V-Flyer

The choices for this trip to Newcastle were: train or BA from LHR. The cost when we booked were comparable, although BA would offer 10 points each way and also free lounge access each end (being EC Silver). So I suppose BA won in the end.

Trip out to LHR was difficult - traffic was a nightmare in West London - no idea why. Quick trip through security - opted for non-fast track security as the fast track was busier. Brief trip to Boots and then off to the First Lounge (my colleague is EC Gold). A nice glass of vintage champagne and some snacks passed the time nicely before the flight.

All too soon boarding came up, so we headed off to Gate 7 - the other end of T5 of course. Boarding hadn't actually started, but it did fairly soon after we got there. We were in Row 1 - 1F felt a bit smaller than the rest of Row 1. Boarding was fairly quick, particularly for a full flight.

Pushed back early and then short taxi to take-off - we had a very short run fown the runway so probably little luggage on board. The flight time was only 41 minutes - just enough time for a diet coke and some savoury BA snacks. The crew did a good job doing all the drink service and trash clearance before it was time for landing. After landing it was a short taxi to the terminal, arriving about 15 mins ahead of schedule.

A nice and quick flight - shame they don't fly from LCY instead of LHR

Done that route a few times ...

The crew always work very hard and very efficiently. The only time I have never been served on the flight when there was a medical emergency a row or two back from me. The plane only just gets up to cruising height when its time to start the descent...

Thank you for the TR.