Escaping the cold Scottish summer - Iberia (and some BA) to Valencia and Madrid
Aug 16, 2017, 9:50 am
#17
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Join Date: Apr 2009
Programs: BA Gold, Hilton Honors Diamond, Mucci de buveur de gin
Posts: 3,060
Hahaha not that morning......!
It was lovely nequine
Aug 20, 2017, 4:54 am
#20
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2009
Programs: BA Gold, Hilton Honors Diamond, Mucci de buveur de gin
Posts: 3,060
We started off at a roof top bar that I had read about somewhere which supposedly gave nice views across the city. There was some sort of festival going on in the streets with music playing and loads of people dancing who were all dressed up. It was fun to watch them from above!
The sun was just starting to dip below the horizon while we were at the bar. I ordered an Aperol Spritz - something I hadn't had before.
We had then decided that we would walk down to the City of Arts and Sciences as the sunset views were supposedly great. Spoiler - they were and the buildings are absolutely STUNNING. The architecture is just brilliant. We spent ages walking around enjoying the views and then running for cover when a torrential downpour came out of nowhere! I'll let the pictures tell the story.....
The sun was just starting to dip below the horizon while we were at the bar. I ordered an Aperol Spritz - something I hadn't had before.
We had then decided that we would walk down to the City of Arts and Sciences as the sunset views were supposedly great. Spoiler - they were and the buildings are absolutely STUNNING. The architecture is just brilliant. We spent ages walking around enjoying the views and then running for cover when a torrential downpour came out of nowhere! I'll let the pictures tell the story.....
Aug 24, 2017, 1:48 pm
#23
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2009
Programs: BA Gold, Hilton Honors Diamond, Mucci de buveur de gin
Posts: 3,060
The trek home
We were up relatively early for a Sunday (read: MUCH earlier than I ever get up when I'm in my pit at home) and went to find breakfast somewhere. We avoided the chain looking place and settled on a bar with pavement seating. Decent breakfast. chris1979 had his usual issues trying to get milk for his tea...... You can take the boy out of England but you can't take England out of the boy! HA!
It was slightly overcast today so it wasn't as hot as we were walking around for the hour or so we had free before we had to head back to the hotel. We wandered the streets (no, not in that way.....), saw a few things and then stopped off for one last ice cream before heading back to pack up.
She has an orange on her head with a feather stuck in it!
So...... who would like to try either vodka ice cream, anchovy ice cream, smoked salmon ice cream or black pudding ice cream?! *inserts 42 mask face emojis!!!*
I settled on pistachio with a scoop of Oreo - it was amazing!
We sauntered back to the hotel and I threw the last few bits into my case and said goodbye to the wonderful reception staff. I stood outside enjoying the last 10 mins of sun while C finished packing. We flagged down a taxi relatively easily and made our way to the airport. I stopped off to get a boarding pass for my ABZ flight because the BA app didn't like the fact that my LHR - ABZ flight was booked on an IB codeshare. Yawn...... you'd think that they would have it set up so that it could still give you a boarding pass. Obviously that's too difficult. Much to our dismay, there was no priority security so we joined the line with the masses and got through in just under 15 mins I think. I won't go into details but the security at VLC is VERY lax..... a terrorist could have a field day flying out of VLC. But we will leave that there.....
After walking through the duty free shop, we found the lounge. It's a strange lounge - a wide open space with too few tables to actually fill the floor space. Average drinks selection, OK food selection. The fridge was bare when we arrived but I did notice one of the staff filling it up with sandwiches and wraps a few minutes before we had to leave.
I grabbed a few beers and relaxed for the 45 mins we were in the lounge. We then decided to walk down to the gate where the queue was already massive. C caught the eye of one of the staff and she asked if we were priority ("obv") and she scanned our passes and told us to wait at the side. Boarding was called shortly after and we were first to walk across to our chariot.
I LOVE this CRJ model which hangs from the roof at the boarding gates!
