First time BF to Man
Feb 9, 2004 | 1:26 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 45
First time BF to Man
I'm travelling on an award ticket in BF from EWR-Man tomorrow. I've never flown this route in BF before. Anyone have any insight as to what i can expect? Alwaysmilehungry had a post similar to this about BF to Hawaii. I'm going to Europe, will there be a difference?
Feb 9, 2004 | 1:47 pm
#2
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Potomac Falls, VA
Programs: AA Plat 2MM, MR Gold, Avis Pref
Posts: 41,109
I took this route twice in November in BF
Its a 757 with 16 BF seats. BF was relatively empty on both legs, I had the seat next to me free on both legs. Since this is a 757 there are NOT any power ports for your computer on board and for my needs this was a very disappointing aspect of the flight especially westbound. Eastbound I slept all night but it was a good sleep.
Dont change money at BHX, I didn't have any GBP and got taken to the cleaners changing cash at BHX.
Arrival at BHX was relatively smooth, they let us (BF) off the plane first so we went through customs first. I was the last of the BF customers as you de-plane behind the BF seats and on all legs as I had the bulkhead seats. The airport (BHX) area we arrived in was pretty much vacant. On the return, arrival at EWR for my connection to a flight at IAD was tough. I had two hours and barely made my flight all because of customs. It was the total OJ sprint through the airport to make it to my connection. The first time was due to an unruly pax in Y where the cops had to come on board and we couldn't get off until the cops interviewed everyone in BF.. why I don't know since the incident was in like the 3rd row of Y. The 2nd time at EWR, we deplaned timely but customs just was just out and out slow.
Meals and amenity kit were standard BF, I don't watch movies so I couldn't tell you much about them.
The meals that I remembered the most were the sundae's mmmmm and the FAs were totally cool on the first flight westbound and she gave me two sundaes (like I need them) and the 2nd westbound they were ok.. nothing bad, nothing exceptional to report.
oh yeah, they ask for your business cards, three of them.. and give you two back in the form of neat laminated CO BF luggage tags, they keep the third so that they can spam you later I presume.
Its a 757 with 16 BF seats. BF was relatively empty on both legs, I had the seat next to me free on both legs. Since this is a 757 there are NOT any power ports for your computer on board and for my needs this was a very disappointing aspect of the flight especially westbound. Eastbound I slept all night but it was a good sleep.
Dont change money at BHX, I didn't have any GBP and got taken to the cleaners changing cash at BHX.
Arrival at BHX was relatively smooth, they let us (BF) off the plane first so we went through customs first. I was the last of the BF customers as you de-plane behind the BF seats and on all legs as I had the bulkhead seats. The airport (BHX) area we arrived in was pretty much vacant. On the return, arrival at EWR for my connection to a flight at IAD was tough. I had two hours and barely made my flight all because of customs. It was the total OJ sprint through the airport to make it to my connection. The first time was due to an unruly pax in Y where the cops had to come on board and we couldn't get off until the cops interviewed everyone in BF.. why I don't know since the incident was in like the 3rd row of Y. The 2nd time at EWR, we deplaned timely but customs just was just out and out slow.
Meals and amenity kit were standard BF, I don't watch movies so I couldn't tell you much about them.
The meals that I remembered the most were the sundae's mmmmm and the FAs were totally cool on the first flight westbound and she gave me two sundaes (like I need them) and the 2nd westbound they were ok.. nothing bad, nothing exceptional to report.
oh yeah, they ask for your business cards, three of them.. and give you two back in the form of neat laminated CO BF luggage tags, they keep the third so that they can spam you later I presume.
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by skowser:
I'm travelling on an award ticket in BF from EWR-Man tomorrow. I've never flown this route in BF before. Anyone have any insight as to what i can expect? Alwaysmilehungry had a post similar to this about BF to Hawaii. I'm going to Europe, will there be a difference?</font>
I'm travelling on an award ticket in BF from EWR-Man tomorrow. I've never flown this route in BF before. Anyone have any insight as to what i can expect? Alwaysmilehungry had a post similar to this about BF to Hawaii. I'm going to Europe, will there be a difference?</font>
Feb 9, 2004 | 1:51 pm
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 45
My itinerary says the equipment is a 767-400ER??? Not a 757.
