The day of departure, we got to Dulles at a good time (thanks Ryan!), so we figured we would have plenty of time in terms of relaxing before our flight. As we get in line to check-in, we are told that there is a 7 kg weight limit on carry on bags...I'm sorry, what?! I have traveled pretty extensively domestically and have never seen any weight limits on carry on bags, so this was new to me. So we think okay, we have to check another bag, no big deal right? We wait in line and when we get to the front counter, the lovely airport employee inform us us that an extra check bag is actually a $175, which is a big deal for an extra checked bag. So, with no other choice (b/c no way are we spending that much monday to check), Renee and I have to get out of the line and proceed to repack all of our bags to get to this 7 kg limit for my checked bag. My checked bag clocked in at a whopping 16 kg and I think the carry on by itself empty probably weighs 3kg. We rearranged stuff and re-weighed on an empty scale, still no dice. I felt like I was on the Price is Right, maybe if we take this out and put it there, then we will hit the magic number of 7 kg. After about 15 minutes of rearanging, we finally got it down to 6.95 kg and I raised my arms in victory like I had just won something! Needless to say, the man weighing the bags was not impressed...
Of course, during this time, the line to check into the flight had tripled and we were forced to join it at the end. With the line moving extremely slow, we didn't know if we would make the first leg of our flight. As we get up to the counter, we have the same agent as before and smiled that we had met the weght restrictions. At that time she asks if I tried to check in online, which I did. She then proceeds to tell me that "Oh you didn't have to wait in that long line if you already checked in online, you could have just used the kiosks over there." Thanks lady, that would have been good information the first time through the line. Anyways, we get checked in and proceed to the gate with plenty of time to spare.
I do have to admit that Dulles with the new tram system is pretty nice, probably 10 years too late, but better late than never. Once actually flying, Emirates has been great. We have access to all types of movies, music, and booze. 7 (not my favorite number right now) hours into the flight, we have watched Enough Said, Hangover III, The Heat, 2 Guns, Prisoners. We had lunch that consisted of Lamb Kafka, rice, and tomato salad (sorry for no pictures). Pizza was also provided as a snack.
Emirates, if you are going to have a carry on weight restriction, post it to your website or email in the confirmation. I understand that there are restrictions but let people know! Even the person sitting next to us, who seems to travel pretty frequently, was suprised by the restriction. Can't say we didn't have an exciting first day of travel!
Next stop for our layover - Dubai....
