Flights you have been on

[Huntergreed]

Flew LCY to GLA last night.

First time flying on Cityflyer E190. I have flown on the smaller E170 before but these have left the fleet.

Flight was delayed by around 30 minutes but we landed within 10 minutes of our scheduled time.

Very quick take off from London City, brakes released and go, was dark by the time we left LCY but I did spot the flashing lights of a fun fair on Wanstead Park.

I was lucky and had no one next to me on the flight, seats are typically low for the Embraer's.

Service was usual small packet of crisps or cereal bar and drinks. I first I thought it was just water, tea,coffee, orange,apple juice on offer but if you asked there was soft drinks and booze available. Why do LCY routes offer soft drinks and booze and not LHR/LGW?

I would use this route more often but decent fares often don't align when I want to fly.

It’s just a different, enhanced service on BA Cityflyer. Much better in economy than ‘standard’ BA as you can get free drinks (including alcohol).

It’s never really worth paying for Club Europe when flying out of London City as you don’t get much more compared to economy (no blocked middle seat, no lounge at LCY, no great difference in the drink service etc…)

 

[route101]

It’s just a different, enhanced service on BA Cityflyer. Much better in economy than ‘standard’ BA as you can get free drinks (including alcohol).

It’s never really worth paying for Club Europe when flying out of London City as you don’t get much more compared to economy (no blocked middle seat, no lounge at LCY, no great difference in the drink service etc…)

Nearly booked the business fare on the flight as it was around £40 more. Yes, good to see all drinks were free but it was almost if they didn't want to know soft drinks/ and booze were on offer too.

 

[Watershed]

Service was usual small packet of crisps or cereal bar and drinks. I first I thought it was just water, tea,coffee, orange,apple juice on offer but if you asked there was soft drinks and booze available. Why do LCY routes offer soft drinks and booze and not LHR/LGW?

Yes, you get a full bar service on BA's CityFlyer flights in economy, plus for the longer routes a sandwich or similar.

They do hold back some of the more premium drinks for Club Europe but TBH it's a mug's game paying for CE on CityFlyer flights - you get barely any of the advantages you get at LHR or LGW. No lounge at LCY, no guarantee of a free seat next to you (that's particularly stingy given most Embraer operators use 1+2 seats or blocked 1+1 in J) and the only material difference to catering is that you'll get a meal rather than a snack.

It's only really worth going for if you want the Tier Points, the flexibility to make a Free Change on the Day (FCOD - CityFlyer often don't offer Economy Plus fares), or have 2 bags of checked luggage.

The reason for the more generous economy catering policy is that up until very recently, they only had 2 cabin crew as the aircraft only had 98 seats (i.e. just barely meeting the legal requirement to have 1 cabin crew per 50 installed seats). However this wasn't deemed enough to provide a Buy on Board service given the short length of many of the LCY flights.

They are now near the end of the process of installing 2 extra rows in most of the Embraer aircraft, bringing their seating capacity up to 106. As a result they've had to add a third member of cabin crew.

I therefore can't see this more generous policy lasting much longer. Cost-cutting is, as Cruz said, in BA's DNA.

 

[peteb]

Best ever flight memory was aboard a Royal Brunei 767 en-route from Bandar Seri Begawan to Darwin, in July 1995. We mentioned to our stewardess that we'd never flown over the equator before and could she let us know when we did so. Imagine our surprise when after about an hour she asked us to follow her. We did, through first class, thinking oh wow!...upgrade, but no, she knocked on the flight deck door and we were admitted! To see the sea with little clouds scudding below us, sun shining off the sea and many tiny islands is a sight we'll never forget. The pilots were both Mancunians and we had a chat about music and football! They showed us zero latitude on the instruments so that was the equator! Quite unbelievable nowadays. To cap it all when we arrived at The Beaufort Darwin there were the crew in the piano bar, on a 48 hour layover who greeted us like old friends. We got to bed very late that night!! Such a memory!

