Flying with bmi FAQ : routes, aircraft, service, seats, baggage, lounges
Sep 20, 2007, 5:46 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: London. Edinburgh, Cornwall
Programs: BA GGL, British Midland Lifetime* Loser
Posts: 7,941
Flying with bmi FAQ : routes, aircraft, service, seats, baggage, lounges
bmi at Heathrow Flickr image: kiwanja
Last edited by ajamieson; Mar 17, 2010 at 8:04 am
Sep 20, 2007, 5:47 pm
#2
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: London. Edinburgh, Cornwall
Programs: BA GGL, British Midland Lifetime* Loser
Posts: 7,941
bmi
BMI LONG-HAUL
London Heathrow (LHR) to:
BMI LONG-HAUL BUSINESS CLASS: "THE BUSINESS"
BMI LONG-HAUL ECONOMY
Things to know:
BMI MID-HAUL
London Heathrow (LHR) to:
BMI MID-HAUL BUSINESS CLASS
BMI MID-HAUL ECONOMY CLASS
Things to know:
bmi mid-haul A320 configuration details [business/economy]:
bmi mid-haul A321 configuration details [business/economy]:
bmi Astraeus damp-leased mid-haul B757 configuration details [business/economy]:
BMI SHORT-HAUL
London Heathrow to:
BMI SHORT-HAUL ECONOMY :
London Heathrow (LHR) to:
- Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (RUH) [6x weekly]
- Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (JED) [via RUH, 3x weekly]
- Dammam, Saudi Arabia (DAM) [via RUH, 3x weekly]
BMI LONG-HAUL BUSINESS CLASS: "THE BUSINESS"
- lie-flat beds with 78" to 80" seat pitch in a 2-2-2 configuration
- adjustable footrests, telephone, US and UK laptop power point, dataports
- 15" seat back screens and retractable handset
- noise-cancelling headphones
- cabin images and early reviews of seats
BMI LONG-HAUL ECONOMY
Things to know:
- bmi has one remaining A332 aircraft in scheduled service, as from April 2010
- G-WWBD in Star Alliance colours seats 42 in business (rows 1-7) and 156 in economy (20-40)
- Seats may be pre-assigned only by calling the bmi reservations centre and are not guaranteed
- The unofficial *G adjacent-seat-block benefit applies in all cabins where possible
- In economy, window seats (A and K) have the underseat IFE box which may restrict legroom
- IFE on the A332 is on a loop system, not AVOD. All bmi IFE can be previewed online.
BMI MID-HAUL
London Heathrow (LHR) to:
- Moscow Domodedovo (DME) [2xdaily]
- Beirut, Lebanon (BEY) [10x weekly]
- Amman, Jordan (AMM) [daily]
- Baku, Azerbaijan (GYD) [daily]
- Cairo, Egypt (CAI) [daily]
- Damascus, Syria (DAM) [daily]
- Tehran, Iran (IKA) [daily]
- Yerevan, Armenia (EVN) [4xweekly]
- Freetown, Sierra Leone (FNA) [4xweekly]
- Tbilisi, Georgia (TBS) [4xweekly]
- Almaty, Kazakhstan (ALA) [3xweekly]
- Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (ADD) [via DAM, 5xweekly]
- Khartoum, Sudan (KRT) [via BEY, 5xweekly]
- Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan (FRU) [via ALA, 4xweekly]
BMI MID-HAUL BUSINESS CLASS
- 50" ex BMED cloth seats in 2x2 configuration
- three-course meal service with choices
- aircraft-specific mixture of handheld DVD players, stowable PTVs and stowable PTVs with AVOD for IFE (see config below)
BMI MID-HAUL ECONOMY CLASS
- 32" or 31" pitch in a 3x3 configuration
- meal service and complimentary drinks from the bar
- mixture of overhead screens, PTVs and AVOD-capable PTVs for IFE (see below)
Things to know:
- bmi has 7 mid-haul A321 and 2 mid-haul A320 aircraft in fixed two-class configuration
- a B757 has been dampleased from Astraeus, retro-fitted with with bmi seating and operating as normal bmi flights with bmi cabin crew covering some Freetown, Almaty and Bishkek flights
- seat pitch and IFE configuration varies between individual aircraft (full details below)
- all bmi IFE can be previewed in the online version of Voyager magazine.
- Voyager magazine in seat pocket lists the entertainment menu for each different IFE configuration using the aircraft registration as a heading; cabin crew announce the aircraft registration at the start of the flight
- on the A321s, row 6 (C class) has slightly more legroom owing to the exit
- on A320s with 22 C seats, Row 1 has only A and C
- on A321s, Row 17 is best in economy and 17A the best in the row
bmi mid-haul A320 configuration details [business/economy]:
- G-MEDH 22C/102Y [6 rows 50", stowed PTV/31", overhead screens]
- G-MEDK 22C/102Y [6 rows 50", stowed AVOD-capable PTV/31", PTV]
bmi mid-haul A321 configuration details [business/economy]:
- G-MEDF 31C/118Y [8 rows 50", stowed PTV/31", overhead screens]
- G-MEDG 31C/118Y [8 rows 50", stowed PTV/31", overhead screens]
- G-MEDJ 31C/118Y [8 rows 50", stowed PTV/31", overhead screens]
- G-MEDL 31C/118Y [8 rows 50", stowed AVOD-capable PTV/31", PTV]
- G-MEDM 31C/118Y [8 rows 50", stowed AVOD-capable PTV/31", AVOD-capable PTV]
- G-MEDN 31C/118Y [8 rows 50", stowed AVOD-capable PTV/31", AVOD-capable PTV]
- G-MEDU 31C/118Y [8 rows 50", stowed AVOD-capable PTV/31", AVOD-capable PTV]
bmi Astraeus damp-leased mid-haul B757 configuration details [business/economy]:
BMI SHORT-HAUL
London Heathrow to:
- Belfast City (BHD) [6x daily]
- Edinburgh (EDI) [6x daily]
- Glasgow (GLA) [6x daily]
- Manchester (MAN) [6x daily]
- Aberdeen (ABZ) [6x daily] [mix of A319s and wetleased bmi regional Embraers]
- Berlin, Germany (TXL) [5x daily] (business class available)
- Dublin, Ireland (DUB) [4x daily]
- Hannover, Germany (HAJ) [3x daily] [wetleased bmi regional Embraer aircraft on all flights]
- Vienna, Austria (VIE) [2x daily] (business class available)
BMI SHORT-HAUL ECONOMY :
- bmi has 11 A319s and a small number of short-haul-configured A320s
- all flights are single cabin economy, except VIE and TXL
- C/Y/J/D/I tickets still bookable on economy routes but product is 'Economy Flexible'
- new short-haul fare/product matrix PDF here
- all HAJ flights, most ABZ flights and some weekend flights to other destinations are operated by small Embraer 145/135 regional jets from bmi regional (below)
- mid-haul aircraft (above) are turning up on some short-haul flights although patterns are hard to predict
- unofficial adjacent-seat-block for *G automatically enforced, loads permitting
- some A319s have no convertible seating in the forward rows, instead having fixed 3x3 seating but with enhanced pitch in rows 1-9.
