|
Back to the lounge and it had been switched out to lunch
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...a152f0360.jpeg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...64456e16c.jpeg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...eef5ec048.jpeg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...a5ae71615.jpeg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...730e1a70a.jpeg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...6c67a8b6d.jpeg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...6f8427a0e.jpeg Felt much like a pay to use lounge spread from a food perspective, pretty disappointing. I tried a couple of the sandwiches and they were both front filled, no filling at the back half of the sandwich. with two flights and, hopefully, enough time for a quick visit to the Cathay T3 lounge, I’ll clearly not starve :) |
This, of course, can be frustrating, especially if you're paying a high price for food.
|
Originally Posted by LuciaSemon
(Post 35734091)
This, of course, can be frustrating, especially if you're paying a high price for food.
|
Originally Posted by JapesUK
(Post 35733674)
It is a beautiful bright and sunny yet still cold morning in Edinburgh. Blue skies and a frost on the ground.
A very comfortable and good nights sleep, and no crashing around in the corridors at silly o’clock which is unusual in my experience of airport hotels. Breakfast offering is pretty standard, the only unusual notes are that there is nobody checking that you are actually staying at the hotel, and that there canteen formica trays available that you can load up with everything before returning to your table, so no shuttling back and forth to the food area because you run out of hands. There are also tray return stands scattered around so they clearly expect you to bus your own table. It is currently 08:30 UK time and so the plan of the day is to dawdle over breakfast, have a few coffees, and then head to the airport for around 11:00. As my flight does not depart until 14:40 that should be time enough for a good explore. |
I suspect we are going to be a little late away. Called to gate ten only to find the passengers were still disembarking. No seats whatsoever in the gate area so joined the gate lice queue.
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...54ea6b3ce.jpeg and our chariot for the afternoon https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...da91c395d.jpeg |
Boarding started surprisingly quickly after the last passengers had disembarked, the crew obviously did an incredible job turning the plane around in such a short time. Seat 1D today so plenty of leg room as usual.
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...757a36d6b.jpeg The flow of humanity onto the plane has stopped but we are still sitting with doors open so clearly there are some laggards… and as I type this the final laggard appears for seat 1F next to me :) Boarding complete and it is time to belt up, next stop, London Heathrow |
I was highly amused by the pilots description of the A321neo as the “stretch limo” version of the A320 when he was extolling people to pay attention to the safety briefing. Briefing complete, and a fairly quick taxi, and we are on our way to London.
I’d ordered the Muslim afternoon tea again but this time it looked suspiciously like the normal non-vegetarian offering. Being a man of the world I, of course, split the scone in half and had one half Devon style and the other half Cornwall style. One of each of the white wines were pleasant enough accompaniments. https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...8b472b689.jpeg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...40c4464a2.jpeg The crew were excellent, eight rows in front of the curtain were served by the time we were staring our descent and there was time for a little glass off fizz before it was ten minutes to landing. A slightly bumpy descent into and through the low cloud over london and we broke out into some spectacular views over the city which, unfortunately, I couldn’t photograph from the aisle seat! Pushback had been about five minutes late and we were pretty sure to make this delay up in flight so not surprised that we arrived in LHR nicely on time. The landing included a real shake when we were only a few hundred feet off the ground and then one of the most impressive landing ‘bounces’ I’ve ever experienced! Taxing into the terminal and we hit one of those snarls that can happen in Heathrow, only this time we could see the whole performance from the window. The plane on our stand was waiting to push back but was blocked by a plane that was itself blocked by a plane on the next stand.. the LHR domino effect. After 15 minutes they have managed to get everyone on the move and we will shortly be arriving at the stand. Time to disembark and next up is the joy and pleasure that is the T5 to T3 transit. |
When I was in Edinburgh, which is, oh gods, more than 5 years ago... whichever contract lounge KLM was using had a decent selection of Scotch, better than what the BA lounge in your post displays. I wonder how they fare today. Or rather, does it still exist. KLM now uses Aspire, but that doesn't sound right.
The breakfast seems pretty decent for that class of a hotel. Don't know how the prices are, I wouldn't mind bussing my own table at a cheap and cheerful HIX/Hampton/whatever the case may be, if it's not trying to extract full service prices. |
The transit took an age as usual and there was just enough time for a cheeky trip into the Cathay lounges. First class dining was full so merrily over the the business lounge which is generally pretty quick to serve. By the time I got back from the bar with a TsingTao and a champagne my dim sum and chicken fried rice were ready.
