Sep 12, 2018, 5:55 am
Last edit by: EJetter
Club Europe Catering Guide - September 2018 onwards
This thread outlines the new arrangements for Club Europe catering introduced on Wednesday 12 September 2018 based on 5 bands (Express, and Bands 1-4). The main information piece - in terms of timings and the distance zones for the meals can be found in post 1. The following cross references the photos below against the matrix of options. In addition to the photos, some FTers have written extensively on their experiences so there is more to this thread than the pictures. Also note that the menus for LGW routes rotate monthly, whereas LHR routes rotate bi-weekly
Please keep this thread clear for for reviews, menu descriptions, and photos. For chat about the new service arrangements there is a dedicated thread has now been set up for this Club Europe catering opinions and general discussion
Please do not quote photos in this thread.
The previous shorthaul catering guide for Sunday 26 March 2017 to Tuesday 11 September 2018 is now locked, but is to be found here.
Numbers relate to the post number. Vegetarian means the alternative option provided as standard rather than the special meals. The pre-ordered special meals are AVML (Asia-vegetarian), CHML(children meal), DBML (diabetic meal), GFML (gluten free), HNML (Hindu non-vegetarian meal), KSML (Kosher meal), LCML (low calorie meal), LFML (low fat meal), NLML (low-lactose meal), LSML (low salt meal), MOML (Muslim meal), VGML (vegan meal), and VLML (lacto-ovo vegetarian).
There are differences between the offering in/out of LHR, LGW, and BA CityFlyer routes operated from LCY, STN, BRS, BHX, MAN, EDI, and DUB. For BA CityFlyer flights please refer to this guide created by eJetter BA CityFlyer catering guide
Last update: post 1830
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Chef's Chat sheets for:
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Express (LBA, MAN, and JER only. Note JER is classes at express but gets band 1 service)
Breakfast: 176, 289 (KSML), 345 (VLML), 347 (JER), 375, 622, 705, 1063, 1359, 1390 (JER)
Brunch: 813, 987 (AVML), 1066
Lunch: 226, 326, 388 (KSML), 427 (AVML), 553 (KSML), 586, 678, 887, 1014 (JER), 1015, 1128, 1139, 1148 (KSML), 1276, 1351, 1396, 1452, 1456, 1789
Afternoon tea: 103, 176, 643 (LCML), 733, 1038
Dinner: 279, 332 (JER), 359 (AVML), 521, 588, 608, 647, 752, 914, 941, 950, 961, 1006 (KSML), 1014 (JER), 1016, 1026, 1050 (AVML), 1054 (KSML), 1095, 1142 (VLML), 1143 (NLML), 1186 (KSML), 1399 (JER), 1523, 1524 (KSML), 1598
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Band 1 (UK, France, Ireland, BeNeLux, Germany)
Breakfast: 9, 56, 105, 183, 203, 256, 304, 377, 420 (LGW), 445, 452 (VGML), 457 (VGML), 558, 641, 971 (LGW), 1071, 1417, 1424, 1584 (VGML), 1605, 1638, 1748,1758 (LGW), 1810
Brunch: 68, 121, 142, 197, 420, 458, 555, 559, 620 (LCML), 660, 662, 770, 923, 1077 (VGML), 1354, 1410, 1560, 1704, 1747 (LGW), 1755, 1819
Lunch: 16, 142, 147 (VLML), 170 (KSML), 230, 255, 344, 498, 510, 529, 535, 556, 560, 592, 612, 632, 640, 660, 707 (LGW), 713 (KSML), 723, 838, 981 (LGW) (VLML), 1008 (KSML), 1094, 1183 (VGML), 1196, 1222 (VGML), 1223, 1318, 1360, 1461 (VGML), 1475 (LGW), 1539 (LGW) (VLML), 1543, 1709 (LGW), 1778, 1794, 1820 (LGW)
