Best Ever Flights
Sep 12, 2020, 12:59 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: 16 Miles From ABZ
Programs: BA Silver
Posts: 526
Best Ever Flights
Given what is happening in the world I think it is about time for a bit of nostalia.
Some 21 years ago I had to visit the Orkney Islands every 6 weeks. the return jorney to ABZ on one trip was one never to be forgotten. If I remember correctly the route was run by Loganair under a franchise agreement with BA. On the return leg to ABZ the pilot announced that we had plenty of time and would give us a short tour of the islands before heading south. We headed off westwards over Scapa Flow at a height of about 2000 feet and with the sun shining we could clearly see the silouhettes of the German scuppered fleet in the water below. We then followed the west coast at almost below cliff height to see the Old Man of Hoy before heading back to ABZ.
2 weeks later I was returning to Glasgow with Loganair from Stornoway which I also had to visit every 6 weeks. Once again the pilot said he had time on his hands and because it was dlear blue skies would fly us at lower than normal flights to take advantage of the fantastic scenery. It was clear blue skies and his route took us at lower levels over Torridon before he headed slightly west that took us over the Cuillins of Skye, then across Knoydart before dropping height, over Ben Nevis and then through Glencoe, over Ben Lomond and into Glasgow - alll at low level in clear skies. As an avid hillwalker it was great to see these mountains from a different perspective.
Wonderful and never to be repeated flights.
Some 21 years ago I had to visit the Orkney Islands every 6 weeks. the return jorney to ABZ on one trip was one never to be forgotten. If I remember correctly the route was run by Loganair under a franchise agreement with BA. On the return leg to ABZ the pilot announced that we had plenty of time and would give us a short tour of the islands before heading south. We headed off westwards over Scapa Flow at a height of about 2000 feet and with the sun shining we could clearly see the silouhettes of the German scuppered fleet in the water below. We then followed the west coast at almost below cliff height to see the Old Man of Hoy before heading back to ABZ.
2 weeks later I was returning to Glasgow with Loganair from Stornoway which I also had to visit every 6 weeks. Once again the pilot said he had time on his hands and because it was dlear blue skies would fly us at lower than normal flights to take advantage of the fantastic scenery. It was clear blue skies and his route took us at lower levels over Torridon before he headed slightly west that took us over the Cuillins of Skye, then across Knoydart before dropping height, over Ben Nevis and then through Glencoe, over Ben Lomond and into Glasgow - alll at low level in clear skies. As an avid hillwalker it was great to see these mountains from a different perspective.
Wonderful and never to be repeated flights.
Last edited by charlesrhona; Sep 12, 2020 at 1:21 pm
Sep 12, 2020, 1:57 pm
#2
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Scotland
Programs: BAEC - Silver | Hilton Honors - Gold
Posts: 297
Great Idea
May 2018 LHR > LAX.
Myself and the OH had been booked into WTP for our honeymoon. The morning of the flight we were upgraded to CW, with this both being our first time flying in J.
We had originally been seated in 13 E/F and while it was our first time in J, we knew that middle seats weren’t the best option, so a helpful lounge agent changed us into upper deck 56 J/K on the A380.
On board both being complete novices to flying business, lapped up the experience. The crew were excellent the entire flight.
Mid way through the flight I got up to the galley to get a soft drink. Immediately one of the crew said “This must be your first time flying business?” And I said “yes, why?” To which he said “because only first timers come to the galley”
After heading back to seat drink in hand, two of the crew appeared with a unopened bottle of champagne and card to enjoy on our trip, and a opened bottle for us to both enjoy for the rest of the flight.
It was definitely the best flight I have had, and hands down the best crew
May 2018 LHR > LAX.
Myself and the OH had been booked into WTP for our honeymoon. The morning of the flight we were upgraded to CW, with this both being our first time flying in J.
We had originally been seated in 13 E/F and while it was our first time in J, we knew that middle seats weren’t the best option, so a helpful lounge agent changed us into upper deck 56 J/K on the A380.
On board both being complete novices to flying business, lapped up the experience. The crew were excellent the entire flight.
Mid way through the flight I got up to the galley to get a soft drink. Immediately one of the crew said “This must be your first time flying business?” And I said “yes, why?” To which he said “because only first timers come to the galley”
After heading back to seat drink in hand, two of the crew appeared with a unopened bottle of champagne and card to enjoy on our trip, and a opened bottle for us to both enjoy for the rest of the flight.
