September Mediterranean Magic Trip Report updated 10/25/2017 - Page 2 - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
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While I was flying in, mom was exploring the Philly airport which is actually really nice and has a lot of art and interesting things to look at in addition to quite some shopping
She was also busy checking out the scene if we could get a new FitBit in the airport, the answer - yes! There were vending machines as well as several stores that had a nice little selection of electronics and she sneakily had them hide the one she thought I would like
That was our first stop to go get that purchase made and then figure out where we needed to go. We actually didn’t have a super long layover (well I didn’t at least) so we didn’t have a ton of downtime to dilly-dally.
Once we had that squared away we headed off to the A (International) Terminal to wait out our 45ish minutes until boarding. There was a Vino Volo nearby so that’s where we decided to head. We knew there would be food on the flight, but just weren’t sure the quality so wanted to make sure we had a bit of substance in us just to be on the safe side.
I set up a little charging station to get my Fitbit going...
And of course… we had to have some wine too!
Unfortunately the service was severely lacking here. By the time our waitress even came back it was too late to think we’d be eating there, but thankfully they offer their entire menu to go! We settled our bill and headed over to our gate for boarding to begin. We probably took a bio break at this point as well.
There’s our big plane!
We had paid for a “premium” seat selection so we were on the left side where there were only two seats across which was lovely. Since I have the AAdvantage Visa we were Boarding Group 1 and were getting on the plane in no time. Once we settled in and figured out what we wanted at our feet versus overhead (ample overhead room!) we pulled our food out.
The portions were disappointingly small for the price paid. I think about $15 for a small bowl of mac and cheese - think appetizer size, which is what I got and mom got a sandwich for about the same price which came with no sides. It was fine, we just needed a nibble but I felt a little jipped. Also I was apparently starving so for once I don’t have any food pics
Our flight took off on time and mom and I decided to settle in with The Boss and as always it’s a bit of a struggle to try to sync up those headrest TVs, but we got it pretty close. We were barely into the movie when dinner was served. The options were pasta or chicken. We went with one of each.
It was chicken with potatoes and veggies and tortellini and red sauce. Neither very exciting but neither bad either. We enjoyed our meals and couldn’t finish all the side snacks they give with it! It was also nice that wine was complimentary so we enjoyed a glass or two here as well
After we enjoyed dinner we finished the movie and then it was time to try to catch some ZZZs. We put on some compression socks since we wouldn’t be walking around much and got a bit cozier. Last trip abroad I didn’t have much of a challenge but this year I really struggled with it. I think the flight was a bit shorter and I don’t know I just never fell into that solid sleep so I was in and out a lot watching Night at the Museum and re-runs of the Big Bang Theory. As soon as I felt like I was finally getting some rest, breakfast was served! Isn’t that always the case? Mom always has a hard time sleeping on flights but she managed better this time around!
Gorgeous sunrise out the window!
Nice little variety of options here.
We enjoyed breakfast and took a few more peeks out the window as we approached Spain and Barcelona! Of course there was tea and coffee to be consumed as well! Once they took the trash from breakfast I went and brushed my teeth and tried my best to wake up. In no time we would be arriving in a new country and ready to embark on our new adventure
It's nice to see that someone likes the Philly airport. Maybe we just take it for granted but I have to tell you, it is not my favorite. Your flight sounds uneventful. I'm sorry you didn't get much sleep and I hope you catch up. I Barcelona and I hope you guys do too!!!!
Sorry your to go food was a bit lacking. I find it hard to find a good food deal at most airports in the US. Heathrow has some good options.
We watched The Boss on our flight to Europe, too!
Sounds like a great flight and seems all went well. That seems like a hefty price to pay for small food portions in the airport. At least you got to enjoy some wine there, even though the service was quite slow. The food looks pretty good on your flight.
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October 6, 2017-Enjoying an amazing dinner at Victoria & Albert's with PP's Dot and Drew
My TR from my most recent trip is now underway. Includes: Universal Studios Florida, Disney World and Sea World Orlando Trifecta TR -Updated December 10th! TR is now COMPLETED!