IB8981, VLC - MAD, EC-LJR, CRJ1000
This flight was packed. I don't think that there was a spare seat to be had. We were met with a friendly face - one of the crew who had taken us down on Friday evening. After everyone boarded, we were on our way to MAD and got some great views of Valencia on the way out.
Service started pretty sharpish after we took off. She mentioned some sort of cheese sandwich I think and patatas bravas...... ooh, that sounds nice I thought..... and she then presented me with a patatas bravas sandwich LOL! I was very sceptical but it was actually not as bad as I had feared. We were also offered some nuts along with a drink.
Some great scenery as we made our way west across Spain.
The captain came on and said something about how we would be another 30 mins before we landed in Madrid. This was over half an hour since we had left VLC. Turns out that the runway at Madrid was extremely busy so we had to slow down a bit before we could land. Given that we had only an hour's connection at MAD, it was going to be VERY touch and go whether we would make the connecting flight or not.
Anyway, refills were offered and accepted.
We landed in MAD about 20-25 mins after we should have but it took AGES for the carry on bags to be offloaded which meant we had to stand at the door and wait. Then we realised we had to change terminals. Then we had to get the bus. But it wasn't a separate bus for business passengers so we waited until every man and his dog got on. Then the bus took ages to get to the terminal. Then I lost C. Then we had to wait 10 mins for the train to Terminal 4S. Then we had to run basically the length of the terminal and EVENTUALLY we got to the gate just as they were finishing boarding. PHEW!
Bye CRJ!
IB3166, MAD - LHR, EC-JFX, A346
Hi A346!
Back in my favourite short haul seat.....
Menu cards handed out - I have had the chicken numerous times. I wish they'd change it a bit!
Hi big boy!
We made our way to the runway and, after an extremely long take off roll, we were up.
Service took a while to start but when the trolley got to me, I went for the chicken.
The crew were nice enough. Not overly engaging and just seemed to be going through the motions. You couldn't really fault them though. For the rest of the flight, I listened to music and enjoyed the great views out of the window.
Paging @T8191 - hello Jersey!
The crew came round offering any further drinks so I took another whisky and asked for some nuts. She came back with this..... and I said "Oh, no apple juice, I'm sorry"..... "Sir, this is a big whisky for you!" - JEEEEEEESUS! If Iberia is like this all the time then sign me up!
We landed at Heathrow just on time and I decided to make my way to arrivals and get some fresh air rather than go straight to flight connections. Once I had got some air, I went to BA's new First Wing and was through security in a matter of minutes and back into the FLounge.
I wiled away the few hours I was there sipping on fizz and nibbling on various bits and bobs and then headed down for the Aberdeen flight - the last one of the day.
BA1318, LHR - ABZ, G-EUYI, A320
This was the usual domestic flight in CE that I'm used to now - small chicken salad and drink and then, boom - you are back in Aberdeen. Nice sunset on the way back up though.
I do like that on the longer domestic flights such as Aberdeen (and, presumably, Inverness) the crew normally do a drinks run in CE before handing out the meals. Obviously it will depend on the number of passengers in CE.
So, Valencia was great and I would go back. I think that two nights was probably slightly too short a time to enjoy the city to the full, although saying that, we did managed to cram quite a lot in during our time there. I'd like to go back and see some more of the city of arts and sciences - it looks like great fun. Well, until next time Valencia, gracias!
We were up relatively early for a Sunday (read: MUCH earlier than I ever get up when I'm in my pit at home) and went to find breakfast somewhere. We avoided the chain looking place and settled on a bar with pavement seating. Decent breakfast. chris1979 had his usual issues trying to get milk for his tea...... You can take the boy out of England but you can't take England out of the boy! HA!
It was slightly overcast today so it wasn't as hot as we were walking around for the hour or so we had free before we had to head back to the hotel. We wandered the streets (no, not in that way.....), saw a few things and then stopped off for one last ice cream before heading back to pack up.
She has an orange on her head with a feather stuck in it!
So...... who would like to try either vodka ice cream, anchovy ice cream, smoked salmon ice cream or black pudding ice cream?! *inserts 42 mask face emojis!!!*
I settled on pistachio with a scoop of Oreo - it was amazing!
