Good CE flight
Jan 2, 23, 4:24 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: London
Programs: Sir Ratechaser Seigneur de la Patience d'un Saint (Mucci), BA Silver, Starbucks Gold
Posts: 2,277
Good CE flight
My name is Ratechaser and I'm a cynical old fart...
There, I've said it, so I'm now on the road to recovery. But seriously, when BA serves up reasons to be cynical with such regularity, it's easy to circle the drain.
Not tonight though. Because I had a genuinely good experience. In CE. AKA, economy's answer to premium travel.
First in line for check in. SZG lounge was compact but big and comfortable enough. Flight away on time. Me in 1F (a lowly silver but got lucky at T-72). A very on the ball CSM that kept us plied with drinks - 3 mini bottles of NF for me (which I've always considered to be a very decent budget champagne).
And on top of that, a really good hot meal (pictured) - think it was trying to be a beef rendang, although a bit runnier, but still tasty. If hot meals for band 2 are now a thing, that's clearly a positive.
Landed early, first off, bags out very quickly (given the lack of actual priority baggage on SH, I have to assume it's luck of the draw, but welcome nonetheless), so we were out of LGW within 30 mins of wheels down, got to be a record.
This spirit of bonhomie may not last, but for now, I'm a happy camper. All for the sake of a 49 POUG.
There, I've said it, so I'm now on the road to recovery. But seriously, when BA serves up reasons to be cynical with such regularity, it's easy to circle the drain.
Not tonight though. Because I had a genuinely good experience. In CE. AKA, economy's answer to premium travel.
First in line for check in. SZG lounge was compact but big and comfortable enough. Flight away on time. Me in 1F (a lowly silver but got lucky at T-72). A very on the ball CSM that kept us plied with drinks - 3 mini bottles of NF for me (which I've always considered to be a very decent budget champagne).
And on top of that, a really good hot meal (pictured) - think it was trying to be a beef rendang, although a bit runnier, but still tasty. If hot meals for band 2 are now a thing, that's clearly a positive.
Landed early, first off, bags out very quickly (given the lack of actual priority baggage on SH, I have to assume it's luck of the draw, but welcome nonetheless), so we were out of LGW within 30 mins of wheels down, got to be a record.
This spirit of bonhomie may not last, but for now, I'm a happy camper. All for the sake of a 49 POUG.
Jan 2, 23, 4:49 pm
#3
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: London
Programs: BA Gold; FB Silver; SPG; IHG Gold
Posts: 2,875
That looks like a decent meal. I have never flown from SZG, but given VIE is 1:50 in the air, and MUC around 1:30, I imagine SZG must be no more than 1:30 as well? Surprised it has a lounge, but for 49 that does indeed look like a good deal!
Jan 2, 23, 4:56 pm
#4
Join Date: Aug 2017
Programs: BAEC
Posts: 445
You are to be commended for reporting a good experience. Those of us who don’t fly much at the moment are tending to get the impression that nothing ever goes well. Perhaps we could have an “it all went so well and I thoroughly recommend BA” thread?
Jan 2, 23, 5:21 pm
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: London
Programs: Sir Ratechaser Seigneur de la Patience d'un Saint (Mucci), BA Silver, Starbucks Gold
Posts: 2,277
As for the lounge itself, it was accessed through a very nondescript white door but once inside it was comfortable and had ok food and drink.
Not so sure I'll be taking up the 149 POUG for my Feb flights to GVA, but at the right price, even I can be persuaded
Jan 3, 23, 12:45 am
#6
Fontaine d'honneur du Flyertalk
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Morbihan, France
Programs: Reine des Muccis de Pucci; Foreign Elitist (according to others)
Posts: 18,624
In 10 years Ive had one coarse and boorish crew member who had probably retired from selling vegetables in Pittsea market. Thats right. One. The menus have been dire but seem to be improving and that person has been singularised by the very pleasant others. Of course, nothing in Club Europe will be good enough for those who werent around when First Class became obsolete in Europe. Nor indeed will it achieve the dizzying heights,of those based in Istanbul and Athens and who charge two to three times more. All of which is not much use to us bound to Portugal or,Spain.
What I do promise is that when I am dissatisfied I will report back here.
Jan 3, 23, 2:41 am
#7
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BKK
Programs: Mucci Chevalier de la Brosse a Cheveux Dore, SK *GfL, BA Gold, WY G, HH DIA, IC Plat Amb., Hertz PC
Posts: 3,233
Angel, I assure you that my attitude is that if its as bad as that then it is time to say Adieu Cruel Airline . Like all good news, its boring. Its far more entertaining to pick on some aspect of the service and melodramatise it. Of all of this solipsistic babble, not being greeted as a Gold and the crew disappeared are the most idiotic. One is solved by using the call bell until someone does come, and the other by getting over oneself.
Jan 3, 23, 3:32 am
#8
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: London
Programs: Sir Ratechaser Seigneur de la Patience d'un Saint (Mucci), BA Silver, Starbucks Gold
Posts: 2,277
Angel, I assure you that my attitude is that if its as bad as that then it is time to say Adieu Cruel Airline . Like all good news, its boring. Its far more entertaining to pick on some aspect of the service and melodramatise it. Of all of this solipsistic babble, not being greeted as a Gold and the crew disappeared are the most idiotic. One is solved by using the call bell until someone does come, and the other by getting over oneself.
