V-Flyer

Unfortunately this was not a BA First class report but a few firsts on the change in service.

Now many of the regulars will know that I have a little soft spot for BA[:I] due to my many years and adventures in Russia, and despite my love affair with VS I still fly the flag occasionally for the other national carrier. No other option really if I want to go to work.

The flight to and from Pristina has always been a merry occasion especially on the PRN-LGW sector due to the fact that I am usually going home for some R&R. Mostly in el cheapo seats, but the service has usually been acceptable especially in the drinkie dept and the chances of getting a curry were fairly high.

No longer do they carry newspapers, a big disappointment as I cant' even nab one off the flight at the end of the working day[V] and take home (an ex-pat thing)

The meal has been replaced by a cob roll and an apple and grape bag which is served along with tea & coffee in a paper cup with a 'soft cookie' as desert.

Now before you start shouting at me saying this is not new.....it is on this sector flight[:(!] Oh how I scoffed at some TR's with the inferior food. 'It'll never happen on my flight' I said.

I am aware that the all day deli has existed for a couple of years on the short europe jaunts but this is a 3hr+ flight and I was hungry. So hungy in fact I resorted to eating Daniels (11mths) biscuits[ii]

To get over the shock at least I could have a few drinks....eh no!

Gone is the pre dinner drink, the wine with meal service, the post dinner drink. What happens now is when they come with the 'roll' they ask you if you want tea or coffee. No mention off 'Glad to be going home sir, can I offer you a whisky'. And if you do ask it is like it comes out their own pocket.....maybe it does now.

So many new firsts for me on BA, all of them bad.

At least the apple and grape bag counts as 1 of my 5 fruit and veg allowances. My doctor will be pleased. Pity the other 4 never make it[:D]

But hold on, maybe this was just a one off and the return would be back to normal. Nope just the Bl**dy same

One other thing the cabin crew has reduced from 4 to 3.

So not impressed Mr Walsh, but then again he did it with EI.

Iain