BA announces biggest Gatwick summer schedule in 10 years
#47
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: MME (midway between NCL and LBA)
Programs: BA Gold, AF/KL Gold, Hilton Gold, Nordic Choice Gold
Posts: 740
The St Pancras/Thameslink route, or any part of the eastern half of the country whose train service goes into Kings Cross. Gatwick is easier than Heathrow for me - train into Kings Cross, cross the road and go down the escalators onto the Thameslink train. For LHR it's either a long tube ride, in less comfort than the Thameslink train, or a tube ride and another connection through Paddington. Even arriving into Liverpool Street I don't see how Heathrow is easier than Gatwick.
Frankly I wish I could use Gatwick more for the lesser hassle of getting to it, but since the terminal move I've found myself flying only on LHR routes.
Frankly I wish I could use Gatwick more for the lesser hassle of getting to it, but since the terminal move I've found myself flying only on LHR routes.
Returning home is less of a problem schedule wise but requires a flexible train ticket if you don't want to build in 4 hours for a potential delay on the plane. An off peak one way flexible ticket is crazy money but a flexible off peak return can be had for 144.10.
So for the 2 of us to go from LGW it requires 288 in train fares versus adding a NCL-LHR leg on BA (which often reduces the price compared to ex-LON) and paying 60 each way LHR-LGW in a taxi. For this I get my connection protected and tier points/avios too. But I don't really want the hassle of the M25 unless the price is too good to be true so for BA I'm really stuck with ex-LHR routes. I guess anyone living between Carlisle and Birmingham or in Northern Scotland has a similar problem.
Let's use some of those Gatwick slots for MAN, NCL and ABZ routes BA!
#48
Moderator, Iberia Airlines, Airport Lounges, and Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Feb 2010
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#50
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Berkhamsted, UK
Programs: EasyJet Flight Club
Posts: 127
POWS - a 'new' 737 to the TItan fleet is going to spend the summer in passenger config before being converted to a frieghter. As ex-DOCT, I wonder if we could see it return home for one last summer?
#51
Join Date: Apr 2012
Programs: BA Executive Club
Posts: 1,014
Titan will be using an A320 on the routes flown on behalf for British Airways. I expect this arrangement will last unless NEO deliveries to LHR allow more A319/A320 to move to Gatwick. Some will move in March to help service the new timetable.
I agree with others that there is more to come given that BA has enough slots for an average 20 more departures per day. At the moment about 8/9 per day have been allocated. I expect their will be some new long haul destinations and some more short haul. As for more domestics who knows! I don't think Newcastle, Belfast and Manchester are viable as connecting flights alone. It would be necessary to encourage regular point to point travellers in sufficient numbers.
I agree with others that there is more to come given that BA has enough slots for an average 20 more departures per day. At the moment about 8/9 per day have been allocated. I expect their will be some new long haul destinations and some more short haul. As for more domestics who knows! I don't think Newcastle, Belfast and Manchester are viable as connecting flights alone. It would be necessary to encourage regular point to point travellers in sufficient numbers.
#52
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 220
When the MAN/LGW shuttle last ran, it was averaging about 65-75 passengers per flight. Only the early departure ex MAN had a sizable load mainly to connect with the Caribbean longhauls. Perhaps a Cityflyer E90 would be viable, but not having a base at either end would complicate that operation.
#53
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#54
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: UK
Programs: BAEC GGL, HHonors Diamond, IHG Uninspired, Marriott Bonvoy Titanium, UK AMEX Plat
Posts: 2,147
My biggest gripe is "premium security". They always seem to insist on feeding 75% non-premium customers in the queue from round the side, which means there's always a wait, always too many trays trying to get through, and importantly always loads of non-regular travellers who don't know + don't listen to the rules. Every time one of my trays is selected for secondary inspection, which means a 20+ minute wait because there's so many waiting to be scanned. Last time, my tray with coat + ipad + laptop had been bumped a lot waiting to get through the x-ray, and my coat had ended up partly covered the ipad. Apparently that was enough to mean it got sent to secondary and a very long wait and a re-scan! In general through, bags which routinely get through all Heathrow terminals (any many other EU airports) without problems are pulled for secondary at Gatwick, and somehow the Gatwick staff make the T5 security staff seem friendly and efficient...