In 10 years Ive had one coarse and boorish crew member who had probably retired from selling vegetables in Pittsea market. Thats right. One. The menus have been dire but seem to be improving and that person has been singularised by the very pleasant others. Of course, nothing in Club Europe will be good enough for those who werent around when First Class became obsolete in Europe. Nor indeed will it achieve the dizzying heights,of those based in Istanbul and Athens and who charge two to three times more. All of which is not much use to us bound to Portugal or,Spain.
What I do promise is that when I am dissatisfied I will report back here.
In 10 years Ive had one coarse and boorish crew member who had probably retired from selling vegetables in Pittsea market. Thats right. One. The menus have been dire but seem to be improving and that person has been singularised by the very pleasant others. Of course, nothing in Club Europe will be good enough for those who werent around when First Class became obsolete in Europe. Nor indeed will it achieve the dizzying heights,of those based in Istanbul and Athens and who charge two to three times more. All of which is not much use to us bound to Portugal or,Spain.
What I do promise is that when I am dissatisfied I will report back here.
Jan 3, 23, 3:40 am
#9
Join Date: Oct 2021
Location: London (ne Melbourne)
Programs: Qantas Platinum (Oneworld Emerald)
Posts: 812
That's an excellent price, don't think I've ever seen one that low before.
Agree with this - that's the price I've been seeing, and it's hard to justify when you're Gold/Emerald and already getting most of the additional benefits of CE without flying CE.
Agree with this - that's the price I've been seeing, and it's hard to justify when you're Gold/Emerald and already getting most of the additional benefits of CE without flying CE.
Jan 3, 23, 3:51 am
#10
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Switzerland
Posts: 1,403
I splashed out (well, splashed the Avios) on a CE flight from LHR to BSL mainly as I have no status (wanted the lounge and shower) and had two bags to check-in.
The lounge staff were friendly, the food good (compared to any other European lounge I've been in), I don't drink much but had a glass of bubbly. The flight was excellent. Really fantastic crew and we were looked after very well. I had the beef "carpaccio" (the beef isn't raw) and it hit the spot. It probably wouldn't have filled me up if I hadn't already had pie&mash followed by mince pies in the lounge.
The lounge staff were friendly, the food good (compared to any other European lounge I've been in), I don't drink much but had a glass of bubbly. The flight was excellent. Really fantastic crew and we were looked after very well. I had the beef "carpaccio" (the beef isn't raw) and it hit the spot. It probably wouldn't have filled me up if I hadn't already had pie&mash followed by mince pies in the lounge.
Jan 3, 23, 3:52 am
#11
Fontaine d'honneur du Flyertalk
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Morbihan, France
Programs: Reine des Muccis de Pucci; Foreign Elitist (according to others)
Posts: 18,624
When one sees the way that the upholstery, the carpets, and bulkheads are treated by the Dear Passengers - I treat that as inconsequential - niggles as you say. Those poor aircraft are battered day and night. It has no consequence on the service in general.
Jan 3, 23, 5:54 am
#12
Join Date: May 2016
Location: London
Programs: BA Gold, Accor Gold
Posts: 1,320
I bit on a 109 upgrade offer from PMI to LCY on NYD.
Unfortunately I had the last row of CE which meant by the time the food service reached me I was offered a 'choice' of the finger sandwiches from the way out.
Even the CC was a little embarrassed and advised me to order my meal choice online in future.
Two of the pax were small children, so I assume they don't load catering for them otherwise there'd have been something left for me.
Unfortunately I had the last row of CE which meant by the time the food service reached me I was offered a 'choice' of the finger sandwiches from the way out.
Even the CC was a little embarrassed and advised me to order my meal choice online in future.
Two of the pax were small children, so I assume they don't load catering for them otherwise there'd have been something left for me.
Jan 3, 23, 6:45 am
#14
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: NW London and NW Sydney
Programs: BA Diamond, Hilton Bronze, A3 Diamond, IHG *G
Posts: 6,154
I hadn't flown CE since before covid, but I also had a good CE experience in December despite the plane being almost full. No problems with carry ons (though I always put my backpack under the seat in front unless in exit row), everyone appeared to be happy with their choice of meal, service was quick and FA kept coming back to check the pax were ok, got a few mini bottles, and we even landed on time with no queue at UK immigration.
Best of all it was a "free upgrade" because there was no ET avios availability, the ET price was astronomical, and the CE redemption was quite a bit cheaper (at 1p per avios) than paying for ET at a later, less convenient flight time.
Best of all it was a "free upgrade" because there was no ET avios availability, the ET price was astronomical, and the CE redemption was quite a bit cheaper (at 1p per avios) than paying for ET at a later, less convenient flight time.
Jan 3, 23, 7:08 am
#15
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Cambridgeshire
Programs: Varies
Posts: 1,231
Good to hear.
In December I flew my first CE flights (to ACE and back ) since Covid and everything worked really well. The crews worked their socks off, the food was really good, the airports were efficient and pleasant to use and the lounges at both ends (LGW and ACE) were well worth visiting.
I wasn't sure if this was just a Gatwick thing, so it's good to know LHR CE is also good.
Maybe things are looking up? I'm looking forward to my next trip in February.
In December I flew my first CE flights (to ACE and back ) since Covid and everything worked really well. The crews worked their socks off, the food was really good, the airports were efficient and pleasant to use and the lounges at both ends (LGW and ACE) were well worth visiting.
I wasn't sure if this was just a Gatwick thing, so it's good to know LHR CE is also good.
Maybe things are looking up? I'm looking forward to my next trip in February.
