We were the only staff travellers on the flight and this together with the fact that Sarah flies the same aircraft type seemed to act as a catalyst for them to go above and beyond the call of duty. Nothing was too much trouble and champagne glasses were refilled regularly and without us noticing.
We never forget the privileged position that we find ourselves in and certainly never take anything for granted but when you find yourself on a long haul flight - in this case 10 hours+ - with a seat that turns into a bed and crew who serve you beautiful food and glorious wines, then it is hard not to smile like the cat that got the cream.
It's funny though that the heightened experience of the flight can soon be destroyed by your interaction with the officers of the American Immigration Service! We did at one point on our frequent trips across the pond believe that some training had been implemented to make them slightly more friendly than the Waffen SS (we recall once getting a smile and a cheery word) but experience at Houston International Airport suggests that further training might be appropriate?
Linda is correct when she reminded me that we had done something wrong on our Customs Declaration but there must be a more customer friendly way to tell you. Mind you, she wasn't impressed when I put the blame on her with Obersturmbannfuhrer Goering for not checking my completion of the form correctly!
Anyway, after just over an hour, we were able to collect our Alamo hire car, find our Country Inn and Suites hotel directly under the main runway flight path and settle down to our first night's sleep in America.
Some photos attached to paint a picture.
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