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...a2a9139fe.jpeg A scant few minutes later it was off to the gate and no sooner had I checked through than they called boarding. Seat 1C on this leg so currently sat on the 1B tray table whilst everyone boards to save myself from the constant bumping as everyone passes 1C. For anyone that doesn’t travel on these A320’s, seat 1C is the bottleneck from the door and galley into the standard aisle so you are guaranteed to get battered during boarding if actually sat in the seat because it sticks out into the walking space. https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...479789e00.jpeg We are due to depart in 15 minutes, boarding is going smoothly, so high hopes for an on time departures. We are on G-EUUF tonight and it looks like it is my first time on this one. Boarding complete ten minutes before departure so now it is time kick back and enjoy the trip, next stop Otopeni Airport. |
Luckily, I prefer window seats.
Not that it makes a difference, bulkhead row is blocked on both my legs, 320 one and 32N the other. Forther back ASR is available but bloody expensive! I don't get how BA gets away with charging for ASR in J and people still rave about it so much. (shame I missed the 767s on Euro trunk routes, that would have been fun...) |
Landed 23:40 and it’s a remote stand so waiting for the sardines to be packed onto the bus. An absolutely amazing, engaging, amusing crew this evening and much chatter and laughter.
I’d ordered the Hindu special which was the same as before and went well with a glass of shiraz. https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...adcd6db47.jpeg The standard menu was also really good and I would happily have had any one of the dishes from it https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...ad4a1ed4d.jpeg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...03078c057.jpeg Towards the end I started talking to the couple in 1D and 1F and we had a lovely 30 minute chinwag! It turned out that they are fellow flyer talk members and were happy to be pictured here, so please say hi to gingerlucy and her partner. https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...d43299442.jpeg |
Driver was waiting for me after I cleared security and quickly to the hotel, easy check in, and up to the room where it is now 00:45 local time. I’ve been given exactly the same suite upgrade this week as the past two weeks, someone has obviously decided that I like this room. On the basis that you’ve seen it all before I’ll not take any photos, instead I will wish you a goodnight and, next up, breakfast in the lounge.
|
Let the day commence! Eight much needed hours of sleep and the need for coffee is strong.
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...82d5b1f0e.jpeg It’s another lovely morning here in Bucharest so unless things change in the next hour I’ll be taking a stroll over to the dentist for, hopefully, my last visit until an April check up. https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...29ee36ee5.jpeg Standard offering on the buffet and the A La Carte menus are out on the tables. Coffee first then maybe food. https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...01a223519.jpeg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...264857fad.jpeg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...2ceecc7c4.jpeg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...dd5c97ac8.jpeg Beyond the dentist visit I don’t have a plan for today so it’s time to drink coffee and google for inspiration |
And I’m done, for now! An hour and three quarters round trip for exactly two minutes in the chair. End result is that she is happy with everything and wants the first checkup to be in three months time. Typically I have tier point runs in December and March that include Bucharest and neither work for her.
The weather here in Bucharest has changed for the worse and I got thoroughly drenched on the way back to the hotel, and this also scuppers my afternoon plans for a wander around a bit of the city I had not visited yet. New plan, drink coffee in the lounge and work out what my options are for a February trip, be that a holiday or a tier point run. After that, see if I can find a fairly local interesting restaurant for an reasonably early combined lunch and dinner and then an early night as I have another 4am checkout. |
A quick scroll around google maps and I spotted Smokareala. It it literally just down the road from a part of the city I’d previously explored, I missed it by no more than 50 feet on previous travels. Reviews look good and initial indications are very promising.
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...acb202847.jpeg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...281162efe.jpeg Recommendations were the Brisket, ribs, and pulled pork and when I said I’d go for the brisket and ribs he suggested I have the ‘Houston’ platter which contains all three plus extras. Sounds good to me! Beer on tap is Zagana Blond and is very very drinkable, there may be multiple of these :) An array of sauce has just appeared and I am sitting here with my stomach literally growling with anticipation. https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...68cc2b6b2.jpeg |
That was a mighty plate of meat!
