I’ve been thinking about writing one of these reports for a while now, and figured my last jaunt home after graduation was worthy of a write up. I hope it isn't terribly boring for you all...

Route: YYZ-ORD-NCL on AA and BA

Sector 1
YYZ-ORD American Airlines AA 1371
Depart: YYZ at 2:32pm ET
Arrive: ORD at 3:15pm CT

I arrived at Toronto Pearson a good 6 hours before my scheduled departure due to a combination of over anxious parents keen to get to the airport, and incredibly light traffic on the expressway (according to our driver).
I approached the business class check-in line (thank you Silver Card) which, like the economy line, was completely deserted. The very pleasant agent asked if I would prefer to take the earlier 2:32 departure as there were plenty of empty seats available. Nice gesture I thought, since I was on a cheap/inflexible ticket. See what reaction you would get from BA if you dared to suggest that. I ditched my parents at the other end of the terminal (they were flying direct to MAN later that evening) and went through immigration and security. I found my way to the Admirals Club (thanks again Silver Card) which was practically deserted. It was quite comfortable, with lots of wood panelling on the walls, and comfortable grey leather chairs, but no windows unfortunately. The desk agents were very friendly, apologising for the lack of bar tender, who was “running a little late today”. They advised me that there was a TGI Fridays on the concourse if I was desperate for something alcoholic. Since I was desperate, and had not been offered a free drink coupon (as I should have entering the club with a BA card), I made my way there. Service was actually quite good, even though they were absolutely packed.

The flight was called at around 2:00pm, and I stepped forward with the group 1 passengers to board, thanks to the big SAPPHIRE printed on my boarding pass (thanks yet again Silver Card- we are getting our money’s worth today aren’t we?) The gate agent was also the lady who had checked me in, and as I stepped forward she wished me a very pleasant flight. Quite different to my prior experiences with AA out of CLE, but that’s aanother story…

This was my first ever flight on the much maligned MD-80, and I was pleased it was only scheduled at 1h49. In fact, it ended up being around 1h05 since for once there was little traffic at ORD. In flight service was typical North American coach standard, with free soft drinks, and a packet of mini pretzels…Could have been worse, could have been a lot better. Honestly, I cannot see why these planes are so hated by the AA crowd. Admittedly, there is no IFE, but then there isn’t on similar length flights on BA in Europe. Also, I found the 2 – 3 seating set up quite comfortable, and the leg room was adequate for the length of flight. I was also spookily quiet at row 7 although I am sure those in row 27 would disagree.

Landing at ORD was hassle free, with a few bumpy bits, and then it was onto the airtrain to International Terminal 5. I enjoy this ride over, as you get a good view along the gates of T5 at the eclectic mix of carriers there. I could see the (delayed) BA295 Service to IAH still sitting at the gate and did mental victory dance that I had picked the earlier 298 flight, as it was likely this delay would affect the outbound 294 service too.

Check-in was quite busy, as the masses were queuing for the BA296 departure at 5:35pm. I stood perhaps four minutes in the Club Check-in line before being called forward to the desk. Officially, I could have used the fast bag drop to pick up my BP, but the line at the club desk was shorter (ok I admit it, I am a complete snob and wanted to step onto that hallowed blue carpet)

I was travelling in WT+ this evening, since I had tried to secure an MFU on the flights, but was only able to secure an upgrade on the inbound sector (thanks to a certain member of the FT board!). This would be my first time “behind the curtain” in over two years, and honestly I wasn’t looking forward to it. The charming agent (Betty) printed my boarding passes for both flights (21J and 1C) and apologised for not being able to get me on the earlier flight. Not a problem said I, I’ll just make full use of the lounge. She grimaced, and said that it was a little “busy” this evening, as all three flights were full to bursting in Club. She was right, it was packed, although thankfully quietened down a little when the 296 departed, allowing me to take charge of the remote for the big screen TV. This is one of the only lounges I have been in where there is such a large TV, and the ability to change the channel to something other than CNN or BBC world. Comedy Central was my choice, until I left to get a drink and someone swiped the remote… Perhaps they weren’t enjoying the MADtv re-runs as much as I was.

