2023 - La Loire à Vélo: Day 1: Wed 24 May

9-26 degC in Qld to 31 degC in Dubai on arrival

Total travel and transit time: 23h25min

Spent the morning finishing off our departure routine which gets easier every time we go away. We are lucky enough to have someone trustworthy coming to housesit for us and great neighbours who ensure the place is safe and secure.

We were aiming to leave at midday, but about 11:45am we were ready and just standing around looking at each other. Wendy promised to drive a little slower than she normally does, so we left. First stop was at Gympie Maccas for lunch and to kill a bit of time. As we got closer to the airport, it was only 3:45pm, so we parked up at Airport Maccas, had a coffee and wasted a bit more time.

About 4:30pm, Wendy dropped Greg and the bikes at the airport (we would rather be lots early than have to rush and panic) and took the Cruiser to the airport parking mob. Although we were already checked-in on-line and had our boarding passes, we still needed to check the bikes and one pannier in (Greg has one of his panniers in the box with the bike). Check-in did not open until 5pm, so Wendy had plenty of time to get back to Greg.

We checked-in about 5:15pm and after a short stroll through Immigration and Duty Free, we found the Plaza Premium Lounge, which is quite cosy but not nearly as good as either the QC or the Emirates Lounge. Anyway, we are not there for the food nor the drink, rather a place to relax without having to have eyes in the back of your head reference our carry-on luggage. Had a small bite to eat, washed down with some bubbles. Greg then went for a walk to stretch his legs. Wendy also went for a walk to find our departure gate, which ended up being way down the other end of the concourse. The A380 has limited gates to satisfy its double story configuration.

We boarded on time and departed on time. Nice comfy and roomy seats and not even Greg’s legs could reach the end when lying flat. But of course it all comes at a price. The individualized service was not as quick as it normally is and we finally got our dinner about three hours after the seat belt signs were turned off. Something Wendy noticed on her last Emirates flight is that when it becomes a bit lumpy, they flash the seat belt sign, but don’t tell you to return to your seat and buckle-up; all very civilized. The flight was in the main very smooth, maybe you feel the bumps less on the top story?