P.S.

Got to Guayaquil airport wih no problems - and then . . . ! The rep sent to meet us was in a desperate hurry to get away. Took us to the LAN desk, couldn't find us on the system then decided we had to check in with Iberia. This was a different numbered flight. She almost ran out of the airport, checking her watch and we were left not actually knowing if we were booked on the flight or not. Waited 2 and a half hours to find out we were. So we sat in the VIP lounge sipping wine and a LARGE whisky! Only another 2 hours to wait, so we'll have another large wine and a whisky, then a windy and a large whisk. May get home sometime!

Part II. Got on the plane in Guayaquil and settled in business class. Comfy seats with loads of electronic buttons to play with. Then they discovered a bag in the aisle in cattle class. No-one would claim it so they got the drugs boys, police, sniffer dogs etc. Bag off the plane, tracked owner, got him off the plane. Long interview etc etc. Result - 1 hour delay. Never mind eh? We had plenty just enough time in Madrid to make the connection. So a lovely flight. Great meal, nice 2004 Rioja, lie flat bed and all was well . . .

Part III. . . . until just before landing we checked the boarding cards for our last flight, which had been issued in Guayaquil. Checked gate - OK, same terminal we were landing at. Checked time - 1 hour earlier and the wrong flight number!! Everyone else on the flight connecting to Heathrow was rushed through security but we had to get new boarding cards at the info desk. Turned out ...we WERE booked on that flight but - sorry, too late to get on!!! Not a major problem. Tickets issued for the next flight in just 50 mins. In the other terminal though - 30 mins away including a train ride. We made it - just - as the flight was being delayed due to "a problem with the plane"! We eventually moved to another gate, and then another. A new plane and we eventually left at 6 p.m. - 2 hours later than we should have. Again in business, but because we were on the wrong flight, no veggie meal for Marg. She'll be having the booze then!

 

Part IV -  Landed safely at Heathrow.
The captain even managed to make up half an hour on the flight. Just the bags to collect then!! We stood - and waited - and waited some more, and just as the remaining bags were being taken off the carousel, there was one of our bags appearing through the curtain. The other one would surely be along any second . . . surely . . any second now. Then a nice young man approached Marg, asked her name and said "Ah yes - I know where your bag is - it's coming in on the 11 o'clock flight" - !!! So after some form filling and a couple of hours car journey we made it home, where we scoffed chocs and drank brandy and caught up with a bit of Strictly. Woke up Monday at 20 to 1, so a bit of adjustment in time necessary I think!
May get the bag back Monday, but more likely Tuesday. So here endeth the saga of the Billings latest trip - we hope!!

P.P.S. Case arrived Tuesday, minus a maker's badge and a label or two!