FLYaway3x
Mar 14, 05, 10:01 am
BA212 BOS-LHR Seat 2K B772
Pre-flight: Snagged 2K via OLCI. OLCI also checked me into my TLV flight. Very easy to use. Ready to go!
At the airport / Check in:
As the car was there a few mins early, I went with the flow and decided to get to Logan in case there was traffic. As I am going through Boston, I am not convinced whether or not the big dig was worth it… Seems to me that there was traffic, before, during, and after it. Ehh, what’s a few billion to spare… :rolleyes:
As we enter Logan proper I see the new terminal which will open several days after my arrival in Boston. It’s a shame Delta may bail on it as they may fold under regardless. IMHO, it’s a beautiful terminal, almost worthy of my current favorite - JFK T4. I think it should be the intl. terminal. There could be a lot of great lounges there!
Check in was great, smiles galore… Pointed me to the FIRST lounge and security. Now I know that many you see me as a “TSA Apologist.” I just said hello and gave my smiles and they were the nicest people I've met all day. That is including the fact that the economy line is full, and the Crew/FIRST/Business line was a litany of DYKWIA’s? An AF captain who was unpleasant at best was scolding a 25 year-old TSA screener.… There was a couple on an AF flight and they were mighty unhappy about the TSA (it was not a language barrier…) they ensued to say that they were some sort of big-shots from France. LOL! Then there were the two “hot shot” American brokers flying VS telling the TSA that “I pay your salary, you work for me!”
I hadn’t been to the BA lounge at BOS before and it was amusing trying to find it. You had to find an out-of-the way elevator and take it down one level. Coincidentally, there was a button in the panel marked “ramp/INS,” although it had a keypad next to it, I found it quite amusing. The FIRST lounge was small, but there were not many people there and it fit the bill nicely—but still nothing like the JFK T7 or LHR T4 lounges!
Boarding:
Wasn’t a madhouse at all! First passengers who needed assistance (always funny because seemingly able-bodied people suddenly “need assistance” :) )! Next, F/J passengers, and then economy. The BA 777 G-VII* was boarded through the 1L door. I was met and shown my seat with a “welcome, Mr. XXX, it would be my pleasure to take you to your seat.” At this point I was glad I chose 2K as people were bumping into the seats on the left-hand aisle. I was also slightly embarrassed for the passengers on the left side as people were gawking at the seats and a few even asked the pax how much they paid. From now on my rule is K before A!
As it was a GE90 powered aircraft it had the Matu****a entertainment system. People were right in that the remotes were slightly comical, however it wasn’t a drag on my experience at all. The seats were extremely well-kept and I experienced no malfunctions with seat functions (except an amusing IFE one). You may have read my TR recently on VS. I think that while the value of their product was commendable, the FIRST suite can’t be beat.
There were three FA’s serving FIRST on the flight (not sure if this is the norm or not). The purser (or CSD?) came and introduced herself—she was extremely friendly and answered all my questions. She knew from the manifest I was connecting to TLV and offered to help me out in any way possible. The BAAgs came out and were very nice. Good gifts, IMHO… Sleep suits were offered, and were comfortable. We pushed back right on time at 6:05 and were off to LHR.
In the Air:
Menus were passed out and orders were taken. The lamb was very good. I would highly recommend it. All-in-all the dinner was very good and wasn’t served too fast or slow. I was given my requested tape for the IFE and proceeded to play it. After 30 secs though it got jammed and the FIRST flight attendant got it out. He asked for an alternative if he could not find another copy. He located a different movie (which I also knew I would enjoy), however in the grand tradition of tape-based IFE systems, I would jinx this tape also. This time, however the tape was unraveling in the player and it took quite a few minutes to get the door open, let alone get the tape out. I told the FA it was no problem as I was about to go to sleep, even after he kept insisting that I would be more than welcome to borrow a video walkman. I kindly declined. After changing into the sleep suit the purser met me at my seat and was profusely apologizing about what she called a “IFE fiasco.” I said it wasn’t a problem at all, but then here is a big shocker for you FT’ers… she offered me compensation! Right there! On the spot! And I didn’t even ask for it! I said it was fine, and that I’m sure one of my fellow American passengers would be moaning and groaning about something and it should go to them. She chuckled and asked if I needed anything. I asked to lower the temp slightly and she was more than happy to. Unlike other airlines I have been on, she actually did lower the temp!