Feb 9, 2004 | 2:23 pm
#4
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 4,330
Manchester England is serviced by a 767. There are power ports. You get an amenity kit.
Quoted below is a trip report I wrote a while back about this exact flight.
[This message has been edited by prncess674 (edited Feb 09, 2004).]
Quoted below is a trip report I wrote a while back about this exact flight.
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">MAN EWR CO21 Business First
I arrived at the airport about 8:45am for a 10:50am departure for EWR. It was a beautiful cool spring morning in Manchester.
I headed for the business class check in line. There was a couple in front of me who were apparently checking every worldly possession they owned that morning. It took several minutes for the agent to check them in. The economy check in line was not that long either. The agent was friendly and moved efficiently. He asked if I had any business cards to spare, so they could make me a set of luggage tags. I obliged and handed over two business cards. I have seen people with BF luggage tags but had never been offered any. I was given my boarding passes and a certificate for entrance to the lounge. I didnt need the certificate since I am a Presidents Club member and a Diners Club cardholder. Continental uses the Servisair lounge in MAN. I took the certificate since it had a map to the club on the back.
Security was a breeze. In fact it was almost too much of a breeze. I took my laptop out of my backpack and the security agent looked surprised by that. It was about 9:10 so I headed to the lounge to check out the Servisair lounge.
The lounge is up a flight of stairs. The restrooms are outside of the lounge and are shared by all the lounges on this floor. The bathroom were carpeted, even in the stalls. I found this to be very unsanitary. What if a toilet overflowed onto the carpet! I handed the desk clerk my certificate and headed in to the right. There were several groupings of chairs with small cocktail tables scattered about. Food consisted of packages of assorted cookies, bags of potato chips, nuts, and a toaster with bread and assorted spreads. The liquid libations were plentiful. A full selection of bottled beers, Coke, Diet Coke, bottled water, orange juice were all in the fridge. A full self-serve bar was also set up. Since it was early I decided I should probably not start drinking. I settled in and decided I would check my email so I could answer it while on the plane. The phones are not free for use in the lounge, even for local calls. I wonder how much the call cost me. I will post that later. The lounge was very ho hum. There were no windows other than some windows that looked down on to the concourse. There were 2 small TVs, and not a lot of telephones.
About 9:50am, I decided to head down to the gate since the posted boarding time was 10:00am. They began boarding right on time. There were 2 boarding lines, one said BF and elites and the other said economy customers. I really liked this approach. It was very clear and this way you didnt have to jump over the Clampetts who dont know that there row hasnt been called yet. I hung back just a second so as not to be the first in line and be checked.
After I had my passport and ticket checked I headed down the jet bridge. There was a gentleman there who asked me to step aside. Oh well, I guess you cant avoid it all the time. This was the quickest security search I have ever had. I sat my backpack on the table and started to take off my coat. The agent said it wasnt necessary that she could search me without taking it off. She had no wand and just did a manual pat down. She did a very quick and lousy search through my bag. She didnt open up half of the little bags I had inside the big bag. I was back on my way in less than 4 minutes. I really thought that Europe was supposed to have much better security than us. I guess I was wrong.
I boarded and took my seat 3A. Menus and amenity kits were passed out promptly. Drink orders were also taken. I passed on the drinks since I had just had bottled water in the lounge. The trolley was wheeled around with newspapers and magazines. They didnt have any American newspapers, so I passed on the paper as well.
We were about 10 minutes late departing because we were looking for a passenger who had checked in but wasnt on the plane. They never said if he made it, but we took off shortly there after.
After take off it was pretty typical. Hot towels were passed out along with the linen tablecloths. Drinks were offered with warm nuts. I ordered a Diet 7up. The cutlery was all plastic, but it was a nice heavy quality.
