Smoke, Security and Speedy Landings - Cádiz to Lisbon

Beat the breakfast rush

After yesterday’s breakfast marathon, we weren’t taking chances. We arrived at 8:30am sharp—only to be joined by another couple clearly playing the same game. Fuelled up and checked out, we waddled back to the car park with all 74 of our bags (okay, maybe just six ... but it felt like more).

Back on the road

The drive out of the car park was tight but relatively quick. We crossed the bridge and began the journey towards Seville. Our first stop, 1.5 hours away, was the main train station where we’d drop Aron off before continuing to the airport.

The drive was smooth apart from slowing down for a grass fire on the side of the highway. There was lots of smoke, but it cleared quickly and we were soon back at cruising speed.

CarPlay drama and Seville drop-off

As we neared the station—just when we needed navigation most—CarPlay decided to disconnect and wouldn’t reconnect. It had also happened in Cádiz, and we’d chalked it up to heat, but clearly it was just the car misbehaving. Thankfully, my navigators were on the ball and got us there smoothly. After saying goodbye to Aron, we made our way to Seville Airport.

Car return confusion

The instructions were simple: follow the signs to “car hire return.” Except, near the airport, those signs became misleading. One pointed left (into departures), so we had a scenic preview of where we’d be later. We looped back around, ignored the dodgy signage, and eventually found the right entrance to the car park for returns.

Check-in and security roulette

We arrived really early, so it was straight to a café for snacks and people-watching. Ryanair passengers were queued up like cattle—four flights, five counters, zero chill. TAP Portugal, on the other hand, felt almost civilised. Check-in was quick, but security had a plot twist: for once, I got through unbothered, and Ros was the chosen one. Bag checked, explosives tested—classic role reversal.

Gate entertainment and delay

While waiting, we witnessed peak airport innovation: a self-driving floor cleaner beeped its way around a 30-metre section, dodging legs, luggage, and its own dignity. We gave it five minutes of applause-worthy attention before returning to people-watching. Meanwhile, our flight was—of course—delayed.

14 minutes up, 4 minutes down

We finally boarded and settled in for the 45-minute flight to Lisbon. After 14 minutes, we hit cruising altitude—and were immediately served a snack that included a Portuguese tart. Four minutes later, it felt like the plane dropped like a rollercoaster before settling into the descent. Shortest “meal service” window ever.

Portugal Day and a long arrival

As we landed, the crew reminded us it was Portugal Day and gave a brief explanation of the holiday’s origins. Disembarking took ages—escalators, endless hallways, and a rabbit-warren layout. Eventually, we reached the pickup point and met our driver, who gave us a mini history tour en route to the hotel. All our bags somehow fit snugly into the boot of his Mercedes wagon.

Check-in and collapse

Once checked in, we headed straight to our room and ordered room service for dinner. 

We were completely wiped out. Travel days always feel a bit wasted—so much time just getting from point A to B—but at least we’d made it to Lisbon in one piece.