Our driver arrived exactly at 4:00 pm and despite it being rush hour on the LIE, Southern State and Belt Parkways we made good time, arriving at Terminal 7 at 5:35 for our 8:30 pm flight. We were through check in and security by 6:00. The lounges in Terminal 7 haven’t re-opened, but happily there is one restaurant.
We were seated promptly and our delightful server,Taylor, prepared our drink order and made our club sandwiches.

We look up and notice that the woman who was seated at this table has left her suitcase and purse to walk clear across the room to the other side of the bar…obviously not a NewYorker

The place quickly began to fill up and we were grateful to have arrived when we did. We finished dinner around 7:30 and walked over to our gate to find that boarding had begun! Yay! We barely oriented ourselves and then we were on the plane. Our flight attendant greeted us with Prosecco, we settled in and were in the air by 8:35. Really? Felt like 1999…in a good way.

So what’s it like to travel after 20 months? Well, I’m pretty rusty, but Timmy, he’s a champ. We get to the check in counter and there’s no one in line ahead of us (I usually take the time in line to get our passports ready) so I reach into my purse and have a momentary panic when I cannot locate them immediately. Please note I’d placed them in my purse, in a zippered compartment, yesterday, and checked on them many times before we left. After the passports we were required to show a barcode that all travelers to Iceland must register for within 72 hours of arrival. I’d saved it on my phone on Sunday, but I’ve taken many photos since then…plus I’d deleted tons of photos…so of course, I thought I’d deleted the barcode…cue the momentary heart stab. (Never mind that I’d also printed the barcodes out and they were in my carry on). Timmy to the rescue! He’s so calm, so unflappable, I look at him and I immediately take a deep breath. Barcode located…freak out avoided.

Saga class seats are comfortable and roomy enough…they do not lay flat…but are fine for a five hour flight

We took off on time, just as the sun was setting. Our flight was uneventful, meal service was super, as was the Prosecco.

These candy bars are really delicious
Two dinners in one evening. I have no shame.

We’re at the Borg Hotel, it’s 8:15 am Icelandic time and 4:15 Eastern Standard Time, so we are going to sleep for a few hours…we have a food tour this evening. Can’t wait.