We sauntered back to the hotel and I threw the last few bits into my case and said goodbye to the wonderful reception staff. I stood outside enjoying the last 10 mins of sun while C finished packing. We flagged down a taxi relatively easily and made our way to the airport. I stopped off to get a boarding pass for my ABZ flight because the BA app didn't like the fact that my LHR - ABZ flight was booked on an IB codeshare. Yawn...... you'd think that they would have it set up so that it could still give you a boarding pass. Obviously that's too difficult. Much to our dismay, there was no priority security so we joined the line with the masses and got through in just under 15 mins I think. I won't go into details but the security at VLC is VERY lax..... a terrorist could have a field day flying out of VLC. But we will leave that there.....
After walking through the duty free shop, we found the lounge. It's a strange lounge - a wide open space with too few tables to actually fill the floor space. Average drinks selection, OK food selection. The fridge was bare when we arrived but I did notice one of the staff filling it up with sandwiches and wraps a few minutes before we had to leave.
I grabbed a few beers and relaxed for the 45 mins we were in the lounge. We then decided to walk down to the gate where the queue was already massive. C caught the eye of one of the staff and she asked if we were priority ("obv") and she scanned our passes and told us to wait at the side. Boarding was called shortly after and we were first to walk across to our chariot.
I LOVE this CRJ model which hangs from the roof at the boarding gates!
IB8981, VLC - MAD, EC-LJR, CRJ1000
This flight was packed. I don't think that there was a spare seat to be had. We were met with a friendly face - one of the crew who had taken us down on Friday evening. After everyone boarded, we were on our way to MAD and got some great views of Valencia on the way out.
Service started pretty sharpish after we took off. She mentioned some sort of cheese sandwich I think and patatas bravas...... ooh, that sounds nice I thought..... and she then presented me with a patatas bravas sandwich LOL! I was very sceptical but it was actually not as bad as I had feared. We were also offered some nuts along with a drink.
Some great scenery as we made our way west across Spain.
The captain came on and said something about how we would be another 30 mins before we landed in Madrid. This was over half an hour since we had left VLC. Turns out that the runway at Madrid was extremely busy so we had to slow down a bit before we could land. Given that we had only an hour's connection at MAD, it was going to be VERY touch and go whether we would make the connecting flight or not.
Anyway, refills were offered and accepted.
We landed in MAD about 20-25 mins after we should have but it took AGES for the carry on bags to be offloaded which meant we had to stand at the door and wait. Then we realised we had to change terminals. Then we had to get the bus. But it wasn't a separate bus for business passengers so we waited until every man and his dog got on. Then the bus took ages to get to the terminal. Then I lost C. Then we had to wait 10 mins for the train to Terminal 4S. Then we had to run basically the length of the terminal and EVENTUALLY we got to the gate just as they were finishing boarding. PHEW!
Bye CRJ!
IB3166, MAD - LHR, EC-JFX, A346
Hi A346!
Back in my favourite short haul seat.....
Menu cards handed out - I have had the chicken numerous times. I wish they'd change it a bit!
Hi big boy!
We made our way to the runway and, after an extremely long take off roll, we were up.
Service took a while to start but when the trolley got to me, I went for the chicken.
The crew were nice enough. Not overly engaging and just seemed to be going through the motions. You couldn't really fault them though. For the rest of the flight, I listened to music and enjoyed the great views out of the window.
Paging @T8191 - hello Jersey!
The crew came round offering any further drinks so I took another whisky and asked for some nuts. She came back with this..... and I said "Oh, no apple juice, I'm sorry"..... "Sir, this is a big whisky for you!" - JEEEEEEESUS! If Iberia is like this all the time then sign me up!
We landed at Heathrow just on time and I decided to make my way to arrivals and get some fresh air rather than go straight to flight connections. Once I had got some air, I went to BA's new First Wing and was through security in a matter of minutes and back into the FLounge.
I wiled away the few hours I was there sipping on fizz and nibbling on various bits and bobs and then headed down for the Aberdeen flight - the last one of the day.
