The extra time at the airport allowed me to try a facial in the Molton Brown Spa. A nice South African lady amazed me at how many things you could do to a face in 20 minutes, and left me feeling zesty and refreshed - recommended! Back to the lounge - I think T4 lounge is one of the better J class lounges, though breakfast never inspires me, with just pastries, toast, juice etc. Luckily we arrived at the cross over period between that and lunch and for the first time I had a bit to eat at that time and was impressed; nice thick (apparantly) home made soup, a large array of salad (rice, pasta, potato etc.) stuff, meats, sandwiches, crisps, cake and fruit and quite a bit more - coupled with a couple of glasses of wine it made a nice relaxing prelude to the holiday.
Boarding was OK, though we were an hour and fifteen late in taking off owing to 'congestion'. Still, had the glass of champagne and those horrible nuts they hand out, read the paper, and the time soon passed. The menu was handed out aswell as the Molton Brown amenity kits - fantastic and it seems better than the VA kit - hand cream, lip balm, mouth wash, toothpaste and brush and a couple of other bits - really great.
Soon we were on our way, aided by a G&T or 2. Lunch was really quite nice, surprising even me. I had poached prawns in a nice dressing and edible salad. This was followed by oven baked cod and potato wedges and again edible veg! My wife had a steak, tasting and cooked just right (for airline food). All in all, the best for somewhile. Only disappointing thing was 2 out of the 6 wines were not available and just happened to be my 1st and 2nd choice. Shame, but a surprisingly nice Merlot made up for my initial disappointment. Cheese and biscuits, coffee and brandy ended the meal, as I slouched down to watch RV with Robin Williams - a funny in parts laugh out loud comedy. I watched something else un-memorable and dozed from time to time. I-pod on board I listened to that, thinking how lucky I was to be allowed too my duty free Remy Cognac at the airport.
Afternoon tea soon cam around and not a bad offering, still in its plastic wrappings. Took the edge off a bit, though the cheese and chicken (and relish etc.) was OK along with a decent cup of tea.Also we had a nice clotted cream scone which always goes down well.
Service throughtout was good with regualr interaction and my name was used 2 or 3 times, though no introduction from the FSM. Flight was very full and only one Raid the Larder was on display and that was upstairs, which I was promptly told off for going upstairs to get some - it would be brought to me!! Oh, well strange - but I was just really being greedy.
Seats nice to be able to recline as far as I like without getting up, but I really do notice the lack of width compared to the UCS, which can be constraining, as well as the 'personal space' around you. I look forward to the refit due (though even more I look forward to travelling to MCO in UCS in October!!).
We made up most of our time, landing about 20 minutes late. YVR has a lovely airport, very pretty and spacial, so through the queues quickly and our luggage was numbers 2 and 4 off, which was great, and straight through immigration no problem, on our way to start a 2 week fantastic holiday throughout the Rockies (Fairmont all the way!) - absolutely breath taking, but that's another story!
All in all, service was great 8/10; food was better than I had seen in a long time - 8/10; seat 6/10, only for width; lounge, food and facial - 8/10 (where VA would probably get 9.5!). Entertainment was good, but restrictive in that it lacked the UCS touch. Great flight and holiday. Taking the return trip home tomorrow from YVR so fingers crossed it is just as good.
Well done BA, better than last time - hope it's the way forward!