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...7d9c77300.jpeg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...b9f884e28.jpeg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...aa4550f8d.jpeg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...c2f28ace9.jpeg And it is all gone! Fabulous flavours, tender, juicy, great smoke and char, thoroughly enjoyable and all completely devoured! The sauces were there to enhance the meat, not to provide all the flavour and they did this well, none were overpowering. For me the Carolina mustard worked well with the pork and a mix of the cherry bbq and jalapeño for everything else. Didn’t find myself reaching for the bourbon and bbq sauce again after the first trial. I’m sure it will come as no surprise to hear that the slaw and pickles remained untouched. The one slight flat note was the potatoes. I’d seen in reviews online that they had been luke warm and I found them the same, would have preferred them to be warmer but then again I didn’t come here for potatoes :) It is closing in on 4pm so I think I will linger over another of these very pleasant beers before I waddle back to the hotel like an overfed hippo and get the packing done before chilling out in the lounge and then an early night. Expect a ‘where’s the starch’ update in a couple of hours, even if the thought of food horrifies me right now :D |
No Starch! :D one day I may work out the logic behind the lounge menu planning although honestly I’m not sure there is any. Not an issue for me this evening, having spent the last two hours in a meat coma the last thing on my mind is more food.
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...ef4821465.jpeg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...7005a4ab4.jpeg February dental checkup trip booked as a simple BA holiday and that takes my total bookings and flights for this current status year to a little over 5,000 BA tier points. The coveted Gold Guest List status will be mine, eventually :) I’m going to loiter in the lounge for a while and enjoy an Ursus beer or two and then an early retire for the night. Next up: Otopani airport at silly o’clock tomorrow morning. |
And we’re off on these last 2 of 16 legs to complete this extended trip report. Driver was on time, traffic was light, and the airport security was straight through, the quietest I have ever seen it. There were some keen prices in duty free so I added this to the ever growing collection.
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...8e593c2a5.jpeg A three litre bottle of Jack Daniels caught my eye at 66 euro but I rarely drink it and it was going to be a nuisance to lug around so I resisted temptation. I can see G-EUUH across the airport so it looks like we have a bus gate this morning, let the locker battles commence :D https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...c55fd8b72.jpeg Looks like it’ll be my first time on this one according to my ba97 diary. This part of the trip also fell foul of the BA cancellations and so I have quite a long transit in T5, nearly six hours. I feel a trip to the Spa stand near the first class lounge may be in order later. With half an hour to kill before heading off to the gate it is time to enjoy a coffee or two and watch the world go by. |
Gate was called very early, fourty minutes before departure. The gate was an absolute shambles with no attempt to call by group so a total free for all. I was pretty much last man on the bus so reasonably early onto the plane behind all the short distance sprinters :D
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...92799c82f.jpeg Seat 1D this morning avoiding the worst of the boarding battering. I can hear the ovens running, definitely ready for some breakfast and a decent coffee! Boarding complete at 07:25 so fully 15 minutes before scheduled departure. I’ll be very happy when the door is closed, there’s an incredibly cold wind blowing into the cabin! Next stop, Heathrow T3 |
Originally Posted by JapesUK
(Post 35735148)
Landed 23:40 and it’s a remote stand so waiting for the sardines to be packed onto the bus. An absolutely amazing, engaging, amusing crew this evening and much chatter and laughter.
I’d ordered the Hindu special which was the same as before and went well with a glass of shiraz. https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...adcd6db47.jpeg The standard menu was also really good and I would happily have had any one of the dishes from it https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...ad4a1ed4d.jpeg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...03078c057.jpeg Towards the end I started talking to the couple in 1D and 1F and we had a lovely 30 minute chinwag! It turned out that they are fellow flyer talk members and were happy to be pictured here, so please say hi to gingerlucy and her partner. https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...d43299442.jpeg |
That was one of my favourite, if not my absolute favourite trips. I commented in the BA forum that the in flight lead had done a very gracious gold member welcome for myself and the gent in 1A whist we waited for the second bus load, and said gent responded in the thread thread a short time later to say Hi :) I’ve had the pleasure of chatting away a large proportion of the trip with Radiation Station whom I will see again later as we are on the same flight to Newcastle in exactly the same seats as we occupied to Heathrow.
