After a very efficient train journey out to the airport (had collected boarding cards in the morning from the train station self-service machines and still managed to nab the exit row!), quickly dropped off our bags. Initial boarding card check, some brief shopping (very very expensive) we headed off to the E gates (via passport control). There was mixing with arriving passengers right until almost at the E gates when we went through security.
Headed up to the Panorama Lounge - the only lounge there apart from an Emirates Lounge. The view was really really good - you could see the snow covered mountains! A good range of drinks and some basic nibbles.
No boarding calls in the lounge, so wandered down and were almost the last to board. The Embraer 190 looked really small compared to the A319/A320 flying back to LHR. Extra leg room in the window exit row on the Embraer 190 is very good (the normal leg room is pretty good anyway). Hung around for a while waiting for the last couple of people to arrive, and then it was a relatively long taxi to take off.
Service as always was bird seed / cookie and a drink (the made a point of telling everyone what was being served in Club Europe - afternoon tea with warmed scones). Flight was very quick and uneventful with an early arrival into LCY. Parked at almost the furthest gate so a long walk to Immigration. Bags took longer than the advertised time by LCY!
Overall a good flight - great to be able to get home earlier with no change / upgrade fee (one benefit of the strike) and also we were changed to a higher fare class - more miles and points!