The trolley was wheeled around again for the appetizers. Water glasses were also passed out at this time. Choices were
Appetizers
Shrimp and hot smoked peppered salmon
accompanied by mustard dill sauce
Prosciutto with melon
I chose the shrimp and salmon. It was nothing special, so I didnt eat it all and decided to save room for the main course.
Next came the salads, which were brought out two at a time on a silver tray
Salad
A contemporary blend of lollo rosso, iceberg and butter lettuce
with watercress, tomato, red onion rings, stuffed green olive,
sliced radish and red and yellow bell pepper julienne
Offered with your choice of Cabernet Sauvignon vinaigrette
or Parmesan peppercorn dressing
Freshly baked bread
And assorted rolls with butter
Even though the menu said these choices, we were only given the choice of the Parmesan or a mustard dressing. I later found out that this was the last time I would be offered bread. I would have liked another roll with dinner but the FA never offered me a second. I supposed I could have asked for another with my meal but the flight attendant had a bit of an attitude.
Salad plates were cleared and the main courses were served.
Main Courses
The Chefs Selection
Poached fillet of Asian-style salmon glazed with pepper and ginger
served on a bed of soba noodles with grilled shrimp,
complemented by coriander lemon grass sauce
Asian-style vegetables. Seared baby leeks.
Breast of Guinea Fowl
Accented by Leffe beer sauce, served with a rice medley
Sauted mixed mushroom, zucchini and bell peppers
Veal
Veal medallion with a vegetable crust
Accompanied by sauted shiitake and champignon mushrooms,
Buttered sugar snap peas, zucchini and carrot batons
Red and yellow bell peppers Fine green beans
Green asparagus spears Saffron Rice
Pasta Bowl
Vegetable lasagna enhanced by tomato sauce
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese will be offered with your pasta
I chose the veal, which was very ho hum. The veal seemed a bit overcooked but was okay. The only other thing on the same plate were the mushrooms and rice. The rice was so bland. It had no spices or seasoning. The other vegetables were served in a side dish. They looked terribly over cooked and bland. When the FA brought my meal, I had two empty glasses on my tray and nothing else to drink and she didnt offer me anything more to drink so I had to flag her down for another drink. I was never offered any wine. All I ate was the veal and save room for dessert.
The trolleys were out again for the fruit and cheese service.
Fruit and Cheese
Select European cheeses
Accompanied by fresh seasonal fruit, assorted cheese crackers and rolls,
Served with Port wine
I passed on the cheese service. Since my favorite part of BF was coming. The sundaes! Cheese trays were picked up and the trolley was out again for the desserts
Dessert Cart
Featuring vanilla ice cream offered with you choice of toppings
or a tempting warm fruit dessert topped with vanilla ice cream
Freshly brewed Timothys Custom Roasted Italian Blend Gourmet Coffee
Timothys Verona Blend Decaf Coffee
Selection of teas with a choice of milk or lemon Hot Chocolate
Enjoy a cup of freshly brewed Timothys Italian blend Espresso or Cappuccino
available exclusively in BusinessFirst on our 777 and 767 aircraft.
Since I now mentioned the sundaes at least three times, you can bet that I got the sundae! This literally was the best part of the meal. Overall, I was really disappointed with the meal on this flight. I have had much better on a domestic flight. The dishes and place mats were cleared away. Bottled waters were passed out.
I took out my laptop to start on my trip report. I tried plugging in my laptop into the empower port and it didnt work. I was starting to feel claustrophobic at this point. My laptop had very little juice left. The two seats in front of me were in the full recline position and the lady on the aisle next to me was in the relaxed position with the foot rest out. Since the plug didnt work at my seat I used this as my excuse to move out. There was a center seat open. I had always heard that people didnt like these seats, BF on a 767 is configured 2-1-2, but decided to give it a try. I really like this seat. You are free to exit from either side and FA pass on both sides, so you have more of a chance in catching one if needed since they pass on both side of you.
I took a walk to the mid cabin galley to check out the sky snacks. Choices were raisins, Russell Stover pecan and caramel chocolates, and cheese nips.
