An “Interesting” Journey to Jamaica with BA (JER-LGW-KIN)
Mar 22, 2016, 7:25 am
#1
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: JER
Programs: BA Gold/OWE, several MUCCI, and assorted Pensions!
Posts: 32,140
An “Interesting” Journey to Jamaica with BA (JER-LGW-KIN)
I don’t know about you, but we hate the cold, grey, wet winter. An escape to one of the Hawaiian islands is, of course, justifiable under those circumstances - and we did that in January. But that’s all a bit complicated: get to DUB, then do a TATL and a TransCon and a semi-TransPac, which is all rather hard work for older people. However, the efficient combination of a BA Amex PP, a BAEC 2-4-1 Companion Voucher, and [some] availability for Reward Seats led us again to somewhere where the sun shines, the sand is almost white, the palm trees sway in the warm breeze … you get the idea? A cheap flight to an expensive destination, offsetting one saving against an increased hotel bill. Annoyingly, we couldn’t get availability to anywhere in the Caribbean in First, so we settled for burning the voucher in CW instead to Jamaica.
As my beloved iWife said, “At least this will be a nice easy, uncomplicated, trip.” In comparison with recent escapades, it certainly was: JER-LGW, an overnight stay at LGW to ensure we didn’t miss the onward connection, and then a direct flight LGW-KIN. No ex-EU, no creative routings, just - GO! Flights booked on-line with ba.com, and the hotel and associate free ground transfer booked through Travelbag [our first experience of using them, and very satisfied indeed].
Destination … Sandals Royal Plantation in Ocho Rios, for our 3rd visit, which does suggest that the RP [as it is generally known] is a cut above the average Sandals resort. And, unlike BA, it actually delivers what the website promises [although I do notice a bit of photoshop work on some of the beach images]. Previous TRs are here:
Flights: JER-LGW-KIN using a 2-4-1 voucher cost us £879.20 in T&F for our CW seats.
Hotel: “Honeymoon Oceanfront Verandah Butler Suite” was £5,294 for 9 nights (£588/night). Extremely All-Inclusive, of course!
(Sandals photo)
Let me take you with us on the journey …
OUTBOUND
Tue 8 Mar 16
BA2773, 1340 JER-LGW 1440, A319 G-DBCD, Club Europe, Seats 2A/C
A nice leisurely start to proceedings, thanks to the decision to overnight at LGW and having deposited The Cat in her accommodation the day before [£12/day AI, but no beach] our taxi arrived at 1215 to start the trip. Jersey Airport was having one of its “even better than usual days” - excellent bag-drop, where our Agent cleared the flags on our booking about Passport Checks [something to do with FLY, apparently], and G4S had about a dozen staff on Security through which we proceeded with no delay at all. Within minutes we were settled into the refurbished Lounge, whose appearance had been enhanced by the addition of a few pictures on the walls. Still looking rather dull, though - a bit of colour wouldn’t hurt!
Efficient Priority Boarding was a novelty for JER in recent times, and after departure a tasty lunch was served. OK, Castelnau may not be Fine Champagne, but it’s still infinitely better than the not-missed Monopole!
On arrival there was minimal delay in recovering our cases, and so we go up one floor to the Hampton by Hilton, attached to the LGW North Terminal. Nothing to get excited about, but it’s a convenient location and a bed for the night.
I admired our panoramic view of the new EasyJet high-level baggage conveyors, which led from their large self-service bag-drop facility in the Terminal over to their hangar where, presumably, things get sorted and despatched to the correct aircraft [probably]. “The Future Is Orange”
We also discovered the semi-waterproof passageway to the car park at the back of the building, which conveniently had a shelter for smokers. All is good on Planet T8191
We also passed some time by taking 'Le Petit Train' to the South Terminal for a bit of reconnaissance in advance of BA's move there next year [or whenever]. I've only ever been through there once before, and that was in 1997 with CO, but the awfulness of it quickly came flooding back! Oh, well, when there's no choice there's no option
Wed 9 Mar 16
BA2263, 1210 LGW-KIN 1715, B777 G-VIIP, Club World, Seats 11A/B
After an acceptable Hampton breakfast, and a quick last-gasp in the car park smoking shelter, we made our way up to departures and to the BA desks at the far end of the building. Oh, what a sight presented itself!! I have never seen such massive BA queues at LGW!! Apparently the introduction of FLY had disabled the self-check machines, or something like that - and of course School Holidays didn’t help either. Even the CW queue had 30+ people waiting in line. It was at this moment that the benefits of BAEC Gold status shone like a beacon in the darkness, as we strolled past all that to the First desks … where we waited about 45 seconds to be attended to
DYKWIA moment, sorry, but that Gold privilege really made a huge difference on this occasion.
Having consigned our 2 cases to BA’s tender care, we headed through Premium Gatwick security with minimal delay [although I got picked for secondary screening as usual] and braced ourselves for the temporary No 1 Lounge experience where we arrived at 1030. OK, it could have been worse - perhaps most of the potential customers were still queueing at bag-drop? We found 2 chairs at a small side table in-between The Library and the Bar area, and read our Kindles for a while: so soon after breakfast we didn’t need to eat or drink. In the interest of research I explored the queue for the gents’ facilities which was, as expected, a prolonged process. How they expected 3 cubicles to cope with the male footfall is a mystery!