Following a (mainly) railway holiday in Italy travelled home today from Naples to Birmingham via Zurich with Swiss.

It was always going to be tight at ZRH (55 minutes to get the 1725 departure) but a 30 late incoming arrival into Naples and a tardy turnround (only one member of staff on gate duty) meant it was tighter still.

With a favourable wind direction and flight plan our revised ETA of 1635 gave a 50 minute connection, however a loop of the Zurich queue gave us a landing time of 1646. Then our gate was occupied, cue trundle to another gate. Then only front exit possible so further delays leading to stepping onto Swiss soil at 1705.

There were dozens of us on board making international connections including New York and Boston. The captain came on the intercom reassuring everyone connections would be held.

Nevertheless a mad dash from zone A to zone D ensued, via passport control (thanks Brexiteers), and an arrival at gate D54 at 1717. Kindly gate staff allowed us through then arranged a private minibus to take us to the E190 parked in the far distance.

Profusely apologetic and rather perspiring, we boarded the aircraft.......then sat there for 25 minutes!!

At least Swiss' connection did connect, and arrival into BHX was only 19 late.

Their food drink offer is now paid for but tasty nonetheless, and free chocolate and water was appreciated.

Quite a day, but less tiring than a sleeper &/or two days of travel home by train!

 

[Iskra]

I’ve just done Manchester-Porto with Easyjet on an A320.

A couple of people got singled out at Manchester for oversized carry-on bags, which is not something I’ve seen enforced for a while. My bag wasn’t too dissimilar but I boarded late in the queue and did my best to hide it, so I don’t think they had time for arguments by that point.

I paid a nominal fee for a window seat at the rear on the right hand side so that I’d have the sunset. On taking my seat on the back row, I found it barely had a window at all. Luckily, I ended up with two rows at the back of the aircraft to myself so I moved forwards a row and basically had 1.75 windows and a row to myself. Lovely flight with an orange horizon from a prolonged sunset most of the way due to the Westwards direction of the flight. Nice approach of Porto, taking in the famous bridge over the Douro. The onboard wine was nice. The flight was smooth although there was a bounce on landing. Overall, one of the nicest flights in a while.

 

[alholmes]

Just completed a short return trip from Heathrow to Bucharest OTP and return, the main purpose was to get a final trip on an A318 in the UK, but additionally I’d been to Bucharest a few months ago but fell ill, so wasn’t able to do everything that I wanted.

So I made the booking in the middle of last week, and 24 hours later I received notification of an aircraft change on the outward flight, from A318 to B737-700. Just my luck… typically flight RO392 is a fairly reliable trip for the A318.

The flight out on Tuesday 24 October was on 21-year old B737 YR-BGH, which was definitely showing its age. Threadbare seats with hardly any padding, but a couple of things surprised me. Firstly, the front 4 rows were proper business class seats - not the usual European style of blocking the middle seat. Secondly, the life vests were stored in compartments above the seats - never seen this before, but it shows how rarely I travel on a B737 nowadays. Again, another peculiarity with this particular aircraft is that my row of seats (row 5, immediately behind the bulkhead), still had the little ashtrays in the armrest.

The return flight yesterday, Thursday 24 October, was the A318 YR-ASA as scheduled. Despite being only 4 years younger than the B737 the cabin was in a much better condition. A few aviation enthusiasts on this flight, with a couple from Romania who are flying back on the final flight on Saturday.

Saturday will be the final flight of Tarom’s A318 after which it’s withdrawn from service, leaving just a few A318 aircraft flying for Air France. So it’s probably the final A318 on a commercial service in the UK, and it’s also the end of Tarom’s flights to London.

Of course it’s not my first A318 flight - that was about 10 years ago on BA001 from London City. What a shame we won’t see that flight again.

 

[Cross City]

So it’s probably the final A318 on a commercial service in the UK

Air France sends their A318s fairly regularly to the UK. There have been a few in BHX over the last month.

 

[route101]

Air France sends their A318s fairly regularly to the UK. There have been a few in BHX over the last month.

