I was told to get to KEF 3 hrs early and the hotel helped set up the ride via a bus. I got up early in time to see the sunrise
walked to the bus stop and waited. The bus arrived a few minutes late, we picked up a couple of people on the way and then spent 15 minutes at a bus stop before heading to the airport. All in all, a decent ride, although the driver at one point was playing some kind of metal music 😂. I got kind of emotional thinking about the end of this magical trip. This feeling won't last long as I make my way thru airport security theater. 🙄
At the airport, the first thing I planned was to go to the tax refund booth to process my purchases from the Vatnajokults Visitor center. The line was so long already! It took 1 hour to get thru the line. A lot of people seemed confused by the process and the one lady working has no urgency about her.
Next step was luggage drop off, which went smoothly. I shoved a couple of things from the tax refund purchase into the suitcase. We're told to make the purchases available for inspection, the lady didn't care.
Next step was to go through screening. I really missed having US pre-check. For some reason I was pulled aside randomly for secondary screen, they had to do the hand wipe several times, then someone looked thru my bag asking inane questions and forcing me to answer even though I was stressed out. No one had any sense of urgency. I missed that about US airport bureaucracy. Finally I got thru that and Icelandic customs was a breeze. The gate is in a weird crowded area with too many people, the bathrooms require going down stairs, the announcements are not audible. Just a mess.
Finally got in the air and the flight to YYZ was decent with a nice monitor, not so great entertainment options, mediocre food, and I think I missed snack service by being asleep. Weirdly there are 2 officers of some kind at the end of the deplaning ramp who looked at our passports and asked where we were going. Not sure what that was about.
I believe this is the first time I've connected thru YYZ. I wanted to use the restroom before getting in the screening line but the location was confusing and not signed at all 😒. The body scan machines at bag screening were overly sensitive, so it took people forever to get thru and they wouldn't let the next people go. Finally got thru that, my carry on is flagged apparently because of the camera, and it takes them forever to get to it because the lady before me didn't seem to understand what was going on. There was also a guy with an electric guitar in a case who they were making very nervous. I felt for him.
Finally get my bag and go thru US pre-clearance where my Global Entry comes in handy. I get in the correct line, scan my face, get to the agent, 2 seconds later I'm on the other side. Finally something goes quickly and smoothly.
Once I'm on the other side and find my gate (which has changed a few times), I realize my flight is delayed, ugh. I'm looking for the Plaza Premium Lounge which is a private lounge where I can get a day pass. Again, signage sucks. Finally find it, there's a wait list to get in, the lady at the desk helps me with getting a discount as well as an extra hour stay and essentially skipping the wait list. The lounge is very small, but there is decent hot food, bathrooms (not enough), a bar and a soft seating area.
Since I missed a snack service on the plane I'm kind of hungry. I also realized what the delay is about because it's pouring rain and there's lightening out the window.
They had pretty good butter chicken, rice, veggies, chips, cookies, soft drinks and juices, breads for free. Definitely worth the fee! I start in the dining area, then move to a high top at the bar where I can plug in. I keep monitoring the lounge area for a seat and jump on one when it clears. I went up a couple of more times for food when they added meatballs and cake. The servers here are all South Asian, interestingly, and wonderfully attentive. They clear plates, answer questions, help look up stuff. I was able to spend 4 hours here and aside from it being crowded and sometimes loud, it was money well spent.
Once my time was up, it was about time to head to the gate. Boarding seems to take forever because people are just milling about, standing in the way. It's annoying. I must have paid extra to sit in the preferred section and I'm glad I did. We had some extra leg room. This plane has an older entertainment system and nothing interesting so I slept most of the way.
Finally got in about 1.5 hours later than scheduled, ended up walking from T6 to the LAXit lot because there were no buses, got a surly taxi driver who didn't want my short fare (f-U dude, I've had a long day and I don't care). Paid the guy in cash and chose not to tell him off.
Home is a little warm (because it's 68F outside), so got the AC on a bit, did some minor unpacking, took a melatonin, got ready for bed. Happy to be home.
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