introduction
Hello Amigos!
This the last entry on my Mexico 2021 FR series, covering my return to Madrid from Mexico City. You can see the previous FRs and flights on this trip here:
Flight routing
- 1
- 2
- 3
My trip had come to an end, we arrived the day before from Huatulco and spent the night in a fancy hotel over Reforma Avenue (the price was too good to let it pass). My friend had an earlier flight to her town, while I was leaving at 20h. This meant I had until the very last moment for late check out at the hotel.
I took an Uber to AICM that took almost an hour to reach Terminal 1.
At AICM terminal 1
Before checking in, I had to carry out a PCR test. While Mexico didn't have any entry requirements, Spain would ask me for one…so there I was:
I waited about half an hour for my result, which was delived to me on a printed paper. Once I was good to go, I went to IB's check in desks which were deserted. The agent asked me which flight I was taking, as the earlier flight was closed or leaving by them…But I ruined her schadenfreude, as I was leaving on the later flight. As I arrived so early I was done with the check in quick and painlessly.
In contrast, security was going to take its time…
Once done with security I went straight to the Grand Lounge, which I had tried a week before and found reasonable. The person at the entrance saw that I was taking the IB flight and told me I would be sent to a "special lounge" for IB costumers…which oddly enough was decorated with Air France stuff
I basically had the whole lounge for myself
Buffet offerings weren't great though
As in the other lounge, there were waiters, and they kindly took my order and gave me some chicken and tortillas with sour cream and cheese.
Done with eating, I was offered a baileys while I chilled and waited for my flight
Soon I was advised by the lounge crew to head to my gate as my flight was about to board. Back to the horrible corridors…
Its so nice to see your ride before the flight…its a shame the powers that be at AICM think otherwise
The gate seemed empty. But no, it was packed, and so, boarding took ages.
boarding the a350
We were greeted by a couple of FAs, they were nice, and pointing passengers to the proper aisle according to their seat allocation. I chose the left side in case we would have a scenic approach over MAD.
One thing I don't like about IB's W cabin is that it is not completely segregated from the Y cabin.
Pillow and blanket were waiting for me
Legroom: more than okay for a hop over the Atlantic
A Viva Aerobus A320NEO was parked besides us, the building protrusion didn't let me see what else was there.
AF 77W incoming from CDG, a sad change from the former A380 service
Boarding was completed and it was time to head back home!
enroute to madrid
As we pushed back, we were shown the IB security video, which revolved around Madrid's highlights
AM's fortress across the field
Some stats for this flight, the IFE had not synchronised yet with the FMS.
We taxied towards RWY 05R. We had a powerful takeoff that brought us into the night
Our route took us over the failed new airport to replace AICM, and Santa Ana AFB, which is now Mexico City's second airport
This pretty much marked the end of the show as the clouds and night went in
Just in time for our dinner. We were given two choices, chicken or pasta. It was not the best I have had on IB, but it wasn't bad either.
By the time we were done with our meals we were cruising over the US, I don't recall which cities were these
after a good sleep we were woken up for our "breakfast"
Nothing much to see outside…
Our meal was, well….underwhelming ( I find the Carlos V chocolate brand -Mexican it seems- to be ironic)
The sky then cleared and we could see the Atlantic shores of Portugal and Galicia
We crossed over an EasyJet Airbus as we approached Madrid.
It was quite hazy that day, which is a shame, as we had the "scenic arrival" over the western suburbs of Madrid, Casa de Campo Park and then Cuatro Vientos Airport
Sadly, my camera wasn't good enough for this haze
We made a U on the south of the City and then lined up with RWY 32L
The city skyline was discernible now
That view meant landing is imminent
As usual with IB, the landing was soft as a baby's bum… kudos!
We then taxied to T4S
The jetbridge was attached to our plane, but we weren't allowed to disembark. Then a Police Car neared by… a couple of minutes later they called for someone over the PA, and requested the person to go to the door. The person complied. I then saw him go escorted to the police car…humm go figure, "alerta aeropuerto" live.
We then were allowed to disembark. Crossing the border took no time (not many extra-schengen tourists those days). The longer wait was for my bag, and then I went on to grab a car back to my flat. All in all, less than 90 minutes from plane to my place, lovely.
Wow, the lounge all to yourself! That's how you know it was still pandemic times...that would never happen in 2023 haha! Actually a lot of places I was flying in 2020/2021, lounges were closed, which was a pain. So definitely nice to have ad the lounge all to yourself.
Yikes, I actually did not know that. It looked like it was separate on the IB A330-300s I've been on, but I didn't pay attention when I flew an A350.
IB often have good pricing on W, usually not much more than 200 or 300 EUR over a Y fare, which makes it well worth it for the extra comfort on these longer flights.
Thanks for sharing!