And so we have a Gate … 568, which is all the way down there, back through the shops until you reach the penultimate stand at LGW(N). The holding area is fairly well rammed already, and as expected on this route there is a large number of Special Assistance pax - I estimated about 50, including their helpers/family/etc. Oh, and one individual under escort, who was clearly being deported Not surprisingly, boarding went rather slowly behind that volume of wheelchairs and walking sticks [my turn will come], but eventually we settled into 11A/B at the back of the second CW cabin. The usual Taittinger pre-departure beverage was, by this stage, most welcome.
1215 … Captain Speaking … “we’re still waiting for some paperwork.”
1230 … "It appears some maintenance paperwork hasn’t been done properly."
1310 … “We’re going to have to swap aircraft. Bear with me.”
1330 … Our excellent CSD/SCCM pops over for a chat, with her iPad. Clearly she has other more important things to worry about, but that was a nice gesture. We both smile sweetly in appreciation.
1345 … “The only available aircraft has 50 fewer seats, so we are going to have to cancel this flight and put you up in a hotel overnight. The meal will be served while BA sorts that out.”
In conversation with the Captain in the CW cabin, it appeared that the problem related to G-VIIP having just come back from servicing, and it was discovered that one of the aircraft engineers’ Maintenance Licence had expired … which effectively made his work on the aircraft illegal! Whilst I’m sure it was still ‘safe’, I would prefer that side of things to be 100%
1505 … “There will be a further Ground message in 30 minutes explaining everything.”
At this stage, I suppose you want the menu? I went for the Beef … yes, I know, but I thought the unusual situation might lead to something better than usual
Please note that the presence of a can of tonic was because the booze was still in Customs Bond until we were airborne.
1530 … we are offloaded. We head down unfamiliar corridors, through the middle of the Departures Concourse, through a secret Staff door to ‘downstairs’ [how did they keep track of everyone?] and a Connections desk where CW/Gold/Silver were handed their hotel vouchers. Then through a separate Immigration channel [neatly done] and to Reclaim, where 2 belts are dedicated to the off-loading of our cases and where staffers are stacking them on the floor. By 1630, we are at the Sofitel where we wait in the Lobby while they get their act sorted out. All excellent handled by BA, all things considered. I guess it was about 1700-sh when we were mustered to a table in the lobby, where we got our room cards and the letter explaining the feeding arrangements.
We skipped Dinner, as we had already had a full meal on board earlier, and crashed into bed.
... to be continued ...
As my beloved iWife said, “At least this will be a nice easy, uncomplicated, trip.” In comparison with recent escapades, it certainly was: JER-LGW, an overnight stay at LGW to ensure we didn’t miss the onward connection, and then a direct flight LGW-KIN. No ex-EU, no creative routings, just - GO! Flights booked on-line with ba.com, and the hotel and associate free ground transfer booked through Travelbag [our first experience of using them, and very satisfied indeed].
Destination … Sandals Royal Plantation in Ocho Rios, for our 3rd visit, which does suggest that the RP [as it is generally known] is a cut above the average Sandals resort. And, unlike BA, it actually delivers what the website promises [although I do notice a bit of photoshop work on some of the beach images]. Previous TRs are here:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trip-...l-jamaica.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/briti...cw-novice.html
The gory details:http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/briti...cw-novice.html
Flights: JER-LGW-KIN using a 2-4-1 voucher cost us £879.20 in T&F for our CW seats.
Hotel: “Honeymoon Oceanfront Verandah Butler Suite” was £5,294 for 9 nights (£588/night). Extremely All-Inclusive, of course!
(Sandals photo)
Let me take you with us on the journey …
OUTBOUND
Tue 8 Mar 16
BA2773, 1340 JER-LGW 1440, A319 G-DBCD, Club Europe, Seats 2A/C
A nice leisurely start to proceedings, thanks to the decision to overnight at LGW and having deposited The Cat in her accommodation the day before [£12/day AI, but no beach] our taxi arrived at 1215 to start the trip. Jersey Airport was having one of its “even better than usual days” - excellent bag-drop, where our Agent cleared the flags on our booking about Passport Checks [something to do with FLY, apparently], and G4S had about a dozen staff on Security through which we proceeded with no delay at all. Within minutes we were settled into the refurbished Lounge, whose appearance had been enhanced by the addition of a few pictures on the walls. Still looking rather dull, though - a bit of colour wouldn’t hurt!
Efficient Priority Boarding was a novelty for JER in recent times, and after departure a tasty lunch was served. OK, Castelnau may not be Fine Champagne, but it’s still infinitely better than the not-missed Monopole!
On arrival there was minimal delay in recovering our cases, and so we go up one floor to the Hampton by Hilton, attached to the LGW North Terminal. Nothing to get excited about, but it’s a convenient location and a bed for the night.
I admired our panoramic view of the new EasyJet high-level baggage conveyors, which led from their large self-service bag-drop facility in the Terminal over to their hangar where, presumably, things get sorted and despatched to the correct aircraft [probably]. “The Future Is Orange”
We also discovered the semi-waterproof passageway to the car park at the back of the building, which conveniently had a shelter for smokers. All is good on Planet T8191
We also passed some time by taking 'Le Petit Train' to the South Terminal for a bit of reconnaissance in advance of BA's move there next year [or whenever]. I've only ever been through there once before, and that was in 1997 with CO, but the awfulness of it quickly came flooding back! Oh, well, when there's no choice there's no option
Wed 9 Mar 16
BA2263, 1210 LGW-KIN 1715, B777 G-VIIP, Club World, Seats 11A/B
After an acceptable Hampton breakfast, and a quick last-gasp in the car park smoking shelter, we made our way up to departures and to the BA desks at the far end of the building. Oh, what a sight presented itself!! I have never seen such massive BA queues at LGW!! Apparently the introduction of FLY had disabled the self-check machines, or something like that - and of course School Holidays didn’t help either. Even the CW queue had 30+ people waiting in line. It was at this moment that the benefits of BAEC Gold status shone like a beacon in the darkness, as we strolled past all that to the First desks … where we waited about 45 seconds to be attended to
DYKWIA moment, sorry, but that Gold privilege really made a huge difference on this occasion. Having consigned our 2 cases to BA’s tender care, we headed through Premium Gatwick security with minimal delay [although I got picked for secondary screening as usual] and braced ourselves for the temporary No 1 Lounge experience where we arrived at 1030. OK, it could have been worse - perhaps most of the potential customers were still queueing at bag-drop? We found 2 chairs at a small side table in-between The Library and the Bar area, and read our Kindles for a while: so soon after breakfast we didn’t need to eat or drink. In the interest of research I explored the queue for the gents’ facilities which was, as expected, a prolonged process. How they expected 3 cubicles to cope with the male footfall is a mystery!
