BA2666
LGW-OPO (Band 2)
November 2024

It was a nostalgic return to BA's A321ceo fleet for the first time since 2019 - and a what a filthy G-EUXF it was to take us down to OPO. This aircraft had clearly not been vacuumed or even received a cursory wipe during its turnaround. CE was configured with 11 rows for this flight but a light load on both this and the return sector (judging by ExpertFlyer) solidified my view that the cleaning crew hadn't even set foot on board. I have never experienced this ex-LHR, which makes me wonder whether BA's cheaper cost base Euroflyer outfit at LGW skimps on what many would consider to be the basics.

After takeoff, drinks from the trolley were offered. Service continued with afternoon tea trays hand run from the galley; both the non-vegetarian and vegetarian options were sampled, and I liked the inclusion of a slice of quiche (even if it was a little cheap tasting) which isn't the case on LHR-catered flights. The ginger cake wasn't to my personal taste, but was fresh. Scones were pre-placed on the tray by the crew and were not warm. Further drinks from the trolley were offered towards the end of the meal service.





Christmas chocolates were offered from a basket with hot drinks.



BA2667
OPO-LGW (Band 2)
December 2024

Quite the delay to start this evening's flight back to LGW, which according to the Captain once onboard was due to OPO's lack of de-icing equipment and them therefore having to wait for ice (which had formed during descent on the inbound sector) to naturally defrost. That's a new one on me.

During his post-takeoff welcome announcement, the Inflight Manager announced that the forward washroom was only for CE passengers; an off-script addition that should very much be the norm! Service commenced in the 7-row CE cabin with a bar service from the trolley, accompanied by packaged mixed nuts.

Dinner options included fennel and herb crusted North Atlantic cod, paneer tikka masala or roasted honey mustard chicken. I mis-heard and thought the chicken was a hot dish, so had to swap it for the curry. Both the curry and the cod were substantial and flavoursome, although the cod was quite overpowered by the lemon. The starter of Mediterranean vegetables and pesto salad was very nice, and I thought the banoffee dessert was quite pleasant too, if on the mushy side.





Further drinks were mostly by request, although the Christmas chocolates did make an appearance at the end of the flight, this time from a tray.