Flying High to Europe and Coming Back to Reality
I called Qantas again yesterday
In the hope of snagging a business class seat — or should I say bed — to anywhere in Europe anytime after 16th July, I spoke to a lovely lass named Mili who checked and read out the flight details. I knew if I kept calling, I’d get a seat. I’ve always found if I want something bad enough, karma will come through for me.
“Time of departure, time of arrival in Dubai, time of departure from Dubai and time of arrival in Heathrow.” She added, “it’s codeshare with Emirates.” I answered as nonchalantly as I could, “Yes, that’s fine.” I felt like doing an Irish Jig and yelling “Whoopee!”
This photo looks like me on hearing this, not as young and not as pretty but I think my smile was wider!
I couldn’t believe my luck! I ran — yes, ran — new knees and all — to fetch my credit card all ready to pay the associated fees. They had only risen by a few dollars since 2019 — more good news.
By the time I reached my purse, she had corrected herself, “It doesn’t look like Emirates have released their business class classic rewards seats yet…hang on, I’ll check Amsterdam.” My heart was beating so fast. I was barely breathing. If I were at all religious, I would have been praying to every known god, including St Christopher who, I believe, is the saint of travellers.
By this stage, I was begging, “ Nothing at all, going anywhere at all?” I’d even accept Tel Aviv if it meant I could get to Europe. Even though I swore I would never go back! Why I’ll Never go to Israel Again.
I was so excited for a few minutes, only to be let down ever so gently. I was prepared to accept business class to Dubai and hope to find a cheap flight from there. My son lives in Abu Dhabi so I could couch surf with him for a few days. Brisbane to Dubai is the longest leg of the flight to Europe — I just cannot do cattle class for that distance.
Call me spoiled — I have done it many times in the past and suffered the consequences — legs so swollen they looked like an elephant’s legs — and not a baby elephant! — and having to be admitted to hospital for suspected DVT. Those stomach injections were not pleasant and definitely not a great way to start my trip.
My stories I Never Pay Full Fare for Flights and Business Class, Baby have come back to bite me on the proverbial bum which I definitely don’t want to be sitting on for more than 24 hours.
Here is the beginning of this saga!
If you think I get into strife when I travel, read what happened to my daughter in China.
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