And so we have a Gate … 568, which is all the way down there, back through the shops until you reach the penultimate stand at LGW(N). The holding area is fairly well rammed already, and as expected on this route there is a large number of Special Assistance pax - I estimated about 50, including their helpers/family/etc. Oh, and one individual under escort, who was clearly being deported
Not surprisingly, boarding went rather slowly behind that volume of wheelchairs and walking sticks [my turn will come], but eventually we settled into 11A/B at the back of the second CW cabin. The usual Taittinger pre-departure beverage was, by this stage, most welcome.1215 … Captain Speaking … “we’re still waiting for some paperwork.”
1230 … "It appears some maintenance paperwork hasn’t been done properly."
1310 … “We’re going to have to swap aircraft. Bear with me.”
1330 … Our excellent CSD/SCCM pops over for a chat, with her iPad. Clearly she has other more important things to worry about, but that was a nice gesture. We both smile sweetly in appreciation.
1345 … “The only available aircraft has 50 fewer seats, so we are going to have to cancel this flight and put you up in a hotel overnight. The meal will be served while BA sorts that out.”
In conversation with the Captain in the CW cabin, it appeared that the problem related to G-VIIP having just come back from servicing, and it was discovered that one of the aircraft engineers’ Maintenance Licence had expired … which effectively made his work on the aircraft illegal! Whilst I’m sure it was still ‘safe’, I would prefer that side of things to be 100%
1505 … “There will be a further Ground message in 30 minutes explaining everything.”
At this stage, I suppose you want the menu? I went for the Beef … yes, I know, but I thought the unusual situation might lead to something better than usual
Please note that the presence of a can of tonic was because the booze was still in Customs Bond until we were airborne.
1530 … we are offloaded. We head down unfamiliar corridors, through the middle of the Departures Concourse, through a secret Staff door to ‘downstairs’ [how did they keep track of everyone?] and a Connections desk where CW/Gold/Silver were handed their hotel vouchers. Then through a separate Immigration channel [neatly done] and to Reclaim, where 2 belts are dedicated to the off-loading of our cases and where staffers are stacking them on the floor. By 1630, we are at the Sofitel where we wait in the Lobby while they get their act sorted out. All excellent handled by BA, all things considered. I guess it was about 1700-sh when we were mustered to a table in the lobby, where we got our room cards and the letter explaining the feeding arrangements.
We skipped Dinner, as we had already had a full meal on board earlier, and crashed into bed.
... to be continued ...
Last edited by T8191; Jul 1, 2018 at 3:33 am Reason: Restoring ex-Photobucket images, and then later restoring imgur as well!!
Mar 22, 2016, 7:26 am
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: JER
Programs: BA Gold/OWE, several MUCCI, and assorted Pensions!
Posts: 32,140
Thu 10 Mar 16
BA2263, 1030 LGW-KIN 1500, B777 G-VIIT, Club World, Seats 11A/B
At 0705, all showered and ready to go again, we headed for Breakfast at La Brasserie [as instructed in their letter] where we find a new notice saying ;Not here, down there, finishes at 0700. And, sure enough, when we got ;there; everything was being cleared away = no breakfast. BIG FAIL, Sofitel. Oh, well, people are starving all over the World, and we will get another meal onboard anyway. Another nervous cigarette, off to BA bag-drop [using our existing BPs and Luggage Tags, as there wasn't a scheduled 2263 today] and back through Security again. We got to the No 1 Lounge at 0815, and actually got seats again! We didn't bother to try to fight for the food [if there was any], and at 0920, off to Gate 573 ; the very last International Gate at LGW(N), where our replacement aircraft awaited us. As we walked through the concourse we fell in with the Captain and the FO, and had some interesting chats along the way about recent events;
Boarding was, of course, a repeat of the previous day ; the halt and the lame and the deportee made their way to the aircraft, followed by the CW/Gold/Silver fraternity. A couple of hundred other people followed in our wake. Same crew, same excellent SCCM and the CC looking after the cabin [which reminds me, I must send a Good Show]. And; off we go!! Push-back at 1030, airborne 1050. YAY!! We are going on holiday at last; nearly 48 hours after we left home
Now 11A/B is just in front of WT+. The reason we choose these seats is that LGW Caribbean flights have a nasty tendency to substitute aircraft. Yes, its a 777 ; but is it a 40J, or a 48J, or even a 4-class? We chose 5A/B once, only to find at the Lounge that they didnt exist on that aircraft, and we were given new boarding passes which split us in a couple of centre aisle seats behind each other for 10 hours. So Row 11 provides a bit of insurance. The downside is [please forgive me, this is not a snobbish comment] that WT+ can see, through the open curtain, the CW lavatory. Accordingly, within minutes, there's a procession of pax passing through to use our lavatory. Of course, they have facilities behind them, but as they could say in the Safety Brief, "The nearest toilet may be behind you". One of the first users was a very old and lame gentleman who spent a couple of minutes trying to open the door, and then [as I discovered shortly afterwards] not actually aiming very well either. Ironically, one of the WT+ pax actually complained to the CC about the state of OUR lavatory The CC tried to stem the flow [of WT+ pax ] but to little effect.
