LHR to BNA
Overnighted at the Sofitel. Pretty much the same as every other time we have stayed here. Mattress too soft, rooms a little tired, but oh so convenient.
Popped down to the club lounge and got a couple of drinks and nibbles. All complimentary, so shouldn’t really complain.
Decided against trekking back into the terminal for dinner. limited choice prior to security – in fact I think there is now only a pub type place and a Costa Coffee.
Slept okay. No need for an early start as our flight wasn’t until early afternoon. So, had a leisurely breakfast and relaxed until checkout time.
Checkin took a while. Alex James from Blur was just ahead of us and checked in at the adjacent desk. We saw him in the lounge too, apparently heading back to Spain to continue promoting their new single.
Wandered around the shops before finding a comfy spot in the lounge to while away the couple of hours before our flight.
Gate announced and we caught the train to the B gates. Gate opened quickly and we were waved through, down the stairs and onto a bus… erm, what? Yep, bus transfer to the plane which was parked some way away from the main terminal buildings.
There is some sort of one-way road system and we seemingly did a weird loop down past the C gates to our plan which was sat on a remote stand.
Boarded. Packed our bags and the duvets, pillow and other assorted stuff they pile on your seat into the overhead lockers and sat down expecting to be delayed whilst the shuttled all the passengers to the plane.
Actually, we were only a few minutes late pushing back and we made up all the lost time and some with a very swift flight.
Flight was very good. Food excellent. We both chose the same, cauliflower soup followed by beef cheek. Really good.
Jus watched a couple of films whilst I binged an entire TV box set (Bloodlands)
First two hours and last two hours of the flight went quickly. The rest dragged a little.
An hour before arrival we were served with a sandwich and crème caramel dessert.
Finally, around 5:30pm local (11.30pm UK) we started the final approach to Nashville International Airport.
Not much of an airport. Mostly a building site. We walked a short distance from the plane into an empty immigration hall but still spent 40 minutes waiting. Only four immigration desks. Then a ten yard walk to baggage claim (where our bags were waiting). A further ten yard walk through customs. And then you were in the arrivals hall. Airport seemed tiny.
Managed to get a taxi – all quite chaotic. Uber/Lyft were stinging people for $80-90 surge pricing fares when taxis are fixed $35 fee to downtown.
I think the drive only took 20 minutes and we pulled up at The Fairlane Hotel