I shared the car to the airport with Julie and her husband who have been staying at Gezira Gardens but eating mainly at Fayrouz. We arrived at the airport at about 08:00 for our 10:00 flight. It had stopped raining. No balloons this morning. And I spotted the shaduf from the westbound carriageway, but only because I knew exactly where to look. It is well hidden!.
I went straight through the airport to the 2nd, main scan and check. I got no concessions here, but my pusher also was scanned, frisked, removed his shoes, etc.
At the third scan point, on entry to the departure gate lounge, I did not have to remove my shoes and did not get out of the chair. A bonus. An international observer was watching over this check.
I was the only wheelchair case on the flight and was driven to the plane on a high-rise lorry, entering the plane by the front starboard door. I tipped my pusher LE50, not knowing what the appropriate amount was, and it was accepted with a "You are a gentleman, sir" so I know it was an acceptable amount.
I had been allocated 22C, but immediately removed myself to 38H where I had the row to myself, with the consent of the crew. The flight departed 30 minutes late but arrived at Heathrow 30+ minutes early, with no delays anywhere.
I was nearly last to leave the plane, where a wheelchair awaited me and I was pushed through to the waiting golf-cart, which I shared with the aforementioned Julie and husband. We fast-tracked right through to baggage reclaim where our bags were waiting, and I walked through the final few yards to the arrivals hall to wait for my lift.
I have nothing but praise for the Wheelchair option, and would recommend it to anybody with mobility problems. The service is free and speedy.
John had very generously agreed to meet me and drive me home. The weather in London was atrocious rain and there were many slow stretches on the drive home, but I got there in a much fitter state than expected. Thank you John. I owe you!