We had a 03:30 start, which did not really matter because I could not sleep properly anyway for fear of missing the alarm. The taxi turned up on time and both my colleagues were ready, so we were off and arrived at the airport in plenty of time, as planned. This was perhaps as well because Indian emigration is not exactly the fastest process known to man. We queued to have our bags scanned and then again to have them loaded. Since the queue for the "Fast Bag Drop" appeared to be long and moving anything but fast and my experience with BA is that the remainder of the title is correct, we elected for a normal check-in.
With our bags duly stowed we then queued to leave India. This process is slow and laborious, appearing to consist mainly of stamping everything in sight. As my colleague observed, rather dryly, "they are obviously not on piece-work are they?"This was followed by a further X-ray check, but at least I was allowed to keep my bottle of water. Eventually we arrived in the International departure lounge and awaited our flight, which was not yet announced on any of the departures screens. I was mildly peturbed by the fact that only domestic flights were shown, feeling it necessary to confirm that this was indeed the "International" lounge. I decided to wait before trading in my "Club class" voucher, which entitled me to "one drink and one snack", just in case we were in for a long wait.
To our surprise, the flight was announced on time and we found ourselves in the aircraft being spoiled by a very attentive crew. I took the opportunity to have salads, ice in my drink and unpeeled fruit for the first time in over three weeks. I worked between sleeps until the battery on my laptop ran out. Having done what I could I relaxed for the final hour of the flight and was treated to some fine views of London and the Thames on the approach to Heathrow.
On arrival I found that BA had managed to dent my new suitcase despite an Indian having jumped on a "similar" demonstration case in the shop without causing damage. Fortunately a timely blow from the inside managed to knock the dent back out again.
The taxi arrive quickly and the M25 behaved so I arrived safe and sound before jet-lag hit and I was off for an early night.