- on busy flights, buy-on-board food can run out - service starts at the front of the cabin or front and rear, depending on crew numbers
- cabin crew accept cash (UK Sterling and Euros in 50c coin or greater; change will be given in UK Sterling) and credit cards for purchases from Ł5 to Ł75 (€8.50 to €125). Receipts are available on request
- bright blue cloth seats are being converted to darker blue leather
- picture of 32" pitch in 3x3 configuration
Last edited by ajamieson; Jun 26, 2010 at 12:58 am
Sep 20, 2007, 5:47 pm
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: London. Edinburgh, Cornwall
Programs: BA GGL, British Midland Lifetime* Loser
Posts: 7,941
bmi regional
BMI REGIONAL
Aberdeen (ABZ) to:
East Midlands (EMA) to:
Edinburgh (EDI) to:
Glasgow (GLA) to:
Leeds Bradford (LBA) to:
Manchester (MAN) to:
Key facts:
BMI REGIONAL BUSINESS CLASS
BMI REGIONAL ECONOMY CLASS
Best seats and other tips:
Aberdeen (ABZ) to:
- Manchester (MAN) [7x daily]
- Norwich (NWI) [2x daily]
- Esbjerg, Denmark (EBJ) [daily]
- Groningen, Netherlands (GRQ) [daily]
East Midlands (EMA) to:
- Brussels, Belgium (BRU) [3x daily]
- Cologne, Germany (CGN) [daily ENDS 17 SEP]
Edinburgh (EDI) to:
- Manchester (MAN) [8x daily]
- Leeds Bradford (LBA) [4x daily]
- Brussels, Belgium (BRU) [3x daily]
- Copenhagen, Denmark (CPH) [2x daily]
- Zurich, Switzerland (ZRH) [daily]
Glasgow (GLA) to:
- Leeds Bradford (LBA) [3x daily]
- Copenhagen, Denmark (CPH) [daily]
Leeds Bradford (LBA) to:
- Brussels, Belgium (BRU) [3xdaily]
Manchester (MAN) to:
- Lyon, France (LYS) [daily]
Key facts:
- business-orientated, full-service airline
- member of Star Alliance
- very high frequencies between Manchester and Edinburgh, Aberdeen
- fleet of 3 Embraer ERJ135 jets and 13 Embraer ERJ145 jets
- two-class service, business and economy, both in a 1x2 configuration.
- lower frequencies at weekends
- operates several weekend wetlease flights on behalf of bmi short-haul
BMI REGIONAL BUSINESS CLASS
- full meal, with china and glassware, served on a tray
- complimentary drinks from the bar, coffee and Twinings tea selection
- hot towels
sample bmi regional business meal service
breakfast
cooked breakfast with fresh bread
fruit juice
yoghurt or cereal
fruit
lunchtime/afternoon
sausage and mash in onion gravy
or
mushroom risotto
served with fresh bread and fruit
breakfast
cooked breakfast with fresh bread
fruit juice
yoghurt or cereal
fruit
lunchtime/afternoon
sausage and mash in onion gravy
or
mushroom risotto
served with fresh bread and fruit
- complimentary food to suit the time of day
- complimentary drinks from the bar, coffee and Twinings tea selection
sample bmi regional economy catering
breakfast
roll and links sausage
or
cheese and egg roll
and fruit juice
lunchtime/afternoon
sandwich
or
large biscuit and pretzels
and fruit juice
breakfast
roll and links sausage
or
cheese and egg roll
and fruit juice
lunchtime/afternoon
sandwich
or
large biscuit and pretzels
and fruit juice
- aircraft-side bag check available to all passengers
- A seats, on the single-seat side of the aircraft, are the best for comfort and convenience, but passengers wanting to store larger carry-ons under the seat in front of them may prefer the aisle seats D because under-seat storage in A and F seats is restricted by the curvature of the aircraft
- A seats have similar pitch but 1A is best for convenience but 2A has better access to the small overhead lockers
- Exit row is 9 on the ERJ145
Last edited by ajamieson; Sep 5, 2009 at 5:02 am
Sep 20, 2007, 5:48 pm
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: London. Edinburgh, Cornwall
Programs: BA GGL, British Midland Lifetime* Loser
Posts: 7,941
Check-in and seating
SEATING
For advice on choosing a seat, see route and aircraft above. The official seatmaps supplied to the travel trade are here.
