We made a mistake and decided to drive to LGW from London - hadn't really thought about it, as we should have got the train (something to remember next time). Anyway this was a work trip, with about 27 hours to be spent in Mallorca!
Arrived at LGW and dropped off the car at the Valet parking - this used to be a BA valet parking service, but I suppose with the movement of long haul flights to LHR, BA have stopped doing this and it has been taken over by the airport. Very fast, and then into a deserted terminal. It was spokey being so quiet!! We only had hand luggage and had checked in but not printed boarding cards. Noticed that the Club check-in desks were already closed! Security was a breeze - 3 desks open and 3 different security lanes with no-one waiting. Brief stop to get currency and a few things from Boots, then it was off to Terraces. Airside was as quiet as landside!
Terraces - well it is no club house!! There was a nice selection of white wines, some breakfast items looking like they were left over from the morning and a few odd sandwiches. Luckily they had more sandwiches, they didn't seem to want to bring them out until asked. As usual as this time of night (around 8.30pm) they have shut the ground floor of the LGW Terraces, but even so there were less than 20 people upstairs!
Having been fed and watered, it was time to do some work....but wait no computers in the upstairs bit! We went over to the desk to ask and there was a slight pause, followed by a wait and I'll see if they are free over in the First Lounge.....and they were!! Having never been into the other side at LGW I was glad to get the chance to get in. Not much different to the Club side - more darker wood and nicer chairs. BUT the advantage was that there was vintage champagne....and it would be rude not to have a large glass as a treat!! Not sure what the food was like in there, as nothing was out but there were menus around that I forgot to look at. Must remember to check next time about having to do some work! If I was flying First I think I would be a bit disappointed with the lounge there.
Anyway they came over after the last 'gold' members had left and mentioned it was shutting, so we headed off to the flight - little bit earlier than needed but it was the other side of the terminal and didn't want to rush.
We arrived just before everyone else. Boarding was called but not by seat, as there were so few people waiting. There were 5 rows of Club and only 4 passengers.
Left early, with fast taxi to the runway and a very short take-off....probably not much checked luggage on board. After take-off time for drink (more champagne) and pretzels. Dinner options were beef stew or chicken noodle salad. Had the beef that was very good indeed for an inflight meal. Desert on the tray was also good - cheesecake. All washed down by some more champagne...of course!
Flight seemed to be very quick and so we arrived a little earlier than expected (01.30 local time!). The last flight of the day into PMI so the airport was deserted.
All in all, a good airport and inflight experience - made better by the free trip into the First lounge!!
