bmi diamond club - Pretty unimpressed with BMI Business Class TLV-LHR

Well, OK, it was an upgrade so I can't moan too much, but I would definitely avoid BMI in business class on the basis of that flight. Some of these are very minor (like not hanging up the jacket) but some were safety related, so much more of a concern:


No offer to hang up my jacket
It's the old BA cradle seats and they're definitely showing their age!
Had to ask twice for some water before take-off and then the glass was left on our armrest during take-off
Passenger in the forward toilet during taxi - cabin crew either didn't notice or didn't do anything about it. Would that have been OK if the passenger was BMI staff travelling in civvies?
Several window shades closed during taxi and take-off
No laptop power
No amenity kits
Asked cabin crew to clear meal service at 0950 and was told that had to wait until after service of all meals. Was cleared 35 mins later.
Cabin crew refused to close window blinds when everyone in the cabin (yes, everyone - well, except me) was asleep - claimed that they weren't allowed to reach over people. Fair enough - but then they reached across me to serve drinks to the passenger next to me.
Middle of the flight - everyone is snoozing, and they wake us up with an announcement about Duty Free sales and Heathrow Express offers
Poor grooming and attitude - shades of EasyJet and Ryanair
Clear lack of experience on part of cabin crew (or poor training)
Asked for some tea and got it after the second request - 20 mins later. This happened on BA LIN-LHR last night and they were in the middle of serving dinner. The purser apologised and went straight to the galley to get me a cuppa (<60 seconds delay in serving meals).


Altogether, very unimpressed!

As you can see on my post on the board, I had a great return flight from TLV, although I didnt get a lot of what you mentioned (no jacket, no amenity kit etc) I wasnt too worried, its a 5 hour flight!

Staffing sounds worrying though.....

Staffing sounds worrying though.....

Maybe it's a mid-haul thing? When we did LHR-CAI (in business) and return a few months ago, we got a pretty average (nothing wrong, but nothing great) crew on the way out. On the way back, we got fantastic service from an exceptionally good crew. I could definitely understand why there is such a difference in opinion just from my own small experiences.

The service levels are a lot more consistent on the ex-MAN TATL routes. Not necessarily exceptional, but usually pretty good.

Hi,

Funny to see two threads on the TLV route in one day at about the same time I wanted to also give some of my feedback.

This is the first time I have flown BMI and booked two Y cheapies for me and the other half (we are both silver though). Luckily we got upgraded their and back even when flight was not full on the way back.

Here are my observations flying the leased 757:

- Very little control (or cabin staff got tired of telling passengers off) of Y passengers coming into J cabin as there is no curtain. In fact area around row 6 used as play area for the multiple kids in Y.

- No information on PTV's or amenity kits - however if you ask you will get them

- Flight back was not full in Y but multiple upgrades were given. Even though we were upgraded I didn't see the reason and that would stop me from booking J on this airline.

- Food offering ok- but menus reminded of time when they existed in Y short and simple

- I found the seats comfortable and more than adequate for such a flight

- Cockpit door was open and closed very often (security?)

- Row 1 right side was leaking water from above, Row 7 (left side) leg rest borken

- Row 1 & 2 not great as toilets used by both Y and J passengers which led to a dirty and smelly end to the flight

- Row 6 & 7 constantly disturbed by kids from Y playing in emergency exit space

- In Y I think I would book row 11 as it is the first row of Y and seems to have a little more space.

- On way out staff overwhelmed with super packed Y cabin and multiple request for seat movements.

Overall BMI J on the 757 on this route is better than BA Euroclub but worse than clubworld and I suspect is currently priced as such.

J

Issta are now selling and promotion their new service which is basically a daily BD service to TLV.
Maybe that's why Y seems to be very busy while I have never seen C more then half full.
Interestingly Issta are offering 35kg luggage allowance with BD as well!

I can echo every one of FF and johnny's comments on the quality of service, attentativeness of cabin staff, the shambles of seat allocations/switching and the unruly kids. I forgot about the number of people coming thorugh from Y into J, which became tiring.

G-MACL

I've had a number of flights in J on the ex-BMED routes in the past few months to/from AMM/BEY. Topline - I'd take RJ service anytime, certainly use BA to CAI rather than BD despite the better timing, and don't really have a choice for BEY (although expect Middle Eastern are quite good).

My flights have generally been fine, but just that, no better. Interesting that one ex-BMED cabin crew I spoke to said he was returning to BA.