Seats can be pre-assigned on bmi flights by calling reservations when travelling:
CHECK-IN
flybmi page on check-in options
OLCI
When using OLCI as a BD*G, be aware that bmi tries to block the adjacent seat wherever possible as an unofficial (but very popular) gold benefit when flights are not full. This is useful when travelling solo, but can cause confusion when checking in as a party of two or more.
On the former BMED routes, OLCI and homeprint boarding pass is currently available for LHR to Addis Ababa, Amman, Ankara, Baku, Beirut (BEY) and Tbilisi.
TELEPHONE CHECK-IN
This is available through reservations or the Diamond Club contact number. Please note that the self-service check-in machines are incompatible with telephone check-in, which means you will have to go to a bmi check-in desk or ticket desk to collect a copy of your boarding pass.
For advice on choosing a seat, see route and aircraft above. The official seatmaps supplied to the travel trade are here.
Seats can be pre-assigned on bmi flights by calling reservations when travelling:
- Long-haul
- Short-haul in business class or fully flexible economy
- Mid-haul in business class
CHECK-IN
flybmi page on check-in options
OLCI
When using OLCI as a BD*G, be aware that bmi tries to block the adjacent seat wherever possible as an unofficial (but very popular) gold benefit when flights are not full. This is useful when travelling solo, but can cause confusion when checking in as a party of two or more.
On the former BMED routes, OLCI and homeprint boarding pass is currently available for LHR to Addis Ababa, Amman, Ankara, Baku, Beirut (BEY) and Tbilisi.
TELEPHONE CHECK-IN
This is available through reservations or the Diamond Club contact number. Please note that the self-service check-in machines are incompatible with telephone check-in, which means you will have to go to a bmi check-in desk or ticket desk to collect a copy of your boarding pass.
Last edited by GoldCircle; Jun 26, 2009 at 6:12 pm
Sep 20, 2007, 5:48 pm
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: London. Edinburgh, Cornwall
Programs: BA GGL, British Midland Lifetime* Loser
Posts: 7,941
Baggage
Baggage policies for bmi routes, cabins and status on the bmi website here.
The above policy reflects recent changes:
Trace your delayed baggage via the WorldTracer bmi request page.
The above policy reflects recent changes:
cabin baggage
The cabin baggage allowance for all cabins and fare types on all routes will change to:
one piece within standard IATA dimensions (56cm x 45cm x 25cm) which the customer must be able to lift unaided into the overhead locker onboard the aircraft.
checked baggage
The checked baggage allowance for economy class passengers flying to the US and the Caribbean will change to 2 pieces, maximum weight per piece 23kg.
excess baggage rates
The excess baggage rate for all routes except Saudi Arabia, US and the Caribbean will change to £7/ €10.50 per kg.
The excess baggage charge for economy passengers on US and Caribbean routes is £25 for any bag weighing in excess of the 23kg limit. bmi will be unable to check any bag into the hold which weighs more than the 32kg maximum IATA limit. The price per additional bag remains the same. (£90 per bag for Las Vegas & Caribbean routes and £70 for Chicago)
Baggage policy for the former BMED network
Bmi baggage policy for Eastern Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia
There is a table summarising the bmi baggage policy on former BMED routes, which also applies to the new Cairo route. This can be found at the following webpage,
http://www.flybmi.com/trade/en-gb/pr...711080845.aspx
Economy checked allowance Unlimited pieces up to maximum weight of 20kg
Business checked allowance Unlimited pieces up to maximum weight of 30kg
Additional allowance for frequent flyers gold and silver dc members:
Additional 20kg of checked baggage for all fare types (except for silver dc members when travelling on a tiny fare)
Excess baggage charges £7 per kg, payable at airport
Economy class - special items £15 per item per sector – as per current bmi baggage policy
Business class - special items Free if within baggage allowance; if in excess of baggage allowance: £15 per item per sector
Cabin baggage allowance 1 piece within standard IATA dimensions (56cm x 45cm x 25cm), which the customer must be able to lift unaided into the overhead locker onboard the aircraft.
The cabin baggage allowance for all cabins and fare types on all routes will change to:
one piece within standard IATA dimensions (56cm x 45cm x 25cm) which the customer must be able to lift unaided into the overhead locker onboard the aircraft.
checked baggage
The checked baggage allowance for economy class passengers flying to the US and the Caribbean will change to 2 pieces, maximum weight per piece 23kg.
excess baggage rates
The excess baggage rate for all routes except Saudi Arabia, US and the Caribbean will change to £7/ €10.50 per kg.
The excess baggage charge for economy passengers on US and Caribbean routes is £25 for any bag weighing in excess of the 23kg limit. bmi will be unable to check any bag into the hold which weighs more than the 32kg maximum IATA limit. The price per additional bag remains the same. (£90 per bag for Las Vegas & Caribbean routes and £70 for Chicago)
Baggage policy for the former BMED network
Bmi baggage policy for Eastern Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia
There is a table summarising the bmi baggage policy on former BMED routes, which also applies to the new Cairo route. This can be found at the following webpage,
http://www.flybmi.com/trade/en-gb/pr...711080845.aspx
Economy checked allowance Unlimited pieces up to maximum weight of 20kg
Business checked allowance Unlimited pieces up to maximum weight of 30kg
Additional allowance for frequent flyers gold and silver dc members:
Additional 20kg of checked baggage for all fare types (except for silver dc members when travelling on a tiny fare)
Excess baggage charges £7 per kg, payable at airport
Economy class - special items £15 per item per sector – as per current bmi baggage policy
Business class - special items Free if within baggage allowance; if in excess of baggage allowance: £15 per item per sector
Cabin baggage allowance 1 piece within standard IATA dimensions (56cm x 45cm x 25cm), which the customer must be able to lift unaided into the overhead locker onboard the aircraft.
