BA8707 EDI-LCY 6th April 2008

After our overnight stay at the very nice Caledonian Hilton, it was time to head back to the airport and down to London. We had checked in the day before at LHR (even though it was >24 hours before the flight).

Haven't flown from EDI for a long-time (having usually used the train as much easier). Terminal was very busy due to all the cancelled and delayed flights to/from LGW and LHR. It had snowed a little bit up in EDI but not as much as down South.

Did a little bit of shopping, grabbed a quick bite from the Weatherspoons pub before our flight was called 30 minutes before departure. We were from the new pier section round the corner (well I say new, but it may have been there for a while as it has been some time since I flew from there). Boarded very quickly to a plane that was almost half-empty. I have no idea as to why they didn't off-load some of the poor sods travelling to either LGW or LHR that were so delayed. For some reason everyone had been checked in to the rear section of the RJ100, so once the doors were closed the stewardess came down and suggested that people spread themselves out.

On time departure from EDI and a relatively quick flight (1 hr 20) to LCY with a brief hold over Southend. The usual sandwich and drink routine from the crew and then it was an ontime landing. The great benefits of LCY is that you walk straight off the plane to terminal and then to the DLR.....we managed to do the whole walk in 5 mins from doors open!!

All in all, a relatively painless flight which is so much different to all of other people trying to get out of EDI yesterday!

My most frequent route!

Originally posted by gingerflyer
We were from the new pier section round the corner (well I say new, but it may have been there for a while as it has been some time since I flew from there).

The new pier section is quite a trek to get to IMHO. It's been there a couple of years now.

For some reason everyone had been checked in to the rear section of the RJ100, so once the doors were closed the stewardess came down and suggested that people spread themselves out.

Sometimes LCY can work faultlessly while LHR and/or LGW suffer. But when it comes to fog, LCY is frequently completely shut. On occasions I've been coached to Biggin Hill!

I'm guessing they're keeping the forward section in anticipation of Silver plus card holders who can pre-book their seat selection. The time of that flight isn't quite rush hour yet. Occasionally on the BAe146 they block out some rows in the middle for aircraft trim too. Invariably I get a seat in the first few rows unless I've had to change flights last minute.

The great benefits of LCY is that you walk straight off the plane to terminal and then to the DLR.....we managed to do the whole walk in 5 mins from doors open!!

LCY remains one of my favourite airports to get into and out of, although it's one heck of lot busier than when I first started to use it a dozen or so years ago. Still, they know how to get a security line moving. Amazing how a small independent airport like this could teach BAA a thing or two.

Cheers, Howard

well there is quite a bit of building work going on there, I think for more gates and also the option to be able to taxi without having to go back down the runway.

Originally posted by gingerflyer
well there is quite a bit of building work going on there, I think for more gates and also the option to be able to taxi without having to go back down the runway.

I'm assuming we're talking about LCY - you're right: I'm not sure quite how they're manipulating the little real estate they have, but they're definitely extending. It's going to be interesting to see how they'll park the A318 next year. I fell sure it'll need more than one gate space. Either that or they'll remote stand it.

I always think it's crazy when they park a flight only a couple of gates away from the right arrivals door (domestic/Ireland/IOM/Channel Islands and international) but still insist on bussing you the 50 yards in case you go in through the wrong entrance.

H