our 1time flight to Johannesburg
12 May 2007. We arrived at Cape Town International and parked our car in the new parking garage - it's pretty nifty how they indicate which floors are full (although the Mrs doesn't believe that those signs are an accurate reflection of whether it's full or not).
Check-in
Check-in went very smoothly. It's the first time I've flown with a baby, and 1time kindly gave us an aisle seat, a window seat and blocked out the middle seat, so that we could have more space for the baby (no extra cost)...[note to self: be sure to carry a baby doll on future flights].
Security check
Yesterday and the day before I had tested both Cape Town International and OR Tambo International's security - both airports' security failed to detect a second laptop I was carrying. Today I gave the security a break, although I did remind the security guard that he could only check our tickets "1time"...he replied that since there were 3 tickets, he had to check 3 times, no doubt having been round the block a few times with the 1time humour.
Lovers torn apart
Behind us an oft-repeated drama enfolded of a young couple not wanting to part. Unwilling to say goodbye, the young man (who wasn't flying) walked through security without a boarding pass; telling the security (in his French accent) not to worry, "I'll pay your rent". His girlfriend was distraught as she hugged her man goodbye, and later during the flight she spent her time staring blankly through the airplane window, looking out into the wide open space and dreaming of her lover.
2 or 3 passengers outstanding
After boarding our flight from Cape Town to Johannesburg, we were waiting for "2 or 3 passengers" (presumably this was just the announcement and they did actually know whether it was 2 or 3!), and were welcomed onto this "1time flight".... mmmm, I do hope the plane ends up flying more than 1 time !
SouthWest Airline clone?
For the benefit of any North Americans reading this travel-blog, 1time airline reminds me of SouthWest Airlines, with its plain leather seating, snacks which you can pay for and flight attendants trying to clear up as much rubbish as possible; though first prize in clearing the rubbish before landing must go to Jet Blue - their attendant should have won an award for his thoroughness in ensuring all rubbish was out before the plane landed. Happily, unlike SouthWest Airlines, 1time flights do allow you to pre-book your seats.
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