Last edited by ajamieson; Dec 15, 2007 at 2:59 am
Sep 20, 2007, 5:49 pm
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: London. Edinburgh, Cornwall
Programs: BA GGL, British Midland Lifetime* Loser
Posts: 7,941
Fares, tickets, sales and refunds
FARES
Tips:
For mileage-earning information on these fares, see RAPC's mileage-earning master thread.
Small print:
TICKETS
RESERVATIONS
REFUNDS
Refunds can be processed for a fee of Ł25 per passenger. To refund a refundable ticket or to claim the taxes and fees on a non-refundable ticket, use the "cancel and refund" button in the Manage My Booking facility of flybmi.com or contact the following:
revenue services department
bmi
Donington Hall
Castle Donington
Derby
DE74 2SB
telephone: 01332 854534
hours: 9am to 3.30pm, Mon to Fri
email: refunds -at- flybmi.com
Tips:
- Premium Economy is a separate cabin on long-haul but on mid-haul or short-haul it is just an economy ticket with extra benefits such as lounge access and greater miles-earning.
- Economy Saver fares have severe restrictions such as no lounge access (even for elites) while standard economy tickets do not. Standard economy tickets are often only a fraction more expensive than Economy Saver fares.
- Business award fares in I class are sometimes loaded into the booking engine for general sale. Only I tickets with a revenue fare basis are eligible for miles earning and these may need to be claimed retrospectively.
- PDF file: bmi ready reckoner for endorsable short-haul fares
PHP Code:
I Award ticket, business
C Unrestricted business
D Restricted business
P Restricted business, mid-haul and long-haul
A Restricted business, mid-haul and long-haul
J Restricted business
R Non-revenue business (including staff duty travel, also used for tactical upgrades)
Z Award ticket, Premium Economy long-haul (separate cabin)
S Unrestricted Premium Economy long-haul (separate cabin)
U Restricted Premium Economy long-haul (separate cabin)
X Award ticket, Economy
Y Premium Economy mid-haul and short-haul (no separate cabin but extra benefits and no restrictions)
B Unrestricted Economy
G Restricted Economy (also used for non-revenue including staff duty travel)
H Restricted Economy
K Restricted Economy
M Restricted Economy
O Restricted Economy
Q Restricted Economy
V Restricted Economy
W Restricted Economy
T Restricted Economy (severe extra restrictions if fare basis contains 'BABY')
N Restricted Economy (severe extra restrictions if fare basis contains 'BABY')
E Restricted Economy (severe extra restrictions if fare basis contains 'BABY')
Small print:
- Restricted business tickets can be changed without a fee on LHR to Addis Ababa and Freetown.
- Restricted business ticket are non-refundable between LHR and Cairo (CAI).
- Between LHR and Moscow (DME), a saturday night stay is required for B tickets (fare basis: BRUSBMI)
- Sierra Leone has a punitive departure tax.
TICKETS
RESERVATIONS
REFUNDS
Refunds can be processed for a fee of Ł25 per passenger. To refund a refundable ticket or to claim the taxes and fees on a non-refundable ticket, use the "cancel and refund" button in the Manage My Booking facility of flybmi.com or contact the following:
revenue services department
bmi
Donington Hall
Castle Donington
Derby
DE74 2SB
telephone: 01332 854534
hours: 9am to 3.30pm, Mon to Fri
email: refunds -at- flybmi.com
Last edited by ajamieson; Mar 31, 2009 at 4:07 am
Sep 20, 2007, 5:50 pm
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: London. Edinburgh, Cornwall
Programs: BA GGL, British Midland Lifetime* Loser
Posts: 7,941
bmi business lounges and Diamond Clubs
The bmi website lists all bmi and third-party lounges and access requirements at each of its destinations here:
Bmi lounge directory and access requirements, airport by airport
Most bmi lounges bear the Star Alliance Gold sign and grant access according to Star Alliance rules. You may also access bmi lounges using Amex Platinum.
Older bmi lounges are split into two very similar sections, both Star Alliance Gold eligible: a Diamond Club lounge for status passengers and a bmi business lounge for status and premium-fare passengers. Diamond Clubs have a slightly larger selection of alcoholic drinks and snacks while business lounges have more facilities such as computer terminals. There is free wifi in some lounges while others have BT Openzone computers available for public use for a fee or BT Openzone wifi. Both business lounges and Diamond Clubs have an extensive selection of newspapers and magazines which, unlike in many similar lounges, are free for guests to take away. Food and drink offering in domestic is poor compared to BA and long-haul lounges but none of the flights served is longer than 1h 15.
London Heathrow [LHR] Terminal 1 International - "Great British Lounge"
A new lounge opened on 1 June 2009 with a different design and facilities to existing bmi lounges. It is located upstairs near Gate 5 in the space previously occuped by the British Airways Domestic Terraces Lounge. It replaces the old lounge near Gate 14 which is now closed. It was known for a short time as "No 1 Heathrow". It has showers, fresh food, a bar, recliner chairs and a view over one of the runways.
http://www.flybmi.com/bmi/en-gb/the-...sh-lounge.aspx
No.1 Heathrow lounge recliner chairs overlooking runway
No.1 Heathrow lounge bar 'The Local'
No.1 Heathrow lounge AGA hot food area
No.1 Heathrow lounge food station
No.1 Heathrow showers
No.1 Heathrow lounge fireside sofa
London Heathrow [LHR] Terminal 1 UK & Ireland "The London Room"
A long-established bmi business lounge and bmi Diamond Club near Gate 8, which used to be very large and split across two floors but has since been partially closed, limited to the ground floor. This is a fully-compliant Star Alliance Gold lounge but is located in the part of the terminal accessible only to domestic (UK and Republic of Ireland) passengers.
