HIDDY
Aug 27, 08, 1:56 pm
My wife and I would be travelling over the Atlantic between Argentina and Europe. British Airways Club World product out and Alitalia’s Magnifica Class product on the return so I thought it would be a good idea to compare the two airlines with contrasting fortunes. Surely it would be a one sided contest?
July 29th
BA246 – 747-400
Seat 64A – Upper deck Club World (Thanks BA1A)
ETD – 12.15
This was to be a flight of three firsts for me – first time in the 747 upper deck cabin, first time in the latest club world seats and my first visit to the new LHR Terminal 5.
Ricardo our driver arrived spot on 7.30am to drive my wife and I on the two hour journey to Ezeiza. It was a dull winter morning and visibility was poor, more appropriate for my native Scotland than my usually sunny adopted home country. I asked him if there would be any problems as the fog can be very bad on the Ruta cinco which stretches across the flat Pampas. With a shrug of his shoulders he confidently replied….”no problem”…..if only he knew then what lay ahead.
Cases stowed and off we went and I anxiously watched every time I saw a heavily laden lorry coming towards us at speed through the gloom, as usual with one or even two headlights not functioning.
Near the town of Mercedes the fog cleared and with the road now becoming a dual carriageway we could relax for the remaining hour of the road journey. Approaching Lujan, Ricardo turned up the volume of the radio to listen to the latest traffic reports and a worried look came over his face. He turned to my wife and said something which I couldn’t quite make out…..she sighed and I asked her what the problem was. “Protesters are blocking the main Autopista which is on our route to Ezeiza resulting in large tailbacks as commuters find alternative routes to work” she translated. Ricardo explained he knew a way round the trouble even though it would mean a bit of a detour. No problem, “we have plenty of time in hand, just relax”……….I had my doubts and wished he would stop saying no problem.
Needless to say as we entered the outskirts of the capital the traffic got worse and it looked as if Ricardo was not the only one with the alternative plan in mind. We eventually ground to a halt, and then crawled along at less than walking pace…..this isn’t looking good I thought to myself. Even although we still had time on our side at the moment, I calculated if it carried on like this we would definitely miss the flight and with it being a miles redemption we would lose the lot…….. I am normally laid back but even I was beginning to panic slightly. Ricardo had stopped saying no problem.
Half an hour later and less than a kilometre further on we found ourselves in a less desirable part of the capital, just one in a long line of cars buses and trucks jostling for a better position to see what lay further up this narrow side road we had been forced to use. We were now running parallel to the motorway which lay eerily quiet and empty and I thought to myself if only we could be on it we would be at Ezeiza in no time and my anxiety would disappear……if only.
Ten minutes later and a hundred yards nearer our destination, suddenly and without warning events took a dramatic turn. Approaching an on ramp to the motorway a policeman signalled to the van two vehicles in front instructing him to enter the motorway. We followed, and our convoy drove along in single file very slowly, why so slowly I wondered, I soon found out why. For some inexplicable reason we had been sent on to the motorway before it had been cleared of the protesters who had been blocking it.
Three lanes were still being blocked by the protesters who were armed with sticks, placards, one was even pushing a shopping trolley for some reason. Our delight in finally being on the motorway suddenly turned to one of apprehension as the ringleaders were none too happy that traffic had been allowed to enter before they had finished putting their point across. I immediately suspected the police had used us as guinea pigs to see what the reaction would be from the protesters, everyone else agreed.
As we got closer to the group our speed dropped, the protesters made a rush towards the first vehicle shouting and waving their weapons in mock attack, the guy with the supermarket trolley leading the way which I must say looked quite ridiculous. My 73 year old mother in law who had come along for the ride was sitting in the front passenger seat, thankfully her view was blocked somewhat by the car in front so she didn’t see what was unfolding but I was worried that she may get upset.
Just as I was wondering where the hell all the police were, two, three, four then five police motorbike riders rushed up from behind one of which stayed alongside our car which made us all feel somewhat safer. Thankfully, the protesters to their credit didn’t put up much of a fight and backed off with little resistance. We sped away from the scene only to come across lighted fires further up the motorway which the protesters had spread across all the lanes. A few chicane type manoeuvres from Ricardo and we were on our way to Ezeiza at full speed and on a clear road at last. We all laughed through relief, or maybe it was disbelief.
