June 25 – MaxJet

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Traveling lets you leave your troubles behind. We did not know the troubles we were skirting by leaving town until days later, but the rain that started as we departed was the beginning of an historical downpour.

It was MaxJet that we chose for our flight to the British Isles. “We should do it before they go bankrupt,” I joked regarding the current state of upstart airlines floundering. The airline is positioned as a discount, all-business-class airline. We thought we would receive business class “lite” service, but that was not the case. The airline could not make the long security lines at Dulles shorter or the long walk to the B Concourse quicker, but check-in was first-class treatment followed by use of the Northwest lounge. The plane was pulled up to a gate adjoining the lounge, so we did not even need to leave the lounge to board the plane.

Once on board, we were delighted to settle into seats with a good three feet of leg room. My long legs thank you MaxJet! Hors-d’oeuvres were served along with champagne and mimosas.

It was a good thing that they were serving us well and making us comfortable. We had an extended delay. A nasty weather system moved in with hard rain and lightning. We waited it out in comfort in plush seats being pampered and fed. It was a ninety-minute delay, but who cared?

Once in flight, we were issued personal entertainment devices. A square box with a screen and about two inches think, this device was loaded with the equivalent of a dozen DVDs. Using the issued headphones, you pull out a support from the back of the device and prop it up on the seat tray before you. Using the menu, Ellen and I both decided to watch the recent Harrison Ford movie Firewall.

For dinner, we chose the steak and was presented with a restaurant quality sirloin in size and sizzle.Stretching out after dinner and closing my eyes, I could actually sleep soundly, albeit a short three or four hours.

After a hot breakfast of cheese omelets, the flight attendant presented us with a bottle of champagne in celebration of our sixth wedding anniversary. Ellen and I seem to be making a habit of traveling on our anniversary. Our trip to the Mediterranean last year began on our anniversary.