Anyway we set off to Gatwick by train early on Monday morning from London Bridge - convenient for us and cheaper than the Gatwick Express. I'd booked us in online the previous day, and printed out boarding passes, so assumed it would be a case of strolling up to the fast drop luggage desk, and leaving our bags with no delay. How wrong can you be?!
As it turned out, there was a queue even to get into the BA area of the North Terminal. Eventually reached an official who pointed out the Club Europe check-in desks, where we were processed with little delay. I should think the queue for 'fast' drop must have been at least 30 minutes. Is it always like this, or had something gone wrong?
We were through security in about 15 minutes (no sign of a Fast Track in the North Terminal), and after a little shopping, including a pair of Bose QC3s (again thanks for the advice V-flyers) we found our way to the BA Terraces lounge. Whilst obviously a far cry from the VS lounges (which I have yet to experience) it was a pleasant oasis of calm and a world away from the noisy bustle in the rest of the airport. Had some coffee, juice and toast, but knew there was more breakfast to come on the flight.
Our flight was called on time. There didn't seem to be any priority boarding but we were soon installed in row 1 of the 737. Hot towels were offered and soon after take-off (on time) we were tucking into a cooked breakfast of bacon, sausage, tomato, mushroom and scrambled egg. Fruit salad and orange juice were also on the tray, and warm rolls and croissants were handed out. Again a far cry from the usual filled roll I'm used to!
The purser handled all the service for Club Europe passengers (about a dozen or so on this flight), and was very friendly and approachable. We were offered champagne with breakfast, I don't know why we declined!
Soon landed at Rome. First off the plane, but no priority luggage retrieval. Anyway, soon on our way for a few days sightseeing in Rome.
As so many have said before, travelling at the pointy end is addictive, and for someone like me who only gets to fly once or twice a year, I think the extra cost is well worth it. Otherwise air travel is becoming more of an ordeal especially for someone like me who can't stand queueing. Roll on June for our UC flights to and from California![:)]
Mike
