I’ve just logged on via a T-Mobile hotspot in Terminal 1 to check emails and send a blog while waiting for my flight. The place is very quiet. I guess that all those who wanted to include the Bank Holiday in their holidays went on Friday or Saturday.

British Airways are still not providing any but the most basic catering on their shorthaul flights, so I was given a GBP5.00 refreshment voucher to spend in the terminal before departing. Pret-a-Manger to the rescue for my in-flight lunch.

I checked in on-line yesterday lunchtime and printed out my boarding pass on my inkjet. The pass includes a barcode, which was read at the baggage drop and again on entry to the security area. And now, for the first time for very many years, passports are being checked as one leaves the security zone.

I’ve just checked the weather in Rome: top temp is forecast to be 31?C, lowest is 21?. I’ve got used to the cool now, so Rome is going to feel oppressive. And the Italians don’t go in for a/c, so prepare to sweat it out.