BA507 LIS-LHR 16 JUL 10 (CLUB EUROPE)

Arrived at the airport after a relatively cheap and fast taxi ride out from the centre of Lisbon. The airport was very busy, although there was no-one at the BA desks / self-service check-in machines. We picked up our boarding cards and headed off to security - this was slowish but not that busy.

Headed off to the Air France lounge that BA use - the usual friendly welcome from the staff in there. Limited snacks available. We were called after a short while and what seemed quite early for the flight. Wandered off and through immigration to the near wing of the terminal - very nice and more airy than the old parts of the terminal.

It said that it was already boarding, but it wasn't. They approached some people who looked like that they might want "extra assistance" which resulted in lots of their "friends" also being boarded. Eventually they called boarding of rows above 20 - no mention about Club Europe (poor show). We just went forward and were allowed to board.

Once everyone was on board, the captain came on and explained that we would have to wait on the ground in Lisbon for a further 30 minutes before we could be pushed back. The reasons for this were strong winds in south England meaning that the landing slots were being limited and undercapacity at LHR due to having only two runways. Time seemed to pass fairly quickly and then we were allowed to leave.

The in flight meal this time was a choice of salmon, potatoes, medley of vegetables in a butter sauce (hot) or a cold Spanish salad (odd choice as this was a flight from Portugal!). On this flight everyone seemed to get their choice of main course. There were two pieces of cheese and two crackers (no grapes) and this time no dessert - obviously further cut backs!! Had some champagne to accompany the salmon which was actually very nice (both of them!). Refills of the champagne were offered appropriately throughout the flight.

Worked on the flight and then it was time to land - about 30 minutes late due to not being allowed to leave Lisbon. Short taxi to the off-stand gate that they use for BA shorthaul at T3. There was a slight delay before the bus arrived and we could get back to the terminal. IRIS worked for me but not for my companion - typical!!

Overall the flight was not too bad but it seems that BA is making more cut-backs on what is offered on board. What is more worrying is this issue that seems to being used more and more in relation to flights using LHR, that due to having only 2 runways airtraffic control at LHR are delaying flights coming into the UK and also those leaving LHR. Something needs to be sorted about this.........

[honey lamb]

Being held at the point of departure because of congestion at LHR is a regular feature of flights leaving Cork. If there is bad weather over the east coast of America and the flights from there into LHR are delayed, it can be guaranteed that the early morning ORK-LHR flight will depart late with the subsequent knock-on delay for the rest of the day

Thanks for your TR an interesting read
Club world to me just doesnt seem worth it these days what with continuous cut backs.

cheers

alex

The LHR-LIS/LIS-LHR is a Club Europe product and therefore isn't anywhere near as good as a Club World service.

Thank you for the great TR.

Thanks for your TR an interesting read
Club world to me just doesnt seem worth it these days what with continuous cut backs.

For me, it depends on the price, cheap advanced booking, or on the day upgrades then yes, I'd still go for CE for the space and extra service.