We recently flew Geneva-LGW and then LGW-MLA (both J). The two experiences differed greatly, even allowing for the different bands.

Arrived at the Geneva BA lounge after a long rail journey and in need of a drink to find an area about the same size as the average LGW holding pen jam packed with people. We got lucky because someone left as we arrived, otherwise would have had to prop up the bar. Not much food - two kinds of rolls and some chocolate brownies while we were there, plus peanuts and olives. Worst of all, there was NO gin. Four lonely bottles were lined up - quite literally with their backs against the wall - whisky, vodka, rum - I forget the 4th, but Gin? Definitely NON. I hijacked a member of staff to ask about it but no, they had no gin - no explanation given.

So, by the time we had boarded I was really looking forward to sitting back with a relaxing G & T. After about 20 mins/half an hour a trolley appeared and a (quite decent) salmon salad was handed out. Then nothing. No drinks. My finger was hovering on the call button when one lone FA started taking drinks orders starting at row one. I was in the final row. By this time most people had finished their salmon. After about 10 minutes she had reached row 2 - things were looking desperate. Then - alleluia, her colleague turned up with the drinks trolley. OK, I know that its a short flight, but why on earth could they not serve the drinks first? I can't be the only one who prefers a drink before/with the meal rather than long after it. As for the lounge, surely BA could do better than this at Geneva, which must get both holiday and business traffic - our plane was full. It is hardly Ulan Bator. As it stands it is not exactly a good advertisement for the brand. Its only plus point was the extremely pleasant and welcoming man on the desk at the entrance.

LGW-MLA - LGW is hardly an outpost, so I usually find this lounge and its offerings pretty decent. On this occasion it was absolutely packed - the waitresses had given up handing out the champagne and just left it on the bar so that people could help themselves. I've never seen it so full in there. On the flight we had drinks (first) and as ever, the service was just that bit sharper - the FA's don't just hand over your chosen drink and move smartly on, you get [I]'is there anything else I can get [/Iyou?' I know its band 4 but I always find that the LGW/MLA service is that much better than other routes. We get dessert AND cheese and someone usually comes round with glossy magazines to choose from. I don't think either of these things happen in club on shorter flights, so it must be a band thing.

So there you are. I haven't done much Club Europe BA travel other than in band 4 and after the latest experience I'm inclined to agree with others that its really not worth the extra for the shorter flights.