So, today was my first time to fly out of Gatwick, after my first attempt back in February 2009 failed, due to a cancelled flight out of OSL.
Anyway, I just flew OSL-LHR//LGW-AMS. After a great flight fro OSL to LHR, with "all the usual" stuff, I took the National Express to Gatwicks North Terminal.
Entered the Terminal, and went two floors up, and arrived right at BA's check in area. First of all, I liked the way it looked: how the counters and the check in machines were placed. I quickly found the Club desk, however there was a passenger being checked in, so I was waved over to the First desk. Bag was tagged, and I was asked if I knew where the lounge was, and then gioven directions. Security was right at the end. It was all much smaller then T5, and that's probably what I liked.
After security, took a quick look around, before i went to the lounge. Not quite the same food-wise as Galleries at T5, but I still found something I liked. The coke tasted about the same.
A little less than one hour before departure, I decided to find the gate. Arrived a bit early, so I sat down and waited, before they opened the gate. We were "boarded" into an small "lounge" - Gate 53, for those of you who frequent Gatwick. Then the "fun" started. After a little waiting, the gate down to the aircraft was opened, and they announced boarding for Club Europe passengers, as well as "Executive Club Gold and Silver, as well as Oneworld Emerald and Sapphire". I don't think I've heard all those "colours" being announced before.
Well on board, the Purser took care of the four of us in CE. During the PA announcement, it was not just the regular "...and also to our Executive Club cardholders" that they add after welcoming everyone on board. This lady sounded like she actually was really happy to have "our frequent flyers" on board. It sounded like she actually meant it
Due to the fact of my size, I might ocasionally struggle to fasten my seatbelt, but as soon as its on, its never uncomfortable. Still, she noticed this, and asked if I needed an extender. I've never had this happen before - on any airline.
Service was great. Small Chicken Ceasar salad, which was ok, and I even managed to finish it before we started out descent
. We did off course get the Poolderbaan - I seriously never imagined it that far away, but when I actually was there, and saw the main control tower in the distance, I realized how far away it was.
All in all, another great BA flight for me today
Oh, and here's the best part, why I really loved the staff at LGW: The BP that I handed over at check in, was from the chack in machine at OSL. They used to have their own, blue machines, that printed "real" BP's, however they have now been replaced by check in machines that serves multiple airlines, which prints these flimsy ones, that you also get from the machines at T5.
After being given my BP, and after tagging my bag, the lady behind the F-counter throws my BP in the trash, and produces a new one - printed on real, thick paper - without me even asking
.