Today's menu was the same as the previous one, but tasted better for being at 38,000 ft on our way to KIN. It also promised to be an ACE meal
We decided to try the Chicken for a change
I've had a much worse cheese plate in F!!
A very pleasant meal all round. And the Afternoon Tea was a welcome genuine enhancement to long-haul travel. A nice fresh dish of "Roasted asparagus, Shimeji mushrooms and Cropwell Bishop blue cheese salad". The little cakes/pastries were delicious and well above expectations, and of course there were warm scones to follow. A really nice little meal before arrival - well done, BA ^
Eventually, after flying across a lot of empty water for 9 hours or so, we were descending into KIN, where we landed at 1500(L) to muted applause from the rear cabins! Was it Stand 6? Whichever, it's a VERY long walk to Arrivals. I'm grateful we're still fully mobile, but that must have seemed like the Retreat From Moscow for some of those older/larger folks. We ended up, thanks to priority disembarkation, about 6th in line for Immigration; where we discovered BA had issued us the old Immigration form! So we all stood in line, scribbling furiously, completing the new version.
After that, it was a breeze. Nice Immigration people, retrieved our bags from the carousel, again nice Customs staff, and ... Landside. Phew!
Out of the Customs area, hang a left, and at the end of that passageway are not only the toilets [which I now needed quite urgently] but also the Sandals reception desk. There they check who you are against their list, tag all your luggage and team you up with your ground transfer driver. I remember the bag-tag lady from our last visit 2 years ago - she gave us the wrong bag receipts then as well
After our inevitable kerb-side cigarette, we are on the road at 1545 as the sole passengers in our nice air-conditioned mini-bus, with a supply of chilled water bottles if required. Ocho Rios, here we come! It's a bit of grind round Kingston Harbour [one of the World's largest natural harbours] and through the down-town docks/industrial area.
But eventually we are on Highway 2000, otherwise known as the Toll Road, which has finally completed the last section to Ochi [as it's known locally]. A proper 4-lane divided highway, that swoops majestically through the mountains that form the spine of Jamaica. At the risk of dropping our driver in the poo, let's just say that we made very good time to Ochi despite the posted 80kph speed limit
And finally, we have arrived - a day late, but still alive and kicking.
Sandals Royal Plantation
Have a web-link
http://www.sandals.com/main/plantation/rp-home/
As this is supposed to be a Trip Report, and not a My Holiday narrative, I'll just post a few pictures of the location. The RP is definitely the jewel in the Sandals crown from our POV. Small [74 suites], no kids [minimum age 18] and with the most wonderful, cheerful, friendly staff you can imagine. As for the food, the F&B Manager told us he has the highest F&B budget of any Sandals resort - and it showed. Yes, you can get tired of eating Lobster
As for our accommodation, we paid quite a bit extra for our large 'Honeymoon Suite', which had the advantage of an open-fronted terrace/sitting room where we could secretly smoke! Apart from assorted comfortable furniture, it also housed our well-stocked mini-bar [replenished daily]. We were very pleased with the accommodation in every respect, and it fully justified our extra expenditure on it.
* Edit = I was an idiot, and forget that Jamaica uses US-type sockets on a 110/120v supply, and thus brought UK-type plugs for various chargers [which we had needed in St Lucia]. Fortunately the shop sold multinational adapters at only $9 each. All of the sockets were the US 3-pin, grounded, variety.]
And so we settled into a routine of shower, breakfast, beach, lunch, terrace, dinner [in one of the 3 restaurants], sleep & rinse and repeat, contentedly.
Oh, no, not another perfect fillet steak and lobster! Oh, well, if you insist ....
OK, that's enough of that.
BA2263, 1030 LGW-KIN 1500, B777 G-VIIT, Club World, Seats 11A/B
At 0705, all showered and ready to go again, we headed for Breakfast at La Brasserie [as instructed in their letter] where we find a new notice saying ;Not here, down there, finishes at 0700. And, sure enough, when we got ;there; everything was being cleared away = no breakfast. BIG FAIL, Sofitel. Oh, well, people are starving all over the World, and we will get another meal onboard anyway. Another nervous cigarette, off to BA bag-drop [using our existing BPs and Luggage Tags, as there wasn't a scheduled 2263 today] and back through Security again. We got to the No 1 Lounge at 0815, and actually got seats again! We didn't bother to try to fight for the food [if there was any], and at 0920, off to Gate 573 ; the very last International Gate at LGW(N), where our replacement aircraft awaited us. As we walked through the concourse we fell in with the Captain and the FO, and had some interesting chats along the way about recent events;
Boarding was, of course, a repeat of the previous day ; the halt and the lame and the deportee made their way to the aircraft, followed by the CW/Gold/Silver fraternity. A couple of hundred other people followed in our wake. Same crew, same excellent SCCM and the CC looking after the cabin [which reminds me, I must send a Good Show]. And; off we go!! Push-back at 1030, airborne 1050. YAY!! We are going on holiday at last; nearly 48 hours after we left home
Now 11A/B is just in front of WT+. The reason we choose these seats is that LGW Caribbean flights have a nasty tendency to substitute aircraft. Yes, its a 777 ; but is it a 40J, or a 48J, or even a 4-class? We chose 5A/B once, only to find at the Lounge that they didnt exist on that aircraft, and we were given new boarding passes which split us in a couple of centre aisle seats behind each other for 10 hours. So Row 11 provides a bit of insurance. The downside is [please forgive me, this is not a snobbish comment] that WT+ can see, through the open curtain, the CW lavatory. Accordingly, within minutes, there's a procession of pax passing through to use our lavatory. Of course, they have facilities behind them, but as they could say in the Safety Brief, "The nearest toilet may be behind you". One of the first users was a very old and lame gentleman who spent a couple of minutes trying to open the door, and then [as I discovered shortly afterwards] not actually aiming very well either. Ironically, one of the WT+ pax actually complained to the CC about the state of OUR lavatory
The CC tried to stem the flow [of WT+ pax ] but to little effect.Today's menu was the same as the previous one, but tasted better for being at 38,000 ft on our way to KIN. It also promised to be an ACE meal
We decided to try the Chicken for a change
I've had a much worse cheese plate in F!!