BA1318, LHR - ABZ, G-EUYI, A320
This was the usual domestic flight in CE that I'm used to now - small chicken salad and drink and then, boom - you are back in Aberdeen. Nice sunset on the way back up though.
I do like that on the longer domestic flights such as Aberdeen (and, presumably, Inverness) the crew normally do a drinks run in CE before handing out the meals. Obviously it will depend on the number of passengers in CE.
So, Valencia was great and I would go back. I think that two nights was probably slightly too short a time to enjoy the city to the full, although saying that, we did managed to cram quite a lot in during our time there. I'd like to go back and see some more of the city of arts and sciences - it looks like great fun. Well, until next time Valencia, gracias!
Aug 24, 2017, 1:57 pm
#24
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Aberdeen, Scotland
Programs: BA Bronze, Emirates Silver, Virgin Silver, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 1,399
Great pics from the air especially the one of Jersey!
Bloody hell at the size of the whisky - that's a hell of a big nip! Although after the stress of the connection at Madrid, you probably deserved it!
Great TR from you. Where is the next adventure for you?
Bloody hell at the size of the whisky - that's a hell of a big nip! Although after the stress of the connection at Madrid, you probably deserved it!
Great TR from you. Where is the next adventure for you?
Aug 24, 2017, 2:59 pm
#25
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2009
Programs: BA Gold, Hilton Honors Diamond, Mucci de buveur de gin
Posts: 3,060
Zagreb in November and then Hawaii......
Aug 25, 2017, 4:46 am
#27
Suspended
Join Date: Jul 2017
Posts: 2
Awsome place Madrid.
As im from here, i hope u guys enjoyed your trip!
Anyway, the city center is awsome, but for next time, u should try to visit some of the more outside towns. I live up in the northwest, were is more quiet life style, but close to the city. We have plenty of contryside that allows you to do many activities in nature. The views are spectacular, and we have some building such as the casino of Torrelodones,
For anyone that comes next to Madrid, just give me a heads up and we can maybe met or i can tell you some nice places to go.
Amazing report you did for your trip
As im from here, i hope u guys enjoyed your trip!
Anyway, the city center is awsome, but for next time, u should try to visit some of the more outside towns. I live up in the northwest, were is more quiet life style, but close to the city. We have plenty of contryside that allows you to do many activities in nature. The views are spectacular, and we have some building such as the casino of Torrelodones,
For anyone that comes next to Madrid, just give me a heads up and we can maybe met or i can tell you some nice places to go.
Amazing report you did for your trip
Aug 26, 2017, 7:40 am
#28
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: NYC, WAS, MAD
Programs: Marriott Gold
Posts: 25
I've done the Madrid scramble many times haha. Always crazy connecting at MAD T4. UK bound flights usually always leave from the H concourse, except for the daily A340 service which is the only UK bound that goes from T4S "R-S-U" gates. Always a hike from the AirNostrum gates on the far side of the K gates.
When my friends came in from New York to visit me in Madrid, I told them to expect a 45 minute hike all the way to the "U" gates where the JFK flight departs.
Madrid is amazing - my second home
When my friends came in from New York to visit me in Madrid, I told them to expect a 45 minute hike all the way to the "U" gates where the JFK flight departs.
Madrid is amazing - my second home
Aug 27, 2017, 12:42 pm
#29
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2009
Programs: BA Gold, Hilton Honors Diamond, Mucci de buveur de gin
Posts: 3,060
Awsome place Madrid.
As im from here, i hope u guys enjoyed your trip!
Anyway, the city center is awsome, but for next time, u should try to visit some of the more outside towns. I live up in the northwest, were is more quiet life style, but close to the city. We have plenty of contryside that allows you to do many activities in nature. The views are spectacular, and we have some building such as the casino of Torrelodones,
For anyone that comes next to Madrid, just give me a heads up and we can maybe met or i can tell you some nice places to go.
Amazing report you did for your trip
As im from here, i hope u guys enjoyed your trip!