Afternoon tea: 32, 36 (LGW), 71, 90, 104, 123 (LGW), 139 (LCML), 146, 167 (VLML), 207 (KSML), 252, 277, 285, 353 (KSML), 441, 527 (LGW), 557, 739, 783, 831, 907, 976, 1160, 1337 (LGW), 1340, 1343 (VGML), 1382, 1408 (LGW), 1642 (LGW), 1756, 1757, 1804, 1809, 1817
Dinner: 49, 130 (LGW), 142, 642185, 186 (LGW & VLML), 208 (KSML), 225, 225 (LGW), 237, 242, 268, 281, 298, 307 (KSML), 353 (KSML), 367, 436 (AVML), 441, 444, 498, 517 (AVML), 554, 648, 652, 653, 669, 690, 708, 758, 789, 822, 916 (LGW), 917 (LGW), 955 (VGML), 981 (LGW) , 1060, 1070, 1136, 1212 (VGML), 1217, 1218, 1275, 1308 (KSML), 1321, 1358, 1365, 1369, 1529, 1556 (LGW), 1568 (VGML), 1576, 1577, 1617 (LGW), 1638, 1682, 1690, 1703, 1769, 1771, 1778 (VGML), 1788 (VGML), 1812, 1813, 1820 (LGW)
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Band 2 (e.g. Barcelona, Nice, Venice, Prague, Copenhagen)
Breakfast: 8, 269, 309, 329, 400, 576 (KSML), 613, 650 (LGW), 679 (AVML), 914 (AVML), 955 (VGML), 1463, 1655 (LGW)
Brunch: 578, 610, 659, 910
Lunch: 18, 40, 107, 163 (AVML), 235, 421, 431, 504, 578, 614, 760, 894 (VGML), 1243, 1407, 1641 (LGW), 1656 (LGW), 1830
Afternoon tea: 278 (LGW), 306, 362 (KSML), 399, 496 (LGW), 499, 578, 749, 1150, 1191 (AVML), 1204, 1279 (KSML), 1730 (LGW)
Dinner: 155 (AVML), 227, 269, 287, 385, 496 (LGW), 578, 583, 591 (KSML), 593 (LGW), 596 (AVML), 596 (HNML), 794, 875, 910, 925, 937, 940, 982, 1204, 1221 (GFML), 1231 (KSML), 1237, 1238 (AVML), 1720 (LGW), 1774, 1777, 1806, 1830
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Band 3 (e.g. Madrid, Rome, Warsaw, Stockholm)
Breakfast: 57, 171, 418, 507, 631, 677, 762, 956, 1165 (VGML), 1425, 1430, 1443, 1464,1749, 1727, 1749
Rest of the day: 27, 44, 59, 87, 100, 165, 168, 199 (LGW), 200 (LGW), 216, 268, 282, 321 (LGW), 322, 335, 341 (LGW), 343, 350 (LGW), 351 (LGW), 387, 397 (KSML), 398, 400, 419, 429, 435 (AVML), 448 (VGML), 477, 484, 485, 500, 448 (KSML), 551 (LCML), 571 (KSML), 587, 599 (LGW), 619, 649 (KSML), 676, 743 (VLML), 753, 763, 778 (GFML), 780, 803, 806, 816, 854, 880, 882 (LGW), 895, 929, 944, 954, 957, 963, 984, 985, 998 (LFML), 1002, 1017 (LGW), 1035, 1037 (LGW), 1046 (LGW), 1067 (KSML), 1071, 1072, 1074, 1078, 1091, 1097, 1104, 1121, 1126 (LFML), 1127, 1132, 1135, 1145 (KSML), 1151, 1152, 1154 (KSML), 1205, 1220, 1227 (VGML), 1246, 1266, 1269 (LGW), 1272, 1273, 1274, 1323, 1426, 1465 (AVML), 1482, 1504, 1538, 1552, 1561, 1586 (LGW), 1610, 1612, 1620, 1621 (AVML), 1658 (LGW), 1673 (LGW), 1680, 1685, 1687, 1696, 1699 (LGW), 1706, 1718, , 1728, 1731, 1735 (LGW), 1736 (KSML), 1742 (LGW), 1770, 1772, 1773, 1790 (LGW), 1791, 1793, 1796 (LGW), 1805, 1828, 1829
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Band 4 (e.g. Malta, Sofia, Kiev, Istanbul)
Breakfast: 159, 223, 440, 483, 661, 795, 796, 878 (AVML), 898 (LGW), 919 (KSML), 1226
Rest of the day: 61 (LGW), 63 (LGW), 83, 122 (LGW), 129 (LGW), 191 (LGW), 233, 244, 255, 264, 342, 349, 618 (CHML) (LGW), 624, 661, 730 (LGW), 797, 798, 835 (LGW), 836 (LGW), 863 (LGW), 893, 896 (LGW), 897 (LGW), 911 (LGW), 942, 986, 1047, 1141 (CHML), 1149, 1226, 1250 (LGW), 1252 (LGW), 1263, 1277 (LGW), 1280, 1314 (LGW), 1366, 1371, 1450, 1469, 1474, 1484 (LGW), 1497, 1505, 1516, 1520, 1522, 1648, 1661 (LGW), 1662 (LGW), 1681 (LGW), 1722 (LGW) (VGML), 1746 (LGW) (VGML), 1786, 1787, 1811 (LGW)
