At the risk of being banned for my negative thoughts and comments, as promised my thoughts on the KIN-LGW service.

Check in was fine, no queue at any desks, only a jobsworth in a high vis javket insisitng I stand at the front of the non existent queue, rather than in front of the Club World desk. Formalities completed, through the fast track security, and into the very impressive Kingston Lounge. Preferred it to the Pavillion at Gatwick, nice bar area, more TV's than you could shake a stick at and once boarding was called we were escorted to the front of the queue. Well, almost.

Once at the gate, there were around 7 or 8 wheelchairs, with people unable to get out of the chairs, never mind walk from the end of the finger to their seats. Some of these poor souls had to be levered from their wheelchairs with two or 3 pushing and grunting helpers, trying to move 350-400lbs of dead weight. Each of these invalids took around 5 minutes to board, with the rest of the passengers gathered behind, watching rather embarrasedly, at them losing whatever dignity they may have had. One poor gut had to be shoehorned onto the on board chair, but was too big to go down the aisle. Chaos, and while I have some sympathy for them, the cabin crew became increasingly frustrated that the boarding couldn't begin, eventually asking CW passegners to try and get around them, so we could make a start.

Pre take of Champers, and when asked if I would Like a newsparer I gave my standard witty reply, "not unless you have a Beano or a Dandy". "The Daily Mail is the nearest" was the witty response, but by taxi time, the CC mamber had brought me a kids pack, complete with colouring book, stickers and a few other bits to keep me ammused. Very good, a nice comical touch.

Chap next to me wanted to sleep, so putthe divider up, but the meal service came and the screen was up and down like a guillotine in the Bastille for half an hour or so, much to the chaps disgust.

Starter was great, but the Steak was the ugliest piece of meat I have ever seen, and the consistency of shoe leather, which was a shame, but ate some, and tried to get some sleep.

I am a mere 5'4" but there was NO WAY I could get comfortable on the bed, it was too restrictive in height and width, and managed only fitful sleep until an hour or so before breakfast, not impressed with that at all.

Arrival at LGW was fine, IRIS still working, and bags were delivered quickly enough, priority bags first too !

All in all, acceptable, but certainly nothing to write home about, and not I'm afraid a patch on a good Middle or Far Eastern carrier's service.

Still, up to Bronze, and climbing the ladder !