I was off to Sao Paulo for work, and got my manager to approve going on BA instead of TAM. Mostly due to this being an overnight flight and I wanted a flat bed, as I'm not being paid to travel overnight.
Booked Dot2dot again to get me to LHR T4. Forgot it was half term so made it from Docklands in an hour, and this was leaving at 5pm. Found a self service machine and printed my boarding pass, then asked directions for the Club World baggage drop off point. Friendly lady checked my luggage in, commenting I had an upstairs seat and seemed genuinely interested, unlike VS where it seems they just do their job. Fast track sticker attached, I went through security. No queues there, and quickly scanned and didn't beep this time, which is always nice! [:D]
The gate 10 lounge was closed, so Gate 1 it was, which I'd not visited before. It's no clubhouse, but I think we all know that. Was quite full, I assume because the other lounge was shut. Had a few drinks, a few nibbles and sat around and waited. Not sure how you are meant to eat here if you are on a sleeper service. The hot food was very limited.
Flight was at 21:45, so left about an hour before, to go to get some mags and sweets to keep me entertained on the flight. Boarding started about 21:15. Priority boarding worked well, except for 5 kids with buggies in front who took ages to sort themselves out. The CSD was saying there wasn't enough room in the closets for them so they'd have to put some in the hold. I was watching hoping they wouldn't all go upstairs. Luckily, they turned right. [:D]
We were on British Airways Boeing 747-436 G-CIVX, 'Chatham Historic Dockyard'. There was a plaque at the top of the stairs explaining about the dockyard. Seat 63A would be mine for the next 12 hours. I did wonder how it would feel sitting backwards, but except for take off and landing, you don't really notice. It is odd staring at the guy next to you as the divider is down until they finish the safety briefing, then up it comes.
So, the seat. It was wide enough for me, and I'm not exactly narrow shouldered! I preferred the seat over VS, it was comfy and can be put in any position from upright to flat. Not so impressed with the flat mode. I think VS win here, but the fact you can go from sitting to sleeping in one push is a good thing I think, as you can sit up get out, then go back to sleeping quite easily.
One fault with the seat is that any movement from the person next to you rocks the whole shell of the suite, so you feel any movement, especially when lying flat. I also don't like the screen. It lets too much light through, which is annoying, though you can't see what's going on, so it is private, just the light reflects quite a lot onto it. The stool is attached to the seat behind (or is that in front?) and any movement from the person in 64A meant I felt the stool move. I guess if I was heavy footed, he would also feel me moving.
Lack of aisle access is the biggest issue. Yes, you can step over the person if they have their stool in use, but the cabin was very dark, and the overhead bins made you stoop, so I could see this could cause some an issue. The cabin is very dark. No 'mood lighting' down the side above the windows, making it hard to see in the sidebins, and the suite blocks a lot of light. Another light would be nice. Every time you lean forward to eat, you block the light.
The crew were great. It didn't look easy serving people in window seats as they had to lean over someone, and then bend round. The TV screen also blocks your view of them, so it's hard to see what's happening. The CSD came and introduced himself and the food was edible. I didn't try out the club kitchen, mostly as it was so dark after the meal service, I didn't know where I was going to find it. Will hopefully go have a look-see on Saturday when I fly back.
The IFE worked with no issues, as I'd read there had been quite a few issues with it I brought a book just in case. Very good system, touch screen TVs and a nice fast system, with no ads before watching a film. Not as much choice as VS but quite a few of the latest releases there.
Problems with the water system meant no water in the toilets to wash hands with, so bottles of water were used, and towels left so you could still freshen up. They announced that as it was so late into the flight they wouldn't divert to fill up, a wise choice. Even if was just into the flight, not sure I'd be happy stopping to fill up with water.
Landed at GRU a little late, but took 30 mins to get from plane to taxi, so can't complain there. Immigration was simple, so questions asked. was so relieved to see my bag on the carousel. The BA immigration video said you had to list all your electronics on the landing card, but the card didn't suggest this and no one else seemed to be doing this.
Overall, a decent flight, a little long for me, though if I could sleep on the plane it would be ok. Great crew and they gave me bottled cold water when asked, something VS could do with doing [:p]
Flying back on Sat, in 62A, a window seat and with aisle access, so that'll be nice, and unlimited leg room too, useful for tall people!
Thanks for listening, Guess I should prepare for work tomorrow!