A very pleasant meal all round. And the Afternoon Tea was a welcome genuine enhancement to long-haul travel. A nice fresh dish of "Roasted asparagus, Shimeji mushrooms and Cropwell Bishop blue cheese salad". The little cakes/pastries were delicious and well above expectations, and of course there were warm scones to follow. A really nice little meal before arrival - well done, BA ^
Eventually, after flying across a lot of empty water for 9 hours or so, we were descending into KIN, where we landed at 1500(L) to muted applause from the rear cabins! Was it Stand 6? Whichever, it's a VERY long walk to Arrivals. I'm grateful we're still fully mobile, but that must have seemed like the Retreat From Moscow for some of those older/larger folks. We ended up, thanks to priority disembarkation, about 6th in line for Immigration; where we discovered BA had issued us the old Immigration form! So we all stood in line, scribbling furiously, completing the new version.
After that, it was a breeze. Nice Immigration people, retrieved our bags from the carousel, again nice Customs staff, and ... Landside. Phew!
Out of the Customs area, hang a left, and at the end of that passageway are not only the toilets [which I now needed quite urgently] but also the Sandals reception desk. There they check who you are against their list, tag all your luggage and team you up with your ground transfer driver. I remember the bag-tag lady from our last visit 2 years ago - she gave us the wrong bag receipts then as well
After our inevitable kerb-side cigarette, we are on the road at 1545 as the sole passengers in our nice air-conditioned mini-bus, with a supply of chilled water bottles if required. Ocho Rios, here we come! It's a bit of grind round Kingston Harbour [one of the World's largest natural harbours] and through the down-town docks/industrial area.
But eventually we are on Highway 2000, otherwise known as the Toll Road, which has finally completed the last section to Ochi [as it's known locally]. A proper 4-lane divided highway, that swoops majestically through the mountains that form the spine of Jamaica. At the risk of dropping our driver in the poo, let's just say that we made very good time to Ochi despite the posted 80kph speed limit
And finally, we have arrived - a day late, but still alive and kicking.
Sandals Royal Plantation
Have a web-link
http://www.sandals.com/main/plantation/rp-home/
As this is supposed to be a Trip Report, and not a My Holiday narrative, I'll just post a few pictures of the location. The RP is definitely the jewel in the Sandals crown from our POV. Small [74 suites], no kids [minimum age 18] and with the most wonderful, cheerful, friendly staff you can imagine. As for the food, the F&B Manager told us he has the highest F&B budget of any Sandals resort - and it showed. Yes, you can get tired of eating Lobster
As for our accommodation, we paid quite a bit extra for our large 'Honeymoon Suite', which had the advantage of an open-fronted terrace/sitting room where we could secretly smoke! Apart from assorted comfortable furniture, it also housed our well-stocked mini-bar [replenished daily]. We were very pleased with the accommodation in every respect, and it fully justified our extra expenditure on it.
* Edit = I was an idiot, and forget that Jamaica uses US-type sockets on a 110/120v supply, and thus brought UK-type plugs for various chargers [which we had needed in St Lucia]. Fortunately the shop sold multinational adapters at only $9 each. All of the sockets were the US 3-pin, grounded, variety.]
And so we settled into a routine of shower, breakfast, beach, lunch, terrace, dinner [in one of the 3 restaurants], sleep & rinse and repeat, contentedly.
Oh, no, not another perfect fillet steak and lobster! Oh, well, if you insist ....
OK, that's enough of that.
Last edited by T8191; Sep 20, 2018 at 5:43 am Reason: Restoring images post-Photobucket. And again post-imgur!!
Mar 22, 2016, 7:26 am
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: JER
Programs: BA Gold/OWE, several MUCCI, and assorted Pensions!
Posts: 32,140
On our day of departure, we were given a small extension on check-out until 1200. With cases packed, we lounged in the shade in rather warmer clothing than we had been wearing of late, and enjoyed a last lunch down at the edge of the sea at the Royal Grill restaurant.
At 1430 we assembled in the Foyer along with 4 other guests who were heading for KIN, and at 1435 we were on the road in another nice mini-bus for the trip along the Toll Road. 1625 saw us at the airport [our driver kept to the speed limit!], where we were dropped off at the beginning of the kerbside area alongside the sign saying BA. I remember this from our last trip through KIN … the BA desks are actually waaaaay down Departures to the right!