Just about at the half way point of our flight the FA came around with the silver tray again. She had freshly baked chocolate chip cookies with pecans and cold milk. I had a cookie and milk. They were very tasty.
Since I was now thoroughly stuffed, I decided a walk through the plane was in order. The back of the plane was really full. I maybe saw 10 open seats in the back of the plane. There were about 5 empty BF seats.
The flight was uneventful till the pre arrival snack.
Refreshment
Will be offered prior to arrival
Fresh seasonal fruit
Scones with clotted cream
accompanied by strawberry preserves
Freshly brewed Timothys Custom Roasted Italian Blend Gourmet Coffee
Timothys Verona Blend Decaf Coffee
Selection of teas with a choice of milk or lemon Hot Chocolate
The scone was really good. I sometimes decline the pre arrival snack since I am usually so full from the meal. The rest of the food was lack luster so I decided to try the scone. I was glad I did. It was really tasty.
We landed on time. The line to clear customs was quick and efficient. I picked up my luggage with no problems and rechecked it to my final destination.
I had a couple of hours to kill prior to my departure, so I headed to the Presidents Club to juice up my phone since I hadnt recharged in the UK. I met a very pleasant older couple who chatted with me for just about my entire layover.
</font>
I arrived at the airport about 8:45am for a 10:50am departure for EWR. It was a beautiful cool spring morning in Manchester.
I headed for the business class check in line. There was a couple in front of me who were apparently checking every worldly possession they owned that morning. It took several minutes for the agent to check them in. The economy check in line was not that long either. The agent was friendly and moved efficiently. He asked if I had any business cards to spare, so they could make me a set of luggage tags. I obliged and handed over two business cards. I have seen people with BF luggage tags but had never been offered any. I was given my boarding passes and a certificate for entrance to the lounge. I didnt need the certificate since I am a Presidents Club member and a Diners Club cardholder. Continental uses the Servisair lounge in MAN. I took the certificate since it had a map to the club on the back.
Security was a breeze. In fact it was almost too much of a breeze. I took my laptop out of my backpack and the security agent looked surprised by that. It was about 9:10 so I headed to the lounge to check out the Servisair lounge.
The lounge is up a flight of stairs. The restrooms are outside of the lounge and are shared by all the lounges on this floor. The bathroom were carpeted, even in the stalls. I found this to be very unsanitary. What if a toilet overflowed onto the carpet! I handed the desk clerk my certificate and headed in to the right. There were several groupings of chairs with small cocktail tables scattered about. Food consisted of packages of assorted cookies, bags of potato chips, nuts, and a toaster with bread and assorted spreads. The liquid libations were plentiful. A full selection of bottled beers, Coke, Diet Coke, bottled water, orange juice were all in the fridge. A full self-serve bar was also set up. Since it was early I decided I should probably not start drinking. I settled in and decided I would check my email so I could answer it while on the plane. The phones are not free for use in the lounge, even for local calls. I wonder how much the call cost me. I will post that later. The lounge was very ho hum. There were no windows other than some windows that looked down on to the concourse. There were 2 small TVs, and not a lot of telephones.
About 9:50am, I decided to head down to the gate since the posted boarding time was 10:00am. They began boarding right on time. There were 2 boarding lines, one said BF and elites and the other said economy customers. I really liked this approach. It was very clear and this way you didnt have to jump over the Clampetts who dont know that there row hasnt been called yet. I hung back just a second so as not to be the first in line and be checked.
After I had my passport and ticket checked I headed down the jet bridge. There was a gentleman there who asked me to step aside. Oh well, I guess you cant avoid it all the time. This was the quickest security search I have ever had. I sat my backpack on the table and started to take off my coat. The agent said it wasnt necessary that she could search me without taking it off. She had no wand and just did a manual pat down. She did a very quick and lousy search through my bag. She didnt open up half of the little bags I had inside the big bag. I was back on my way in less than 4 minutes. I really thought that Europe was supposed to have much better security than us. I guess I was wrong.