I was dozing pleasantly in my chair having enjoyed several G&T’s from the wonderful self-serve bar when my name was called over the PA, along with two other passengers. I walked to the front desk with trepidation, knowing full well what this could mean.
“Ah, Mr. BA1321, you’ve been moved up a few rows, and you’ll need to go in and eat before boarding.” She said, handing me a BP for 12F and an invitation to pre-flight supper. I thanked them profusely, and made my way into the small, but well appointed dining room. I cannot for the life of me remember the menu, other than to say I had a bowl of soup, and the mildly spiced chicken with rice thing that always seems to be there, and some cheese and crackers to follow. The dessert offering was quite poor- chocolate chip cookies I think.

Sector 2
ORD – LHR British Airways BA 298
Departs: ORD T5 at 8:15pm
Arrives: LHR T4 at 10:00am+1day

Boarding was called in the lounge at around 7:45pm, and I wandered to gate M11, almost directly across the concourse. Onto the 777 to be greeted by the crew, and pointed across the galley and down a few rows. I am not a fan of the middle seats in club, but hey, who’s complaining when it’s gratis? I was offered a pre-flight drink (took an orange juice) and then my jacket was taken, along with my BP. Menus and wash bags were handed out before the door was closed (tsk tsk, this is not protocol according to FT ). I was delighted to see the new softer seats had made an appearance (they were on neither of my trips in March) and I found them much more comfortable than the old version. I also think the new blue fan dividers look a lot more classy than the old grubby white ones.
I ignored the menu, and as soon as we had begun to level off I put my seat down and lay down to sleep. 6 uninterrupted hours later, I awoke. Breakfast had begun, and I took a cup of tea and the fruit plate, still not feeling either hungry or fully awake. At this time fast track landing cards were also handed out, and in the half dozen flights I have taken in club this year, that was the first time they have been offered. Immaterial really as I was transferring to NCL, and meet the customs chaps at a different point anyway.

Landing was smooth (15 minutes early) and we taxied straight onto our gate, at possibly the furthest point from the FCC at the end of the Victor Pier. So a long, long, long walk to the transfer busses to get over to T1 for my domestic flight. Upon reaching the flight connections centre I was able to pass through security using the new fast track for BA premium connecting pax. You have to be travelling in Club Europe, Club World or First to take advantage of this, and it is well worth it. I was through security and passport control in a record (for me) 6 minutes. Dare I say it, a true “enhancement”...?

It was quite hot in the terminal, and I was feeling distinctly flustered by the time I crossed the threshold of the domestic terraces in T1. Looking at my watch, I decided there was not time for a shower unfortunately, so I went upstairs in search of juice and sustenance. I think of all the lounges I have visited (ok so not that many in the grand scheme of things) I prefer the T1 domestic the most. It is pretty large, the staff members are always very pleasant, and there are some really good views over one of the runways. I parked myself on one of the loungers by the window and watched the traffic.

All too soon I heard the boarding call for my flight BA1332 to NCL. I should have known by now to take this with a pinch of salt, since they always seem to call it very early, and I end up standing in a huge line at the gate. This morning, however, was no exception  At least I was assured overhead space for my carry-on, which is not always the case if you board late.

Sector 3
LHR – NCL British Airways BA 1332
Departs: LHR T1 at 12:05pm
Arrives: NCL at 1:15pm

The flight up to NCL was the usual domestic fare aboard a quite new looking Airbus A320. Quite comfortable in row 1, crap all day deli, nice G&T (well it was lunchtime by this point!) and a flight time significantly less than the quoted 1h10. Having been on my way for some 19 hours at this point, I started to doze, and got quite a shock when we landed. I hadn’t even heard the gear go down. I was thankful I had no checked luggage to collect today, as NCL baggage handlers are some of the slowest on the planet. Ever seen that Peter Kay sketch about the baggage handlers? It is true life at NCL…

All in all, another great BA experience. One of the crew on the ORD flight was a bit surly, perhaps made even worse by my refusal to be impolite back to him, smiling sweetly all the time, and saying thank you as graciously as I could manage. Return trip NCL-ORD-CLE is on its way shortly…