BA8717 EDI-LCY 15th July 2009

After a few days of pleasure and then some 'work' days, it was time to head home. Much easier to fly back to LCY, especially with bags to collect. Was leaving around the same time as a colleague who, although was flying back to LHR, is BA silver....so free lounge access. Got to the airport around 1620 (the flight was at 1910), but his was around 1800. Machine wouldn't issue boarding pass - too early, although a member of ground staff printed on off. However, couldn't do bag drop until 1710. Very annoying, so had to head off for coffee. Returned a little early, no joy - opened dead on 1710....one for next time - don't get to EDI too early unless you just have hand luggage! Then off up to security - the queues were down the terminal and moving very slowly....I would hate to do the 30 minute check-in for a flight there! Anyway we snaked around and then you get sent off to one of the channels.....and we got the end ones which meant much longer than people behind us...not impressed at the organisation of BAA security - just how to get passengers wound up. And the security itself was very slow!

Once we were through, it was time to head off to the lounge - the airport is very dark airside as they are doing building work. I have never been in the BA lounge at Edinburgh - one thing that struck me was that there is no toilet in the lounge and it is a 5 minute hike to the nearest public one.....come on BA get one installed! There were the usual BA fare in there and it was pleasant enough.

Wandered off before flight called as it was round the corner. Boarded on time - I had the last row on the right, which has only 2 seats and extra space next to the window seat. Luckily the seat next to me remained vacant. Hot meal service on the flight - chicken curry and a nice Sav Blanc to wash it down. Short flight time to LCY and a pleasant landing (not to severe for a change). Taxied to the most remote of the new stands and then a long wait for the doors to open.....followed by a short hike to the baggage reclaim, where my bag was the very last one off!!

The flight was great, but the service at Edinburgh airport leaves a lot to be desired - come on BAA get the security screening there better organised and more efficient.

Edi security is usually pretty good, other than first thing in the morning or around 5pm when things seem to grind to a halt. At most other times, its normally around 5 mins.

Can't wait for the latest 'improvements' to finsh, the departure lounge is now very dark, and pretty boring now that the runway is out of sight.

David

Interesting to see that BA still do hot meals on domestic flights... surely their days are numbered?

quote:Originally posted by David
Edi security is usually pretty good, other than first thing in the morning or around 5pm when things seem to grind to a halt. At most other times, its normally around 5 mins.


Over 18 months of weekly use I guess I've spent about 10 mins on average to get through security at Edinburgh. I know it's not saying much but they are generally more cheerful than their Stansted compatriots. Perhaps it's all the whisky they confiscate? [:w]

quote:Originally posted by David
Can't wait for the latest 'improvements' to finsh, the departure lounge is now very dark, and pretty boring now that the runway is out of sight.


And the wireless is b*gger*d up too.

Paul

The city route is a BA franchise, which may explain the hot meal. They also have a choice of white wine on the flight and the Sav Blanc option is much better than the chardonnay on BA itself

quote:Originally posted by gingerflyer
The city route is a BA franchise, which may explain the hot meal. They also have a choice of white wine on the flight and the Sav Blanc option is much better than the chardonnay on BA itself

I was wondering ... my recent flight from Berlin offered no more than a couple of cold sandwiches!

Cheers for the info about EDI

Thanks for the TR! EDI security could be tighter.