I boarded and took my seat 3A. Menus and amenity kits were passed out promptly. Drink orders were also taken. I passed on the drinks since I had just had bottled water in the lounge. The trolley was wheeled around with newspapers and magazines. They didnt have any American newspapers, so I passed on the paper as well.
We were about 10 minutes late departing because we were looking for a passenger who had checked in but wasnt on the plane. They never said if he made it, but we took off shortly there after.
After take off it was pretty typical. Hot towels were passed out along with the linen tablecloths. Drinks were offered with warm nuts. I ordered a Diet 7up. The cutlery was all plastic, but it was a nice heavy quality.
The trolley was wheeled around again for the appetizers. Water glasses were also passed out at this time. Choices were
Appetizers
Shrimp and hot smoked peppered salmon
accompanied by mustard dill sauce
Prosciutto with melon
I chose the shrimp and salmon. It was nothing special, so I didnt eat it all and decided to save room for the main course.
Next came the salads, which were brought out two at a time on a silver tray
Salad
A contemporary blend of lollo rosso, iceberg and butter lettuce
with watercress, tomato, red onion rings, stuffed green olive,
sliced radish and red and yellow bell pepper julienne
Offered with your choice of Cabernet Sauvignon vinaigrette
or Parmesan peppercorn dressing
Freshly baked bread
And assorted rolls with butter
Even though the menu said these choices, we were only given the choice of the Parmesan or a mustard dressing. I later found out that this was the last time I would be offered bread. I would have liked another roll with dinner but the FA never offered me a second. I supposed I could have asked for another with my meal but the flight attendant had a bit of an attitude.
Salad plates were cleared and the main courses were served.
Main Courses
The Chefs Selection
Poached fillet of Asian-style salmon glazed with pepper and ginger
served on a bed of soba noodles with grilled shrimp,
complemented by coriander lemon grass sauce
Asian-style vegetables. Seared baby leeks.
Breast of Guinea Fowl
Accented by Leffe beer sauce, served with a rice medley
Sauted mixed mushroom, zucchini and bell peppers
Veal
Veal medallion with a vegetable crust
Accompanied by sauted shiitake and champignon mushrooms,
Buttered sugar snap peas, zucchini and carrot batons
Red and yellow bell peppers Fine green beans
Green asparagus spears Saffron Rice
Pasta Bowl
Vegetable lasagna enhanced by tomato sauce
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese will be offered with your pasta
I chose the veal, which was very ho hum. The veal seemed a bit overcooked but was okay. The only other thing on the same plate were the mushrooms and rice. The rice was so bland. It had no spices or seasoning. The other vegetables were served in a side dish. They looked terribly over cooked and bland. When the FA brought my meal, I had two empty glasses on my tray and nothing else to drink and she didnt offer me anything more to drink so I had to flag her down for another drink. I was never offered any wine. All I ate was the veal and save room for dessert.
The trolleys were out again for the fruit and cheese service.
Fruit and Cheese
Select European cheeses
Accompanied by fresh seasonal fruit, assorted cheese crackers and rolls,
Served with Port wine
I passed on the cheese service. Since my favorite part of BF was coming. The sundaes! Cheese trays were picked up and the trolley was out again for the desserts
Dessert Cart
Featuring vanilla ice cream offered with you choice of toppings
or a tempting warm fruit dessert topped with vanilla ice cream
Freshly brewed Timothys Custom Roasted Italian Blend Gourmet Coffee
Timothys Verona Blend Decaf Coffee
Selection of teas with a choice of milk or lemon Hot Chocolate
Enjoy a cup of freshly brewed Timothys Italian blend Espresso or Cappuccino
available exclusively in BusinessFirst on our 777 and 767 aircraft.
Since I now mentioned the sundaes at least three times, you can bet that I got the sundae! This literally was the best part of the meal. Overall, I was really disappointed with the meal on this flight. I have had much better on a domestic flight. The dishes and place mats were cleared away. Bottled waters were passed out.