Arrival:
Slept right up to the 30 min till landing announcement. Got out of the sleep suit and got ready for landing. Upon arrival in T4, I made my way to the Lounge pavilion and took what was a great shower in the spa. Then I went up and got a bite to eat and surfed the web (typing the beginning of this TR). Soon enough my connecting flight was called.
BA165 LHR-TLV Seat 2K B763
Boarding:
As I was wondering whether or not this would be a “dusked” or, perhaps, a Euro config 767 I was happy to hear from the gate agent it was not. Unlike CO or LY (my usual carriers to the Holy Land) I was surprised at how lax security was in the gate area. Went down the stairs to the tarmac to board a packed bus to the BA 767 (sorry, didn’t get a registration). The security at the aircraft was impressive as there was a perimeter around the aircraft and it was obvious they were not going to tolerate any fooling-around. A few BA buses carrying pax for other flights got close to our busses and the aircraft, but they were honked and waved away abruptly to move away from the AC. When I got into the 767, I was once again welcomed by a friendly FA and shown my seat. Seat 2K probably had seen better days, but for its age, it was still sturdy and very comfortable. There was only one other pax in the FIRST cabin. Chatted with the FA about my IFE story and he said, it’s a good thing you didn’t pick seat 1K then! That player has never worked. I laughed at that one. Menus were passed out for brunch and I was asked when I would like to eat. I decided to have an appetizer upon boarding followed by an appetizer and a meal. They were more than happy to oblige (especially because the cabin was 2-for-8 in terms of pax. Before takeoff I also got my BAAg and was given a tape for the IFE (which, I verified, worked). I should note, however, that unlike CO and LY who make all announcements for TLV-bound flights in English, Hebrew, and Arabic, BA’s safety announcement was in English (with no subtitles) and all other announcements had no translation. I found this rather strange since many of the passengers were Israeli and some were conversing in Arabic. One other (IMHO Cool) aspect of my first BA experience to TLV was that there was a female F/O. Was very professional and if she was making the landing, it was one of the smoothest ever!
In the Air:
My meal was given to me and was very tasty. Watched one movie and then asked for the next meal. Had a short nap while flipping the channels. Next thing I knew we were on approach for an extremely-on-time arrival into TLV.
Arrival:
I haven’t yet gone into the TLV airport to the arrivals hall. Two companies offer a “VIP” service where they meet you at the AC and drive you to the arrivals hall. This has two benefits, 1.) One, if you are traveling with an elderly person this can save a VERY long walk to the immigration center (I have heard up to 1km). 2.) If you are not an Israeli citizen, or if you are arriving at a busy time, you don’t wait in any lines and you can be out of the airport in as little as 10 mins (5 with no hand luggage). On very busy times the wait can be up to 2 hours to get through immigration. The service provides you with a van to transport your work colleagues or family in. I believe they get approval for this because they do background-check you prior to arrival and if you are a frequent traveler through TLV/ with LY / or with them it is painless to arrange. You usually get the same driver so he knows you, you know him, he knows your family, etc. On arrival they know everything about you, passport no, number of bags, last time in IL, Father’s last name, connecting city, DOB—whole 9 yards. I have found this service to also be valuable when departing TLV.
TK1167 TLV-IST (ancient) Seat 4D B734
Check in
Arrived at TLV about 1.5 hours prior to departure. Used the VIP service to go through security much faster. Even with the new airport, it can be awhile to do bag scan / questions / check in / passport control / security (in that order). I would have missed my flight if I hadn’t used it. There were numerous LY flights departing for the States, Europe and Asia and, of course, other airlines were departing also. Upon entering the new terminal, you can easily see it is much nicer than the old one. It is very large and open and extremely modern. Unlike the old intl. terminal, it also isn’t constantly crowded with pushing and shoving. It really is a better experience. TK check in was great. Got lounge invitations. I believe that all agents at TLV are contracted out and nobody has their own check in people operating at the airport.