When we first started chatting I said I’d wondered if he was neilyork as I’d seen on ba97 that he was also on the flight. No sooner had I said it than the gent immediately behind me in 2D identified himself! I don’t see flyertalk members from one week to the next and two on the same flight is amazing, great to meet you both! The crew were amazing, Sabine and Alison kept us well fed and watered and were engaging and chatty and I have already submitted a golden ticket for them. For those that don’t already know, Golden tickets are the method by which gold members of the BA exec club can recognise exceptional staff and service. Special meal was the Kosher breakfast again which was as good as always and accompanied by the standard breakfast drinks trio. The champagne on todays flight was the 2007 vintage rather than the usual NV and I can see why people prefer this, it is very palatable and the ladies did their best to keep our glasses filled for the duration of the flight! https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...b082b7cbc.jpeg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...cd0a6f582.jpeg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...9fca6d6ed.jpeg The one downside of the kosher meal is that it is delivered still sealed and generates an impressive amount of litter! https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...6dafed8df.jpeg |
We arrived in Heathrow pretty much on time, transit and security were relatively painless, only a short wait for the bus and for security screening. I wasn’t on top form, forgot to take the liquids out of my bag so was held up a tiny bit for secondary screening, I blame the champagne :)
A short stroll into the first class lounge where I’ve been updating this whilst enjoying a champagne and coffee. Now I am all up to date and with around three and a half hours to spare before the Newcastle departure I think I’ll drop my bags at the lounge luggage store and take a stroll down to the Spa area in departures, I feel a manicure in my immediate future :D. |
Claws all trimmed and tidied I’ve arrived back at the lounge at noon and the staff are currently switching from breakfast to lunch
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...47a77781b.jpeg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...a32795290.jpeg before and after It will come as no surprise that the lunch layout is the standard pie/fishcake/curry/pasta menu https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...b7f713018.jpeg |
Wandered around the terminal to see what other food options there might be and took a look at Gordon Ramsey. A quick glance at the menu prices made the lounge food feel suddenly far more appealing :D
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...76f76dc0e.jpeg Next stop was duty free to see what they were promoting this week and it’s the top end Courvoisier. Unfortunately no tasting of the premium offerings :( https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...831458602.jpeg Back to the lounge with the idea of cognac in my head, only to find there is none on the free pour section or behind the bar. A little stroll to the galleries lounge on the floor above had the same result, nothing! The galleries lounge itself is huge and is the business class and BA silver lounge. There are three of these in T5. Food and drink offering is very similar to the first lounge. Champagne is not available to free pour but is available on request. https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...3ccc1d8a2.jpeg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...87a2cebd3.jpeg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...1a42b8031.jpeg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...5879d99dc.jpeg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...7e10ce178.jpeg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...87cf5b9d2.jpeg Back down to the first lounge and a final roll of the dice, a table order in the hope there’s some XO hiding back of house but, alas, it was not to be. |
Plan B, a little cheese and port to keep the wolf from the door until we board. Time has passed pretty quickly and it is now maybe 50 minutes to boarding.
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...f042eff23.jpeg |
Down to the gates nice and early, the plane is already here and at the moment it is looking good for an on time departure. Next stop: Newcastle
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...54d4024dc.jpeg |
And FINISHED!
A surprisingly efficient crew had everyone fed within 15 minutes and were running top ups thereafter. I went for the Muslim special afternoon tea which was nothing particularly exciting this afternoon and a couple of little cans of Heineken to keep it company. https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...59d10ba3c.jpeg In an Uber now and heading for home, not that I will get to see much of it, the next fortnight looks like this:- Tomorrow - trains to Birmingham Tuesday - meeting in Birmingham and then trains to Godalming Wed/Thurs - meetings Friday - Trains to Newcastle Saturday - fly to Gdansk Sunday - fly back to Newcastle Monday - trains to Godalming Tues/Wed - meetings Thursday - trains to Newcastle Friday - fly to Wroclaw Sunday - fly to Newcastle Ouch! I hope you enjoyed the report as much as I enjoyed doing it and I welcome any and all feedback. Until later. |
Thanks for the peek into pleb lounge. I think it will do when the time comes :)
Not sure how you are flying back from Poland Sunday, wonder if our paths might cross, however it's unlikely. I'll be popping into London, but on the Gatwick service out of AMS, not Heathrow. Ride back is from Heathrow, but you are in Wroclaw (lovely city, I think I did recommend the Radisson there, didn't I?) that day. |
Welcome home JapesUK , nice work documenting it all as I know it takes a lot of time.