It was definitely the best flight I have had, and hands down the best crew
Sep 12, 2020, 2:16 pm
#3
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Krakow
Programs: BAEC Silver, Miles and More(FTL), IHG(Platinum), Accor, HHonors(Diamond), SPG, Hertz Five Star
Posts: 5,920
In 1993, LoganAir became a franchisee of British Airways, operating its Islanders in the British Airways livery. This would stand until July 2008, when it became the new franchisee of Flybe.
Last edited by scottishpoet; Sep 12, 2020 at 2:23 pm
Sep 12, 2020, 2:22 pm
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: 16 Miles From ABZ
Programs: BA Silver
Posts: 526
Great Idea
May 2018 LHR > LAX.
Myself and the OH had been booked into WTP for our honeymoon. The morning of the flight we were upgraded to CW, with this both being our first time flying in J.
We had originally been seated in 13 E/F and while it was our first time in J, we knew that middle seats weren’t the best option, so a helpful lounge agent changed us into upper deck 56 J/K on the A380.
On board both being complete novices to flying business, lapped up the experience. The crew were excellent the entire flight.
Mid way through the flight I got up to the galley to get a soft drink. Immediately one of the crew said “This must be your first time flying business?” And I said “yes, why?” To which he said “because only first timers come to the galley”
After heading back to seat drink in hand, two of the crew appeared with a unopened bottle of champagne and card to enjoy on our trip, and a opened bottle for us to both enjoy for the rest of the flight.
It was definitely the best flight I have had, and hands down the best crew
May 2018 LHR > LAX.
Myself and the OH had been booked into WTP for our honeymoon. The morning of the flight we were upgraded to CW, with this both being our first time flying in J.
We had originally been seated in 13 E/F and while it was our first time in J, we knew that middle seats weren’t the best option, so a helpful lounge agent changed us into upper deck 56 J/K on the A380.
On board both being complete novices to flying business, lapped up the experience. The crew were excellent the entire flight.
Mid way through the flight I got up to the galley to get a soft drink. Immediately one of the crew said “This must be your first time flying business?” And I said “yes, why?” To which he said “because only first timers come to the galley”
After heading back to seat drink in hand, two of the crew appeared with a unopened bottle of champagne and card to enjoy on our trip, and a opened bottle for us to both enjoy for the rest of the flight.
It was definitely the best flight I have had, and hands down the best crew
Sep 12, 2020, 2:26 pm
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: 16 Miles From ABZ
Programs: BA Silver
Posts: 526
So your best ever BA flights were not BA flights, rather Logan air flights?
In 1993, LoganAir became a franchisee of British Airways, operating its Islanders in the British Airways livery. This would stand until July 2008, when it became the new franchisee of Flybe.
In 1993, LoganAir became a franchisee of British Airways, operating its Islanders in the British Airways livery. This would stand until July 2008, when it became the new franchisee of Flybe.
was a Shorts 340.
Sep 12, 2020, 3:29 pm
#6
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: Edinburgh
Programs: BAEC Gold, ITA Volare Executive
Posts: 450
So your best ever BA flights were not BA flights, rather Logan air flights?
In 1993, LoganAir became a franchisee of British Airways, operating its Islanders in the British Airways livery. This would stand until July 2008, when it became the new franchisee of Flybe.
In 1993, LoganAir became a franchisee of British Airways, operating its Islanders in the British Airways livery. This would stand until July 2008, when it became the new franchisee of Flybe.
Sep 12, 2020, 4:14 pm
#8
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: Edinburgh
Programs: BAEC Gold, ITA Volare Executive
Posts: 450
Because this was more than just a codeshare flight, for the OP the plane would have said BA, in fact everything would have probably said BA at the time. Quoting from the Loganair Wikipedia page doesn’t make the OPs experience less of a BA one.
Sep 12, 2020, 5:22 pm
#9
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Krakow
Programs: BAEC Silver, Miles and More(FTL), IHG(Platinum), Accor, HHonors(Diamond), SPG, Hertz Five Star
Posts: 5,920
i agree my post sounded a little "harsh" which is why I added the smiley face
Sorry if I upset anyone, it was said tongue in cheek, I appreciate that does not always come across on a chat forum
Sorry if I upset anyone, it was said tongue in cheek, I appreciate that does not always come across on a chat forum
Sep 12, 2020, 6:01 pm
#10
Join Date: Dec 2016
Programs: Marriott Titanium, IHG Spire Elite, Hilton Gold, United Silver, BA Bronze
Posts: 322
Many will be bewildered why I would pick this as my favourite flight, but here we go.
