herethere

jfallesen

If he was complaining about the behaviour of a few people on board BA490 on Saturday, I may be able to understand him. Some people were rather loud as the alchohol levels increased and I did feel sorry for the probably about five passengers on board who were not part of our group. :-)

flyuk

Data point from me: My flight was Ł0 after redeeming a goodwill voucher, but my BAEC Gold card was most definitely not Ł0

On a more serious note, the staff in CX F were exceptionally good and coping well. I even noticed the lounge "matron" speaking to individual high profile customers, making sure they were ok. Furthermore, the restaurant staff were asking if people were happy to share tables in the dining area and respecting those who didn't.

I was sober, and didn't see people "spread out all over the place" and there were seats available in F throughout my whole stay there. Food was also always available, and the alcohol was topped up as soon as anyone asked for it. The only thing that did happen in J and then F was that they ran out of champagne flutes, but didn't hesitate to give wine glasses out instead.

Incidentally, most people moved to J on Saturday morning after about an hour, even those who were perfectly entitled to use CX F.

onobond

Having spent 2+ hours in CX F lounge, late Saturday morning, I can second every detail @flyuk has stated. There were seats available in all parts of the F lounge, although there seemed to some short waiting for seats in the restaurant at times. Empty bottles were soon replaced by the attentive staff, who actually were expressing their happiness over being able to serve more guests than usual.

florens

Now sat at LHR waiting for our flight home. Thanks everybody for a great weekend away.

nufnuf77

teledude

Oh dear haha

madfish

Review of the BAFT 'Mini' do to GIB

Well, that was certainly an adventure. What started out as a quiet weekend away for @KARFA was soon overrun with some 75 other FTers who never knew they had such a burning desire to visit the rocky outcrop.

I won't go into all the details, but there were some early adventures who made good their escape on Friday and were there to great those arriving on the early Saturday flight.The early flight seemed to go off without too many difficulties (despite some having a late night in the HGI the night before) and it seems that the intrepid explorers were able to make their way from the various T3 lounges to the aircraft. Those on the later flight, including a select group who had traveled down on the early morning MAN departure were soon exploring the lounges with many going from CX,to QF and then BA.

I can't comment too much on the specifics of the early flight, or for the experience in CE, as I was doing penitence in ET. However, the group one queue for the 490 was impressive and we were boarded more or less on time for scheduled departure. However, somebody was missing. The Captain. Apparently our original one had had a mishap with a carving knife. Perhaps he knew something we didn't. A replacement was soon on board and it was announced that we needed de-iceing. Apparently the previous flight had come from that well known cold place known as BCN. Anyway, we didn't appear to be de-iced (unless they did something whilst we were at the gate?) and we were able to pushback, eventually being airborne around an hour late.

Service in ET was somewhat lacking. It seemed to take quite a while and the cabin crew (2) didn't seem the most organised or friendly of pairs. Apparently they were better down the front. As we approach GIB we were placed in a hold. Interesting to have to hold for an airport that had only 4 scheduled inbound flights that day. After a couple of circuits we made our first approach. It was clearly very bumpy and it was clear to those on board that we were going to abort the landing. A second approach was made but again this was aborted and we were on out way to AGP. The diversionary flight was also quiet bumpy. Although we did get an announcement from the flightdeck, I was surprised that the CSM didn't mention anything at all. Landing at a bus gate a AGP, the arrangements were shambolic. Nobody knew what to do or where to go. It did feel a little like we had been abandoned. Eventually we made our way to GIB via buses (or a small number who had made their own way.)

Once through the border we made our way to various restaurants and hotels, and subsequent bars. I can confirm that some shots were purchased, as well as a virtually full pint glass of wine! GIB is very cheap for alcohol. Some of the group did continue to enjoy the hospitality until late, and I suspect only made it to bed shortly before others were getting up for the day.

It soon became clear that there were going to be issues with the return BA493 (dep 1515) as it returned to gate after lining up to take off from LHR. A replacement was summoned, and it eventually left over 3 hours late. Indeed the later 490 left before it and had even turned around in GIB before the early flight had arrived. What was meant to be a 1515 departure eventually turned into being airborne at 1853. Service in ET was much better. GIB airport is a really nice, friendly place. It some size for an airport that has so few flights. The lounge was pleasant but the experience was let down by the derisory duty of care offered by BA. A meagre Ł5 voucher for those in ET.

Where AGP was a disaster, a word of praise for BA for those missing connecting flights at LHR. Vouchers and information was handed out on arrival and this provided clear advice and instructions to those impacted. Although I declined the offered hotel and arranged something with BA which would allow easier access in the morning to my new flight back to MAN.

All in all it was a good trip. Lots of friendships were rekindled and many more new ones established. Sorry if i didn't speak to you (you dodged a bullet there!)

Until the next one (and there will be a next one!) thanks to all those who attended, and I hope you all enjoyed. For those who didn't attend, you will need to make sure you are there for the next one!!!

rockflyertalk

florens

Innocent Abroad

Great report! I'M up and running again but it seems my flu saved me from the AGP trip and more importantly an overnight in LHR

snaxmuppet

Thanks for the review. It all made me realise what fun I missed... and I mean that in an un-sarcastic way I genuinely wished I were with you. I will try to be there at the next one for sure.

Did anyone use the badges?

madfish

bhbloke

Yes, they were handed out on Saturday evening before the departure to various eateries.

Very useful for a first timer like me, so thanks very much for organising those, and it was a shame you couldn't be there.

CaroFos

Can we PLEASE book the next one? I'm voting LUX but happy with wherever!