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This thread outlines the new arrangements for Club Europe catering introduced on Wednesday 12 September 2018 based on 5 bands (Express, and Bands 1-4). The main information piece - in terms of timings and the distance zones for the meals can be found in post 1. The following cross references the photos below against the matrix of options. In addition to the photos, some FTers have written extensively on their experiences so there is more to this thread than the pictures. Also note that the menus for LGW routes rotate monthly, whereas LHR routes rotate bi-weekly
Please keep this thread clear for for reviews, menu descriptions, and photos. For chat about the new service arrangements there is a dedicated thread has now been set up for this Club Europe catering opinions and general discussion
Please do not quote photos in this thread.
The previous shorthaul catering guide for Sunday 26 March 2017 to Tuesday 11 September 2018 is now locked, but is to be found here.
Numbers relate to the post number. Vegetarian means the alternative option provided as standard rather than the special meals. The pre-ordered special meals are AVML (Asia-vegetarian), CHML(children meal), DBML (diabetic meal), GFML (gluten free), HNML (Hindu non-vegetarian meal), KSML (Kosher meal), LCML (low calorie meal), LFML (low fat meal), NLML (low-lactose meal), LSML (low salt meal), MOML (Muslim meal), VGML (vegan meal), and VLML (lacto-ovo vegetarian).
There are differences between the offering in/out of LHR, LGW, and BA CityFlyer routes operated from LCY, STN, BRS, BHX, MAN, EDI, and DUB. For BA CityFlyer flights please refer to this guide created by eJetter BA CityFlyer catering guide
Last update: post 1830
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chef's Chat sheets for:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Express (LBA, MAN, and JER only. Note JER is classes at express but gets band 1 service)
Breakfast: 176, 289 (KSML), 345 (VLML), 347 (JER), 375, 622, 705, 1063, 1359, 1390 (JER)
Brunch: 813, 987 (AVML), 1066
Lunch: 226, 326, 388 (KSML), 427 (AVML), 553 (KSML), 586, 678, 887, 1014 (JER), 1015, 1128, 1139, 1148 (KSML), 1276, 1351, 1396, 1452, 1456, 1789
Afternoon tea: 103, 176, 643 (LCML), 733, 1038
Dinner: 279, 332 (JER), 359 (AVML), 521, 588, 608, 647, 752, 914, 941, 950, 961, 1006 (KSML), 1014 (JER), 1016, 1026, 1050 (AVML), 1054 (KSML), 1095, 1142 (VLML), 1143 (NLML), 1186 (KSML), 1399 (JER), 1523, 1524 (KSML), 1598
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Band 1 (UK, France, Ireland, BeNeLux, Germany)
Breakfast: 9, 56, 105, 183, 203, 256, 304, 377, 420 (LGW), 445, 452 (VGML), 457 (VGML), 558, 641, 971 (LGW), 1071, 1417, 1424, 1584 (VGML), 1605, 1638, 1748,1758 (LGW), 1810
Brunch: 68, 121, 142, 197, 420, 458, 555, 559, 620 (LCML), 660, 662, 770, 923, 1077 (VGML), 1354, 1410, 1560, 1704, 1747 (LGW), 1755, 1819