Boarding:
After the boarding was called, we walked down to our gate. Unlike the old terminal, many of you know the new T3 has jetways. They were especially helpful as it was pouring in TLV!
The B734 was in pretty rough shape, but the seats were fine and it was a comfortable cabin. The middle seats were blocked and reconfigured with a moveable divider / cocktail holder.
In The Air:
After a slightly delayed departure, we were off! We were actually given menus and a hot meal with appetizer on this very short leg 1 ¾ hours! Didn’t have much food as I had reservations, however it looked great! The cabin crew were friendly and we were soon on the ground.
BA675 IST-LHR Seat 1C A320
Check in:
Arrived at IST about 2 hours early. Had a breakfast in the lounge. Everything was perfectly smooth. Oddly enough, I found it amusing that the BA J lounge in IST (2x flights per day) was MUCH nicer than the BOS F lounge (at least 3x flights daily)!
Boarding:
Boarding was incredibly smooth, late for push off but we still arrived in LHR on time. Just usual great BA service here!
In The Air:
Didn’t do much on this leg except read and watch one of the episodes of Fraser. Service was outstanding with 2FA’s for 6 passengers. Saw a few friends on board who were actually headed on the BOS leg with me! That was a pleasant surprise!
On the ground:
Predictably, I am currently writing this section in the Concorde room. Was a little annoyed that when I landed, BA neglected to tell us that our gate would be in T1 rather than T4. A minor nuisance, however they made up for it with Fast Track to go through what must have been a 45 min line at security at the Flight Connections Center. Took a stroll through duty free. Nothing caught my eye—this time :) . Have a little bit till my next flight so I’m going to hang out here!
BA215 LHR-BOS Seat 2K B744
Boarding:
After the boarding call I went down to the gate which as literally a madhouse and the lines weren’t moving. Didn’t see any First/NCW sign, however it eventually caught my eye in a corner. Went over to it and was rudely told that “this is for first and business class only, sir”, I informed her of my seat number and she said “I’m terribly sorry, a lot of Y class pax have come over here.” No problem, too tired to care anyway.
At the 744, I was shown to my seat and given the usual: amenity kit, champagne, etc. Also given the movie forms and was given several tapes. Was very happy that this leg would have the decent-sized touch screen PTVs (I think all 744s have them). Was checking my seat to ensure it worked when I hit a bit of a snag. In F, nobody’s seat would recline or move, and all PTVs and handsets were non-functional. I told the FA of my notorious bad luck with the high-tech seats on all airlines F class product and he said they were bringing a crew on to check out the system. J didn’t have a seat problem; however the IFE on the whole 744 was completely non-functional. We were delayed for 30 mins for “ATC reasons” (I think it was to check out the IFE systems), and the door was closed and we did a push-back. Not wanting to go 7 hours without having any IFE I yelled (jokingly) for the FA (handsets weren’t working still) and asked for an update. The maintenance crew ensured the FA’s that when the engines start, the power will go on to the F class seats because the seats will reboot themselves. Also, this should fix the IFE. Well after the massive engines were revved up the seats turned on, but IFE was still dead. I was thinking that at this point, the CSD saying “Flight crew, prepare for a manual safety demonstration” was going to make this flight a long one. Luckily everything sorted out.
In the Air:
After takeoff, the sound for BA’s wellness tape played, but they turned it off after they realized nobody could watch their PTV. They said we should take a look at our HighLife mags instead. A few mins later the CSD went on the PA and apologized for the IFE problems and that the system was now turning on (which it did as she talked) and the empower would switch on also (which it did). I heard a couple in one of the double seats asking for the CSD who came over and they chided her for the IFE difficulties and after being offered compensation, took it with attitude. I was amazed they were even offered this because we missed out on the ‘80s retro safety video? Some people LOL!
