Its time for me to leave beautiful Jordan. While I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here, it has been such an over-stimulation, I am feeling the need for some down time. Returning to Asia, travel with me Jordan to Thailand via Oman. The day is long, exhausting and ends with missing luggage.
Amman Airport
This travel adventure begins with a 30km Uber drive from Madaba to Amman International Airport. After going through an initial security check, one enters into the area with the check-in counters. There is very little seating here, and nothing to eat or drink. I suggest not arriving at this airport earlier than a few hours before your flight or you will be waiting in this initial space with nothing to do.
Once I was able to check-in, and pass though security and passport control, now I have access to food and shopping. A stop for a last chicken shawarma was the perfect way to pass the time on this rainy departure day.
AMM to MCT
I’m flying with Oman Air from Amman to Muscat in the late evening. Staff are friendly the plane is clean but older looking, a Boeing 737-800. One meal is provided, a rice dish that is delicious.
Muscat Airport
This is a relatively new airport and as such I had high expectations. While it is certainly clean and spacious, there is very little wow factor here.
Most of the seating in the central core where I felt safest, was roped off, so I found a place to sleep on the cold tile floor next to an escalator. Nearing midnight now, I managed to rest for two hours off and on.
Needing to stretch, I decide to have a walk around at 2am. I noticed a Maccas and had an instant craving for a little cheeseburger. Afterwards, needing WIFI, I walked around trying to find an information booth to ask for help. The first one the worker simply walked away and never returned. The second one was automated with a telephone handset. I picked that up and it literally fell apart in my hand.
The third try was at a kiosk where you scan your passport, that was out of service. Forth try was yet another kiosk that didn’t work either. Finally, I found a manned counter and this gent pointed me to a kiosk that was working! Muscat airport will allow you one hour only of free WIFI.
MCT to BKK
After two coffees, one costing $9 (OUCH) and the other from Maccas for $5, it was time to board my next flight, the longest one. Again, flying Oman Air, I board a Boeing 787, much cleaner and newer with more comfortable seating.
One meal is served, the exact same as the previous flight. It was hot and tasty and I enjoyed that with a little glass of white wine. Staff of Oman Air are very friendly and the window seat is lovely for the views.
Bangkok BKK
Arriving into Bangkok, I was dismayed by the sight of the air pollution. For a few weeks now, I had been seeing notification on my social media, pictures of Bangkok and how bad the air quality currently is. Flying right through that thick brown layer was strangely beautiful and awful at the same time. Here are some images.
My connection here in Bangkok is extremely tight and after leaving Muscat a little late, I’m down to one hour. Those who have navigated BKK will know that this is an impossible task. I have used this airport twice last year and immigration alone took between 1.25 and 1.75 hours to get through. I have to clear that, get my luggage and re-check-in for my next flight all in one hour.
Lucky for me, Oman Air code shares with Thai Airways. They had a staff member waiting on the gangway for me, with my name on a sign. As soon as I saw her, she said we must run, and run we did for the next 40 minutes.
Through every stop, into priority lanes, down to luggage where we waited for 5 minutes for a suitcase that never arrived. Back to another terminal for check in, through security and finally to my next gate. I arrived on time for that leg on Thai Airways, gasping, exhausted and looking a fright, I can tell you that! 🤣
BKK to CNX
Last flight of this two-day travel extravaganza. Flying on an Airbus A320 from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. It is late at night now; window seat views are of city lights and stars. The Thai Airways flight crew is friendly and we are offered a little sweet snack which tastes utterly delicious.
Chiang Mai
Landing now at my destination for the next little while, I head to the luggage carousel. Hoping that by some miracle my luggage made it as this flight ended up departing Bangkok almost one hour late. Alas, no suitcase for me. I find a staff member who knows who I am and was waiting for me to approach his desk.
He informs me that my suitcase will be arriving at some point tomorrow, but that I will have to return to the airport to pick it up. You see, while Oman Air and Thai Airways code share, this does not extend to ground crew. So, its up to me to get back to the airport. That’s okay, Chiang Mai Airport is right in the city so it’s a quick 10 minute Grab ride away.
I’m here, I’m back in Chiang Mai. The purpose of returning to this destination is mostly administrative. I have to renew my passport and take care of some other chores that need done at this time. I’ve got a cute little Airbnb, fresh tropical fruits to enjoy, and warm sunny weather. I’m a happy girl.