Lunch: 16, 142, 147 (VLML), 170 (KSML), 230, 255, 344, 498, 510, 529, 535, 556, 560, 592, 612, 632, 640, 660, 707 (LGW), 713 (KSML), 723, 838, 981 (LGW) (VLML), 1008 (KSML), 1094, 1183 (VGML), 1196, 1222 (VGML), 1223, 1318, 1360, 1461 (VGML), 1475 (LGW), 1539 (LGW) (VLML), 1543, 1709 (LGW), 1778, 1794, 1820 (LGW)
Afternoon tea: 32, 36 (LGW), 71, 90, 104, 123 (LGW), 139 (LCML), 146, 167 (VLML), 207 (KSML), 252, 277, 285, 353 (KSML), 441, 527 (LGW), 557, 739, 783, 831, 907, 976, 1160, 1337 (LGW), 1340, 1343 (VGML), 1382, 1408 (LGW), 1642 (LGW), 1756, 1757, 1804, 1809, 1817
Dinner: 49, 130 (LGW), 142, 642185, 186 (LGW & VLML), 208 (KSML), 225, 225 (LGW), 237, 242, 268, 281, 298, 307 (KSML), 353 (KSML), 367, 436 (AVML), 441, 444, 498, 517 (AVML), 554, 648, 652, 653, 669, 690, 708, 758, 789, 822, 916 (LGW), 917 (LGW), 955 (VGML), 981 (LGW) , 1060, 1070, 1136, 1212 (VGML), 1217, 1218, 1275, 1308 (KSML), 1321, 1358, 1365, 1369, 1529, 1556 (LGW), 1568 (VGML), 1576, 1577, 1617 (LGW), 1638, 1682, 1690, 1703, 1769, 1771, 1778 (VGML), 1788 (VGML), 1812, 1813, 1820 (LGW)
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Band 2 (e.g. Barcelona, Nice, Venice, Prague, Copenhagen)
Breakfast: 8, 269, 309, 329, 400, 576 (KSML), 613, 650 (LGW), 679 (AVML), 914 (AVML), 955 (VGML), 1463, 1655 (LGW)
Brunch: 578, 610, 659, 910
Lunch: 18, 40, 107, 163 (AVML), 235, 421, 431, 504, 578, 614, 760, 894 (VGML), 1243, 1407, 1641 (LGW), 1656 (LGW), 1830
Afternoon tea: 278 (LGW), 306, 362 (KSML), 399, 496 (LGW), 499, 578, 749, 1150, 1191 (AVML), 1204, 1279 (KSML), 1730 (LGW)
Dinner: 155 (AVML), 227, 269, 287, 385, 496 (LGW), 578, 583, 591 (KSML), 593 (LGW), 596 (AVML), 596 (HNML), 794, 875, 910, 925, 937, 940, 982, 1204, 1221 (GFML), 1231 (KSML), 1237, 1238 (AVML), 1720 (LGW), 1774, 1777, 1806, 1830
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Band 3 (e.g. Madrid, Rome, Warsaw, Stockholm)
Breakfast: 57, 171, 418, 507, 631, 677, 762, 956, 1165 (VGML), 1425, 1430, 1443, 1464,1749, 1727, 1749
Rest of the day: 27, 44, 59, 87, 100, 165, 168, 199 (LGW), 200 (LGW), 216, 268, 282, 321 (LGW), 322, 335, 341 (LGW), 343, 350 (LGW), 351 (LGW), 387, 397 (KSML), 398, 400, 419, 429, 435 (AVML), 448 (VGML), 477, 484, 485, 500, 448 (KSML), 551 (LCML), 571 (KSML), 587, 599 (LGW), 619, 649 (KSML), 676, 743 (VLML), 753, 763, 778 (GFML), 780, 803, 806, 816, 854, 880, 882 (LGW), 895, 929, 944, 954, 957, 963, 984, 985, 998 (LFML), 1002, 1017 (LGW), 1035, 1037 (LGW), 1046 (LGW), 1067 (KSML), 1071, 1072, 1074, 1078, 1091, 1097, 1104, 1121, 1126 (LFML), 1127, 1132, 1135, 1145 (KSML), 1151, 1152, 1154 (KSML), 1205, 1220, 1227 (VGML), 1246, 1266, 1269 (LGW), 1272, 1273, 1274, 1323, 1426, 1465 (AVML), 1482, 1504, 1538, 1552, 1561, 1586 (LGW), 1610, 1612, 1620, 1621 (AVML), 1658 (LGW), 1673 (LGW), 1680, 1685, 1687, 1696, 1699 (LGW), 1706, 1718, , 1728, 1731, 1735 (LGW), 1736 (KSML), 1742 (LGW), 1770, 1772, 1773, 1790 (LGW), 1791, 1793, 1796 (LGW), 1805, 1828, 1829
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Band 4 (e.g. Malta, Sofia, Kiev, Istanbul)
Breakfast: 159, 223, 440, 483, 661, 795, 796, 878 (AVML), 898 (LGW), 919 (KSML), 1226
