Originally Posted by
Oxon Flyer
Anyone who tracks the previous flights of their aircraft should have noticed that BA has recently lengthened SH turnaround times, particularly at LHR. Performance improvement has been funded by decreased aircraft utilisation. You would hope that someone has done the sums to show this is net positive for the airline and customers.
Was your ‘departed’ flight doors closed, tug attached and all checks complete and ready to go ?
AFAIK yes. Captain had come on the tannoy shortly before 11:00 to say we are ready to go, just waiting for a slot to taxi. Then there was a further announcement (IIRC some 15 mins later) to say there was a delay. I sat in my seat and read my book. It was not until about 11:50 that I checked and the BA Flight Status page said it had departed at 11:04.
Now you and I will understand some of the technicalities of what ‘departed’ can mean. But if I was an ordinary person I would be very confused at the message from BA about the status of my flight!
PS Actual takeoff was a few minutes after midday, maybe 12:07.