Loganair operate mainly Saab 340 aircraft, which can carry 34 passengers. The configuration is 1-2 (with four seats in a row at the back). One thing I discovered is that Seat 2C doesn't have a window, and I love looking out the window.
Thankfully British Airways online check-in means that you can choose your seat 24 hours in advance and I was offered a window seat for both flights.
Kirkwall Airport, like all the Highlands and Islands facilities is charming, with a little shop, cafe and waiting room. It's also the hub of Loganair's inter-island services, for the outer islands of the Orkney archipelago. This includes Westray to Papa Westray, journey time: 2 minutes! My flight was at 1610hrs, and at 1525hrs I was at a little Inn ten minutes from the airport enjoying a home cooked lunch, before a leisurely drive to the airport. I love these little airports!
There are a handful of check-in desks which were mainly being used for baggage drop. The airport was quite busy, as the Edinburgh flight had been delayed. The friendly check-in agent checked my suitcase through to Heathrow. As I had a connecting flight booked, the luggage allowance was 23KG instead of the usual 15KG.
So back to the plane, the Saab 340 was painted white with a pale blue underbelly, in preparation for the change to the FlyBE franchise.
We boarded on time, I want to run to the plane as I am so excited, but I resist. The sole stewardess rushed through the safety announcements. I think she did it all in one breath! Not that I was worried, I was waiting for the drinks service. Loganair's inflight service consists of drinks and snacks (perhaps they still serve breakfast on morning flights?) with drinks served from full sized bottles. So the measures are usually generous! Salt and Vinegar mini pretzels were also provided, which were quite tastey but not really needed.
So nothing else to do but to enjoy the flight - flicking through Highlife magazine, peering down at the North East coast of Scotland. The flight was very smooth, and the landing and disembarkation easy. As I was on a connecting flight I was slightly disoriented by the signage at Aberdeen - a big sign says 'EASTERN AIRWAYS Connecting Passengers >>>' but I actually thought that the sign was simply incorporating an advert for Eastern! Thankfully I noted another smaller sign 'Transfer Passengers' and in five seconds was at the departure gates for the Heathrow flight.
The next flight to Heathrow was at 1800hrs, but given the difference in price (almost 110 more) I had booked the 2030hrs service. My last flight from Scotland was WIC-EDI-LCY and had a four hour delay at Wick so I wasn't too worried about the longer wait. I spent the time at the Servisair Lounge, for which I'd paid 16.00. The lounge was nice enough, the subdued lighting almost compensated for the lack of natural daylight, and I was happy to spend the time there. However, the lounge was supposed to close at 2030hrs but the three occupants were asked to leave at 1930hrs as 'it was closing time.'
The BA flight to London Heathrow was an Airbus A319, with 3-3 configuration. I got a row to myself and sat in seat 20A looking out the window.
Nothing could have prepared me for the view taking off from Aberdeen. It was stunning. The airport is located on what I would describe as a ridge, and as we headed South West, the land drops to the rolling fields and woods of Aberdeenshire. The sun was setting, bathing the countryside in a golden glow, while a light mist gave everything an other-worldly look and I was utterly transfixed.
Before long, food was served. I was surprised that the only option provided was Prawn Cocktail. Unfortunately I don't like it, but no other options were provided. I'm still slightly alarmed at the choice of snack - prawns and sea food in general is such a divisive thing - people generally love it or hate it, so to present this as the only option seemed strange to me! There was a Rachel's Organic Rice Pudding which was nice, and a good cuppa.
Drinks service followed, all the Coke cans were sticky, for which the stewardess apologised, explaining that one of them had leaked...
The screens showed the location of the flight with the usual facts and figures throughout, and again it was a smooth journey.And then we landed at Heathrow. There was a slight delay getting off the aircraft, by the time I had reached the carousel by suitcase was there.
Terminal 5 is lovely. The aviation version of the new Jubilee Line stations, but signage lets it down. I am normally really fine at airports, but I admit to getting lost between T5 and the Heathrow Express platforms.
However, all in all, a great couple of flights, and at a great price. (90 including tax).
