Mobile lounges at Dulles

[graham]

I came across this when I was looking for something else, I remember these well although I can't remember whether I ever went on one.

[keefyboy]

Hi Graham - I passed through Dulles 4 times in 2011 and they were certainly in use then. I used them on each occasion but I really can't remember if they went direct to the aircraft in remote locations. I'm pretty sure they can elevate those units using some sort of X type hydraulic arrangement. However. looking at the location of the drivers cab, it doesn't look possible to connect these units directly with the aircraft - memory's a funny old thing and there's too much grey matter these days!!

[graham]

Hi Keith

Thanks for the memories and update. I've visted Dulles three times, once in 1972 with keithh and davidallum from AFA and then twice in the eighties but I can't recall which years without looking. I'm certain that the lounges do elevate but as you say, I don't think they can actually "dock" with a jet. I remember first time there in 1972 ( during which we visited Dulles on three different days) that the airport was vast, and hardly used. a bit of domestic stuff using B727s and DC-9s mainly although most of that went to National as it was then, and some longer range stuff albeit still US carriers, Braniff, TWA, PanAm, Northwest, United, American etc. If I recall, as far as international stuff was concerned, we saw a Lufthansa B747 and that was about it.

The lounges were zipping about everywhere but given how far some of those remote stands were from the terminal, it would certainly have saved a mammoth walk.