Things that stick in my mind:

- the seats are tired

- the entertainment system (in its many configurations) unreliable: never have we been told which movie list is in use unless asked, even then it can be incorrect, and the headset sockets often don't work properly e.g. one channel cuts in and out

- the meal service is slooooow and staff quite hard to nudge from their routine as the OP said

- meals are not particularly appetising

- to be honest, I find the staff are generally a little grumpy and/or undertrained. The parallels were closer to North American F than long-haul J

- being told to put my seat back upright 45 minutes before landing, and treated like a child for promising that I would do it when we'd reached UK shores. (Don't flame me for this: I have flown enough to know when it's sensible to do this, and am a (yes, private) pilot myself so am hardly an aviation risk-taker.)

- never being offered an amenity bag

- having dropped the headset bag down the side of the seat, having someone dig around next to me to retrieve it. Is there a budget cut?

- being the one to tell the passenger next to me to turn his telephone off as we taxied onto the runway

- I'm not a fan of the BD uniform - it's a ridiculous hat - but that's not enough to change airline!

- Metro is not a newspaper

It's the little things that add up to an experience that is best described as...grey. Every airline has its foibles but I've been impressed by BD perhaps only one time in ten. I keep flying it as the miles and *G status are useful.

Feel free to criticise. I'd be interested in how the experiences of others compare (and I'm ready to give praise when it's due).

I forgot about the number of people coming thorugh from Y into J, which became tiring.Was this just a problem on the 757 due to lack of a certain?
I have to say I've been on the A320/A321 and 757's a number of times.
Never had this problem, and with probably usually just about a third full cabin in J, always been very relaxing.
As to cabin crew, seems to be a bit of a hit and miss (which is just like BA really) I’ve had some ok'ish (never bad) as well as a couple of excellent crew too.
The seats while hardy the latest, are perfectly comfortable for a 4-5 hour flight.
I think it's down to price at the end of the day.
The normal BD J prices on the route are too close to BA's, but the sale prices are great and far cheaper then what BA ever offer even when they do bother to have TLV as part of a sale.
Other advantage is as BD Gold being able to book J using Economy miles and cash, plus I imagine (though I haven’t done this yet) it is never ever a problem using a GUV on the route.

Let me just add that I have never been a fun of BA's TLV 777 flights in J.
They are mostly packed, often with many kids, I don't like the dormitory effect (but then non of us do) and I generally have found the BMI flight calmer and more relaxed.
Got my parents who usually go BA or LX to try BD J recent on the route and they thought it was excellent.

- Nnever being offered an amenity bag
This is true.
Once I was offered it and the rest I have had to ask for it if I wanted one, they simply don't bother.
I also noticed they often don't bother giving a menu out and come and take the order from you.

I wasn't at all impressed with their business offering either when I went to TLV in August. Couldn't really complain as I had used my GUV's. It was such a disappointment compared to their longhaul product.

I would recommend flying BA WTP over BD Business on this route.

B:(

I would recommend flying BA WTP over BD Business on this route. B:(:confused:
No way.
How can you even compare? While the BD mid haul seats might not be the latest, they are far far comfier then WT+ plus they have an extra 12 inch leg room compared to WT+.
Not to mention BA's ridicules pricing in WT+ on the LHR-TLV route which makes it very poor value.

Obviously I cannot argue with anyone here, each to their own and people look for different things, but I I have done BA in J (and F) endless times, I've done LX, LH,LY and then some, and I can honestly say I have enjoyed my flights with BD.
Done now 4-5 return flights and found it very good.

I said it earlier, but once again, I found the J cabin on BD so much more relaxing then BA’s 777 (767 is a different story) but then I think I have made my point by now... :)

Either I have been very lucky or you guys have been very unlucky I guess.

The problem with BA vs BD business class comparisons mid-haul is that BA does not really have a mid-haul product: it is either the bells and whistles of CW or the comparatively spartan CE experience. So clearly, on CW routes (TLV, CAI), BA shines and BD looks terrible in business (but the prices charged by BA are also substantially higher, at least ex-LON). On CE routes (eg: DME), OTOH, BD looks good and BA terrible.

The same is more or less true of comparisons with other carriers: whether they offer an intra-European-type products or a long-haul type product is going to significantly affect comparisons.

:confused:
No way.

Yes I mean it.

I normally travel BA F or J when popping over to TLV. I had to travel in WTP once back from TLV due to the flights being rammed. All I can say is I had a much more pleasant experience in WTP than in BD Business.

