Originally Posted by CHCflyer (Post 34454244)

I used to use NCL a lot when I lived in Durham. The drive and the unpredictability of the traffic at the Metro Centre meant it was not simply a turn up/take off experience. Pre-bypass days it was a tedious drive through Gateshead. In fact I used to prefer using BMA in the old days from Tees-side. The dwell areas at NCL, most especially the gate areas were horrible. Back when BA had 757s they offered only a tea and coffee service despite the Shuttles offering lavish (for the block time) hot breakfasts (I flew MAN-LHR/LGW almost weekly). I always thought NCL did well to have a lounge (I recall it had a landside, windowless room once) but put it down to the route having a lot of corporate clients that were important to BA.
With fares currently being charged (GBP600 one-way in Club to dampen demand), those who do fly deserve better.

Originally Posted by northeastflyer (Post 34453891)

Where did you get this information from? I really hope so. It's currently truly disgusting service.

Originally Posted by passy777 (Post 34455089)

I live in Durham and have experienced what you describe. I live within walking distance of Durham Rail station and now find it easier to just hop on the train, get the Metro in Newcastle for the Airport directly to the Doubletree.

Due to the now extortionate fees for onsite airport parking, I find this the cheapest option.

Originally Posted by Mater (Post 34471443)

Aspire Plus opens from 1st August. Does anyone know if BA business customers will be able to use Plus and if so, will children be welcome? I know Emirates use Plus and children are welcome for their flight.

Originally Posted by StuMcGrew (Post 34471973)

I doubt it, if KLM and AF never paid to use the Plus BA aren’t going to either. The fact the site has been updated to reopen and only mentions kids in the lounge at Emirates times says to me BA won’t be using it

Originally Posted by northeastflyer (Post 34472032)

Why wouldn't BA use it? Someone (on here I'm sure ) recently said that they'd been told by a lounge employee that BA would be using it soon. We are actually using the plus side currently (in the well documented half ***** way) and have been for some time, so it would be a bit of a bad move to say that you can't use it now it's fully open. That would surely pee BA status and CE regulars off no end. Time will tell.

Originally Posted by northeastflyer (Post 34472032)

Why wouldn't BA use it? Someone (on here I'm sure ) recently said that they'd been told by a lounge employee that BA would be using it soon. We are actually using the plus side currently (in the well documented half ***** way) and have been for some time, so it would be a bit of a bad move to say that you can't use it now it's fully open. That would surely pee BA status and CE regulars off no end. Time will tell.

Originally Posted by G_CIVV (Post 34472154)

In common with other domestic destinations, BA have shown nothing but contempt towards NCL in recent times. From up to 6 daily flights originally, the schedule has been chiselled away so on some days this summer the only survivor is the night stopper.

The current unacceptable lounge provision, which can only be described as a dark and hideous cave, is fairly irrelevant if the NCL schedule remains as grim as it is this summer.

Originally Posted by Mater (Post 34472130)

We travel next Sunday, so I'll report back then. Hopefully we are in there 🤞

Originally Posted by StuMcGrew (Post 34472166)

Which is horrendous behaviour considering the large workforce they have around 10 minutes down the road from the airport.

Originally Posted by northeastflyer (Post 34472290)

While I agree that the lounge provision in its current form is abysmal, I don't think the BA call centre and IT office in the city has any relevance really, in my opinion.