In the end we actually arrived in plenty of time to check-in which was carried out quite quickly and efficiently, our bags were priority tagged. Through security to immigration where the next hurdle to prevent us from flying was to take place. There was a problem with my documentation or the lack of it I should say, as well as my last entry stamp in my passport. Since last entering the country I had applied for my Argentine DNI (identity card) and was still awaiting it being processed. I should have been given additional documentation by the authorities as proof of this for when I wanted to leave the country, nobody had informed us. The officer - who was very sympathetic about it all went off to seek advice from someone in higher authority to verify if it would be okay for me to leave. Finally, after about fifteen minutes hanging about the officer returned. It was confirmed, I could leave and my UK passport was given the exit stamp of approval. I always thought problems like this were met by foreigners when trying to enter a country rather than leaving it.
Through Duty Free - laughing at the prices as we went, heading for the Admirals Club lounge which BA passengers have access to and where we could relax and look forward to the flight ahead. Although the food selection was sparse there was plenty of pour yourself booze on show as well as the coffee/tea machine, it was ample fare to keep us happy till boarding started about three quarters of an hour later. Handily for me, the lounge is positioned close to the smoking zone which had been reinstated again through public demand. Good views of the apron outside could be had where a Copa Airlines waited to be boarded right in front of the lounge window.
We decided to make our way to the gate before any announcements were made – a crowd had gathered at the waiting area and we had a bit of a job getting to the front where I asked if priority boarding had started. We had timed it just right and were allowed to board more or less straight away at 11.40am. We were amongst the first to be met at the door where the female CSD (not PUCCI GALORE who chickened out) greeted us by name and informed us to go upstairs where we would find our seats.
My first impression of the upper deck was one of surprise. Although it was longer than I imagined it was also narrower than I expected, more akin to a 757 cabin. We were seated in the first row 64A/B on the same side as the stairs. I would be sitting facing backwards in the window seat. I had no problem stowing our two wheelies and there was loads of storage space to use in the window bins, as well as the drawer built into the seat unit.
Soon after settling in a male Irish FA came over to offer us some Champagne, water or juice. I took the Champagne not really because I am a great lover of it but just to celebrate the fact that we had made it after all the morning events. Menus were also offered to us. Although boarding had taken place on time the captain informed everyone that the morning blockade of the motorway had severely delayed nearly thirty passengers and he had been instructed to wait as long as possible to accommodate their late arrival……..nobody complained. More Champagne was offered, I declined.
Finally at 12.45 he told us he had no choice but to go as another slot was not available for quite sometime…..a few poor souls had not made it I feared. “There But for the Grace of God go I” came into my mind and I promised to myself never to complain about late arriving passengers again.
In the air now and hot towels were handed out signalling the start of the “light lunch”.
Starter.
Tranche of Swordfish, with Waldorf salad and lemon. (Absolutely delicious)
Main;
Tajine of chicken with lemons, olives and pilaf rice. (Very nice but I was quite full and could not do it justice)
Dessert;
Lemon meringue pie. (No complaints)
I normally only drink red wine but decided to try the Valdivieso Chardonnay which was very nice and went well with the fish and chicken dishes. Again I declined the offer of a top up, not wanting to overdo it so early on in the flight.
My wife detests fish and she told the very efficient FA about this dislike when he enquired about her not asking for the starter. Very professionally and without being asked he brought her a salad up from First Class to her great delight. This is what makes for great service in my opinion – he chose to go out of his way without being asked, because he wanted to please a passenger.
On our descent now to Sao Paulo where the weather was good and which made for some good views on the approach to GRU where we landed at 15.05. Surprisingly about half of the passengers on the upper deck got off at GRU to be replaced by about eight more after the cleaners had got to work sprucing up the cabin for the leg to LHR. A new crew also replaced the happy bunch who had looked after us so far, I wondered if they would be as efficient…….I needn’t have worried.
