V-Flyer

This was the first part of a work trip to MAllorca and Ibiza. Arrived at LGW relatively early for the flight, as we were
meeting my other half briefly at the airport. Bag drop was very quick, as we had already checked in on line, and then met up and then headed off to The Globe bar for a drink. Relatively busy with Virgin Nigeria passengers waiting for their flight, and the footie was on. Had a couple of bottles of wine and some of their sharing snacks - wine was good, and the majority of the snacks were ok.

Headed up to departures and noticed that the Fast Track line was shut. However there was no-one waiting for security and we were through very quickly (within 5 minutes) - thought we had escaped the shoes off screen, but this was hidden around the corner. One thing that was obvious was just how quiet it was. However, this also meant that over half the shops had already shut (it was only 9pm at this stage, and our flight wasn't departing until 10.20pm!). THis was very annoying indeed!!

Headed off to the lounge, to find that only the second floor was open - presume also because it was quiet there. Made a few quick calls, and then headed off as soon as the flight came up boarding in the lounge. As we walked out, an annoucement was called saying if we didn't come immediately that our bags would be off loaded and we would be denied boarding. So it was a long run to the gate, which of course was the furthest possible!! When we got there they calmly said 'there was no need to rush!!'. This really gets me so annoyed, and has happened more than once before with BA and being in the lounge (both at LGW and LHR). If they want people there in time, then if it should come up earlier on the boards in there. Anyway when we got on the plane, it was very empty (only 6 in 7 rows of club and not many in EuroTraveller) and the doors were shut as soon as we boarded. Pushback was early, and a rapid taxi to the runway and a very short take-off (guess there wasn't many people or bags).

Drinks not long after take-off - champagne of course! The pilot then came on to update us on flight time etc; he must have been bored up front as he talked for ages and ages about the weather and the summer season in the Balerics! This was followed by food - surprising how you can be hungry when plane food comes around at that time of night. Went for the seafood gnocci option - this was VERY good, and was amongst one of the best inflight meals that I have had. Dessert was odd, however, so not that tasty! More champagne throughout the flight of course.

After landing, immigration was relatively quick. However our bags was on a carousle about as far away as possible, and seemed to take ages to come off - odd as we were the only flight around. Once they finally came through, it was off to find a taxi - one odd thing was that there is no customs when you leave the airport, just some sliding glass doors. Finally got to our hotel around 2.30am local time.....far too late!!

Overall a good flight let down by a couple of things:

1. The lack of shopping facilities at the airport after 9pm at night

2. The issue about boarding details in the lounge resulting in a run to the gate and the attitude of the staff at the gate.

Wholeheartedly agree about the boarding announcements thing ... conversely with VS at LHR when they announce boarding in the clubhouse an hour before the flight ... you just always know that there will be some delay but keep getting the 'final call' stuff!

A work trip to Ibiza in summer ... hmmm, sound good!