Day F—Flying Home—“Playing Celebrity?”

We got up early to make it to breakfast, although in retrospect, we’re not sure why.  It was very good, don’t get us wrong.  But as the first of several meals, maybe we didn’t need it?  Anyway, we just ate a few hot things, and packed up to trudge down to the terminal.

Bill had been working with a lot of “Compliance Coordinators” and Station Managers around the system in the last few months, so he made arrangements to stop in and say hello to the folks in Munich, to build some cooperative relationships.  They responded with enthusiasm, even saying “We are all so excited to meet you!”, which Theresa found dubious.  As we made it near the check in point for AA, it was nearly vacant (since the flight to Charlotte was barely 90 minutes out, and everyone should have been checked in by now).  The people were looking at us a little weird, which we attributed to our showing up so “late”, and some of them moved out from the counter, presumably to intercept us.  Then we heard one of them say “Are you Mr. William?” (well, no, but…), and we responded yes.  At that point, it became a mini-celebrity scene, with 4-5 young ladies seemingly as excited as seeing their favorite rock star!  They ran over to greet us, with beaming smiles, lining up to introduce themselves and shake hands!  It was hilarious and very sweet!!  I’m just a guy that makes them do paperwork and grades it, but for a moment I was a pop-star!  Fortunately, the halls in airports are quite wide, to accommodate my swollen head!

Years ago, when we started travelling, I could use my airline badge to get discounts in the airport, and I frequently told Theresa that “They know me here!”, and acted like I was a big deal getting my 10-15% discounts.  It has been a while, but…now she sees it again!  😊

We found a nice corner to ourselves in the MUC lounge.

We went to check in with British Airways (or their local contractors) and then through security.  If you think Germans are precise, efficient, and effective…you haven’t met these folks.  They have arranged a process that can break down with almost no passengers.  We were Business Class to London, so got in that line for check in.  With one agent, it was longer than the standard line, using four agents.  Security, with Fast Pass, likewise had almost the same length line, but essentially acted the same.  Except, they patted down almost each person, so when the male guard was busy, they only took female passengers.  Then if she got caught up, only the men.  Finally inside, we found the lounge and …breakfast #2!

A nice pair of drinks on our first flight.

The flight was good, although a tad late.  We enjoyed “first lunch”, and a couple of drinks.  Once in Heathrow, we were happy to arrive in Terminal 5, so we might save a little time.  Finally through security, we headed to the Concorde Room (lounge).  They have a special “restaurant”, so of course it was time for “second lunch” (though a little pared down, because…).  But we did have a little dessert, and the server offered us a dessert wine!  OK!  After lunch, we got a couple of drinks.  They had Johnnie Walker Blue, so, of course!!  But there was little time, so we had to hurry.

Our "First Class" Dining in the Concorde Room.

View from the Concorde Room.

Settling in for a 10 hour flight.

On our second flight, we watched a few movies, and had dinner.  Theresa had a curry monkfish, and Bill had a barbeque spare rib.  Both were very good!  Theresa took a little nap, and Bill watched some “TV”, and a little before landing, it was time for a snack (or second dinner).

We arrived home about 9:00 PM, having left our hotel room in Munich 5340 miles away at about 8AM (7 time zones earlier).