Just over a year ago we were headed to Cape Town, for our first trip.
We had unable to find Avios availability on the BA direct flight so were booked in J on VS to JNB with a connecting flight to CPT.
With three days to go Avios seats in F came available on the BA flight. With some hasty decision making and a 2 for 1 voucher at hand we switched the flights.
With some research on our best option in Heathrow Terminal 3, we had dinner before departing in the Cathay Pacific lounge, enjoying the first class dining area to ourselves. At the time the Cathay flights were severely disrupted due to the unrest in Hong Kong. The food was the best we have eaten in a lounge.
Although the 747 was ancient, both BA F and flying in the nose was a first for my partner and I. We couldn't secure row 1, but got row 2, which was still a wonderful experience.
Shortly after boarding the Cabin Crew informed us that the basin in the bathroom was out of service and wet wipes would be provided, alongside 10,000 Avios each in compensation. This took the cost of the flight down to 40,000 Avios per passenger, for what - for us - was a minor inconvenience.
Food and service were top notch throughout and we slept soundly through most of the flight. The inflight entertainment system was as ancient as the plane but we barely touched it. When we landed in Cape Town we were refreshed and had the energy, and additional time, on day one to head up Cable Mountain and start exploring the city.
So why my favourite BA flight? After all, this was not a world beating experience and not a patch on the hard product of other airlines I have flown in F and J. Simply because when I consider the trip as a whole it always brings a smile to my face:
1. It represented exceptional value and was an unexpected experience.
2. We were able to fly in the 747 nose. Little did we know that Covid was around the corner and the retirement of these planes would be accelerated, meaning this would be our one and only chance to do so with BA (and likely any other airline).
3. It gave us back time and energy for the first day of the holiday.
That all being said, I suspect anyone who is a frequent flyer in BA F must think I am mad!
Just over a year ago we were headed to Cape Town, for our first trip.
We had unable to find Avios availability on the BA direct flight so were booked in J on VS to JNB with a connecting flight to CPT.
With three days to go Avios seats in F came available on the BA flight. With some hasty decision making and a 2 for 1 voucher at hand we switched the flights.
With some research on our best option in Heathrow Terminal 3, we had dinner before departing in the Cathay Pacific lounge, enjoying the first class dining area to ourselves. At the time the Cathay flights were severely disrupted due to the unrest in Hong Kong. The food was the best we have eaten in a lounge.
Although the 747 was ancient, both BA F and flying in the nose was a first for my partner and I. We couldn't secure row 1, but got row 2, which was still a wonderful experience.
Shortly after boarding the Cabin Crew informed us that the basin in the bathroom was out of service and wet wipes would be provided, alongside 10,000 Avios each in compensation. This took the cost of the flight down to 40,000 Avios per passenger, for what - for us - was a minor inconvenience.
Food and service were top notch throughout and we slept soundly through most of the flight. The inflight entertainment system was as ancient as the plane but we barely touched it. When we landed in Cape Town we were refreshed and had the energy, and additional time, on day one to head up Cable Mountain and start exploring the city.
So why my favourite BA flight? After all, this was not a world beating experience and not a patch on the hard product of other airlines I have flown in F and J. Simply because when I consider the trip as a whole it always brings a smile to my face:
1. It represented exceptional value and was an unexpected experience.
2. We were able to fly in the 747 nose. Little did we know that Covid was around the corner and the retirement of these planes would be accelerated, meaning this would be our one and only chance to do so with BA (and likely any other airline).
3. It gave us back time and energy for the first day of the holiday.
That all being said, I suspect anyone who is a frequent flyer in BA F must think I am mad!
Sep 12, 2020, 9:26 pm
#11
Join Date: Aug 2020
Programs: BA Gold
Posts: 21
I never got to experience the nose -- only the upper deck many times from IAD-LHR and back.
Cape Town really is a treat. Going on the BA 747 directly and waking up in the sunny South African morning must have been amazing.
Cape Town really is a treat. Going on the BA 747 directly and waking up in the sunny South African morning must have been amazing.
Sep 12, 2020, 9:44 pm
#12
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Sonoma
Programs: ex-ExPlat, AA Lifetime Platinum
Posts: 161
my husband (companion at the time) and I were able to secure first class SFO-LHR-JNB-LHR-SFO using Avios...this would be in 2004 for my 60th birthday. had not told anyone at BA that it was a special trip but when we boarded and were escorted to the front of the 747 and welcomed with a bottle of champagne it suddenly became special. on all of the legs of the trip somehow...someone knew about my birthday and we were treated "royally".
