airberlin A320-200 Economy Class, Stockholm to Berlin

Check-in for my airberlin A320-200 Economy Class flight to Berlin was unfortunately only possible two hours before departure. So, Robert and I went to our Arrival from Chicago into Terminal 2. I bridged the waiting time of 1 hour and 45 minutes until the start of check-in with a quick wash.

Menzies Executive Lounge – oneworld Lounge Stockholm (Terminal 2)

Topbonus Gold customers have access to a separate check-in counter and a fast lane at security at Stockholm Airport. Airberlin does not operate its own lounge or exclusive waiting area at Stockholm Airport. Status customers can use the Menzies Executive Lounge (partner lounge) in Terminal 2 or 5. In my departure terminal today, Terminal 2, the lounge is located on the second floor after security.

The third-party lounge is used by several airlines. The selection is surprisingly good: alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks (soft drinks, water, draft beer, and also wine). However, since I had to drive home in my rental car after arriving at Berlin-Tegel, I skipped the alcohol and had a ginger ale. Since I didn't like the food on the SAS flight from Chicago Since I didn't like what I ate, I desperately needed something to fill my stomach. The selection was limited: a small salad bar and hot snacks (today, meatballs).

The Menzies Executive Lounge Stockholm is quite large, with several different seating areas. The main area of the lounge offers loungers, various armchairs, and high tables for dining, separated by plants. In the rear of the lounge, there are also comfortable private booths.

Airberlin flight AB8005 to Berlin

I took my seat in the Airbus A320-200 (registration D-ABZI, first flight on November 15, 2007, with Air One) on an old gray leather seat. From my seat, 1A, I had a good view of the plane becoming increasingly full. Due to the large number of passengers, the boarding process took a little longer than usual. Around 3 p.m., five minutes late, we finally pulled away from the gate. Although the de-icing vehicles were ready, our pilot decided against de-icing. With perfect weather and a beautiful sunset at 3 p.m., we took off from runway 19L. The planned flight time was only 1 hour and 15 minutes, so we should arrive in Berlin-Tegel on time.

The service began once we reached cruising altitude, somewhere over the Baltic Sea. I ordered a filter coffee and a still water, and also had the choice between pretzels or Manner wafers. Even though I prefer the classic chocolate wafers, I opted for the wafers.

Around 4 p.m., the cockpit crew began the approach to Berlin-Tegel Airport, where we landed at 4:26 p.m. The A320-200 came to a stop at Gate 3 in Terminal A. As we disembarked, the crew said goodbye with their now-customary chocolate heart. Thank you so much! :)

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