My wife had commented before we had landed at GRU that we hadn’t been given our amenity kits yet. As I suspected we were issued with them after the new passengers had boarded just before we pushed back at 16.15 – not that they were worth waiting for, it wouldn’t be hard for Alitalia to be victorious in that part of the contest.
In the air again and the drinks trolley came round and I ordered my usual Gin and Tonic. Not long after dinner was served.
Browsing the menu which I had acquired several days before the flight it wasn’t hard for me to choose what I wanted. (Thanks Can I Help You) ;)
Starter.
Smoked salmon with cucumber and yoghurt salad. (more, more, more)
Main.
Grilled fillet of beef, roast shallot and balsamic butter. ( Fantastic)
Dessert
Tiramisu or Cheese.
I had the cheese my wife had the Tiramisu. (Stop being so stingy with the cheese BA)
Why does BA only offer you the choice of having either the dessert or the cheese? I know if you ask nicely after you have had the dessert they will give you the cheese as well if they have any left that is. In my opinion you should be allowed both from the start. My wife asked for the Tiramisu as well as the cheese but was told sorry, you can’t have both, you have to only choose one. It was like a scene from the school canteen where the schoolchild was told he couldn’t have both the ice cream As well as the fruit cocktail.
A fine Argentine Kaiken Malbec Reserve from Mendoza accompanied the - I have to say, best meal I have ever had on a plane and amongst the few I have actually ever finished. True, it was nothing fancy, but the quality was superb and everything cooked to perfection. I was asked if I wished a glass of Port to go along with the cheese……I accepted.
After the meal service was cleared away I reclined the seat a bit further back and took more notice of the seat itself. The design of the whole unit was superb I thought and far more substantially built than I was led to believe. Nothing shook or rattled, the privacy screen worked a treat although with the wife facing me it was kept down, after we had finished having fun playing with it of course. The footstool was solid and stayed up, the screen of the IFE was large enough and the various nooks and crannies were adequate for storage even if you didn’t have a window seat.
Now, the negatives of the product in my view, which some of you regular Club World flyers may find strange. I’m not a big fellow by any means although I do have quite broad shoulders. I found that when I moved back on to the seat whether from getting back in or when stretching for something my shoulders would bump into the shell. I also found that the armrests got in the way of my elbows somewhat when shuffling about.
I have to say I didn’t find the seat at all comfortable at any stage of recline and as I don’t like sleeping on a completely flat position it made for a none too comfortable night on this long flight……..it’s just too hard I’m afraid. Only my opinion I might add, from what I have read it is far from the norm although my wife said similar to me in the morning. I might also add I didn’t think much of the blanket/quilt they have, give me a woolly blanket any day, the damn thing kept slipping off me.
Okay enough of that. I had been having some problems with my IFE with only about half of the content working and so I asked the female FA if she could see to it. She said others had been having problems as well although my wife’s seemed to be working okay albeit minus the moving map. After a while I had all the channels working except the map and while watching a film I nodded off probably due to the effects of the good food and drink rather than a comfy seat.
During the night on one of my many wakened stages I visited the toilet in my Pyjamas (I always change into them when travelling long haul, so much more comfortable even although I look a bit of a prat in them). The wonderful FA who had mostly been serving me since GRU was on duty and when she saw me up and about immediately asked me if there was anything I wanted, another sign of the great service I always experience with BA.
I ordered a coffee and she brought it to my seat after I returned from the loo. Earlier in the night my wife had visited the Club kitchen downstairs before they had set up a mini one upstairs and had brought back some goodies to see us through the night so we never needed to go without anything. I had watched the FA setting up the mini club kitchen, she took great care in arranging all the items in order, it was a shame that I only saw one person take benefit of it.
Morning at last and I guessed we were somewhere over Spain when breakfast service began. There was only ever going to be one option for me. After nine months since leaving the UK I just had to have the full fry up breakfast. I had told my wife to order it for me as I went to freshen up. When I came back she told me they didn’t have it and would be giving me the full English breakfast instead. Somewhat confused I was just about to ask her what she had ordered when the FA came to deliver me with the full English breakfast “instead” of the Scottish one she informed me and which my wife had asked for…..bless her.
