Rosed and I are off to Europe! Our route took us from home to NAIA in Manila, then to Doha, and on to Zurich, flying Qatar Airways in economy. Here are the first moments of the trip. I’ll add more as we go.
Check-in at NAIA Terminal 1
We started at NAIA Terminal 1, checking in at the Philippine Airlines counters in the online check-in area. Bags dropped, and the trip felt real.
Then it was through to the departure area for one more selfie before heading to the lounge.
The PAGSS Lounge at NAIA Terminal 1
We waited at the PAGSS lounge, which we got into with our RCBC credit card. It has a view of the runway and lots of food and drinks, a nice way to start a long trip. More on the lounge soon.
Qatar Airways to Doha, Operated by Philippine Airlines
Our first leg, from Manila to Doha, was a Qatar Airways flight operated by Philippine Airlines. We caught a lovely sunset over the plane at the gate before boarding.
It was a long one, more than ten hours in the air.
A short stopover in Doha
We had about three hours at Hamad International Airport, and it was enough time to explore. We grabbed a Whopper at Burger King, took selfies with the giant yellow Lamp Bear, visited the Oreo Cafe and walked through The Orchard, the indoor garden under the glass roof. We liked it so much that it got its own post: Our Doha Layover at Hamad International Airport.
Doha to Zurich, with In-Flight Wifi
The plane from Doha to Zurich was very good: comfortable, and it had internet on board, so we could stay connected along the way.
Arriving in Zurich
And just like that, we made it. Our first photo in Switzerland was a big-smile selfie under the “Information Arrival 2” sign at Zurich Airport, tired from the long trip but happy to finally be here. Europe, here we come.