Rest of the day: 61 (LGW), 63 (LGW), 83, 122 (LGW), 129 (LGW), 191 (LGW), 233, 244, 255, 264, 342, 349, 618 (CHML) (LGW), 624, 661, 730 (LGW), 797, 798, 835 (LGW), 836 (LGW), 863 (LGW), 893, 896 (LGW), 897 (LGW), 911 (LGW), 942, 986, 1047, 1141 (CHML), 1149, 1226, 1250 (LGW), 1252 (LGW), 1263, 1277 (LGW), 1280, 1314 (LGW), 1366, 1371, 1450, 1469, 1474, 1484 (LGW), 1497, 1505, 1516, 1520, 1522, 1648, 1661 (LGW), 1662 (LGW), 1681 (LGW), 1722 (LGW) (VGML), 1746 (LGW) (VGML), 1786, 1787, 1811 (LGW)
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Club Europe catering | menus, reviews and photos
Oct 25, 2019, 5:10 am
#1306
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: UK - Hampshire & London
Programs: Mucci de Guardian des Celliers des Grands Crus 1e Classé, plus BAEC.
Posts: 2,734
Personal choice depending on your love of cheap carbs, but Ploughman's for me. The LHR version is better quality than its LGW sibling.
I have tried pretty much every SPML in an attempt to avoid sandwiches for afternoon tea flights, the result being an ever more depressing succession of sandwiches. The nadir was reached with AVML afternoon tea, and I have now given up. If I have to fly band 2 during these times in CE (and I will avoid wherever possible), it's Ploughman's or I won't bother eating.
I have tried pretty much every SPML in an attempt to avoid sandwiches for afternoon tea flights, the result being an ever more depressing succession of sandwiches. The nadir was reached with AVML afternoon tea, and I have now given up. If I have to fly band 2 during these times in CE (and I will avoid wherever possible), it's Ploughman's or I won't bother eating.
I know this moan has been done to death, but while the current 1400-1700 offering is fine for CDG or AMS, it really is subpar for the long two hour band 2 routes.
Oct 25, 2019, 6:08 am
#1307
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: London, UK
Programs: BAEC Gold
Posts: 1,020
Hilarious MAD-LHR in Club flight this week. 14 rows (!) on the 321 and a 1.35hr (!) flight time. We were in the exit row 10 and received our meal just as the we started the decent, no choice only roast lamb avail...lots of grumbling. Trays still being collected and crew running up and the done the aisle as the gear came down..row 14 only had about 5 mins with their meal before it was taken away. Crew appeared to have no idea the flight was shorter than normal due to very strong winds yet the captain had made an announcement in Madrid - just seemed sloppy and unprofessional. Worth an email for no meal choice?
- I have no complaints about the crew themselves though. They have all been good. Sometimes there is a drinks run first, sometimes not. Sometimes you get the bag of nuts, sometimes not. I’ve had my meal served almost immediately about 15 mins after take off, other times waited over 1 hour (in the same row, so not due to cabin size). Huge variation on service completion times too. I had one of those 1hr 35min flights last week, and service very prompt (~12 rows A321) and completed everyone with about 1 hour left in the flight. Other times it seems unbearably slow.
I have no idea what causes the vastly different timings. Or why sometimes there is a drinks run first and other times not on the same route.