Food was great, as always on BA, service was excellent and the crew were first rate. Did a lot of work, but did manage to see part of Collateral (I would miss it). But it should be noted that they have “The Great Escape,” “The Producers,” and “Goldfinger,” on cassette this month. Three great movies! I guess because of the IFE difficulties passengers were given out “at random” survey forms and I had no problem filling it out. The obnoxious couple (who threw in a few “I’m on a full fare ticket” and “We are BA Gold’s”) did however, and were offended they were even offered the chance to comment on the service.
Arrival:
What luck! First one off the plane! First one to get his luggage (first 3 bags off)! AND the first one to go through the whole 9 yards with Customs! They looked at EVERYTHING! I was in Israel and Turkey and they were amazed I didn’t buy anything in 10 days. When asked why I didn’t declare anything I said because I didn’t buy anything! They then asked where I got my luggage in Istanbul! I said ON MADISON AVENUE! They said it looks new, I said it’s just well kept! They accused me of throwing away my old luggage, buying Louis Vuitton luggage and then proceeding to make scratches and nicks in it to make it look old! Then they asked for my life story, went through my dirty laundry. Asked why I take the medicines I take. After an hour I said “Look, fellas, I don’t know what is wrong here, but I always declare things I buy. I would NEVER pull a Martha Stewart and not declare something that would have a $50 duty! You can go to jail for that! Check with BA! I had the same number of bags checked in to TLV and they weighed the same! I know you are doing your jobs, but this has been an hour, I have things to do, and unless you can find a reason to hold me any longer I will call my lawyers and demand to speak to your supervisor.” Just then the phone rings and they apologized and said I could leave and I “wasn’t who they were looking for.” Sighing, and not wanting to know WHO they were looking for, I said “no problem you were doing your job and a good job of it” and left.
At Home:
Well the reason this report is slightly delayed is because I got home to find out I was robbed (by the stupidest criminals imaginable) and have been a little busy dealing with all that! LOL! What a buzz-buster!
Pre-flight: Snagged 2K via OLCI. OLCI also checked me into my TLV flight. Very easy to use. Ready to go!
At the airport / Check in:
As the car was there a few mins early, I went with the flow and decided to get to Logan in case there was traffic. As I am going through Boston, I am not convinced whether or not the big dig was worth it… Seems to me that there was traffic, before, during, and after it. Ehh, what’s a few billion to spare… :rolleyes:
As we enter Logan proper I see the new terminal which will open several days after my arrival in Boston. It’s a shame Delta may bail on it as they may fold under regardless. IMHO, it’s a beautiful terminal, almost worthy of my current favorite - JFK T4. I think it should be the intl. terminal. There could be a lot of great lounges there!
Check in was great, smiles galore… Pointed me to the FIRST lounge and security. Now I know that many you see me as a “TSA Apologist.” I just said hello and gave my smiles and they were the nicest people I've met all day. That is including the fact that the economy line is full, and the Crew/FIRST/Business line was a litany of DYKWIA’s? An AF captain who was unpleasant at best was scolding a 25 year-old TSA screener.… There was a couple on an AF flight and they were mighty unhappy about the TSA (it was not a language barrier…) they ensued to say that they were some sort of big-shots from France. LOL! Then there were the two “hot shot” American brokers flying VS telling the TSA that “I pay your salary, you work for me!”
I hadn’t been to the BA lounge at BOS before and it was amusing trying to find it. You had to find an out-of-the way elevator and take it down one level. Coincidentally, there was a button in the panel marked “ramp/INS,” although it had a keypad next to it, I found it quite amusing. The FIRST lounge was small, but there were not many people there and it fit the bill nicely—but still nothing like the JFK T7 or LHR T4 lounges!
