So. Our first abroad holiday since Australia!
With a 1455 flight to Dalaman, we decided to get the coach to Gatwick nice and early. The alarm went off at 0545 and we left shortly after 0715. Once off the bus we walked with our cases to Gloucester Green with a Costa along the way.
We met mum and Ken then got our tickets. A short wait to 0815 and we were on the coach.
We arrived at Gatwick at 1010, made our way to the Thomas Cook check in desk. Due to the queue they opened at 1030 rather than 1050. One the bags were on their journey we went to the new look security. You stood on markings on the floor then out all loose items and bags into a crate. After collection we took a look around Duty Free.
Knowing what spirits we wanted, we headed for something to eat at Nandos. The fun (not) was about to begin.
I checked my phone and my Google card showed or flight as being delayed, over 4 1\2 hours! In disbelief I went to the screen and saw “delayed 1845”, “gate info 1710” this happened last time. We went to the info desk and were given £6 of vouchers each to buy food and were told the plane was at Gatwick (we thought it was delayed at Dalaman)but had a faulty cargo door. We went to Pret and brought 2 sandwiches and a drink
With loads of time, we spent time looking in the shops. And brought our duty free. The board said we were due an update however after 10 minutes we went to the info desk but no one was there apart from 30 angry and confused passengers. After ranting at an Airport worker the screen updated to a new “gate info time” after the wait we had been given a gate!
Once at the gate, already irate passengers were talking to the 2 staff at the desk. We were them informed that they were still working on the plane! This was now 7 hours late!
It was getting heated at the gate, passengers were threatening to cancel there flight which would of caused even more delays. Finally the announcement was that we would be boarding! It was met by applause.
Once on board the the cabin managers and captain were very apologetic, they informed us that it was the same pilot and cabin crew that was planned. So we weren’t the only people who had had a long day. Once we’d taken off we were entitled to one free drink as an apology. Not a lot to them.
After some power naps we landed (0210, was due at 20 at Dalaman. The queue for passport control was big (over 230 people on the flight) but we soon got through. Our bags were even with us pretty soon!
We found our taxi man at about 0250 and arrived at Seaside Villa at 0420. We went straight to bed.
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