On line check in was open 24 hours before the flight and was quite easy and I was able to choose a window seat.
After catching the Heathrow Express I headed for Terminal 1 instead of my usual Terminal 3. No problem finding the BMI Bag drop and it only took a few minutes and I was heading to Security. On domestic flights they check your boarding pass and photo ID and then photograph you. Then it’s through the normal security channel and then head to the domestic departures and they check your boarding pass and that you match the photo they took earlier.
The departure area that BMI use is superb compared to Terminal 3. In my view T3 is just a glorified shopping centre with some seats that’s always very busy. Terminal 1 BMI has a newsagent and a Costa Coffee and the big plus, loads of seats where you can actually see out of the window. It actually feels like you are in an airport not a shopping centre. We got a coffee and found some seats that overlooked the north runway.
The flight was called about 1710 and we headed to the gate. Boarding was very quick and easy. No 747 or Airbus 340 for this flight, but an Airbus 320. We were welcomed on board and directed to our seats by the friendly cabin crew. Seats were reasonably comfortable for a small aircraft and the flight about three quarters full.
Pushed back dead on time at 1735. We were taking off in an easterly direction so had quite a long taxi past Terminal 3 to southern runway. Take off was at 1805. During the flight the trolley made its way through the aircraft, selling tea, coffee, cold drinks and snacks. As it was only a short flight I did not buy anything.
The flight time to Glasgow was just under an hour. Very quick taxi to the gate where we arrived at 1910. After disembarking the aircraft we headed to baggage reclaim and the bags arrived within a few minutes. We were out of the airport and made the 1930 Airport express bus to the City Centre. The bus dropped us off near Glasgow Central station less than 15 minutes later. In all less than 45 minutes from landing to being in the centre of Glasgow.
In summary, it was a good value flight, which was on time and convenient. The check in staff and cabin crew were friendly and helpful. Would I use BMI again for domestic flights? Yes given the choice, but unfortunately they are no longer going to operate on the Heathrow – Glasgow route.
