Checking in on-line meant that formalities were easy so was airside by 05:20. Had even bought a new camera in Dixons by 05:30. Flight 5101 was being operated by A-319 G-EZEZ today and it looked as though we might be away early until the captain told us about ATC delays so our 06:20 departure was shot. A pushback at 06:31 looked promising but we were only moved off the stand and we didn't start engines until 06:54. Once on the move though, we jumped some of the queue and were off the ground at 07:06 from runway 26.
Schiphol was reached 40 minutes later arriving on the nearer of the far 2 runways (does that make sense?) The taxi in only took 11 minutes this time as we were parking at the low cost terminal which is the first one you get to. First time in this new terminal and 'no thrills' doesn't just refer to the airlines that use it. No air bridges here and our de-planing coincided with a sharp shower. This terminal links to the others so a quick look round the gates is still possible.
Immigration queues weren't too bad and we were soon up on the terrace where we spent most of the day. Entry is still free and is as good as ever for views over most of the airport. The first thing that strikes you is the number of Northwest flights. I noted 8 A-330s, 4 B757s and a single B744. Only 10 of these were good for me.
Most of the KLM heavies were seen (as you'd expect) along with Transavia and Arkeflys. Plenty of European airlines are represented along with a good selection of freighters including 2 Jade Cargo B744s.One highlight was the departure of DC-3 PH-PBA, now in Air France colours, which came out over the terrace. Some of Transavia's fleet show signs of the airlines they have been leased to or from and examples were seen in Miami Air, Sun Country and Spicejet colours.
Goes a bit quiet in the afternoon but you still have to keep checking those KLMs for the one you still want. Adjourned for a drink but of course there's never a right moment and ended up dashing out again as something good came round the corner.
Time then came for us to check in or at least go through security as we already had our boarding passes and again this was easy. There are reasonable views from the cheapy terminal although you can really only see some of the arrivals from the far runways. Our flight home (5108) was on A319 G-EZBY and it would have been on time but for some passengers needing the lift to get aboard and of course there wasn't one available. Finally taxied out past the main terminals and more numbers fell in the book including my first Czech A319.Airborne at 19:05 local and landed on 26 at Gatwick 41 minutes later at 18:46. The walk to immigration always seems to be miles away but no queue at the Iris scanner meant I was through very quickly and soon on my way home.
Pics at http://www.bob-holland.fotopic.net/c1544032.html
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