We were up at about 0230, earlier that the alarm clock which was set for 0300. We stopped by the front desk at the Vogelweh Inn and asked Mr. Wilson to call us a Taxi to the Ramstein Passenger Terminal (AMC), we left our card key with him and said e would call later to advise whether of not to check us out. The taxi arrived and we headed for AMC, I noticed that the taxi already had accrued 7.80 €s before we even left the Vogelweh complex, on of the downsides of having to stay there the total taxi ride back to AMC 28.20€s.
We arrived at the passenger terminal at about 0335 and a line had already formed outside because the terminal was not open, there was a light drizzle and it was dark and about 38-degrees. We decided that if we did not get on the Flight we would stop by the rental car office and get a car, probably cheaper than two taxi rides and flexibility for where to go for dinner. You only want to eat once at the Strike Zone in the bowling alley.
AMC opened the doors at about 0350 and we checked in with the documents desk, this is where they check your Space-A registration date, ours was 9/25, and that you have registered for travel from Ramstein and have a passport. You are then given the yellow travel document which provides all of you pertinent travel information, which if there is no space on the flight you have to have stamped on you next try for availability.
There were 91 seats listed on the Ramstein Passenger Terminal Facebook page posted at 0247 however when we arrived there were 103 Firm seats. After check in we were in position #37 which as different Categories (I-VI) check in you move up or down the list, we were at #54 when they stared Roll Call at 0500.
Our names were called at about 0600 and we completed the process, baggage check, seat assignments and BWI Airport fees of $27.70 per traveler, n our case $59.40. Were were assigned seats 17G&H. We carried our bags over to x-ray and bit farewell to them hoping to be reunited with thin in Baltimore.
We headed across the parking lot for some breakfast and coffee, the coffee shop in the KMC Center building opens at 0600, it was about 0625 and by now our stomaches thought that our throats had been cut. We orders two ham, cheese and egg croissants and a cup of coffee and a bottle of water for Pat.
We ate our breakfast and headed back to the passenger terminal and got in the security line, which is run by the Germans, no TSA pat jobs here, but of course each of the two security people have there own system and quirks. We clear security as the plane began to board at 0750.
The plane a United Charter, 747 with some age on it but still in good working order. We had a bit of confusion finding our seat because they we on the second deck of the plane. The seating was 1st class style with wide seats and plenty of leg room and you could almost lay flat and not affect the person behind you. I figure this was call comfort averaging because coming over we were cramped in seas against the bulkhead. We probably will not be so lucky in the future.Â
Pat in the Co-Pilots seat
While we were waiting for some last minute luggage and cargo the Captain came back and invited anyone who wanted to visit the cockpit and even take photos, I sent Pat forward and they took photo of her in the copilots seat and one with the Captain, her dad would have love these.
Presently we are in route back to Baltimore. Of course we still need to clear immigration and customs upon landing. Then the shuttle where we collect our car and pay the ransom to get it out of long-term parking. We should arrive at about 1200 EST. Morgan when to Pennsylvania with Celeste and the girls to visit Mark (Dad) so we have to make arrangement to pick her up either Wednesday or over the weekend.
Pat in the Cockpit of United Flight ULG60A with the Pilot
Prologue – We ran into Nita Parry in the airport at BWI, her and husband Jack were waiting for Mondays flight with a final destination of Southern Italy, we chatted for a bit and then headed off to the Parking Lot – Car start and we are now in Richmond.
Good to be back in the USA!
Tie a yellow ribbon round the old oak tree!
All in all a good trip!
Mike & Pat