It recently had a small refurbishment, but is still limited to the ground floor. More info on te bmi site: http://www.flybmi.com/bmi/en-gb/the-...ndon-room.aspx
The old upstairs Diamond Club at Gate 8 for UK & Ireland passengers, London Heathrow (LHR) T1
Edinburgh (EDI)
The largest lounge at EDI, located immediately left after security, it has a bmi business lounge and a Diamond Club. Toilets are located in the Diamond Club area, which means business lounge passengers must use the toilets in the main terminal.
Diamond Club lounge at EDI
Manchester (MAN)
Has both a business lounge and a Diamond Club section. Located right next to the gate used for the LHR flights and widely regarded as having the most helpful lounge staff on the network.
bmi business lounge Manchester (MAN) Terminal 3
Catering at bmi Diamond Club lounges, except the new bmi international lounge at LHR, used to include:
Villa Monte Vibiano 2004 pinot grigio (Italy)
Domaine De La Chapelle 2005 red wine (France, Cotes-du-Rhone)
La Pampa 2004 cabernet sauvignon (Argentina)
Glenlivet 18-year-old single malt whisky
Jameson's whisky
Johnny Walker Red Label whisky
Remy Martin
Gordon's Beefeater gin
Bells blended whisky
Croft original pale cream sherry
port wine
rose wine
Boddingtons
Becks
Carlsberg
Tetley
Guinness
Pimms
Cocktail accessories: lemon slices, Tobasco sauce, Worcester sauce, tomato juice, salt and pepper
Pepsi
Ginger Ale
Irn-Bru
R White's lemonade
Soda Water
Bitter Lemon
Grapefruit juice
Orange juice
Cranberry juice
Apple juice
Sparkling and still water
Twinings tea selection
Hot chocolate
Bean-to-cup fresh coffee
Kenco instant coffee selection
Olives
Peanuts
Walker's crisps
Ryvita
Jacobs crackers
Cheese selection (after midday) and grapes
Lindt chocolates
Amicelli bars
Muffins and croissants
Fresh fruit
Mrs Tilly macaroon bars (EDI and GLA only)
Walkers biscuits: shortbread, oat crunch, stem ginger and chocolate
Lemon drizzle cake
Fruit cake
Diamond Club cocktail accessories
Bmi lounge directory and access requirements, airport by airport
Most bmi lounges bear the Star Alliance Gold sign and grant access according to Star Alliance rules. You may also access bmi lounges using Amex Platinum.
Older bmi lounges are split into two very similar sections, both Star Alliance Gold eligible: a Diamond Club lounge for status passengers and a bmi business lounge for status and premium-fare passengers. Diamond Clubs have a slightly larger selection of alcoholic drinks and snacks while business lounges have more facilities such as computer terminals. There is free wifi in some lounges while others have BT Openzone computers available for public use for a fee or BT Openzone wifi. Both business lounges and Diamond Clubs have an extensive selection of newspapers and magazines which, unlike in many similar lounges, are free for guests to take away. Food and drink offering in domestic is poor compared to BA and long-haul lounges but none of the flights served is longer than 1h 15.
London Heathrow [LHR] Terminal 1 International - "Great British Lounge"
A new lounge opened on 1 June 2009 with a different design and facilities to existing bmi lounges. It is located upstairs near Gate 5 in the space previously occuped by the British Airways Domestic Terraces Lounge. It replaces the old lounge near Gate 14 which is now closed. It was known for a short time as "No 1 Heathrow". It has showers, fresh food, a bar, recliner chairs and a view over one of the runways.
http://www.flybmi.com/bmi/en-gb/the-...sh-lounge.aspx
No.1 Heathrow lounge recliner chairs overlooking runway
No.1 Heathrow lounge bar 'The Local'
No.1 Heathrow lounge AGA hot food area
No.1 Heathrow lounge food station
No.1 Heathrow showers
No.1 Heathrow lounge fireside sofa
London Heathrow [LHR] Terminal 1 UK & Ireland "The London Room"
A long-established bmi business lounge and bmi Diamond Club near Gate 8, which used to be very large and split across two floors but has since been partially closed, limited to the ground floor. This is a fully-compliant Star Alliance Gold lounge but is located in the part of the terminal accessible only to domestic (UK and Republic of Ireland) passengers.
It recently had a small refurbishment, but is still limited to the ground floor. More info on te bmi site: http://www.flybmi.com/bmi/en-gb/the-...ndon-room.aspx
The old upstairs Diamond Club at Gate 8 for UK & Ireland passengers, London Heathrow (LHR) T1
Edinburgh (EDI)
The largest lounge at EDI, located immediately left after security, it has a bmi business lounge and a Diamond Club. Toilets are located in the Diamond Club area, which means business lounge passengers must use the toilets in the main terminal.
Diamond Club lounge at EDI
Manchester (MAN)
Has both a business lounge and a Diamond Club section. Located right next to the gate used for the LHR flights and widely regarded as having the most helpful lounge staff on the network.
