First - Gatwick vs Heathrow
Apr 30, 2016, 12:25 am
#4
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For me there are two reasons why I don't use LGW (1) there are no feeder services from MAN; and (2) LGW airport. I just don't like it, there is as decidedly bucket-and-spade atmosphere (nothing wrong with that in itself, it's just that I find it more difficult to relax).
Apr 30, 2016, 12:37 am
#5
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The other factor is that the equipment at LGW is somewhat older, and though it is New First, and with the added space of the 777 compared to the 747, it may be a bit less smart than the LHR services. The jets concerned are often working flat out with very little downtime.
On these routes BA also has a monopoly, there isn't much alternative in First, and none at all non-stop.
On the other hand, and despite the monopoly, First is relatively inexpensive and redemptions arguably easier to track down, depending on the route and whether it's school holiday or not. There is an element of you get what you pay for here.
On these routes BA also has a monopoly, there isn't much alternative in First, and none at all non-stop.
On the other hand, and despite the monopoly, First is relatively inexpensive and redemptions arguably easier to track down, depending on the route and whether it's school holiday or not. There is an element of you get what you pay for here.
Apr 30, 2016, 12:37 am
#6
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Been a long time since I flew F in/out of LGW, but if CW from there is anything to go by, the aircraft interiors are a bit tired compared to most of LHR fleet, older IFE etc. Apparently some refurb is planned, but no concrete news.
Apr 30, 2016, 1:46 am
#7
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I have some affection for LGW, largely because if we are there we are usually going on holiday! Hopefully they will do something nice with a new lounge in the south terminal, I think there is talk of a separate F area.
We went LGW-UVF in F last year and it was a really lovely experience: nice crew (remember the LCY-JFK crews that often get so much praise are all Gatters guys and gals!), kids well looked after, decent food, lots of space for buddy seating/eating on the 777s. I think everyone in F (more or less) was going on holiday so there was a nice atmosphere. As mentioned above, it might not be the quiet/serene F night flight that you take back from JFK before work the next morning but it's horses for courses IMHO!
We went LGW-UVF in F last year and it was a really lovely experience: nice crew (remember the LCY-JFK crews that often get so much praise are all Gatters guys and gals!), kids well looked after, decent food, lots of space for buddy seating/eating on the 777s. I think everyone in F (more or less) was going on holiday so there was a nice atmosphere. As mentioned above, it might not be the quiet/serene F night flight that you take back from JFK before work the next morning but it's horses for courses IMHO!
Apr 30, 2016, 2:38 am
#8
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LGW crew are consistently good in my experience. I think because it's a smaller fleet the crews all seem to know each other and as a base they don't seem to have had the IR issues LHR colleagues have had. Having said that...I haven't flown from there since the latest changes. I understand a number of Cabin Managers / Pursers have left and less experienced colleagues have taken on the 'new' CSM role. Not sure how that's affected morale / 'customer experience'.
I like the 777s in F. But the Gatters fleet is getting on a bit.
I like the 777s in F. But the Gatters fleet is getting on a bit.
Apr 30, 2016, 3:20 am
#10
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Apr 30, 2016, 4:12 am
#11
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If it's convenient (i.e. Non stop) then take Gatwick over Heathrow. Arrive later than you might, have a quick drink then enjoy the First experience. I certainly wouldn't add hours and a connection just to depart from LHR
May 1, 2016, 12:18 am
#13
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The recent upgrade to North security with its 'taxi rank' style at the start and then booths to which trays must be moved has made that particular part quick and painless.
May 1, 2016, 2:19 am
#14
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Premium Gatwick (fast track security) is a lottery with poor odds. Main security is fast and furious. No prisoners are taken, but it's over with very quickly. GAL have made a lot of effort on this, they want people in the shops ASAP, most of them are on a profit share to GAL.
May 1, 2016, 2:59 am
#15
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Second that about regular security. Every single time I've flown BA from LGW the past two years I've backtracked out of "premium" security (or didn't even bother checking in the first place) and gone through the regular one in lightning speed.
If you look into the "tunnel" at premium security and you can see people queueing past the boarding pass check, avoid it at all costs - you will inevitably be better off at the regular check.
If you look into the "tunnel" at premium security and you can see people queueing past the boarding pass check, avoid it at all costs - you will inevitably be better off at the regular check.