Travel Days (Part 2)

Once we got over the shock of realizing that we were about to get United, we worked out game plan for what to do with the next few hours.  We still had to keep the dogs with us until 45 minutes before boarding. We were thankful to find out that there was a postage stamp size dog park attached to the airport. Those dogs were so happy to be out of their crates for a little while, but they had no idea what was coming!

We could see through the fence to where the planes were pulled up to the terminals, and John spotted our big fat United jet plane. 

Many sniffs and snorts later, the dogs were hot and tired and ready to go back into their crate and back into the air conditioned terminal.  While they napped, we wheeled our giabongous cart over to a near by sports bar and drank away the hours and our United sorrows.  I wish I had a picture, because that cart was so big, especially with Randy’s crate on it, that it blocked a good two-thirds of the door way.  The bartender was very gracious to let us keep it there.  She even took a few minutes to meet the doggies.  All over the airport, everyone was very interested to see what was inside that giant gray crate.  Poor Biscuit got lost somewhere beneath backpacks and carry-on luggage, and no one seemed to notice she was there. 

Dropping off the dogs before we boarded was a simple process.  Push them over to the big double doors that lead down to the cargo area, get them checked off a list, move them to the little roped off area, and say goodbye until we land in Germany.  Not going to lie, it was nice dropping them off after hauling them around, in their crates, on a giant cart all afternoon.

We made our way through security and waited for United to do their thing.  And do it they did.  First, there was a delay for unknown reasons.  Then there was a delay due to catering.  Catering?!?!  REALLY?!?! That airplane had been parked there for HOURS.  And then, the final blow.  Over the intercom we hear the fateful words, “Attention all AMC passengers.  Flight blah blah blah with service to Ramstein has been delayed indefinitely.”  Great.  Just what we were hoping for.  Another day toting the dogs around Baltimore-Washington International Airport.  But then, just as quickly as the announcement was over it was followed by, “Attention AMC passengers, flight blah blah blah, with service to Ramstein, will now begin boarding at gate who-remembers-that-info.”  Hallelujah!!

Cautious optimism slowly poured through us, and sure enough, within 30 minutes John and I found our seats on the aircraft.  Here’s the best part.  This chartered aircraft was still fitted with it’s first-class seating and guess which two weary travelers were assigned in that section?  Yep, these two!

Ok, that picture doesn’t even begin to do it justice.  Those seats laid out almost completely flat and had leg rests that came out pretty far too.  Oh yeah, that was a comfy flight.  I mean, I’ve heard first class is great and all, but FREE first class is the bombdotcom.   Sure, there was no champagne, but at this point it was after midnight and we were so worn out we just wanted to sleep.  Sure a mimosa in morning when they were bringing around breakfast would have been nice, but I’m definitely not complaining.  John was out cold before we even left the ground and remained that way until we landed. 

Our first stop was Ramstein, Germany, where we unloaded the majority of the plane.  They off loaded the dogs and we were able to take them outside the terminal to stretch their legs and feed and water them.  We were pleasantly surprised how well they did.  We had heard horror stories of how gross the dogs are on the other side, but ours were nice and clean.  Apparently, one dog was not so lucky, and last we heard was still running around the tarmac at BWI (and that was straight from the horses mouth and 6 DAYS later).  Not even exaggerating.  Talk about getting United.

The rest of the trip was smooth sailing, sort of.  There was a little mix up with our room when we got here, but it was quickly and easily straightened out.  We had great help getting from the airport to our temporary housing which was WONDERFUL.  And so is the view!

Can you believe those mountains!  They are gorgeous and majestic and in our backyard!  Looking forward to spending some time there.