V-Flyer

There are not a lot of options to get home from Antwerpn - either direct on VLM to London City or train back to Brussels and then either fly or Eurostar home. We opted for the direct flight back from ANR, especially as it was cheap!

Getting to the airport is not easy - on public transport you can only get a bus, or it is a taxi. We arrived early for the flight as we had pre-booked lounge access at the airport. They were just closing the only other flight leaving that evening, which was to Manchester. Checked in on line, and just did bag drop and boarding card collection. Forgot to ask at check-in about getting into the lounge, as the paperwork said that there would be lounge staff there. Having realised that the door was firmly locked, back to check-in only to find that we had to wait for all 3 of the VLM staff to go and close the Manchest flight. Eventually we got the door card to let us in....and what a disappointment!! Antwerpn airport is pretty basic - one shop that shuts between flights and that is about it. So back to the lounge - red wine all in the chiller, one bottle of vinegar (sorry white wine), port, sherry or local liquor, some beer, water, coke or orange juice. Not quite what we had been expecting, and no staff to ask anything about.

However, we managed to pass the hour or so reading a book and drinking cherry beer! No flight calls in ANR, so headed off to the 'departure lounge'. As I said the airport is basic and once through security, there were a few seats and a vending machine!

Flight called, and then it was a short walk to the plane (no air bridges here). Rather amusingly there was a bin of various umbrellas in case it was raining!! Either that or they get a lot left by flying customers!!

Plane was fairly full, but plenty of emty seats. Always funny when the do the safety demonstration where there is no mention of oxygen masks! After this it was boiled sweets all round before take-off.

The flight time was only 50 minutes - but they managed to do a drink and sandwich round. There was a free bar, with wine that wasn't too bad. Sandwiches consisted of either spicy chicken (VERY good) or cheese salad. Everyone got their first choice, then there was a second round of cheese salad if people were interested.

Overall the flight was really good and the service on board was very good given such a short flight time. Arrived at LCY about 15 minutes early, with a short queue at passport control. Unfortunately the DLR wasn't worling that evening, but even with that I was back home within 45 minutes of landing - nothing like that could happen if we had flown to LHR or LGW. However, I would advise no-one to pay the extra for 'lounge' access as it really isn't worth it!

Thank you for the TR![y]

I've been using this service regularly for ages, and was blissfully unaware that there even was a lounge. Where is it? Not that I have any plans to use it,I'll stick to having a quick bolleke of DeKoninck in the little cafe.

Is the new cafe open yet? It has been a building site for months, with signs saying 'opening in November' Mind you, they don't say which November. [:w]

I agree with you about the on board service from VLM, excellent for such a short flight.

David

The new restaurant wasn't open - there was something outside in a different building when we were there. The lounge is down a corridor opposite check-in....really not worth it though!!