Oct 26, 2019, 2:03 am
#1308
Ambassador, British Airways; FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Leeds, UK
Programs: BA GGL/CCR, GfL, HH Diamond
Posts: 42,970
BLL-LHR, 25 October 2019, BA807, 2155d
Band 1 dinner KSML
To be honest, it was a bit too much. I didn't finish it.
Band 1 dinner KSML
To be honest, it was a bit too much. I didn't finish it.
Oct 26, 2019, 2:12 am
#1309
FlyerTalk Evangelist, Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Somewhere between 0 and 13,000 metres high
Programs: AF/KL Life Plat, BA GGL+GfL, ALL Plat, Hilton Diam, Marriott Gold, blablablah, etc
Posts: 30,541
I have tried pretty much every SPML in an attempt to avoid sandwiches for afternoon tea flights, the result being an ever more depressing succession of sandwiches. The nadir was reached with AVML afternoon tea, and I have now given up. If I have to fly band 2 during these times in CE (and I will avoid wherever possible), it's Ploughman's or I won't bother eating.
It is a very grim meal indeed and if BA are really insistent on not improving it, then I'd love for them to offer the option to refuse any meal on MMB and get £10 back.
Oct 26, 2019, 2:52 am
#1310
Fontaine d'honneur du Flyertalk
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Morbihan, France
Programs: Reine des Muccis de Pucci; Foreign Elitist (according to others)
Posts: 19,179
I'm afraid that it is down to the crew in general and the Purser/CSM in particular. They should always offer drinks before the meal on a Band 3 (which this is - although it is one of the shortest Band 3s). I think that it is the call of the Lead Crew member how the service should run if they think that it is not possible to go "by the book". I fly ALC a lot and it varies the same as you describe. Most are really slick - but there are one or two who are utterly disorganised. I have only had one horror and I gather that he has left anyway.
Oct 26, 2019, 3:32 am
#1311
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 3,595
I don't think that's the case. Depending upon the cabin size and the crew compliment for the particular flight, I am under the impression is an approved service standard for drinks to be served with the meal or with a single trolley that immediately follows the meal service.
Oct 26, 2019, 3:53 am
#1312
Fontaine d'honneur du Flyertalk
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Morbihan, France
Programs: Reine des Muccis de Pucci; Foreign Elitist (according to others)
Posts: 19,179
I don't think that's the case. Depending upon the cabin size and the crew compliment for the particular flight, I am under the impression is an approved service standard for drinks to be served with the meal or with a single trolley that immediately follows the meal service.
Oct 26, 2019, 6:36 am
#1313
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: UK
Programs: BA, U2+, SK, AF/KL, IHG, Hilton, others gathering dust...
Posts: 2,552
Same here. I find it really annoying that BA never change the ploughmans (always the exact same) and do not offer at least a salad option. I too have tried every possible SPML (which are in fact only three types, KSML, Gluten free and almost all over with slight variations), all of which made of ever more disgusting sandwiches. I avoid carb (tough) and even if I made exceptions, the sandwiches in the main afternoon tea have significantly declined in quality compared to the original small effort and are pretty much back to the pre-change very poor afternoon tea plus the scones.
It is a very grim meal indeed and if BA are really insistent on not improving it, then I'd love for them to offer the option to refuse any meal on MMB and get £10 back.
It is a very grim meal indeed and if BA are really insistent on not improving it, then I'd love for them to offer the option to refuse any meal on MMB and get £10 back.
Oct 26, 2019, 8:53 am
#1314
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Essex. UK
Programs: BAEC Gold: HHonors Diamond; Accor Silver
Posts: 98
CTA-LGW. 25 Oct 2019 BA2529 1225
Excellent service on this flight. 12 rows of CE. Full pre meal drinks service with nuts, lots of top ups, plenty of time, lots of chat and didn’t feel rushed. Good flight (we won’t mention the pre flight airport experience though!)
Oct 26, 2019, 4:23 pm
#1315
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 3,595
Unless this has changed recently, this was in the Chef's Notes which lays out the different band meal service delivery. Band 3 and 4 were always drinks first - the last time that I flew Band 3 (FCO-LHR) that was still the case. However, I will ask next week when I fly from VLC just tom make sure that I am not talking nonsense.