After getting changed back into my day clothes I had a look out and saw we were over the Isle of White and it wasn’t too long till we started our approach to LHR and after a couple of circuits we were soon on final approach touching down then reaching the gate at Terminal 4 at 06.55.
A farewell to the two wonderful FA’s who had looked after us so well and we were soon off and heading for the transfer coach to Terminal 5 for our connecting flight to Manchester. Well, what can I say about the coach? As we were the last people to board it we were crammed in like sardines and there was barely room for the doors to close and when they did I got my leg trapped, thankfully I managed to release it before any damage was done.
The 15 minute journey was unpleasant due to the overcrowding but at least I got a splendid view of my first live sight of a SQ A380 as we passed within yards of its nose. Much smaller than I thought it would be I have to say but quite a sight all the same.
Relief at last….we came to a halt and the doors of the sardine can on wheels opened and we spilled out to enter Terminal 5. We negotiated the photo and passport check quickly then went through security which was manned by lots of young people shouting orders – students on summer jobs by the looks of it. We ended up in the shoes off line whilst next door I heard security telling a man to take off his pullover, is that really necessary? With some difficulty I managed to get my belongings out of the tray taking no notice of the youth bawling at me not to lift the tray off the belt……the poor woman in front of me got her finger trapped in between two trays and gave me a look as if it was my fault, she was so short she had no option but to take the tray off the belt to retrieve her valuables.
We had three hours to kill and what better way to spend it than in the new Galleries lounge which was found after some navigation using escalators and lift. After showing one of the girl agents our Club World boarding pass stubs as proof of entitlement to access the lounge we entered and I saw just how large it is….we found a comfy spot near the windows to sit out the hours.
The lounge wasn’t too busy and we helped ourselves to the plentiful supply of food and drink on offer till our flight north which departed and arrived on time without incident……our bags made it too.
So the BA flight was over. As usual I find it hard to find fault with the whole experience. Okay I didn’t find the seat all that great but sitting over 15 hours in any seat isn’t going to be that comfortable. The crew were great, the service couldn’t be bettered and the food which is usually not a big deal for me was excellent.
Next up would be the opponent in this dual over the Atlantic – Alitalia.
Pictures. (http://tinyurl.com/6mngjo)
July 29th
BA246 – 747-400
Seat 64A – Upper deck Club World (Thanks BA1A)
ETD – 12.15
This was to be a flight of three firsts for me – first time in the 747 upper deck cabin, first time in the latest club world seats and my first visit to the new LHR Terminal 5.
Ricardo our driver arrived spot on 7.30am to drive my wife and I on the two hour journey to Ezeiza. It was a dull winter morning and visibility was poor, more appropriate for my native Scotland than my usually sunny adopted home country. I asked him if there would be any problems as the fog can be very bad on the Ruta cinco which stretches across the flat Pampas. With a shrug of his shoulders he confidently replied….”no problem”…..if only he knew then what lay ahead.
Cases stowed and off we went and I anxiously watched every time I saw a heavily laden lorry coming towards us at speed through the gloom, as usual with one or even two headlights not functioning.
Near the town of Mercedes the fog cleared and with the road now becoming a dual carriageway we could relax for the remaining hour of the road journey. Approaching Lujan, Ricardo turned up the volume of the radio to listen to the latest traffic reports and a worried look came over his face. He turned to my wife and said something which I couldn’t quite make out…..she sighed and I asked her what the problem was. “Protesters are blocking the main Autopista which is on our route to Ezeiza resulting in large tailbacks as commuters find alternative routes to work” she translated. Ricardo explained he knew a way round the trouble even though it would mean a bit of a detour. No problem, “we have plenty of time in hand, just relax”……….I had my doubts and wished he would stop saying no problem.
Needless to say as we entered the outskirts of the capital the traffic got worse and it looked as if Ricardo was not the only one with the alternative plan in mind. We eventually ground to a halt, and then crawled along at less than walking pace…..this isn’t looking good I thought to myself. Even although we still had time on our side at the moment, I calculated if it carried on like this we would definitely miss the flight and with it being a miles redemption we would lose the lot…….. I am normally laid back but even I was beginning to panic slightly. Ricardo had stopped saying no problem.