Sure the seats in WTP aint as big as BD's in Business. But size isn't everything.

B

I normally travel BA F or J when popping over to TLV. I had to travel in WTP once back from TLV due to the flights being rammed. All I can say is I had a much more pleasant experience in WTP than in BD Business.
It's a shame you didn't have a good experience with BD.
Like Nick mentioned above, it's a Mid Haul product, and BA's is a long Haul.
Compare FR's J CDG-TLV and you will think BD is wonderful!

For me at least the bottom line is what I'm getting for what I paid for.

I just priced up BA WT+ mid November mid week came out at £1,075.80, while BD's sale fare is £790 and even the normal Business saver comes in below a £1000.
I think BD's mid Haul J product is still far better then WT+.
I just cannot see how one can compare.
Give me a large comfy (even if old style) seat, an almost guaranteed empty seat next to me, and leave me alone for the 4-5 hour flight... :)


Sure the seats in WTP aint as big as BD's in Business. But size isn't everything.But what else do you pay for in WT+ if not for the slightly wider seat (which is ok, but I and many other find very hard) and the extra 7" over Y.
Other then that it is the same meal, service, etc as Y.

The problem with BA vs BD business class comparisons mid-haul is that BA does not really have a mid-haul product: it is either the bells and whistles of CW or the comparatively spartan CE experience. So clearly, on CW routes (TLV, CAI), BA shines and BD looks terrible in business (but the prices charged by BA are also substantially higher, at least ex-LON). On CE routes (eg: DME), OTOH, BD looks good and BA terrible.

The same is more or less true of comparisons with other carriers: whether they offer an intra-European-type products or a long-haul type product is going to significantly affect comparisons.

That's a good point: the thing is, even without comparators, it's not a great product. I've flown with RJ from AMS to AMM and their in-effect short haul business product was better in many ways.

Was this just a problem on the 757 due to lack of a curtain?

No, sadly curtain or no curtain - it's all too common on this route BA or BD. Cabin crew could do more to help stop it. Albeit on a sample of one return flight , BD crew were assisting pax at the front toilets :td:

Not that I've never nipped through the curtain before ;)

G-MACL

I would recommend flying BA WTP over BD Business on this route. B:(

I almost agree with that statement, but I think I'd rather pay less money for BD J than BA WT+, regardless of either's plus/minuses.

Comparing BD J to BA J is a different matter altogether

G-MACL

i think all in all you are a bit too demanding. you must have been very unlucky or in a very bad mood.

i took BMI C class quite a few times and most of the times was happy. we have to admit that level of services in europe in general decreased and we will probably more and more be treated worse than 20 years.


i would still fly bmi C class - especially using a GUV



Well, OK, it was an upgrade so I can't moan too much, but I would definitely avoid BMI in business class on the basis of that flight. Some of these are very minor (like not hanging up the jacket) but some were safety related, so much more of a concern:


No offer to hang up my jacket
It's the old BA cradle seats and they're definitely showing their age!
Had to ask twice for some water before take-off and then the glass was left on our armrest during take-off
Passenger in the forward toilet during taxi - cabin crew either didn't notice or didn't do anything about it. Would that have been OK if the passenger was BMI staff travelling in civvies?
Several window shades closed during taxi and take-off
No laptop power
No amenity kits
Asked cabin crew to clear meal service at 0950 and was told that had to wait until after service of all meals. Was cleared 35 mins later.
Cabin crew refused to close window blinds when everyone in the cabin (yes, everyone - well, except me) was asleep - claimed that they weren't allowed to reach over people. Fair enough - but then they reached across me to serve drinks to the passenger next to me.
Middle of the flight - everyone is snoozing, and they wake us up with an announcement about Duty Free sales and Heathrow Express offers
Poor grooming and attitude - shades of EasyJet and Ryanair
Clear lack of experience on part of cabin crew (or poor training)
Asked for some tea and got it after the second request - 20 mins later. This happened on BA LIN-LHR last night and they were in the middle of serving dinner. The purser apologised and went straight to the galley to get me a cuppa (<60 seconds delay in serving meals).


Altogether, very unimpressed!

then you should take BA


Yes I mean it.

I normally travel BA F or J when popping over to TLV. I had to travel in WTP once back from TLV due to the flights being rammed. All I can say is I had a much more pleasant experience in WTP than in BD Business.

Sure the seats in WTP aint as big as BD's in Business. But size isn't everything.

B