The car was inspected on the way into the airport. A mirror was used to ensure that the underside was clean. I only had a single large bag so did not need the services of the local cowboys to get me into the Terminal where there was no queue at the first checkpoint. Baggage, coat, shoes were duly scanned and I allowed the staff to lift the bag onto their single table. They checked my laptop while ignoring my camera, CD-drive and all sorts of other "technology" in my case. They measured my two phones but did not ask me to turn them on.
No queue at the check-in desk, and no complaints that my single bag was 24.8kg. My wheelchair, a modern and comfortable one, was quickly provided. Then onto emigration. I filled out the form, but my 'pusher' disappeared. He had been back to check-in to change my seat to one nearer the front of the plane. I objected, without checking the new seat number, and he eventually returned with 37C which suits me fine. My original seat, 35C had already been taken up.
Onwards and to the wait upstairs, where I changed 'pusher'. I was expecting that we would be hurried through but instead there was a long delay while they dealt with the 10:20 departure to Doha. My guess is that they wanted to avoid any interaction airside between passengers for either flight as this could impact on the new security required by the UK. Eventually I was fast forwarded through, where there was again no check on my phones. Putting my shoes on while in a wheelchair is nigh on impossible but I achieved it eventually. I avoided (or was ignored by) the swabbing check although they recorded my passport number. Then to the gate lounge where my bag was very cursorilly checked. Again my phones were ignored, and this time I kept my shoes on.
The flight was delayed 45 minutes: I checked on my phone and the incoming plane from Cairo was 45 minutes late so I was not surprised when there was no further delay. After my ride to the plane and going to 37C I observed, during the flight, that the curtain to 'business class' was never closed. The rear of the plane being full al by 2 seats I assume that they had moved some passengers forward to the comfy seats. It could have been me!
Service on the flight was as usual very poor. Only one round of the 'soft' drinks trolley and one coffee after lunch.
Arrived at Heathrow 30 minutes late and there were arguments over who had first ride on the buggy. A delay of about 10 minutes, and then a queue at immigration meant that I was unlikely to catch the 16:35 bus to Reading. After a c*ck-*p at the ticket desk I watched it pull out. The 16:55 ran to time but I just missed my train to Worcester Foregate Street which would have connected with my last bus home at 20:15.
So I caught the next train which terminates at Shrub Hill. Thinking that I could drive to the fish and chip shop later I decided not to use the expensive buffet-car on the train. I got to Shrub Hill at about 20:15 and there was a taxi outside: my first good luck of the day. Got home very quickly, checked the cupboards, fridge and freezer, and headed for the car.
To my surprise, as last year's MOT had advised that I replace the battery, the engine fired up first time. There was also minimal condensation compared to previous years. But the clutch pedal was not where it should be. The 'linkage' had gone. How this can happen in a vehicle that is not in use is beyond me, but the car is currently hors de combat. Never mind, I located a snack and a drink and headed for bed. Tomorrow is another day.