Sep 12, 2020, 10:33 pm
#13
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Argentina
Posts: 40,211
I've reported this before on here but as it's been a while and I still remember it clearly I'll post it again.
After a none too successful six days of fishing on the Spey instead of going back to Glasgow by train I bought a ticket to fly back down from INV on a BA Viscount. Soon as the less than half full flight was airborne the pilot came on and said we would be going via ABZ to pick up some passengers as their aircraft had gone sick....noone seem to be bothered on hearing this even though it would add at least 30 minutes to the flight time.
After a pleasant diversion we left the gate at ABZ with a now full flight with the added roughnecks who were obviosly worth far more to BA than us inept salmon fisherman.
As we pushed back and started to taxy the only cabin crew member let out a hysterical shriek. He quickly unfastened his seat belt and ran to secure the door. All a tad exaggerated methinks but maybe not? As it turned out due to the diversion I now had one of the roughnecks in the empty seat next to me and we got chatting. Turned out he was going to Glasgow to catch a flight to the Isle of Man where he lived and I mentioned my sister lived in Douglas. Cut a long story short.....several months later I was on a flight to the IOM from GLA and guess who was sitting next to me on the flight? The very same bloke!! Those oil workers can't half knock back the booze even on a short flight.
After a none too successful six days of fishing on the Spey instead of going back to Glasgow by train I bought a ticket to fly back down from INV on a BA Viscount. Soon as the less than half full flight was airborne the pilot came on and said we would be going via ABZ to pick up some passengers as their aircraft had gone sick....noone seem to be bothered on hearing this even though it would add at least 30 minutes to the flight time.
After a pleasant diversion we left the gate at ABZ with a now full flight with the added roughnecks who were obviosly worth far more to BA than us inept salmon fisherman.
As we pushed back and started to taxy the only cabin crew member let out a hysterical shriek. He quickly unfastened his seat belt and ran to secure the door. All a tad exaggerated methinks but maybe not? As it turned out due to the diversion I now had one of the roughnecks in the empty seat next to me and we got chatting. Turned out he was going to Glasgow to catch a flight to the Isle of Man where he lived and I mentioned my sister lived in Douglas. Cut a long story short.....several months later I was on a flight to the IOM from GLA and guess who was sitting next to me on the flight? The very same bloke!! Those oil workers can't half knock back the booze even on a short flight.
Sep 12, 2020, 10:52 pm
#14
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: San Diego
Programs: Plat Pro AAdvantage, but defected to BAEC
Posts: 1,222
I’m assuming this was on a BA flight as it was about 30+ years ago. I was working in Paris at the time and had come back to London for the company Christmas do. I was scheduled to fly from LCY to CDG on a Monday morning. The plane was a turbo prop and there were only 4 passengers. Some bubbles were offered pre departure and then some more in the air. As I was the only one drinking at that time (I was in my 20s at the time) I was invited to finish the bottle. That resulted in some Dutch courage so I asked the flight attendant if I could sit up front for a little while (was learning to fly at the time). They had a quick word with the captain and they gave me the OK. I got to sit in the jump seat for a little while and had the flight of my life.
Not possible these days.
Not possible these days.
Sep 13, 2020, 12:02 am
#15
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: London
Programs: BA Silver Seigneur des Horaires des Mucci.
Posts: 2,047
Sitting on David Frosts recommended seat on Concorde, the back row by the engines. Itvwas like being in a space craft! Can still remember it accelerating over the River Severn
(2nd choice would be like the OP a Scottish Islands flight, twin otter, landing on the beach at Barra)
Both these trips were on Air Miles!
(3rd choice recognising the Captain’s name, as my old primary school teacher’s Son, on a 747 200 going to Chicago. I mentioned this to the crew and I was invited to sit in the Jump seat for landing at O’Hare! )
(2nd choice would be like the OP a Scottish Islands flight, twin otter, landing on the beach at Barra)
Both these trips were on Air Miles!
(3rd choice recognising the Captain’s name, as my old primary school teacher’s Son, on a 747 200 going to Chicago. I mentioned this to the crew and I was invited to sit in the Jump seat for landing at O’Hare! )
Last edited by allturnleft; Sep 13, 2020 at 12:07 am