Half an hour later and less than a kilometre further on we found ourselves in a less desirable part of the capital, just one in a long line of cars buses and trucks jostling for a better position to see what lay further up this narrow side road we had been forced to use. We were now running parallel to the motorway which lay eerily quiet and empty and I thought to myself if only we could be on it we would be at Ezeiza in no time and my anxiety would disappear……if only.
Ten minutes later and a hundred yards nearer our destination, suddenly and without warning events took a dramatic turn. Approaching an on ramp to the motorway a policeman signalled to the van two vehicles in front instructing him to enter the motorway. We followed, and our convoy drove along in single file very slowly, why so slowly I wondered, I soon found out why. For some inexplicable reason we had been sent on to the motorway before it had been cleared of the protesters who had been blocking it.
Three lanes were still being blocked by the protesters who were armed with sticks, placards, one was even pushing a shopping trolley for some reason. Our delight in finally being on the motorway suddenly turned to one of apprehension as the ringleaders were none too happy that traffic had been allowed to enter before they had finished putting their point across. I immediately suspected the police had used us as guinea pigs to see what the reaction would be from the protesters, everyone else agreed.
As we got closer to the group our speed dropped, the protesters made a rush towards the first vehicle shouting and waving their weapons in mock attack, the guy with the supermarket trolley leading the way which I must say looked quite ridiculous. My 73 year old mother in law who had come along for the ride was sitting in the front passenger seat, thankfully her view was blocked somewhat by the car in front so she didn’t see what was unfolding but I was worried that she may get upset.
Just as I was wondering where the hell all the police were, two, three, four then five police motorbike riders rushed up from behind one of which stayed alongside our car which made us all feel somewhat safer. Thankfully, the protesters to their credit didn’t put up much of a fight and backed off with little resistance. We sped away from the scene only to come across lighted fires further up the motorway which the protesters had spread across all the lanes. A few chicane type manoeuvres from Ricardo and we were on our way to Ezeiza at full speed and on a clear road at last. We all laughed through relief, or maybe it was disbelief.
In the end we actually arrived in plenty of time to check-in which was carried out quite quickly and efficiently, our bags were priority tagged. Through security to immigration where the next hurdle to prevent us from flying was to take place. There was a problem with my documentation or the lack of it I should say, as well as my last entry stamp in my passport. Since last entering the country I had applied for my Argentine DNI (identity card) and was still awaiting it being processed. I should have been given additional documentation by the authorities as proof of this for when I wanted to leave the country, nobody had informed us. The officer - who was very sympathetic about it all went off to seek advice from someone in higher authority to verify if it would be okay for me to leave. Finally, after about fifteen minutes hanging about the officer returned. It was confirmed, I could leave and my UK passport was given the exit stamp of approval. I always thought problems like this were met by foreigners when trying to enter a country rather than leaving it.
Through Duty Free - laughing at the prices as we went, heading for the Admirals Club lounge which BA passengers have access to and where we could relax and look forward to the flight ahead. Although the food selection was sparse there was plenty of pour yourself booze on show as well as the coffee/tea machine, it was ample fare to keep us happy till boarding started about three quarters of an hour later. Handily for me, the lounge is positioned close to the smoking zone which had been reinstated again through public demand. Good views of the apron outside could be had where a Copa Airlines waited to be boarded right in front of the lounge window.
We decided to make our way to the gate before any announcements were made – a crowd had gathered at the waiting area and we had a bit of a job getting to the front where I asked if priority boarding had started. We had timed it just right and were allowed to board more or less straight away at 11.40am. We were amongst the first to be met at the door where the female CSD (not PUCCI GALORE who chickened out) greeted us by name and informed us to go upstairs where we would find our seats.
My first impression of the upper deck was one of surprise. Although it was longer than I imagined it was also narrower than I expected, more akin to a 757 cabin. We were seated in the first row 64A/B on the same side as the stairs. I would be sitting facing backwards in the window seat. I had no problem stowing our two wheelies and there was loads of storage space to use in the window bins, as well as the drawer built into the seat unit.