Boarding:
Wasn’t a madhouse at all! First passengers who needed assistance (always funny because seemingly able-bodied people suddenly “need assistance” :) )! Next, F/J passengers, and then economy. The BA 777 G-VII* was boarded through the 1L door. I was met and shown my seat with a “welcome, Mr. XXX, it would be my pleasure to take you to your seat.” At this point I was glad I chose 2K as people were bumping into the seats on the left-hand aisle. I was also slightly embarrassed for the passengers on the left side as people were gawking at the seats and a few even asked the pax how much they paid. From now on my rule is K before A!
As it was a GE90 powered aircraft it had the Matu****a entertainment system. People were right in that the remotes were slightly comical, however it wasn’t a drag on my experience at all. The seats were extremely well-kept and I experienced no malfunctions with seat functions (except an amusing IFE one). You may have read my TR recently on VS. I think that while the value of their product was commendable, the FIRST suite can’t be beat.
There were three FA’s serving FIRST on the flight (not sure if this is the norm or not). The purser (or CSD?) came and introduced herself—she was extremely friendly and answered all my questions. She knew from the manifest I was connecting to TLV and offered to help me out in any way possible. The BAAgs came out and were very nice. Good gifts, IMHO… Sleep suits were offered, and were comfortable. We pushed back right on time at 6:05 and were off to LHR.
In the Air:
Menus were passed out and orders were taken. The lamb was very good. I would highly recommend it. All-in-all the dinner was very good and wasn’t served too fast or slow. I was given my requested tape for the IFE and proceeded to play it. After 30 secs though it got jammed and the FIRST flight attendant got it out. He asked for an alternative if he could not find another copy. He located a different movie (which I also knew I would enjoy), however in the grand tradition of tape-based IFE systems, I would jinx this tape also. This time, however the tape was unraveling in the player and it took quite a few minutes to get the door open, let alone get the tape out. I told the FA it was no problem as I was about to go to sleep, even after he kept insisting that I would be more than welcome to borrow a video walkman. I kindly declined. After changing into the sleep suit the purser met me at my seat and was profusely apologizing about what she called a “IFE fiasco.” I said it wasn’t a problem at all, but then here is a big shocker for you FT’ers… she offered me compensation! Right there! On the spot! And I didn’t even ask for it! I said it was fine, and that I’m sure one of my fellow American passengers would be moaning and groaning about something and it should go to them. She chuckled and asked if I needed anything. I asked to lower the temp slightly and she was more than happy to. Unlike other airlines I have been on, she actually did lower the temp!
Arrival:
Slept right up to the 30 min till landing announcement. Got out of the sleep suit and got ready for landing. Upon arrival in T4, I made my way to the Lounge pavilion and took what was a great shower in the spa. Then I went up and got a bite to eat and surfed the web (typing the beginning of this TR). Soon enough my connecting flight was called.
BA165 LHR-TLV Seat 2K B763
Boarding:
As I was wondering whether or not this would be a “dusked” or, perhaps, a Euro config 767 I was happy to hear from the gate agent it was not. Unlike CO or LY (my usual carriers to the Holy Land) I was surprised at how lax security was in the gate area. Went down the stairs to the tarmac to board a packed bus to the BA 767 (sorry, didn’t get a registration). The security at the aircraft was impressive as there was a perimeter around the aircraft and it was obvious they were not going to tolerate any fooling-around. A few BA buses carrying pax for other flights got close to our busses and the aircraft, but they were honked and waved away abruptly to move away from the AC. When I got into the 767, I was once again welcomed by a friendly FA and shown my seat. Seat 2K probably had seen better days, but for its age, it was still sturdy and very comfortable. There was only one other pax in the FIRST cabin. Chatted with the FA about my IFE story and he said, it’s a good thing you didn’t pick seat 1K then! That player has never worked. I laughed at that one. Menus were passed out for brunch and I was asked when I would like to eat. I decided to have an appetizer upon boarding followed by an appetizer and a meal. They were more than happy to oblige (especially because the cabin was 2-for-8 in terms of pax. Before takeoff I also got my BAAg and was given a tape for the IFE (which, I verified, worked). I should note, however, that unlike CO and LY who make all announcements for TLV-bound flights in English, Hebrew, and Arabic, BA’s safety announcement was in English (with no subtitles) and all other announcements had no translation. I found this rather strange since many of the passengers were Israeli and some were conversing in Arabic. One other (IMHO Cool) aspect of my first BA experience to TLV was that there was a female F/O. Was very professional and if she was making the landing, it was one of the smoothest ever!