bmi business lounge Manchester (MAN) Terminal 3
Catering at bmi Diamond Club lounges, except the new bmi international lounge at LHR, used to include:
Villa Monte Vibiano 2004 pinot grigio (Italy)
Domaine De La Chapelle 2005 red wine (France, Cotes-du-Rhone)
La Pampa 2004 cabernet sauvignon (Argentina)
Glenlivet 18-year-old single malt whisky
Jameson's whisky
Johnny Walker Red Label whisky
Remy Martin
Gordon's Beefeater gin
Bells blended whisky
Croft original pale cream sherry
port wine
rose wine
Boddingtons
Becks
Carlsberg
Tetley
Guinness
Pimms
Cocktail accessories: lemon slices, Tobasco sauce, Worcester sauce, tomato juice, salt and pepper
Pepsi
Ginger Ale
Irn-Bru
R White's lemonade
Soda Water
Bitter Lemon
Grapefruit juice
Orange juice
Cranberry juice
Apple juice
Sparkling and still water
Twinings tea selection
Hot chocolate
Bean-to-cup fresh coffee
Kenco instant coffee selection
Olives
Peanuts
Walker's crisps
Ryvita
Jacobs crackers
Cheese selection (after midday) and grapes
Lindt chocolates
Amicelli bars
Muffins and croissants
Fresh fruit
Mrs Tilly macaroon bars (EDI and GLA only)
Walkers biscuits: shortbread, oat crunch, stem ginger and chocolate
Lemon drizzle cake
Fruit cake
Diamond Club cocktail accessories
Last edited by ajamieson; Mar 1, 2010 at 3:24 am
Sep 20, 2007, 5:51 pm
#8
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: London. Edinburgh, Cornwall
Programs: BA GGL, British Midland Lifetime* Loser
Posts: 7,941
bmi third party lounges
bmi third-party lounges
The bmi website lists all bmi and third-party lounges and access requirements at each of its destinations here:
Bmi lounge directory and access requirements, airport by airport
London Heathrow (LHR) Terminal 1 Star Alliance Lounge
This is the third lounge at LHR T1, after the two bmi lounges (above). It is Star Alliance branded. It is located off the smaller atrium (turn right after main security or immediately left after security if you're coming from the Flight Connection Centre). This is a fully-compliant Star Alliance Gold lounge, including *Gs with UK & Ireland boarding passes. It occupies the site of the former British Airways Euro lounge. Reviews and comments here.
Star Alliance lounge entrance London Heathrow (LHR) Terminal 1
London Heathrow (LHR) Terminal 1 Star Alliance Arrivals Facility
Star Alliance arrivals facility at LHR T1. Pictures courtesy of littlevoices: "Probably wouldn’t bother again, grabbed a bacon sandwich (freshly cooked for me) along with the day’s newspaper and old version of the Economist and I was off. The internet needed a password and the lounge was quiet – nothing special but who’d want to stay at the lounge long once you’ve arrived at your destination!"
Amman (AMM)
Royal Jordanian lounge, full details here and with thanks to antichef:
It is accessible by Royal Jordanian Crown Class passengers and any passengers traveling on first or business class out of or to Queen Alia International Airport. The newly constructed lounge is located on the second floor of the South Terminal and is the second largest lounge in the Middle East, and has many facilities. Such as
* A business center equipped with the latest computers to enable passengers to use Internet.
* An extensive selection of Jordanian and international newspapers and magazines.
* Isolated room for relaxing.
* Hotel-like bedrooms.
* Showers.
* Play room for kids equipped with an LCD screen to enjoy watching cartoon.
* Games room for adults.
* Praying rooms.
* LCD screens are installed in the the main hall of the lounge.
* Some areas are dedicated to individuals who wish to watch their favorite movies.
* A smoking area with air-conditioning and ventilation.
* Food and drinks.
* Library.
Damascus (DAM)
There is one business lounge at DAM, which is shared among the carriers. Accessible passengers (see top link) are given an access voucher at check-in. It is upstairs from the check-in area, just across from the stairs which take you up to Duty Free. Tiny no-smoking area, open-plan (it overlooks a sort of courtyard) and there is an extensive but eccentric range of snacks and drinks available, some of which are chargeable. BD flights are called from the lounge.
Third-party lounge for bmi passengers at Damascus (DAM)
Moscow (DME)
Business class bmi passengers gold and silver diamond club members may use the Transaero (UN) lounge at DME. LX and OS have Star Alliance Gold lounges nearby. According to this page "The CIP lounge of Transaero covering 190 sq.m is located on the ground floor of Gallery 1 of International Flights area (past immigration and customs). Buffet menu is served. Working areas with Internet connection and a smoking room are available." "Transaero lounge is a quiet oasis, albeit with no English language newspapers. Nibbles and drink in good supply though." - Raffles
Baku (GYD)
CIP lounge in the south terminal, located airside near Gate 4. Wide selection of free shrink-wrapped sandwiches, fruit, snacks and salads as well as the usual confectionary and drinks. Two free-to-use computers with fast internet access. Spacious, comfy leather chairs, television. Invitation required from check-in.
Third-party business lounge for bmi passengers at Baku (GYD)
Khartoum (KRT)
Useful information about the lounge from Khartoum Flyer: "There is one Business Lounge in KRT,and is only open to Business pax – Silver or Gold status FF with Economy tickets don’t get in as far as I know. You have to pass through the main lounge, then through security to the departure gates, and look for the little sign saying First Class Passengers that leads you upstairs. Interesting mix of leather chairs and plastic sofas. You get a free coffee or soda, and sometimes cake, but I haven’t seen anything else on offer. There are two workstations that should provide internet access, but they don’t seem to work often. The one TV usually plays whatever the waiters want to watch – B-movies in English, or Arabic music channels. Officially, if you want a smoke you have to go back through security into the main lounge and find the smoking room. Or you can smile nicely at the Business Lounge waiter, and he will usually let you light up in a far corner, behind a screen. Boarding is announced in Arabic and English, but not always clear. There are no monitors, so keep an eye on the time; boarding starts about 45 minutes before departure time."
Update from jbfield: Improvements are on the horizon at KRT.
Yerevan, Armenia (EVN)
Business lounge on upper levels, report here.
Beirut, Lebanon (BEY)
Middle East Airlines Cedar Lounge. Invitation required from check-in. The lounge is on the upper level, straight ahead after passport control.
