V-Flyer

My four weeks in New York went past all too quickly and it was already time to come home. It just so happened that the opening of online check-in coincided with the abstract deadline for an upcoming conference so I was already at the computer when T-24 arrived. It seems as though BA do not open online check-in right until this point, in contrast to VS where I think others have commented being able to check-in online a little bit in advance of T-24. Flying from Newark, the aircraft was a four-class 777 and I managed to select 21J which is the front row of the WT+ cabin apparently with extra legroom due to the bulkhead. During the check-in process there was the offer to upgrade to Club World for 399 which was tempting but not tempting enough on this occasion.

Arrived at the airport at 4pm after getting a cab to Penn Station and the NJ Transit to Newark. A couple of people were in front in the queue but everything moved smoothly and was all sorted within 15 minutes with the information that dinner would be a choice of the beef or pasta. Terminal B is currently undergoing renovation and there isnt too much either side of security in terms of shops or dining options. I ended up taking a table at the Samuel Adams pub to past the time.

Some pictures of the airport and pre-boarding snack:







The Air India flight to Frankfurt and onwards to Chennai was also departing. Im always impressed by the general commotion that can be caused by India-bound flights, regardless of departure point. Even though boarding had not commenced, numerous passengers were crowding around the gate and staff had to make a number of announcements to ask passengers not to block the gate area to very minimal success.



Boarding for the flight back to London started around 6pm and I boarded about 6.15pm and found my seat where the legroom was not nearly as notable as on the outbound flight, although this would be an AVOD-equipped 777 which was a bonus.



There was classical music piped on the speakers which I dont remember happening at Heathrow and the initial announcement about storing luggage, etc... was given by a member of the cabin crew with a French accent which was rather nice. The captain then announced that the flight would be 6 hours long and that due to night time restrictions we wouldnt be able to land until 6am at the earliest. The WT+ cabin had 15 passengers so less than 50% occupancy and soon enough we were on our way pushing back on time. Dinner was served an hour into the flight and I chose the beef which was a casserole-type dish with mash, peas and carrots (a bit too salty for my palate) and lentil salad and cherry cake with icing which were both perfectly edible.



Managed to watch (500) Days of Summer which was surprisingly good before getting some rest. Breakfast came round an hour and a quarter before landing and consisted of a Danish and a partially frozen cup of orange juice not the best at all. Things were cleared up pronto and although we were held over Heathrow for a good 15 minutes, we landed at 6.30am to a remote stand. Got to the terminal by 6.55am and was out of baggage reclaim by 7.05am which is extremely good going in my books.

All in all a very smooth flight just let down by breakfast (havent we all heard this before) and great first impressions of Terminal 5 and BA in general. Next flight in two weeks to Orlando on VS but back to Economy well see how it compares in due course.

Jonathan

jltc

Thanks for the illustrated TR[y][y]

As BA fares become very competitive, it is always interesting to see what is the option to the VS PE Product[:?]

I agree the 399 is very tempting[}:)]

Thanks once again

buns

Thank you for the TR, great pics.[y]

think i would have been tempted by the 399 upgrade to Club - seems quite a good price.

Please please let there be a 399 upgrade next March.

I thought 399 was a good deal too - shame that as a student with limited funds I had to pass it over. Next time maybe.

Jonathan

Great TR thanks for the piccys, i wonder if you could have bartered down to 300[:I]

cheers

alex