In the Air:
My meal was given to me and was very tasty. Watched one movie and then asked for the next meal. Had a short nap while flipping the channels. Next thing I knew we were on approach for an extremely-on-time arrival into TLV.
Arrival:
I haven’t yet gone into the TLV airport to the arrivals hall. Two companies offer a “VIP” service where they meet you at the AC and drive you to the arrivals hall. This has two benefits, 1.) One, if you are traveling with an elderly person this can save a VERY long walk to the immigration center (I have heard up to 1km). 2.) If you are not an Israeli citizen, or if you are arriving at a busy time, you don’t wait in any lines and you can be out of the airport in as little as 10 mins (5 with no hand luggage). On very busy times the wait can be up to 2 hours to get through immigration. The service provides you with a van to transport your work colleagues or family in. I believe they get approval for this because they do background-check you prior to arrival and if you are a frequent traveler through TLV/ with LY / or with them it is painless to arrange. You usually get the same driver so he knows you, you know him, he knows your family, etc. On arrival they know everything about you, passport no, number of bags, last time in IL, Father’s last name, connecting city, DOB—whole 9 yards. I have found this service to also be valuable when departing TLV.
TK1167 TLV-IST (ancient) Seat 4D B734
Check in
Arrived at TLV about 1.5 hours prior to departure. Used the VIP service to go through security much faster. Even with the new airport, it can be awhile to do bag scan / questions / check in / passport control / security (in that order). I would have missed my flight if I hadn’t used it. There were numerous LY flights departing for the States, Europe and Asia and, of course, other airlines were departing also. Upon entering the new terminal, you can easily see it is much nicer than the old one. It is very large and open and extremely modern. Unlike the old intl. terminal, it also isn’t constantly crowded with pushing and shoving. It really is a better experience. TK check in was great. Got lounge invitations. I believe that all agents at TLV are contracted out and nobody has their own check in people operating at the airport.
Boarding:
After the boarding was called, we walked down to our gate. Unlike the old terminal, many of you know the new T3 has jetways. They were especially helpful as it was pouring in TLV!
The B734 was in pretty rough shape, but the seats were fine and it was a comfortable cabin. The middle seats were blocked and reconfigured with a moveable divider / cocktail holder.
In The Air:
After a slightly delayed departure, we were off! We were actually given menus and a hot meal with appetizer on this very short leg 1 ¾ hours! Didn’t have much food as I had reservations, however it looked great! The cabin crew were friendly and we were soon on the ground.
BA675 IST-LHR Seat 1C A320
Check in:
Arrived at IST about 2 hours early. Had a breakfast in the lounge. Everything was perfectly smooth. Oddly enough, I found it amusing that the BA J lounge in IST (2x flights per day) was MUCH nicer than the BOS F lounge (at least 3x flights daily)!
Boarding:
Boarding was incredibly smooth, late for push off but we still arrived in LHR on time. Just usual great BA service here!
In The Air:
Didn’t do much on this leg except read and watch one of the episodes of Fraser. Service was outstanding with 2FA’s for 6 passengers. Saw a few friends on board who were actually headed on the BOS leg with me! That was a pleasant surprise!
On the ground:
Predictably, I am currently writing this section in the Concorde room. Was a little annoyed that when I landed, BA neglected to tell us that our gate would be in T1 rather than T4. A minor nuisance, however they made up for it with Fast Track to go through what must have been a 45 min line at security at the Flight Connections Center. Took a stroll through duty free. Nothing caught my eye—this time :) . Have a little bit till my next flight so I’m going to hang out here!
