. I was going to have a shower closer to boarding, but I really was not very smelly so gave it a miss. Had some more beef carpaccio, then was told that Gate 75 had technical issues and therefore could not board direct from the lounge but had to go to Gate 78 which was not far away.

Had a final wee stop and then boarded. Goodness only knows how this flight will turn out, it is choccas.