One of the things I enjoy about my job, is that everywhere I go, people go out of their way to make me feel welcome. And Rzeszow is no exception. But it’s probably still a good thing I’m leaving today, because I seriously could get used to Polish food. As far as I’m concerned, Pierogi Ruski are the epitome of comfort food and deserving of a Nobel prize!
Getting to the Airport
Uber does not have a licence to operate in Rzeszow. Instead, a similar service is provided by Bolt. And to be honest, I think I like their app better than Uber’s, because it’s easier to use. In any case, the journey from Rzeszow to the airport will take between 20 and 30 minutes, depending on a range of variables, such as traffic or your driver’s maniacal inclinations. Fortunately, the latter does not appear to be a concern with my driver. And so we make the journey in pleasantly civilised 25 minutes and without putting at risk the lives of the inhabitants of the Subcarpathians. Apparently, there is also a bus to the airport. But unless you speak Polish, information about the schedule may be hard to come by. The terminal is a modern building on three levels with a domed ceiling.
Check-in
Arrivals and departures are both on ground level, with the airside area located on the upper floor. The airlines that operate to Rzeszow – namely LOT, Ryanair and Lufthansa – have their own dedicated counters. Check-in doesn’t open until 90 minutes before departure though. So don’t be too early!
LOT has a dedicated check-in line for Business Class and status card holders. But this is also still closed when I arrive.
There are a few places to eat, both landside and airside. Alas, none of them serve Pierogi. But the potato pancakes with sour cream help to console my disappointment… Incidentally, there’s a HolidayInn Express just across the road from the airport. Security is very pleasant. It’s just me, and for a change the staff seem glad to see me. The airport is so quiet, they must be bored to tears most of the time!
The Lounge
Much to my surprise, there’s even a lounge, which is small but serves its purpose perfectly. When I enter, there‘s one person in the lounge. He’s obviously on the Munich flight, which has just started boarding, and seems determined to do that I’m-way-too-cool-to-board-first thing. Now if only he would stop pacing up and down checking the gate situation. It kind of spoils the effect.
There’s a large tv screen showing the news. I can’t understand a word of what’s going on, but I still enjoy listening and trying to figure out the Polish language. But the lounge attendant obviously mistakes my baffled expression with dissatisfaction – and promptly switches channels to Michael Bolton live in concert. I’m not fully sure that’s an improvement though…
Eventually, Michael gives his last encore. But my reprieve is only short-lived, because next up is a ‘best of the nineties’ medley featuring Brian Adams and the tedious Lenny Kravitz. Okay, enough’s enough. Okay? ‘Can you feel the love tonight’ has me wanting to hit someone. I’m leaving.
Boarding
Boarding starts exactly on time. There is a separate queue for status card holders, but there’s no special announcement.
The flight is operated by an Embraer 175. I’m seated on 1A.
The Cabin
The seats on this aircraft are different to those on my flight to Rzeszow. Or maybe they’re just a different colour.
Eventually we depart five minutes ahead of schedule. The flight time is thirty minutes.
We break through the clouds just in time to witness a glorious sunset.
The Snack
The service is the same as on the outbound leg. This time I have the waffle and sparkling water.
Arrival
Eventually, we land at 15:35. Shame though that the ground crew are not expecting us. And so we wait for 15 minutes for the stairs and a bus to arrive to take us to the terminal.