From BA6501: "Alcohol (no champagne), many different kinds of juices, hot drinks. Food is mainly viennoiseries in the morning (BD906 and BD996 departures) with a small selection of sandwiches. For the BD904 departure (between 12:00 and 13:00), there are many more different kinds of sandwiches along with Lebanese mezze ("bouchées"). Flights are called in the lounge however it is recommended that you leave the lounge before the call because you will need to pass another security checkpoint before having access to gate area. I usually leave the lounge 30-45 minutes before the departure time for BD906 and BD996 departures because the airport is extremely busy at that time, and for the BD904 30 minutes before departure. There is a huge seating area in the lounge with comfortable sofas. Free wireless internet and power ports available. There is also a business area with 6 or 7 reliable computers on separate desks, separated by wooden partitions. A huge apron/tarmac view: you can see gates 9 to 16 plus aircraft stands. You can also see aircraft taking off from runway 21 and aircraft taxiing in after landing on runway 3 or 16. It is very nice seeing the bmi plane coming in (usually to gate 10) when arriving from KRT, otherwise it is just parked there overnight. Overall it is an excellent lounge and much much better than the old LAT lounge. More on MEA website."
The bmi website lists all bmi and third-party lounges and access requirements at each of its destinations here:
Bmi lounge directory and access requirements, airport by airport
London Heathrow (LHR) Terminal 1 Star Alliance Lounge
This is the third lounge at LHR T1, after the two bmi lounges (above). It is Star Alliance branded. It is located off the smaller atrium (turn right after main security or immediately left after security if you're coming from the Flight Connection Centre). This is a fully-compliant Star Alliance Gold lounge, including *Gs with UK & Ireland boarding passes. It occupies the site of the former British Airways Euro lounge. Reviews and comments here.
Star Alliance lounge entrance London Heathrow (LHR) Terminal 1
London Heathrow (LHR) Terminal 1 Star Alliance Arrivals Facility
Star Alliance arrivals facility at LHR T1. Pictures courtesy of littlevoices: "Probably wouldn’t bother again, grabbed a bacon sandwich (freshly cooked for me) along with the day’s newspaper and old version of the Economist and I was off. The internet needed a password and the lounge was quiet – nothing special but who’d want to stay at the lounge long once you’ve arrived at your destination!"
Amman (AMM)
Royal Jordanian lounge, full details here and with thanks to antichef:
It is accessible by Royal Jordanian Crown Class passengers and any passengers traveling on first or business class out of or to Queen Alia International Airport. The newly constructed lounge is located on the second floor of the South Terminal and is the second largest lounge in the Middle East, and has many facilities. Such as
* A business center equipped with the latest computers to enable passengers to use Internet.
* An extensive selection of Jordanian and international newspapers and magazines.
* Isolated room for relaxing.
* Hotel-like bedrooms.
* Showers.
* Play room for kids equipped with an LCD screen to enjoy watching cartoon.
* Games room for adults.
* Praying rooms.
* LCD screens are installed in the the main hall of the lounge.
* Some areas are dedicated to individuals who wish to watch their favorite movies.
* A smoking area with air-conditioning and ventilation.
* Food and drinks.
* Library.
Damascus (DAM)
There is one business lounge at DAM, which is shared among the carriers. Accessible passengers (see top link) are given an access voucher at check-in. It is upstairs from the check-in area, just across from the stairs which take you up to Duty Free. Tiny no-smoking area, open-plan (it overlooks a sort of courtyard) and there is an extensive but eccentric range of snacks and drinks available, some of which are chargeable. BD flights are called from the lounge.
Third-party lounge for bmi passengers at Damascus (DAM)
Moscow (DME)
Business class bmi passengers gold and silver diamond club members may use the Transaero (UN) lounge at DME. LX and OS have Star Alliance Gold lounges nearby. According to this page "The CIP lounge of Transaero covering 190 sq.m is located on the ground floor of Gallery 1 of International Flights area (past immigration and customs). Buffet menu is served. Working areas with Internet connection and a smoking room are available." "Transaero lounge is a quiet oasis, albeit with no English language newspapers. Nibbles and drink in good supply though." - Raffles
Baku (GYD)
CIP lounge in the south terminal, located airside near Gate 4. Wide selection of free shrink-wrapped sandwiches, fruit, snacks and salads as well as the usual confectionary and drinks. Two free-to-use computers with fast internet access. Spacious, comfy leather chairs, television. Invitation required from check-in.
Third-party business lounge for bmi passengers at Baku (GYD)
Khartoum (KRT)
Useful information about the lounge from Khartoum Flyer: "There is one Business Lounge in KRT,and is only open to Business pax – Silver or Gold status FF with Economy tickets don’t get in as far as I know. You have to pass through the main lounge, then through security to the departure gates, and look for the little sign saying First Class Passengers that leads you upstairs. Interesting mix of leather chairs and plastic sofas. You get a free coffee or soda, and sometimes cake, but I haven’t seen anything else on offer. There are two workstations that should provide internet access, but they don’t seem to work often. The one TV usually plays whatever the waiters want to watch – B-movies in English, or Arabic music channels. Officially, if you want a smoke you have to go back through security into the main lounge and find the smoking room. Or you can smile nicely at the Business Lounge waiter, and he will usually let you light up in a far corner, behind a screen. Boarding is announced in Arabic and English, but not always clear. There are no monitors, so keep an eye on the time; boarding starts about 45 minutes before departure time."
Update from jbfield: Improvements are on the horizon at KRT.
Yerevan, Armenia (EVN)
Business lounge on upper levels, report here.
Beirut, Lebanon (BEY)
Middle East Airlines Cedar Lounge. Invitation required from check-in. The lounge is on the upper level, straight ahead after passport control.
