IST-BLQ: Welcome to Bologna

Another 30 minute-delay was added to the original 40 minutes … thus putting our new departure time at 1:30p Türkiye time … with boarding starting just before 1:00p. TK1323 pushed back at 1:28p … and then it took another 25 minutes before we were rolling down the runway.

Our flight — 2 hours and 10 minutes once we were wheels up — was uneventful. The lunch service was efficient; the food good. Mui had time for a nap; I had time to write.

We landed at BLQ on time … well, the re-scheduled on time of 3:05p. Deplaning was easy. We simply walked down the mobile staircase that was brought to the front door of the aircraft and walked over to the arrivals terminal.

We went through EU’s EES (Entry/Exit System) last October when it was first rolled out. So, no delays for us entering Italy. That was a relief after all the horror stories we’ve been reading. We were through in about 5 minutes.

Then came the waiting at baggage claim … and the second hitch of our travel day. One checked bag arrived; the other one was missing in action. Well, actually it wasn’t missing. When I opened the Turkish Airlines app, there was a text to say that the bag had not been loaded onto the aircraft due to operational reasons. What those reasons are, we don’t know. Regardless, the bag is scheduled for the next flight to BLQ and will be delivered to the apartment within the next few days.

Paperwork filed at the claim office, we headed out to the taxi stand. No line whatsoever; plenty of vehicles. With traffic flowing, the ride into the city was accomplished in no time at all.

Shortly after 4:00p, we were unlocking the door to the apartment.

Time to sit back and relax. Chores can wait until tomorrow.Read more