Sleigh Bells Ring, are you listening... Day 1, the best Travel Day

[Pussycat Doll]

December 25th - Merry Christmas!

Not a great nights sleep, no fault of the bed, it was really comfy, but you know what it’s like! From 12.30 I only dozed on and off but obviously we were both fast asleep when the alarm went off at 5am!

We’re up and sorted and leave the hotel at 6am, having paid £10 for parking we have saved a minimum of £34 in taxi fares. Hardly any traffic on the roads at this time in the morning.

We manage to find a Disabled space right near a bus stop and only wait 5 mins for a bus. Easy quick journey to the terminal.

We walk up to the little desk at the start of the BA check in area, 2 staff are standing there and one says ‘are you flying business or economy?’ I replied ‘First!’ Nearly punched the smug cow, never assume!

Check in was a breeze as it should be, one case was exactly 23 kg and the other was 19. We headed off to Fast Track security which was really quick, Richard sets all the beepers off with his hips.

We head for the first class lounge via Jo Malone, I’ve been saving up for some perfume.

Lounge is very nice but not anywhere close to the Virgin Upper Class Lounge, in-line reviews I had read suggested it needed a refurb and they were correct.

We both have a full English with coffee which is very nice, I also sneak a Pain au Chocolate!

This was our view whilst eating.

We head for Gate 34 at 8.30 and are boarded almost immediately.
Lovely Cabin Manager called Amanda who shakes hands with us and introduces her crew.


Champagne and warm nuts before take off which was just 10 minutes late. Flying time is 9 hours.

Straight after take off we get given our Lounge Wear and amenity kits, different ones for ladies and gents.

Our food service starts with Canapés, I swapped the prawn one for a second cheese one.

For starters I have Chicken Liver Parfait and Richard has brocolli Stilton soup.

For mains I have Filet of beef and Richard has Christmas Dinner, we had pre ordered ours online last week.

Both are amazing!

For dessert Richard has Christmas pudding with Brandy sauce, a dish of ice cream also appears! I chose ice cream too.

I also had a cheeky glass of Rose Champagne.

After lunch we do the normal plane stuff, read, nap, watch tv. I watch an episode of Bake off but the headphones hurt my ears, I think it’s because I wear glasses.

Before we know it it’s time for afternoon tea. Richard has a proper afternoon tea and I have Tapas.

We land at 1.45 and are through immigration in literally 3.5 minutes, the joys of flying Christmas Day!

Cases take about 20 mins to come out, no mistakes this year although a chap did pick one of ours up and then said oh it’s not mine. He then proceeded to pick up a pink and blue one, ours is green! 😳

Off to Avis, we are ‘preferred’ so go straight to the garage, our name isn’t on the board! The queue is horrendous, lots of really cross people! One member of staff!
We get served after about half an hour and get an Elantra, brand spanking new, delivery mileage only!

Traffic is awful leaving the airport and actually doesn’t get any better all the way to Jupiter. The driving is manic.

We are staying at the Comfort Inn and Suites tonight, we find it with no problem, very pleasant.

We now need somewhere to eat, McDonalds closes as we approach as does Starbucks but IHOP across the street is open.

We both have a Diet Coke and a BLT, hits the spot perfectly, Bill was $23.

Bed by about 8pm, I expect to be up by 2am!

TTFN xx

[kateh134]

Flying first class on Christmas Day is a fabulous way to start! Looking forward to following your trip.

[macy]

Lovely start to your holiday, fab flight and 3.5 mins for immigration is amazing. Nothing better than being in Orlando for Christmas enjoy every minute.

[mick]

Great travel day


Joan

[MarionG]

What a lovely way to fly. The food looks amazing. Hope you weren't up too early but a nice place to wake up to.

[Floridag1rl]

Fantastic travel day hardly any stress.

[Ivegottadream]

Wow! What a way to travel. Looking forward to the rest of your report.

[Twinklestar1]

What a lovely way to travel on Christmas Day! Hope you managed to get some sleep x

[EssexSue]

Was the plane as empty as it looked or did you get the picture before others got on?

[princess allie]

Great travel day x