* 2018 edit: they have moved the signs, and the BA drop-off is, at last, in the correct place at the far end of the building!
There we found the separate CW bag-drop/check-in line, and were instantly served by one of the senior BA staffers who tagged the bags through to JER and printed our BPs for the 2 sectors. We were also issued our “Club Kingston” tickets, which entitled us to Lounge access and Priority Security.
Retracing our steps back to the far left end of Departures, we entered Security and were directed to the left lanes. Shoes and belts off, iPads and Kindles and cables in the tray, carry-on on the belt and … hello? There’s a problem with my bag? After a bit of conversation and some rummaging around, it transpired that I had 2 disposable lighters in the bag, and they only allow one! In addition, a small book of matches was also confiscated … I guess the rule is “only one means of ignition”, although I haven’t been able to find where that’s promulgated. This now explains why I had a lighter confiscated 2 years ago!
By 1705 we were settled in the Club Kingston Lounge. Loads of seating available, a good selection of cold and hot snacks, and a service Bar. No trouble finding a power point either! And the foodstuffs are re-loaded regularly - they're very good at doing that - I recommend their Jamaican Patties!
We thus lounged, and grazed, until at 1845 we were invited to proceed to boarding. The 5-minute walk to Gate 5 provided some essential exercise, and by 1905 we were settled back in 11A/B again.
Fri 17 Mar 16
BA2262, 1930 KIN-LGW 0920, B777 G-VIIP, Club World, Seats 11A/B
Ah, G-VIIP has been fixed, and is back in service! Sadly the PDB Taittinger could have done with a bit more chilling, but ‘our’ CC and the wee Scottish SCCM couldn’t have been nicer. We were “Gold-Greeted”, comment was made our our disrupted outbound leg, and “I will ensure you get your first choice for dinner”. I like being Gold
There was a bit a barney about seat arrangements: it seems the CC were trying to resolve a couple having been split up. One pax was getting sufficiently excited about it that the First Officer came along to provide moral support to the SCCM as she tried to explain and resolve the issue. I’m not sure if everyone ended up happy, but after some seat-swapping the cabin settled down for the 9-hour tedium of a TATL flight. We pushed back just 5 minutes late at 1935.
Dinner … no Lobster
The swordfish was a bit dry. although tasty enough. We've had much better in Malta!!
The 'Curry' was decidedly bland - I didn't bother to finish it.
After that I/we slept fitfully, crossed 5 time zones and about 4,688 miles of Atlantic Ocean, and in a fairly zombie-like state eventually found ourselves at LGW again. At the Border, the large bank of e-Passport gates was working well: sadly most of the pax seemed to be incapable of operating them! After a couple of minutes it was our turn, and we sailed through without difficulty. At 0955 we were Airside/Kerbside having a much-needed cigarette and feeling frozen in this unaccustomed climate!!
Then it was back through Premium Gatwick, where I was pinged for a secondary scan again, and to the No 1 Lounge for a brief visit. We again found a couple of small chairs and a side table, so felt we had been quite lucky on this trip. And then I went to the Ladies loo … whoops! During the week or so we had been away, they had switched the Ladies to the right side [3 cubicles] and the Gents to the left … where they had just also installed 3 urinals to augment the extant 3 cubicles. A very good response to the overcrowding/queueing problems of yore.
And, finally …
Sat 19 Mar 16
BA2772, 1145 LGW-JER 1250, A319 G-DBCE, Club Europe, Seats 2A/C
With our small-ish carry-ons safely “stowed under the seat in front” [which is why we always pick Row 2] we noted that ‘our’ overhead bin was already filled. Clearly some DYKWIA Gold … possibly the one who pushed and barged his way to the front of the queue for boarding? Several of us raised eyebrows and laughed at him when he did that!
And then the simple X-Channel hop - although there was a sick passenger back in ET. The enjoyable “Extended Breakfast” of cold cuts of meat and cheese was consumed, washed down with a small Castelnau that I couldn’t refuse. On arrival at JER we were all held in our seats until the Medics and Fire people had helped the sick passenger off. That delay meant that we only had to wait a few minutes before the bags arrived on the belt in Reclaim, intact after their long journey! Taxi home, unpacked a few essentials and then decided to grab a couple of hours sleep to ensure we could stay awake for the final Match in the 6-Nations Rugby. The final result gave England the Grand Slam for the first time in 13 years … and so we fell asleep, suntanned and contented
Footnote
Sun 20 Mar 16
1203 …. Filed EC261/2004 claim on-line at ba.com for the travel delay outbound.
Mon 21 Mar 16
0804 … BA Customer Relations responded with “The total amount of compensation you’re due is £942.97,.which is.equivalent to €1,200.00 as there are two.passenger included in your claim...I’ve raised a cheque for £942.97, which will be in your name as the primary claimant...You’ll receive it soon.“ WOW, that was quick!!
** Late Edit. BA made little effort to advise pax about EC261, of course, so all the infrequent flyers down the back inevitably will have missed out on a substantial lump sum. That compensation could possibly have covered their fares in Y, for which they had been saving for ages and ages - I feel really sorry for them. Apparently there were some printouts somewhere around Sofitel Reception, but I never found them
At 1430 we assembled in the Foyer along with 4 other guests who were heading for KIN, and at 1435 we were on the road in another nice mini-bus for the trip along the Toll Road. 1625 saw us at the airport [our driver kept to the speed limit!], where we were dropped off at the beginning of the kerbside area alongside the sign saying BA. I remember this from our last trip through KIN … the BA desks are actually waaaaay down Departures to the right!