Anyway, the city center is awsome, but for next time, u should try to visit some of the more outside towns. I live up in the northwest, were is more quiet life style, but close to the city. We have plenty of contryside that allows you to do many activities in nature. The views are spectacular, and we have some building such as the casino of Torrelodones,
For anyone that comes next to Madrid, just give me a heads up and we can maybe met or i can tell you some nice places to go.
Amazing report you did for your trip
I've done the Madrid scramble many times haha. Always crazy connecting at MAD T4. UK bound flights usually always leave from the H concourse, except for the daily A340 service which is the only UK bound that goes from T4S "R-S-U" gates. Always a hike from the AirNostrum gates on the far side of the K gates.
When my friends came in from New York to visit me in Madrid, I told them to expect a 45 minute hike all the way to the "U" gates where the JFK flight departs.
Madrid is amazing - my second home
When my friends came in from New York to visit me in Madrid, I told them to expect a 45 minute hike all the way to the "U" gates where the JFK flight departs.
Madrid is amazing - my second home
Aug 27, 2017, 1:12 pm
#30
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2009
Programs: BA Gold, Hilton Honors Diamond, Mucci de buveur de gin
Posts: 3,060
The next weekend....
I had an Ambassador weekend voucher to use which gave me a free night at an Intercontinental property if I paid for a night myself. I've been to a lot of the IC properties in Europe but never to Madrid. So that was settled. And as my schedule worked out, it was the weekend straight after Valencia. I then booked myself from ABZ - LHR - MAD and back. Of course, I made sure that I was on the A346 coming back!
My flight from Aberdeen to Heathrow was at 7am on the Friday morning so, in wanting as much sleep as possible, I booked myself into the Crowne Plaza at ABZ airport on the Thursday evening. It was actually a nice way to start the holiday - night in a hotel, nice meal and a few drinks before heading upstairs to a comfy bed. Being a Spire Ambassador, they upgraded me to a Club room too which was nice - views over the airport and the runway.
Friday morning came and I was up just before 6. The airport is 5 mins walk from the hotel under a sheltered walkway which was good as it was drizzly in Aberdeen this morning. Straight through security and back to the Northern Lights lounge. I was interested to see what breakfast items they would offer.
Actual tea leaves - impressive!
And wow - a full cooked breakfast! Why couldn't BA have done that in their own lounge is beyond me.
I downed a few double espressos and passed on the food knowing that I would get breakfast on board.
BA1301, ABZ - LHR, G-EUUJ, A320
Bye wet Aberdeen!
Welcomed on board by a nice lady and, once seated, got the Gold "welcome" which is sometimes given. This one was fine - she was at ease and it didn't feel stilted as these things sometimes do.
Hot towels given out as we pushed back.
And then we were off. A bit of chop on the way up but once we were above the clouds, it was fine.
There was the choice of a full English or a vegetarian breakfast this morning. I like my meat so I took the full English which was very tasty.
There was no offer of drinks other than tea and coffee which I thought was slightly strange (not even an offer of juices) so I asked the cabin crew lady for a Buck's Fizz which was promptly delivered - you need to start the holiday off in a good way, right?
We got put in the hold - shock - but it was cool as Heathrow was just off to the left.
And then, as is more often than not, the approach over central London which absolutely NEVER gets old!
And then we were down. Arrived at one of the lower numbered A gates so it wasn't too far to go to flight connections. Before long, I was in the FLounge champagne bar. It always surprises me that more people don't sit down here. It's so quite and away from the hubbub of the body of the lounge. Only gripe is that there are no power sockets......
It was around 10.30am and I decided that I would try one of the gins from the display on the terrace. Strawberry and black pepper tonic is my new fave thing!
Great views....
BA510 / IB3169, LHR - MAD, EC-IJN, A321
After a nice few hours in the lounge, I headed down to the gate and got settled in. All male cabin crew today - two nice guys serving the business class cabin. After a long taxi with a bit of waiting, we were off.
Nice view of Windsor castle.....
Menus were handed out as soon as the seatbelt sign got switched off - it's small things like this which make Iberia just that cut above BA.
The burger hit the spot - very tasty! And I love that you get both dessert and cheese.
