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#775352 by downhillski1
16 Apr 2011, 00:38
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Took tube out to LHR, never quick, but always cheap.

As my printer was out of ink I had to try to print my boarding pass using the kiosks in the terminal. It took about three or four tries before it finally read my passport and printed my boarding pass.

The terminal was very very busy, but oddly there were no queues anywhere. I walked right up to bag drop and my checked bag was weighed, tagged, and was off. My carryon was overweight, but as I said I had fragile items (carved stone plates I bought in Egypt) she let it go.

Security was busy but only took about 15 minutes or so. Tried to find some Cuban cigars to sneak through customs for my dad, but alas, the airport didn't have. I made my way to the gate and it was rammed with people. There was even a (longish) queue for upper class! After 20 or 30 minutes I was in the boarding area and by the time I got there, it was time to board.

There were 305pax on board, 1 FSM, who introduced herself on the PA, and I may have misheard, but 2 CSMs. There was also a 21st birthday announcement by the crew for a passenger on board. Push back was at 10:29, and takeoff from runway 27R at 10:55, quick by LHR standards.

Soon after takeoff, sour cream and chive flavoured pretzels were passed out, and about 10-15 minutes later there was the first drinks round, and immediately following, lunch was served. The choices were veggie chili, roast chicken, or cottage pie. I opted for the cottage pie, which was decent; not amazing, but not too bad either.

After lunch there was a second drink round along with coffee and tea (two rounds also). With about three hours to go ice cream was served, along with water.

Over Newfoundland we hit moderate turbulence for about 20 minutes or so. After that subsided, brownies and cookies were offered, along with juice and water (I had a brownie and water).

30 minutes before landing, the usual sweets were handed out. Touchdown was at 13:17 with gate arrival 5 minutes later. Off the plane quickly, until I realized I left my wallet on there (doh ?| !) but a flight attendant quickly retrieved it for me. 2 minute queue at immigration and waited no more than 5 minutes for my bag). Customs was equally as quick.

The flight attendants were very visible throughout the flight and very nice, even when dealing with a slightly difficult passenger seated in the row in front of me. And it was nice to have food and drink topped up frequently throughout the flight. It seemed like whenever you were about to ask for something, it magically appeared. All in all, an easy, on time flight.
#775368 by slinky09
16 Apr 2011, 05:41
Sounds a great flight, and, as you say, the VS3 is great for immigration.
#775371 by craigmonster
16 Apr 2011, 07:54
slinky09 wrote:Sounds a great flight, and, as you say, the VS3 is great for immigration.

Nice to hear that immigration was quick; we're on VS03 in may and need a connecting flight so a 2 hour wait would be a pain.
Thanks for the report; nice to hear that Econ is still a pleasant experience (given the way fare prices are heading I suspect our next few flights will be in Y)
#775384 by Luke085
16 Apr 2011, 11:48
Thanks for the TR - Glad to hear of a smooth experience overall.
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