* 2018 edit: they have moved the signs, and the BA drop-off is, at last, in the correct place at the far end of the building!
There we found the separate CW bag-drop/check-in line, and were instantly served by one of the senior BA staffers who tagged the bags through to JER and printed our BPs for the 2 sectors. We were also issued our “Club Kingston” tickets, which entitled us to Lounge access and Priority Security.
Retracing our steps back to the far left end of Departures, we entered Security and were directed to the left lanes. Shoes and belts off, iPads and Kindles and cables in the tray, carry-on on the belt and … hello? There’s a problem with my bag? After a bit of conversation and some rummaging around, it transpired that I had 2 disposable lighters in the bag, and they only allow one! In addition, a small book of matches was also confiscated … I guess the rule is “only one means of ignition”, although I haven’t been able to find where that’s promulgated. This now explains why I had a lighter confiscated 2 years ago!
By 1705 we were settled in the Club Kingston Lounge. Loads of seating available, a good selection of cold and hot snacks, and a service Bar. No trouble finding a power point either! And the foodstuffs are re-loaded regularly - they're very good at doing that - I recommend their Jamaican Patties!
We thus lounged, and grazed, until at 1845 we were invited to proceed to boarding. The 5-minute walk to Gate 5 provided some essential exercise, and by 1905 we were settled back in 11A/B again.
Fri 17 Mar 16
BA2262, 1930 KIN-LGW 0920, B777 G-VIIP, Club World, Seats 11A/B
Ah, G-VIIP has been fixed, and is back in service! Sadly the PDB Taittinger could have done with a bit more chilling, but ‘our’ CC and the wee Scottish SCCM couldn’t have been nicer. We were “Gold-Greeted”, comment was made our our disrupted outbound leg, and “I will ensure you get your first choice for dinner”. I like being Gold
There was a bit a barney about seat arrangements: it seems the CC were trying to resolve a couple having been split up. One pax was getting sufficiently excited about it that the First Officer came along to provide moral support to the SCCM as she tried to explain and resolve the issue. I’m not sure if everyone ended up happy, but after some seat-swapping the cabin settled down for the 9-hour tedium of a TATL flight. We pushed back just 5 minutes late at 1935.
Dinner … no Lobster
The swordfish was a bit dry. although tasty enough. We've had much better in Malta!!
The 'Curry' was decidedly bland - I didn't bother to finish it.
After that I/we slept fitfully, crossed 5 time zones and about 4,688 miles of Atlantic Ocean, and in a fairly zombie-like state eventually found ourselves at LGW again. At the Border, the large bank of e-Passport gates was working well: sadly most of the pax seemed to be incapable of operating them! After a couple of minutes it was our turn, and we sailed through without difficulty. At 0955 we were Airside/Kerbside having a much-needed cigarette and feeling frozen in this unaccustomed climate!!
Then it was back through Premium Gatwick, where I was pinged for a secondary scan again, and to the No 1 Lounge for a brief visit. We again found a couple of small chairs and a side table, so felt we had been quite lucky on this trip. And then I went to the Ladies loo … whoops! During the week or so we had been away, they had switched the Ladies to the right side [3 cubicles] and the Gents to the left … where they had just also installed 3 urinals to augment the extant 3 cubicles. A very good response to the overcrowding/queueing problems of yore.
And, finally …
Sat 19 Mar 16
BA2772, 1145 LGW-JER 1250, A319 G-DBCE, Club Europe, Seats 2A/C
With our small-ish carry-ons safely “stowed under the seat in front” [which is why we always pick Row 2] we noted that ‘our’ overhead bin was already filled. Clearly some DYKWIA Gold … possibly the one who pushed and barged his way to the front of the queue for boarding? Several of us raised eyebrows and laughed at him when he did that!
And then the simple X-Channel hop - although there was a sick passenger back in ET. The enjoyable “Extended Breakfast” of cold cuts of meat and cheese was consumed, washed down with a small Castelnau that I couldn’t refuse. On arrival at JER we were all held in our seats until the Medics and Fire people had helped the sick passenger off. That delay meant that we only had to wait a few minutes before the bags arrived on the belt in Reclaim, intact after their long journey! Taxi home, unpacked a few essentials and then decided to grab a couple of hours sleep to ensure we could stay awake for the final Match in the 6-Nations Rugby. The final result gave England the Grand Slam for the first time in 13 years … and so we fell asleep, suntanned and contented
Footnote
Sun 20 Mar 16
1203 …. Filed EC261/2004 claim on-line at ba.com for the travel delay outbound.
Mon 21 Mar 16
0804 … BA Customer Relations responded with “The total amount of compensation you’re due is £942.97,.which is.equivalent to €1,200.00 as there are two.passenger included in your claim...I’ve raised a cheque for £942.97, which will be in your name as the primary claimant...You’ll receive it soon.“ WOW, that was quick!!
** Late Edit. BA made little effort to advise pax about EC261, of course, so all the infrequent flyers down the back inevitably will have missed out on a substantial lump sum. That compensation could possibly have covered their fares in Y, for which they had been saving for ages and ages - I feel really sorry for them. Apparently there were some printouts somewhere around Sofitel Reception, but I never found them
Last edited by T8191; Sep 20, 2018 at 5:45 am Reason: EC261 comments, restoring pictures ex-Photobucket and ex-imgur!!
Mar 22, 2016, 8:01 am
#5
Join Date: Apr 2009
Programs: BA Gold, Hilton Honors Diamond, Mucci de buveur de gin
Posts: 3,060
Great as always Uncle T!
