After check-in, MrG and I wandered outside the terminal for some fresh air and said our farewells. Due to work commitments he wouldn't be flying back until the 2nd, so he only had a couple of days to fend for himself[;)]
Security was negotiated in about 5 minutes with no problems. After security you walk straight into the departure lounge where there is a small duty free shop and a drinks machine. I recommend a good book if you ever find yourself here with time to spare. A quick dash into the shop to purchase a couple of Rum Cakes for the folks back home and then I was on my way to the BA Executive Lounge.
This lounge is very small and basic. Tonight it was bursting at the seams with standing room only. It was obvious that I had arrived at the wrong time. I used the facilities then grabbed a glass of water. All the alcohol had been decimated and it didn't look like it was going to be replenished either. The lounge was full of suits prancing around like they owned the place. I tried to found a seat to sit on but it would seem that Mr Suit's laptop case needed the rest more than I did[:(!] I finished my drink and left. There were plenty of seats in the main lounge so I sat there for 15 minutes until the first boarding announcement was made.
Boarding commenced at 7.40pm with those needing assistance and those with small children being called first. Shortly after Gold, Silver F and J were called so I went through. I was greeted at the door and directed to my seat. Settled in and was immediately offered a drink, so I had a small glass of champagne. I don't mind the CW seat too much but it's storage facilities are bad compared to the UCS. You have to stow your handbag away for take off in CW whereas you can put it under the ottoman in UCS[y]
The cabin started to fill up around me and I knew it would be a full flight. My travelling companion in 11K arrived and attempted to put his large case into the overhead locker where I had put my things. I jumped to my feet once I realised that my COACH bag was going to be squashed beyond recognition(and then that would have been war!)and offered to remove my things so he could put his case in. He thanked me and we managed to pack everything in nicely.
The flight time this evening would be 6 hours and we eventually took off at 8.10pm. The BA flight is always the last scheduled flight to depart of an evening so when it's ready, it just goes which is quite refreshing when you have been used to sitting in a 50 plane queue at JFK [y]
Seat belt signs were switched off shortly after take off and remained off until descent into LGW. Hot towels, menus, washbags (at the CC called them) were handed out quickly and drinks orders were taken. I had a glass of champagne, this time in a decent sized glass and a packet of nuts.
For dinner I opted for the rockfish for main and the carpaccio of portobella mushrooms for starter. The mushroom dish was very substantial and the the rockfish was very meaty and tasty. This was followed by the Belgian chocolate cheesecake which was yummy. I decided on having a Baileys afterwards and within a couple of miniutes a very large measure was being sipped by me as I settled down to read my book. No wine had been offered during the meal but I was working my way through the champagne still so wasn't too bothered.
Managed 2 hours of snoozing but didn't use the duvet as it was too hot in the cabin. Once awake I took a walk down to the back to see what was going on. WT+ was full and Y only had 2 spare seats in it. During the winter BA do not run a daily schedule to BDA so flights are usually very busy[n] Grabbed a glass of OJ on my way back and then the lights came on for breakfast at 5am local time.
Breakfast consisted of a large bowl of fresh fruit, muffin, smoothie and a mint tea. It was all very nice and I had to forgo the bacon roll as I was full.
We landed at 6.20am, 15 minutes ahead of schedule, which the co-pilot mentioned about 3 times. The immigration queue was short but I reminded myself to register for IRIS on the way back. My bags were off within 5 minutes of the carousel starting so I was outside North Terminal before 7am waiting for Dad's taxi to pick me up.
All in all a good flight. The CW cabin was full and i felt that the CC crew handled this effortlessly and were very attentive. I was never left waiting more than a couple of minutes for drinks that I had requested.
Although I find the CW seats comfortable, they do lack the privacy that an UCS suite affords you.
This was a typical BA flight for me, nothing particularly exciting about it, but it does what it says on the tin and I can usually rely them to get me to where I need to be on time.
Thankfully, my next transatlantic flights are with VS[y] and my first since becoming Au. Looking forward to getting back onto VS metal again and enjoying the delights of the LHR CH where there are always plenty of seats!