Add in the late opening of the First lounge at LGW, to my ever raised blood pressure when dealing with LGW "premium" security, and you'll see why I pick LHR over LGW when Heathrow is anything up to 50 quid more, and why the other half prefers Heathrow to nearer a hundred quid price difference!
#55
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 8,721
Maybe I'm spoiled by the T5 First Wing experience, but every time I've been through Gatwick South since the move from North, the experience has been anything but decent. (Better than North was with no lounge, mind you, but still a long way off T5/T3)
My biggest gripe is "premium security". They always seem to insist on feeding 75% non-premium customers in the queue from round the side, which means there's always a wait, always too many trays trying to get through, and importantly always loads of non-regular travellers who don't know + don't listen to the rules. Every time one of my trays is selected for secondary inspection, which means a 20+ minute wait because there's so many waiting to be scanned. Last time, my tray with coat + ipad + laptop had been bumped a lot waiting to get through the x-ray, and my coat had ended up partly covered the ipad. Apparently that was enough to mean it got sent to secondary and a very long wait and a re-scan! In general through, bags which routinely get through all Heathrow terminals (any many other EU airports) without problems are pulled for secondary at Gatwick, and somehow the Gatwick staff make the T5 security staff seem friendly and efficient...
My biggest gripe is "premium security". They always seem to insist on feeding 75% non-premium customers in the queue from round the side, which means there's always a wait, always too many trays trying to get through, and importantly always loads of non-regular travellers who don't know + don't listen to the rules. Every time one of my trays is selected for secondary inspection, which means a 20+ minute wait because there's so many waiting to be scanned. Last time, my tray with coat + ipad + laptop had been bumped a lot waiting to get through the x-ray, and my coat had ended up partly covered the ipad. Apparently that was enough to mean it got sent to secondary and a very long wait and a re-scan! In general through, bags which routinely get through all Heathrow terminals (any many other EU airports) without problems are pulled for secondary at Gatwick, and somehow the Gatwick staff make the T5 security staff seem friendly and efficient...
Overall, given the better train options from N1/EC1, LGW definitely beats T5 for me. T3 swings it with the CX lounge though.
#56
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: MME (midway between NCL and LBA)
Programs: BA Gold, AF/KL Gold, Hilton Gold, Nordic Choice Gold
Posts: 740
When the MAN/LGW shuttle last ran, it was averaging about 65-75 passengers per flight. Only the early departure ex MAN had a sizable load mainly to connect with the Caribbean longhauls. Perhaps a Cityflyer E90 would be viable, but not having a base at either end would complicate that operation.
#57
Join Date: Oct 2016
Posts: 698
I have no connection to Monarch and I never even flew with them but reading this thread, I feel like I'm dancing on someone's grave.
I guess BA wanted Monarch's space at LGW and took it using competition etc. That's how the world works.The last few years has seen the number of U.K. competitors decrease a lot for BA (IAG).
I guess BA wanted Monarch's space at LGW and took it using competition etc. That's how the world works.The last few years has seen the number of U.K. competitors decrease a lot for BA (IAG).
#58
Suspended
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,246
I have no connection to Monarch and I never even flew with them but reading this thread, I feel like I'm dancing on someone's grave.
I guess BA wanted Monarch's space at LGW and took it using competition etc. That's how the world works.The last few years has seen the number of U.K. competitors decrease a lot for BA (IAG).
I guess BA wanted Monarch's space at LGW and took it using competition etc. That's how the world works.The last few years has seen the number of U.K. competitors decrease a lot for BA (IAG).
BA let easyJet buy Go-Fly instead of closing it down. BA now competes with easyJet at former Go-Fly bases at STN and BRS.
BA let easyJet buy GB Airways after it was offered first refusal on a deal. BA competes with easyJet.
BA acquired bmibaby and closed it down. Jet2 acquired many bmibaby assets
Last edited by FlyerTalker39574; Jan 5, 2018 at 3:58 pm
#59
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 8,721
If it helps ease your guilt, there are plenty of ex-Monarch folk now gainfully plying their trade at those dastardly remaining airlines.
#60
Join Date: Apr 2012
Programs: BA Executive Club
Posts: 1,014
I am happy to be corrected but I believe there is an agreement with pilots in place that doesn't allow BA City Flyer to operate flights on a regular basis from London Gatwick or London Heathrow.
I also believe that is the reason why BA E190s operate with only 98 seats.
I also believe that is the reason why BA E190s operate with only 98 seats.