For me, I arrived into OTP at 0030 on Thursday, to a mess at passport control due to 6 flights landing around the same time. Fortunately I got to the HGI around 0100. Alarm set for 0800 and in an UBER by 0830. Spent most of the day in town bouncing between meetings and calls. Lovely day and walked around in only shirt and blazer much to the surprise of nearly everyone. Back in the hotel by 1600, one call and had a lunch/dinner burger and then in bed by 1900 due to the 0330 alarm. Two similarities I noticed, BA were on the remote stand again and fortunately security as only back to the gates so I was through in 20 mins and into the lounge. Back in NCL by 1000. After all that, I’ve spent 2 days recovering and catching up on your report. If you are travelling on the trains tomorrow be aware of the landslide between Newcastle and Darlington. It appears most is back on track (so to speak) now. LNER for me at 0800. |
Originally Posted by Fabo.sk
(Post 35739077)
Thanks for the peek into pleb lounge. I think it will do when the time comes :)
Not sure how you are flying back from Poland Sunday, wonder if our paths might cross, however it's unlikely. I'll be popping into London, but on the Gatwick service out of AMS, not Heathrow. Ride back is from Heathrow, but you are in Wroclaw (lovely city, I think I did recommend the Radisson there, didn't I?) that day. Next Sunday back from Gdansk I’m into AMS at 20:20 and out at 22:40 |
Originally Posted by DaveNCL
(Post 35739088)
Welcome home JapesUK , nice work documenting it all as I know it takes a lot of time.
For me, I arrived into OTP at 0030 on Thursday, to a mess at passport control due to 6 flights landing around the same time. Fortunately I got to the HGI around 0100. Alarm set for 0800 and in an UBER by 0830. Spent most of the day in town bouncing between meetings and calls. Lovely day and walked around in only shirt and blazer much to the surprise of nearly everyone. Back in the hotel by 1600, one call and had a lunch/dinner burger and then in bed by 1900 due to the 0330 alarm. Two similarities I noticed, BA were on the remote stand again and fortunately security as only back to the gates so I was through in 20 mins and into the lounge. Back in NCL by 1000. After all that, I’ve spent 2 days recovering and catching up on your report. If you are travelling on the trains tomorrow be aware of the landslide between Newcastle and Darlington. It appears most is back on track (so to speak) now. LNER for me at 0800. I’ve been wandering around in shirt sleeves a very balmy UK 17 degrees and all the locals in puffa jackets also looking at me like I’m a loon… they’re probably not wrong :D Thanks for the heads up on the train, I’ll check it out. Luckily I have all day to get to Birmingham at my leisure so at least I can take my time tomorrow morning. |
Originally Posted by JapesUK
(Post 35739148)
Hi, you did indeed recommend the Wroclaw Radisson and that is where I am booked. For Gdansk there was no way I could resist the craft beer hotel!
Next Sunday back from Gdansk I’m into AMS at 20:20 and out at 22:40 That said, by the time you are in I will long be in London. Unless something goes terribly wrong. |
JapesUK Thank you for a tremendous report, just whiled away a lovely hour reading it all the way through, your efforts and stakhanovite application to posting is remarkable
|
Originally Posted by davidcamp6
(Post 35739371)
JapesUK Thank you for a tremendous report, just whiled away a lovely hour reading it all the way through, your efforts and stakhanovite application to posting is remarkable
|
Well done, you have navigated possible problems with skill. I've put my hat in the slow cooker for 48 hours, which might make it more palatable. I hope we'll benefit from another trip report in the future, although I appreciate the amount of effort it requires. My ginger Tom also enjoyed it, he was purring away on the arm of my chair whilst I enjoyed your report with a cold Chang beer.:tu:
|
Originally Posted by rapidex
(Post 35739798)
Well done, you have navigated possible problems with skill. I've put my hat in the slow cooker for 48 hours, which might make it more palatable. I hope we'll benefit from another trip report in the future, although I appreciate the amount of effort it requires. My ginger Tom also enjoyed it, he was purring away on the arm of my chair whilst I enjoyed your report with a cold Chang beer.:tu:
|
I'm not surprised that you liked the beer in Gdansk. Poland is famous for its beer. freshly brewed beer is worth to try
|
Originally Posted by LuciaSemon
(Post 35740557)
I'm not surprised that you liked the beer in Gdansk. Poland is famous for its beer. freshly brewed beer is worth to try
|
Thank you for a great trip report. I am heading to OTP in a couple of weeks as per if a BAH so I appreciate all the intel you have given me! 😉
|
Just wondering what time you hit the CX lounge? Is the menu the same all day or is there a breakfast one?
|
| All times are GMT -6. The time now is 12:47 pm. |
This site is owned, operated, and maintained by MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Designated trademarks are the property of their respective owners.