From BA6501: "Alcohol (no champagne), many different kinds of juices, hot drinks. Food is mainly viennoiseries in the morning (BD906 and BD996 departures) with a small selection of sandwiches. For the BD904 departure (between 12:00 and 13:00), there are many more different kinds of sandwiches along with Lebanese mezze ("bouchées"). Flights are called in the lounge however it is recommended that you leave the lounge before the call because you will need to pass another security checkpoint before having access to gate area. I usually leave the lounge 30-45 minutes before the departure time for BD906 and BD996 departures because the airport is extremely busy at that time, and for the BD904 30 minutes before departure. There is a huge seating area in the lounge with comfortable sofas. Free wireless internet and power ports available. There is also a business area with 6 or 7 reliable computers on separate desks, separated by wooden partitions. A huge apron/tarmac view: you can see gates 9 to 16 plus aircraft stands. You can also see aircraft taking off from runway 21 and aircraft taxiing in after landing on runway 3 or 16. It is very nice seeing the bmi plane coming in (usually to gate 10) when arriving from KRT, otherwise it is just parked there overnight. Overall it is an excellent lounge and much much better than the old LAT lounge. More on MEA website."
Last edited by ajamieson; Nov 28, 2009 at 12:21 am
Sep 20, 2007, 5:52 pm
#10
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: London. Edinburgh, Cornwall
Programs: BA GGL, British Midland Lifetime* Loser
Posts: 7,941
bmibaby (WW)
bmibaby (WW) is the no-frills sister carrier of bmi, formed in 2002 using the leftover fleet of old 737s created when bmi moved to become an all-Airbus carrier. It is NOT a member of the Star Alliance, and there are no plans for it to join, but members of bmi Diamond Club can earn and redeem miles on bmibaby flights based on a special earnings and redemption table. Many routes are seasonal, so timetables and destinations are under constant review. As well as leisure destinations, bmibaby took over some former bmi business-orientated routes such as Notting East Midlands (EMA) to Paris (CDG) and Edinburgh (EDI) to Nottingham East Midlands. Branding is based on a baby theme under the slogan 'the airline with tiny fares' and some aircraft have been re-registered to contain the phrase 'TOY'.
Fleet
About 20 737s, a mixture of 733s and 735s.
Routes
Product
http://www.bmibaby.com/bmibaby/en/index.aspx?p=723
As with most no-frills carriers, there is a charge for all onboard food and drink. bmibaby does allocate seats at check-in but these can also be pre-assigned at booking at a cost of £5 per pax per sector.
Online check-in is available, and you can manage your booking if made online through bmibaby.com
There is no lounge access for Diamond Club or Star Alliance passengers except by prior purchase. Passengers departing Belfast International (BFS) on bmibaby can buy get a discounted entry (£12) into the lounge, details here. At airports where there is a Diamond Club lounge (ie Edinburgh (EDI) and Manchester (MAN)) there have been reports of Diamond Club gold members being allowed access at the discretion of lounge staff.
Baggage policies are detailed here. Passengers may take up to 20kg checked baggage free, every additional 1kg will be charged at £6. Passengers can take up to 7kg hand luggage (no additional laptop allowance due to increased security). A baggage fee is charged for the carriage of each item of checked baggage. The baggage fee may be prepaid at the current discounted internet rate of £4.99/€8.00 per item of baggage/per one way flight when making your reservation online. If you wish to add baggage to your booking at a later date you can do this via the ‘manage your bookings’ section of the website, the call centre or when you arrive at the airport. Please note a £10.00/€16.00 charge per item will apply per one way flight for any bags added by the call centre or at the airport. Each passenger can take a maximum of 5 bags per one way flight that must not exceed a combined weight of 20kgs. All baggage allowances are personal and cannot be combined.
Fleet
About 20 737s, a mixture of 733s and 735s.
Routes
Product
http://www.bmibaby.com/bmibaby/en/index.aspx?p=723
As with most no-frills carriers, there is a charge for all onboard food and drink. bmibaby does allocate seats at check-in but these can also be pre-assigned at booking at a cost of £5 per pax per sector.
Online check-in is available, and you can manage your booking if made online through bmibaby.com
There is no lounge access for Diamond Club or Star Alliance passengers except by prior purchase. Passengers departing Belfast International (BFS) on bmibaby can buy get a discounted entry (£12) into the lounge, details here. At airports where there is a Diamond Club lounge (ie Edinburgh (EDI) and Manchester (MAN)) there have been reports of Diamond Club gold members being allowed access at the discretion of lounge staff.
Baggage policies are detailed here. Passengers may take up to 20kg checked baggage free, every additional 1kg will be charged at £6. Passengers can take up to 7kg hand luggage (no additional laptop allowance due to increased security). A baggage fee is charged for the carriage of each item of checked baggage. The baggage fee may be prepaid at the current discounted internet rate of £4.99/€8.00 per item of baggage/per one way flight when making your reservation online. If you wish to add baggage to your booking at a later date you can do this via the ‘manage your bookings’ section of the website, the call centre or when you arrive at the airport. Please note a £10.00/€16.00 charge per item will apply per one way flight for any bags added by the call centre or at the airport. Each passenger can take a maximum of 5 bags per one way flight that must not exceed a combined weight of 20kgs. All baggage allowances are personal and cannot be combined.
Last edited by ajamieson; Sep 30, 2007 at 4:34 pm
Oct 11, 2007, 12:18 pm
#13
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: London
Programs: BA bronze, Hertz pres circle, Marriott Platinum, hilton diamond
Posts: 2,537
Tell me about these A320s...
So I flew into JER last night, and the C class was nice large fat seats as opposed to the same old Y seats with a curtain behind them that I'm used to seeing. Is this how its going to be from now on or is it just from time to time? I might actually fork out a little extra if thats the case from now on...
-as an aside happened to be at the staff priority security check at T1, dont mind all the legit people using that, but by the time the 3rd Costa coffee employee walked infront of me i was getting a little irritated..
-as an aside happened to be at the staff priority security check at T1, dont mind all the legit people using that, but by the time the 3rd Costa coffee employee walked infront of me i was getting a little irritated..