Then again I'm yet to experience a Club cabin greater than 8 rows to/from LGW so I don't know if it happens that often there, however I experienced 8 band 3/4 sectors to/from LHR this summer 6 of which extended to 10+ rows and all of those served the meal from a double cart with drinks from a single cart following up behind. These were all on NEO's and CEO's .... and one on a 777 which isn't really demographic of a standard Club Europe service IMO 😊
Last edited by 1Aturnleft; Oct 26, 2019 at 4:47 pm
Oct 26, 2019, 4:39 pm
#1316
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 648
This was also the offering from Sofia (Band 3?) with the addition of some cheese. The single prawn and single slice of smoked salmon was not quite enough, especially as it took an hour and a half to start the meal service with the CSM taking the whole cabin's orders first....
Oct 26, 2019, 11:28 pm
#1317
FlyerTalk Evangelist, Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Somewhere between 0 and 13,000 metres high
Programs: AF/KL Life Plat, BA GGL+GfL, ALL Plat, Hilton Diam, Marriott Gold, blablablah, etc
Posts: 30,541
Fairly recently I believe - when the NEO's came online and the CEO's were densified. Less galley space at the back because of space flex galley/toilet setup means BoB is often loaded at the front and in turn can result in galley carnage orchestrating both services out of the galley at 1R. With a large Club load (10+ rows) and BoB carts to setup and get out the way before the Club service can begin, I can easily imagine the meal tray eventually only being delivered to the final rows at top of descent on some shorter band 3-4 routes if they go out with drinks before the meal. Gatwick is always a law into itself to a greater degree with non standard cabins and galleys. ALC is one of my regular routes too and the service often veers off plan considerably from hand served trays and poured drinks from the galley to prioritising meal choices according to status - all of which are nice enough touches which I don't really mind but none of these are standard service in Club Europe and can give a false impression of what a passenger might expect on their next flight where they may not happen.
Then again I'm yet to experience a Club cabin greater than 8 rows to/from LGW so I don't know if it happens that often there, however I experienced 8 band 3/4 sectors to/from LHR this summer 6 of which extended to 10+ rows and all of those served the meal from a double cart with drinks from a single cart following up behind. These were all on NEO's and CEO's .... and one on a 777 which isn't really demographic of a standard Club Europe service IMO 😊
Then again I'm yet to experience a Club cabin greater than 8 rows to/from LGW so I don't know if it happens that often there, however I experienced 8 band 3/4 sectors to/from LHR this summer 6 of which extended to 10+ rows and all of those served the meal from a double cart with drinks from a single cart following up behind. These were all on NEO's and CEO's .... and one on a 777 which isn't really demographic of a standard Club Europe service IMO 😊
Oct 27, 2019, 1:25 am
#1318
Moderator: British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Scotland & London
Programs: BA GGL, IHG Diamond Ambassador, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, Mucci des Salons Ouvrants
Posts: 3,032
This was lunch on LHR-EDI yesterday. A half of a cherry tomato and a few sprinkles of Parmesan does not really constitute a salad - starter or not! The dessert was delicious though.
Aks120
Aks120
Last edited by aks120; Oct 27, 2019 at 6:47 am
Oct 27, 2019, 3:53 am
#1319
FlyerTalk Evangelist, Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Somewhere between 0 and 13,000 metres high
Programs: AF/KL Life Plat, BA GGL+GfL, ALL Plat, Hilton Diam, Marriott Gold, blablablah, etc
Posts: 30,541
I think that this is completely fine for a 40 minutes airtime trip to Leeds or Manchester, but when it is served as dinner on the longer band 2 flights or indeed on a 4 hour band 4 if you happen to be sat in the last rows of C and there is no other choice left, it can feel rather laughable. Incidentally, in my view, this one is one of the better quality/tasting options of late for those cold meals.
Oct 27, 2019, 4:01 am
#1320
Join Date: Feb 2005
Programs: EL AL Matmid, BA Executive Club GfL, GGL/CCR, Hilton Diamond, Avis President's Club
Posts: 2,085
After a very busy day with no lunch it has been most welcome, and has saved me the cost of eating at a restaurant on arrival in London. So at least in my case I would not say it is too much!