My last flight on my third act journey to LCY was on BA8486.



When I was checked in and interlined in MEL, I had a boarding pass printed that retained the SQ branding for BA. So it’s certainly amusing to see the BA flight code with “a Star Alliance member”.



The flight was delayed at the gate, and we had a long taxi to the Polderbaan. Taking the bridge over the motorway was certainly intriguing.



The purser was friendly, and I had a vegetarian cheese “muffin” (I didn’t realise they meant English muffin!) and ginger ale. It was fine but I couldn’t help thinking this would have been served for Eurotraveller in years gone by…



The soft drink can was remarkably small, I think just 150ml! It’s good to see BA cutting costs and my waistline.



The landing at LCY was dramatic, as we were flying through a cloud until moments before we touched the runway. The disembarkation was delayed as the stairs were slightly misaligned with the aircraft door - leaving a gap. The ground crew member said to the purser it shouldn’t be a problem, but the purser was skeptical. And after testing they found a foot could indeed go through the gap. So the purser asked for a second opinion, and we very nearly ended up with the rear exit.



In London I saw two plays - Giant and Clueless (a musical). Both were good though the former was much more thought provoking. Last night I had dinner at Noble Rot Lamb's Conduit - fittingly eating lamb.



Now I’m at LHR and waiting for my BA flight to AMS (delayed again). The First lounge at LHR is underwhelming - feels more like a status based lounge like Senator or SAS gold lounges - and in no way worthy of its “first” name. At the entrance the lounge dragon kept telling me “business class is over there” despite my protestations - until she exclaimed “oh emerald”.



My first day of rollercoasters will be on Sunday, and will become increasingly frequent - I apologise for my own delay!