Soon after settling in a male Irish FA came over to offer us some Champagne, water or juice. I took the Champagne not really because I am a great lover of it but just to celebrate the fact that we had made it after all the morning events. Menus were also offered to us. Although boarding had taken place on time the captain informed everyone that the morning blockade of the motorway had severely delayed nearly thirty passengers and he had been instructed to wait as long as possible to accommodate their late arrival……..nobody complained. More Champagne was offered, I declined.
Finally at 12.45 he told us he had no choice but to go as another slot was not available for quite sometime…..a few poor souls had not made it I feared. “There But for the Grace of God go I” came into my mind and I promised to myself never to complain about late arriving passengers again.
In the air now and hot towels were handed out signalling the start of the “light lunch”.
Starter.
Tranche of Swordfish, with Waldorf salad and lemon. (Absolutely delicious)
Main;
Tajine of chicken with lemons, olives and pilaf rice. (Very nice but I was quite full and could not do it justice)
Dessert;
Lemon meringue pie. (No complaints)
I normally only drink red wine but decided to try the Valdivieso Chardonnay which was very nice and went well with the fish and chicken dishes. Again I declined the offer of a top up, not wanting to overdo it so early on in the flight.
My wife detests fish and she told the very efficient FA about this dislike when he enquired about her not asking for the starter. Very professionally and without being asked he brought her a salad up from First Class to her great delight. This is what makes for great service in my opinion – he chose to go out of his way without being asked, because he wanted to please a passenger.
On our descent now to Sao Paulo where the weather was good and which made for some good views on the approach to GRU where we landed at 15.05. Surprisingly about half of the passengers on the upper deck got off at GRU to be replaced by about eight more after the cleaners had got to work sprucing up the cabin for the leg to LHR. A new crew also replaced the happy bunch who had looked after us so far, I wondered if they would be as efficient…….I needn’t have worried.
My wife had commented before we had landed at GRU that we hadn’t been given our amenity kits yet. As I suspected we were issued with them after the new passengers had boarded just before we pushed back at 16.15 – not that they were worth waiting for, it wouldn’t be hard for Alitalia to be victorious in that part of the contest.
In the air again and the drinks trolley came round and I ordered my usual Gin and Tonic. Not long after dinner was served.
Browsing the menu which I had acquired several days before the flight it wasn’t hard for me to choose what I wanted. (Thanks Can I Help You) ;)
Starter.
Smoked salmon with cucumber and yoghurt salad. (more, more, more)
Main.
Grilled fillet of beef, roast shallot and balsamic butter. ( Fantastic)
Dessert
Tiramisu or Cheese.
I had the cheese my wife had the Tiramisu. (Stop being so stingy with the cheese BA)
Why does BA only offer you the choice of having either the dessert or the cheese? I know if you ask nicely after you have had the dessert they will give you the cheese as well if they have any left that is. In my opinion you should be allowed both from the start. My wife asked for the Tiramisu as well as the cheese but was told sorry, you can’t have both, you have to only choose one. It was like a scene from the school canteen where the schoolchild was told he couldn’t have both the ice cream As well as the fruit cocktail.
A fine Argentine Kaiken Malbec Reserve from Mendoza accompanied the - I have to say, best meal I have ever had on a plane and amongst the few I have actually ever finished. True, it was nothing fancy, but the quality was superb and everything cooked to perfection. I was asked if I wished a glass of Port to go along with the cheese……I accepted.
After the meal service was cleared away I reclined the seat a bit further back and took more notice of the seat itself. The design of the whole unit was superb I thought and far more substantially built than I was led to believe. Nothing shook or rattled, the privacy screen worked a treat although with the wife facing me it was kept down, after we had finished having fun playing with it of course. The footstool was solid and stayed up, the screen of the IFE was large enough and the various nooks and crannies were adequate for storage even if you didn’t have a window seat.
Now, the negatives of the product in my view, which some of you regular Club World flyers may find strange. I’m not a big fellow by any means although I do have quite broad shoulders. I found that when I moved back on to the seat whether from getting back in or when stretching for something my shoulders would bump into the shell. I also found that the armrests got in the way of my elbows somewhat when shuffling about.