You didn't say how the steak turned out when you had it on the ground....?
I'm worried about your poor lungs......hopefully the fresh sea air gave them a bit of an airing
And good show by BA with the response to your compo claim - impressive. Also seems like BA handled the delay very well (even though Sofitel didn't at points!).
You didn't say how the steak turned out when you had it on the ground....?
I'm worried about your poor lungs......hopefully the fresh sea air gave them a bit of an airing
And good show by BA with the response to your compo claim - impressive. Also seems like BA handled the delay very well (even though Sofitel didn't at points!).
Mar 22, 2016, 8:07 am
#6
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: JER
Programs: BA Gold/OWE, several MUCCI, and assorted Pensions!
Posts: 32,140
Great as always Uncle T!
You didn't say how the steak turned out when you had it on the ground....?
I'm worried about your poor lungs......hopefully the fresh sea air gave them a bit of an airing
And good show by BA with the response to your compo claim - impressive. Also seems like BA handled the delay very well (even though Sofitel didn't at points!).
You didn't say how the steak turned out when you had it on the ground....?
I'm worried about your poor lungs......hopefully the fresh sea air gave them a bit of an airing
And good show by BA with the response to your compo claim - impressive. Also seems like BA handled the delay very well (even though Sofitel didn't at points!).
<cough>
Yes, the 261 processing and the ground handling was a very big tick for BA ... well impressed.
Mar 22, 2016, 8:19 am
#7
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Scotland
Programs: BA Silver
Posts: 206
Thanks for the excellent TR. We are off to Ochi (Jamaica Inn) two weeks today, so your timing was perfect. I was especially interested in Highway 2000 info. We are picking up a hire car and probably won't be quite as swift as your driver , but roughly how long did it take from KIN to Ochi?
Mar 22, 2016, 8:24 am
#8
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: near Heathrow
Programs: BA GGL/CCR, GfL (OWE), SA LifePlat (*G), BD Gold to the end, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 2,907
Footnote
Sun 20 Mar 16
1203 …. Filed EC261/2004 claim on-line at ba.com for the travel delay outbound.
Mon 21 Mar 16
0804 … BA Customer Relations responded with “The total amount of compensation you’re due is £942.97,.which is.equivalent to €1,200.00 as there are two.passenger included in your claim...I’ve raised a cheque for £942.97, which will be in your name as the primary claimant...You’ll receive it soon.“ WOW, that was quick!!
Mar 22, 2016, 8:31 am
#9
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: JER
Programs: BA Gold/OWE, several MUCCI, and assorted Pensions!
Posts: 32,140
Thanks for the excellent TR. We are off to Ochi (Jamaica Inn) two weeks today, so your timing was perfect. I was especially interested in Highway 2000 info. We are picking up a hire car and probably won't be quite as swift as your driver , but roughly how long did it take from KIN to Ochi?
The early part of the journey is a bit of a grind, and needs a bit of navigating traffic etc., but the Toll Road is virtually empty. Do watch out for Police traps, though - 50 mph/80 kph seems bizarrely slow on such a good road, so it's easy to let the speed creep up!Enjoy Jamaica Inn ... would have been tempted there if it wasn't totally Nosmo King
And, yes, a most extraordinarily swift response on the 261 claim, especially when it was submitted on a Sunday!
Last edited by T8191; Mar 22, 2016 at 11:33 am
Mar 22, 2016, 10:59 am
#10
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Edinburgh
Programs: BA Gold. Flying Blue, Radisson, Accor
Posts: 289
Lovely trip report. Thanks for posting. You dealt with the delay very well although I am concerned at the lack of alcohol with the meal at Lgw whilst they organised rooms for everyone.
Mar 22, 2016, 11:04 am
#11
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It was indeed a strange sensation [for me] having a wine-free meal, but served to prove that I can survive without wine for several hours without collapsing
Mar 22, 2016, 11:07 am
#12
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: UK
Programs: BA GGL, BA Amex Prem, Amex Plat, Hilton Diamond, Sir Crazy8534 de l'ordres des aides de Pucci
Posts: 4,430
Another enjoyable report T8191! I have long been a sucker for Sandals holidays but it will be a while before we are eligible for that again!
Mar 22, 2016, 11:28 am
#13
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: London
Programs: BAEC Gold (thanks to BOB), UA, Flying Blue, Miles & Smiles, Amex BAPP & Platinum
Posts: 392
Thank you for another great report. Such fortitude! I think I rather fancy trying out one of the Sandals hotels (subject to flight redemption availability ) after your consistent praise.
And the JER lounge refurbishment, too! I was in there the week before - what a surprise after all these years.
) after your consistent praise.And the JER lounge refurbishment, too! I was in there the week before - what a surprise after all these years.
Mar 22, 2016, 11:31 am
#14
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: JER
Programs: BA Gold/OWE, several MUCCI, and assorted Pensions!
Posts: 32,140
Thank you for another great report. Such fortitude! I think I rather fancy trying out one of the Sandals hotels (subject to flight redemption availability ) after your consistent praise.
And the JER lounge refurbishment, too! I was in there the week before - what a surprise after all these years.
) after your consistent praise.And the JER lounge refurbishment, too! I was in there the week before - what a surprise after all these years.
YMMV
Mar 22, 2016, 11:40 am
#15
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Portsmouth, UK
Programs: BA GGL/CCR
Posts: 790
Great trip report, thank you. I can't see the pictures at work (flippin' MoD IT systems) so I'll re-read this again later on to check them out. Glad the compensation was speedy - by my maths BA paid you £63.77 to fly to the Caribbean, nice!
