This is a Trip Report from the Economy cabin
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I arrived via the tube at 10:30 for my 12:00PM flight. The woman ahead of me was arriving late for her flight but the agent doing check in made sure she got through quickly and left to find another member of staff to escort her through security. After about five minutes, I was checked in without any problems and was handed my immigration card. My bag was a half kilo overweight, but he let it go, unlike some other airlines I know. Cough US Airways cough cough. They also didn't weigh my carryons, which was a nice change from last time since I am almost certain both were overweight. (Lots of camera gear!)
I was through security in less than 10 minutes. It has never taken me more than ten minutes to get through security at Heathrow, touch wood. After that, it was a quick side trip through the shops to buy a few things for my sister, and then I made my way to gate 20. Very short queue to be let into the gate area and was at a seat watching the planes go by in no time. Cosmic Girl was there waiting for me. I took advantage of my mobile broadband and spent maybe ten or 15 minutes online before I was called to board.
I picked 77A at OLCI earlier, which is on the upper deck. Being my first time on the upper deck, I was pretty impressed. It was very nice to have a shelf next to you rather than getting stuck trying to jam everything under your seat. Both of my carryons were camera bags that didn't fit in the small overheads of the upper deck, but a FA put them in a closet for me. Seat 77C was taken, but since the middle seat was free, there was plenty of space.
The view from my seat while still on the ground.
The FSA introduced herself over the PA and it seemed to be a pretty empty flight as she announced we could all change seats if we liked after take off. We were delayed about 25 minutes because of fog, and we had a 20 minute taxi out. Pushback was at 12:25, and take off was at 12:53. We were stuck behind a long line of BA planes taking off since we left from next to terminal 5. Take off was smooth and not much to see once airborne because of the low clouds.
Drink orders were quickly taken following take off. I ordered a Heineken which was promptly served. A FA came around and gave everyone a very small package of sour cream and chive flavoured pretzels, which were actually good. Following that three meal choices were offered: Cumberland pie, some sort of chicken dish, and a vegetarian chili. I opted for the Cumberland Pie, which was actually quite nice as far as economy food goes. The vegetables were cooked nicely and the potato topping was fluffy and flavourful. The salad, while crispy and fresh, was very small. The roll was decent, and the desert was the usual Gu ganache. Wine was offered and I opted for the red, which was ok, though I wasn't expecting anything great since this was economy.
The view over western Ireland.
After the meal tea and coffee was served, and soon after I fell asleep for a good 3-4 hours+. When I woke up, another round of tea and coffee was served along with brownies and cookies.
The moving map wasn't working for some reason, but the interactive one was. I played around with that for a bit and played some Tetris.
Feeling very thirsty a bit later, and just as I was about to ask for some water, a FA came round with juice and water. Very nice to have that anticipated! (Though I'm sure it was just lucky timing).
The flight was smooth until after I woke up from my nap when turbulence forced the captain to turn on the seat belt sign. It stayed on for around 30 minutes during a decent amount of turbulence, but nothing too major. It remained off for another hour or two and we went through more turbulence so back on again! This time it was only off for maybe 15 or 30 minutes as it was time to start our decent, which was also somewhat turbulent. The pilot made a very smooth landing at 2:45PM, 20 minutes ahead of schedule, and we arrived at the gate at 2:57. Longish walk to passport control but no queue, so through in an instant. I waited about 20-30 minutes for my bag since all the priority bags came through first. Again, no wait at customs, so quickly through and on my way.
I had one of the better flights I've had in a while, and the lack of engine noise, crying babies, and prompt service makes me definitely prefer the upper deck. Hopefully my return flight on the 7th will be just as nice!