I have to say I didn’t find the seat at all comfortable at any stage of recline and as I don’t like sleeping on a completely flat position it made for a none too comfortable night on this long flight……..it’s just too hard I’m afraid. Only my opinion I might add, from what I have read it is far from the norm although my wife said similar to me in the morning. I might also add I didn’t think much of the blanket/quilt they have, give me a woolly blanket any day, the damn thing kept slipping off me.
Okay enough of that. I had been having some problems with my IFE with only about half of the content working and so I asked the female FA if she could see to it. She said others had been having problems as well although my wife’s seemed to be working okay albeit minus the moving map. After a while I had all the channels working except the map and while watching a film I nodded off probably due to the effects of the good food and drink rather than a comfy seat.
During the night on one of my many wakened stages I visited the toilet in my Pyjamas (I always change into them when travelling long haul, so much more comfortable even although I look a bit of a prat in them). The wonderful FA who had mostly been serving me since GRU was on duty and when she saw me up and about immediately asked me if there was anything I wanted, another sign of the great service I always experience with BA.
I ordered a coffee and she brought it to my seat after I returned from the loo. Earlier in the night my wife had visited the Club kitchen downstairs before they had set up a mini one upstairs and had brought back some goodies to see us through the night so we never needed to go without anything. I had watched the FA setting up the mini club kitchen, she took great care in arranging all the items in order, it was a shame that I only saw one person take benefit of it.
Morning at last and I guessed we were somewhere over Spain when breakfast service began. There was only ever going to be one option for me. After nine months since leaving the UK I just had to have the full fry up breakfast. I had told my wife to order it for me as I went to freshen up. When I came back she told me they didn’t have it and would be giving me the full English breakfast instead. Somewhat confused I was just about to ask her what she had ordered when the FA came to deliver me with the full English breakfast “instead” of the Scottish one she informed me and which my wife had asked for…..bless her.
After getting changed back into my day clothes I had a look out and saw we were over the Isle of White and it wasn’t too long till we started our approach to LHR and after a couple of circuits we were soon on final approach touching down then reaching the gate at Terminal 4 at 06.55.
A farewell to the two wonderful FA’s who had looked after us so well and we were soon off and heading for the transfer coach to Terminal 5 for our connecting flight to Manchester. Well, what can I say about the coach? As we were the last people to board it we were crammed in like sardines and there was barely room for the doors to close and when they did I got my leg trapped, thankfully I managed to release it before any damage was done.
The 15 minute journey was unpleasant due to the overcrowding but at least I got a splendid view of my first live sight of a SQ A380 as we passed within yards of its nose. Much smaller than I thought it would be I have to say but quite a sight all the same.
Relief at last….we came to a halt and the doors of the sardine can on wheels opened and we spilled out to enter Terminal 5. We negotiated the photo and passport check quickly then went through security which was manned by lots of young people shouting orders – students on summer jobs by the looks of it. We ended up in the shoes off line whilst next door I heard security telling a man to take off his pullover, is that really necessary? With some difficulty I managed to get my belongings out of the tray taking no notice of the youth bawling at me not to lift the tray off the belt……the poor woman in front of me got her finger trapped in between two trays and gave me a look as if it was my fault, she was so short she had no option but to take the tray off the belt to retrieve her valuables.
We had three hours to kill and what better way to spend it than in the new Galleries lounge which was found after some navigation using escalators and lift. After showing one of the girl agents our Club World boarding pass stubs as proof of entitlement to access the lounge we entered and I saw just how large it is….we found a comfy spot near the windows to sit out the hours.
The lounge wasn’t too busy and we helped ourselves to the plentiful supply of food and drink on offer till our flight north which departed and arrived on time without incident……our bags made it too.
So the BA flight was over. As usual I find it hard to find fault with the whole experience. Okay I didn’t find the seat all that great but sitting over 15 hours in any seat isn’t going to be that comfortable. The crew were great, the service couldn’t be bettered and the food which is usually not a big deal for me was excellent.
Next up would be the opponent in this dual over the Atlantic – Alitalia.
Pictures. (http://tinyurl.com/6mngjo)