BA215 LHR-BOS Seat 2K B744
Boarding:
After the boarding call I went down to the gate which as literally a madhouse and the lines weren’t moving. Didn’t see any First/NCW sign, however it eventually caught my eye in a corner. Went over to it and was rudely told that “this is for first and business class only, sir”, I informed her of my seat number and she said “I’m terribly sorry, a lot of Y class pax have come over here.” No problem, too tired to care anyway.
At the 744, I was shown to my seat and given the usual: amenity kit, champagne, etc. Also given the movie forms and was given several tapes. Was very happy that this leg would have the decent-sized touch screen PTVs (I think all 744s have them). Was checking my seat to ensure it worked when I hit a bit of a snag. In F, nobody’s seat would recline or move, and all PTVs and handsets were non-functional. I told the FA of my notorious bad luck with the high-tech seats on all airlines F class product and he said they were bringing a crew on to check out the system. J didn’t have a seat problem; however the IFE on the whole 744 was completely non-functional. We were delayed for 30 mins for “ATC reasons” (I think it was to check out the IFE systems), and the door was closed and we did a push-back. Not wanting to go 7 hours without having any IFE I yelled (jokingly) for the FA (handsets weren’t working still) and asked for an update. The maintenance crew ensured the FA’s that when the engines start, the power will go on to the F class seats because the seats will reboot themselves. Also, this should fix the IFE. Well after the massive engines were revved up the seats turned on, but IFE was still dead. I was thinking that at this point, the CSD saying “Flight crew, prepare for a manual safety demonstration” was going to make this flight a long one. Luckily everything sorted out.
In the Air:
After takeoff, the sound for BA’s wellness tape played, but they turned it off after they realized nobody could watch their PTV. They said we should take a look at our HighLife mags instead. A few mins later the CSD went on the PA and apologized for the IFE problems and that the system was now turning on (which it did as she talked) and the empower would switch on also (which it did). I heard a couple in one of the double seats asking for the CSD who came over and they chided her for the IFE difficulties and after being offered compensation, took it with attitude. I was amazed they were even offered this because we missed out on the ‘80s retro safety video? Some people LOL!
Food was great, as always on BA, service was excellent and the crew were first rate. Did a lot of work, but did manage to see part of Collateral (I would miss it). But it should be noted that they have “The Great Escape,” “The Producers,” and “Goldfinger,” on cassette this month. Three great movies! I guess because of the IFE difficulties passengers were given out “at random” survey forms and I had no problem filling it out. The obnoxious couple (who threw in a few “I’m on a full fare ticket” and “We are BA Gold’s”) did however, and were offended they were even offered the chance to comment on the service.
Arrival:
What luck! First one off the plane! First one to get his luggage (first 3 bags off)! AND the first one to go through the whole 9 yards with Customs! They looked at EVERYTHING! I was in Israel and Turkey and they were amazed I didn’t buy anything in 10 days. When asked why I didn’t declare anything I said because I didn’t buy anything! They then asked where I got my luggage in Istanbul! I said ON MADISON AVENUE! They said it looks new, I said it’s just well kept! They accused me of throwing away my old luggage, buying Louis Vuitton luggage and then proceeding to make scratches and nicks in it to make it look old! Then they asked for my life story, went through my dirty laundry. Asked why I take the medicines I take. After an hour I said “Look, fellas, I don’t know what is wrong here, but I always declare things I buy. I would NEVER pull a Martha Stewart and not declare something that would have a $50 duty! You can go to jail for that! Check with BA! I had the same number of bags checked in to TLV and they weighed the same! I know you are doing your jobs, but this has been an hour, I have things to do, and unless you can find a reason to hold me any longer I will call my lawyers and demand to speak to your supervisor.” Just then the phone rings and they apologized and said I could leave and I “wasn’t who they were looking for.” Sighing, and not wanting to know WHO they were looking for, I said “no problem you were doing your job and a good job of it” and left.
At Home:
Well the reason this report is slightly delayed is because I got home to find out I was robbed (by the stupidest criminals imaginable) and have been a little busy dealing with all that! LOL! What a buzz-buster!