Originally Posted by MightyGem
We were hammering along as fast as the Lynx would go, and it was obvious that we were going to be late. I called up Approach and asked them to hold the flight. There was a pregnant pause and they came back and asked if we had a VIP on board.
I looked back at the L/Cpl infantryman in the back and replied, "Yes". We landed next to the aircraft and he was met by the mover and straight up the steps.
Bugger, it's got a tad smokey in here, that to me captures perfectly the efforts people go to to make the system work
Had a couple of experiences myself, never thinking I would actually need it, but we did, once for my step-dad and the other for my father-in-law.
I was based at Marietta for both, so civvie (BA) flight from Atlanta to Heathrow was the quickest and easiest option, although I remember they also looked at whether getting us up the east cost might expedite matters a little.
On both occasions both myself and the wife were flown back, and on one they also sent out 17 year old son with us, rather than leave him alone in the US (He was already in the UK on the other occasion). On each trip we were met at Heathrow by a driver, one took us direct to Norfolk and Norwich, and on the other to Luton, via Mum’s, on the off chance she might be back at home.
I’m sure BA knew when we checked in on one of the flights, we were upgraded seemingly before we arrived, I’m sure the crew knew something was amiss.
I can only echo the sentiments of all those before me. Heartfelt thanks to those that pull the strings, go the extra mile, and ensure a !!!!ty time is that bit less !!!!ty. I’ve been on civvie street for 5 years now, but take comfort in seeing that the system has carried on, and long may it continue to do so, there’s nothing more important that the lad or lass that has just received the worst of news.
Cheers,