I took out my laptop to start on my trip report. I tried plugging in my laptop into the empower port and it didnt work. I was starting to feel claustrophobic at this point. My laptop had very little juice left. The two seats in front of me were in the full recline position and the lady on the aisle next to me was in the relaxed position with the foot rest out. Since the plug didnt work at my seat I used this as my excuse to move out. There was a center seat open. I had always heard that people didnt like these seats, BF on a 767 is configured 2-1-2, but decided to give it a try. I really like this seat. You are free to exit from either side and FA pass on both sides, so you have more of a chance in catching one if needed since they pass on both side of you.
I took a walk to the mid cabin galley to check out the sky snacks. Choices were raisins, Russell Stover pecan and caramel chocolates, and cheese nips.
Just about at the half way point of our flight the FA came around with the silver tray again. She had freshly baked chocolate chip cookies with pecans and cold milk. I had a cookie and milk. They were very tasty.
Since I was now thoroughly stuffed, I decided a walk through the plane was in order. The back of the plane was really full. I maybe saw 10 open seats in the back of the plane. There were about 5 empty BF seats.
The flight was uneventful till the pre arrival snack.
Refreshment
Will be offered prior to arrival
Fresh seasonal fruit
Scones with clotted cream
accompanied by strawberry preserves
Freshly brewed Timothys Custom Roasted Italian Blend Gourmet Coffee
Timothys Verona Blend Decaf Coffee
Selection of teas with a choice of milk or lemon Hot Chocolate
The scone was really good. I sometimes decline the pre arrival snack since I am usually so full from the meal. The rest of the food was lack luster so I decided to try the scone. I was glad I did. It was really tasty.
We landed on time. The line to clear customs was quick and efficient. I picked up my luggage with no problems and rechecked it to my final destination.
I had a couple of hours to kill prior to my departure, so I headed to the Presidents Club to juice up my phone since I hadnt recharged in the UK. I met a very pleasant older couple who chatted with me for just about my entire layover.
</font>
Feb 9, 2004 | 2:35 pm
#5
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Potomac Falls, VA
Programs: AA Plat 2MM, MR Gold, Avis Pref
Posts: 41,109
It was a 757 in November, they must have changed it since then.. you'll be much better off in a 767 than the 757
Feb 10, 2004 | 12:20 am
#6
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: NJ
Posts: 74
It is a 767-400 right now, I was just on the flight from EWR to MAN, the Concierge told me that it will be a 777 soon. I have never had a bad BF trip, the service has always been excellent including the food.
Feb 10, 2004 | 3:03 am
#7
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: All the wrong places..
Programs: SQ TPP, BA GGL, Hyatt Life Glob, SPG/Marriott Life Plat,
Posts: 3,372
MAN is served by a 767 by Continetal, occassionally 777 for busy periods. NEVER a 757!!.
TrojanHorse was quoting BHX, which is Birmingham NOT Manchester (MAN).
TrojanHorse was quoting BHX, which is Birmingham NOT Manchester (MAN).
Feb 10, 2004 | 8:16 am
#8
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 45
Thanx for the info. I noticed that Trojanhorse was talking about BHX, but i thought the equipment would be the same. Here's to a first BF international flight!
Feb 10, 2004 | 8:35 am
#9
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Potomac Falls, VA
Programs: AA Plat 2MM, MR Gold, Avis Pref
Posts: 41,109
You are correct I was referring to Birmingham
I flew another airline to Manchester
Sorry
I flew another airline to Manchester
Sorry
Feb 10, 2004 | 9:09 am
#10
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: All the wrong places..
Programs: SQ TPP, BA GGL, Hyatt Life Glob, SPG/Marriott Life Plat,
Posts: 3,372
No worries. From April it will be a daily 777 until September, then back to 767-400.
Skowser, would be interested in your views of the flight. I have been tempted to fly BF from MAN upgrading with the hordes of KL points I've got but availability is always very limited. I go KL through AMS to get to IAH.
Skowser, would be interested in your views of the flight. I have been tempted to fly BF from MAN upgrading with the hordes of KL points I've got but availability is always very limited. I go KL through AMS to get to IAH.
Feb 10, 2004 | 11:19 am
#11
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 45
I'll post a report when I return.