Oh my goodness, you had to pay for your food on a transatlantic flight? Wow, even in economy, you don't pay for it with Virgin or British Airways (at least as far as I know). The airlines really do know how to sting these days....
Oh my goodness, you had to pay for your food on a transatlantic flight? Wow, even in economy, you don't pay for it with Virgin or British Airways (at least as far as I know). The airlines really do know how to sting these days....
I think they bought the food at the airport and carried it on with them.
It's nice to see that someone likes the Philly airport. Maybe we just take it for granted but I have to tell you, it is not my favorite. Your flight sounds uneventful. I'm sorry you didn't get much sleep and I hope you catch up. I Barcelona and I hope you guys do too!!!!
We always used to connect through the F terminal which was dismal, but ever since they put some effort into upgrading it we've had much more pleasant times there
Quote:
Originally Posted by cubfancolleen
Sorry your to go food was a bit lacking. I find it hard to find a good food deal at most airports in the US. Heathrow has some good options.
We watched The Boss on our flight to Europe, too!
It was tasty, just a little floored by that price tag!
Quote:
Originally Posted by SuperDave
Sounds like a great flight and seems all went well. That seems like a hefty price to pay for small food portions in the airport. At least you got to enjoy some wine there, even though the service was quite slow. The food looks pretty good on your flight.
I do always love their wine selection The AA food wasn't bad at all!
Quote:
Originally Posted by OhToodles!
Bummer on the airport food, sounds like the food on the plane was better....plus free wine!
Can't go wrong there
Quote:
Originally Posted by KMB733
Sorry the meal you got at the airport was disappointing. Sounds like you had a pretty nice flight.
It all worked out in the end!
Quote:
Originally Posted by chezp
Oh my goodness, you had to pay for your food on a transatlantic flight? Wow, even in economy, you don't pay for it with Virgin or British Airways (at least as far as I know). The airlines really do know how to sting these days....
Sorry for misleading, they provided food, we were just hungry before they served it!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pris
I think they bought the food at the airport and carried it on with them.
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Sorry for the delay folks! Having some issues with Photobucket uploads
Day 1- Hello Barcelona!
As the day broke we got closer to land and enjoyed the lovely views. We gathered up our belongings and got ready for the first leg of our adventure, Barcelona!
Deplaning was pretty smooth and in no time we were making our way to Passport control and of course excited about another stamp in our Passport books! Mine actually expires early next year so I’ll be applying for a renewal with the masses after my cruise in December…
There was a line but it kept moving and wasn’t really too bad at all and soon we were on the other side - officially in a new country!
I freshened up while mom kept an eye out for our bags and they were just starting to come out when I finished. We gathered our belongings, made a final check and headed out to find a taxi.
Easily finding a ride, we took in the area and once we got into the city I was happily playing Pokemon impressed by the amount of Pokestops and enjoyed catching the Europe exclusive on the way to the hotel! Checked that off my to-do list
We checked into the hotel and it was still pretty early, maybe about 10am at this point and of course our room wasn’t ready… so we had to come up with a plan! But first we shuffled our belongings to store our luggage with Bell Services and took a little breather in the lobby to gather our thoughts. It was small but lovely!
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Almost forgot about your TR as I'm on so many of these! Nice arrival in Barcelona and what a lovely dining area in the hotel, which is so compact, isolated and private, which is my type of place!
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October 6, 2017-Enjoying an amazing dinner at Victoria & Albert's with PP's Dot and Drew
My TR from my most recent trip is now underway. Includes: Universal Studios Florida, Disney World and Sea World Orlando Trifecta TR -Updated December 10th! TR is now COMPLETED!
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I'm sorry you didn't get much sleep and I hope you catch up. I 
Disney Magic - Oct 2015
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Wow, even in economy, you don't pay for it with Virgin or British Airways (at least as far as I know). The airlines really do know how to sting these days....
The AA food wasn't bad at all!
Nice arrival in Barcelona and what a lovely dining area in the hotel, which is so compact, isolated and private, which is my type of place! 
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