The boss guy was VERY good with refills. If I went to the bathroom, I would have a new drink waiting for me when I came back......
Some nice views as we flew over France and then down to Spain.
I love the different coloured water in this shot!
So, another great flight with Iberia. I've said it before and I will say it again: if there is a choice between BA and Iberia to Spain, I will choose Iberia EVERY time. The food is a notch above BA's and, generally, speaking the cabin crew always seem to be great. Landed into a sunny, hot Madrid and was through passport control very quickly and in a taxi on the way to the Intercontinental.
I had an Ambassador weekend voucher to use which gave me a free night at an Intercontinental property if I paid for a night myself. I've been to a lot of the IC properties in Europe but never to Madrid. So that was settled. And as my schedule worked out, it was the weekend straight after Valencia. I then booked myself from ABZ - LHR - MAD and back. Of course, I made sure that I was on the A346 coming back!
My flight from Aberdeen to Heathrow was at 7am on the Friday morning so, in wanting as much sleep as possible, I booked myself into the Crowne Plaza at ABZ airport on the Thursday evening. It was actually a nice way to start the holiday - night in a hotel, nice meal and a few drinks before heading upstairs to a comfy bed. Being a Spire Ambassador, they upgraded me to a Club room too which was nice - views over the airport and the runway.
Friday morning came and I was up just before 6. The airport is 5 mins walk from the hotel under a sheltered walkway which was good as it was drizzly in Aberdeen this morning. Straight through security and back to the Northern Lights lounge. I was interested to see what breakfast items they would offer.
Actual tea leaves - impressive!
And wow - a full cooked breakfast! Why couldn't BA have done that in their own lounge is beyond me.
I downed a few double espressos and passed on the food knowing that I would get breakfast on board.
BA1301, ABZ - LHR, G-EUUJ, A320
Bye wet Aberdeen!
Welcomed on board by a nice lady and, once seated, got the Gold "welcome" which is sometimes given. This one was fine - she was at ease and it didn't feel stilted as these things sometimes do.
Hot towels given out as we pushed back.
And then we were off. A bit of chop on the way up but once we were above the clouds, it was fine.
There was the choice of a full English or a vegetarian breakfast this morning. I like my meat so I took the full English which was very tasty.
There was no offer of drinks other than tea and coffee which I thought was slightly strange (not even an offer of juices) so I asked the cabin crew lady for a Buck's Fizz which was promptly delivered - you need to start the holiday off in a good way, right?
We got put in the hold - shock - but it was cool as Heathrow was just off to the left.
And then, as is more often than not, the approach over central London which absolutely NEVER gets old!
And then we were down. Arrived at one of the lower numbered A gates so it wasn't too far to go to flight connections. Before long, I was in the FLounge champagne bar. It always surprises me that more people don't sit down here. It's so quite and away from the hubbub of the body of the lounge. Only gripe is that there are no power sockets......
It was around 10.30am and I decided that I would try one of the gins from the display on the terrace. Strawberry and black pepper tonic is my new fave thing!
Great views....
BA510 / IB3169, LHR - MAD, EC-IJN, A321
After a nice few hours in the lounge, I headed down to the gate and got settled in. All male cabin crew today - two nice guys serving the business class cabin. After a long taxi with a bit of waiting, we were off.
Nice view of Windsor castle.....
Menus were handed out as soon as the seatbelt sign got switched off - it's small things like this which make Iberia just that cut above BA.
The burger hit the spot - very tasty! And I love that you get both dessert and cheese.
The boss guy was VERY good with refills. If I went to the bathroom, I would have a new drink waiting for me when I came back......
Some nice views as we flew over France and then down to Spain.
I love the different coloured water in this shot!
So, another great flight with Iberia. I've said it before and I will say it again: if there is a choice between BA and Iberia to Spain, I will choose Iberia EVERY time. The food is a notch above BA's and, generally, speaking the cabin crew always seem to be great. Landed into a sunny, hot Madrid and was through passport control very quickly and in a taxi on the way to the Intercontinental.