I am hoping to fly one next month with Air France, the flight is listed as a A318 but there is a risk of it changing.

 

[Peter Mugridge]

Air France sends their A318s fairly regularly to the UK. There have been a few in BHX over the last month.

They show up at Heathrow as well - here is F-GUGQ there on 28th July.

 

[alholmes]

They show up at Heathrow as well - here is F-GUGQ there on 28th July.

View attachment 167963

Never seen one at Heathrow, I’d forgotten about Birmingham. Looks like I’m going to have a trip to France then, before AF take them out of service.

 

[sk688]

BA4460 LCY to DUB 29/10

First time onboard the densified CityFlyer fleet, but luckily was in row 6 which still had extended legroom, and felt even roomier due to the new slimline seat. Was pleasantly surprised by the comfort of the slimline seat ,although this was an hour long flight in all fairness

Arrived into Dublin 10 mins early with the customary lovely views of London from take-off

It surprises me that CityFlyer flights to Dublin are often cheaper than the ones from LHR , given the far nicer experience (and the quickness of City Airport)

 

[Bald Rick]

It surprises me that CityFlyer flights to Dublin are often cheaper than the ones from LHR , given the far nicer experience (and the quickness of City Airport)

I’d always assumed that LHR - Dublin flights were largely full of transfer passengers, and therefore limited availability pushed the prices up.

 

[GRALISTAIR]

I’d always assumed that LHR - Dublin flights were largely full of transfer passengers, and therefore limited availability pushed the prices up.

Yes, that makes total sense.

 

[Iskra]

I did my first ever business class flights yesterday.

BA 1505 Belfast-Heathrow
BA 1945 Heathrow-Manchester

Lounges at Belfast and Heathrow were both very good, relaxing and enjoyable (although the BA Galleries lounge had a dessert shortage, but plenty of savoury options). Staff on both flights were excellent and I got two different menus so that was good, one was afternoon tea with choice of sandwiches and on the Manchester it was a chicken salad. Both were pleasant enough. While I knew that Heathrow-Manchester isn't a long flight, it seemed even shorter than normal and the speed at which the cabin crew had to serve everyone, and clear the cabin again was comical, leaving very little time for eating! A great first business class experience and for an extra £50 over flying direct with Aer Lingus in Economy, it was well worth doing. It's definitely something that I'd do again now I've tried it. Belfast City Airport was also a really nice little airport

 

[GRALISTAIR]

I did my first ever business class flights yesterday.

BA 1505 Belfast-Heathrow
BA 1945 Heathrow-Manchester

Lounges at Belfast and Heathrow were both very good, relaxing and enjoyable (although the BA Galleries lounge had a dessert shortage, but plenty of savoury options). Staff on both flights were excellent and I got two different menus so that was good, one was afternoon tea with choice of sandwiches and on the Manchester it was a chicken salad. Both were pleasant enough. While I knew that Heathrow-Manchester isn't a long flight, it seemed even shorter than normal and the speed at which the cabin crew had to serve everyone, and clear the cabin again was comical, leaving very little time for eating! A great first business class experience and for an extra £50 over flying direct with Aer Lingus in Economy, it was well worth doing. It's definitely something that I'd do again now I've tried it. Belfast City Airport was also a really nice little airport

Very nice indeed. I have never flow into Belfast. I assume the International airport and not City airport?

 

[Iskra]

Very nice indeed. I have never flow into Belfast. I assume the International airport and not City airport?

Yes, George Best/City Airport. Nice and convenient. Good views of the Harland & Wolf cranes and docks too.

 

[Sun Chariot]

The nineties and noughties involved regular air travel, for my work and holidays. I've not flown for many years, so I enjoyed today's hop from LHR to JFK, for our early Christmas shop in NYC. BA premium economy was as I remember.
And I couldn't resist this slot from the P&R. Is that an air bus?

 

[gabrielhj07]

And I couldn't resist this slot from the P&R. Is that an air bus?

That would be a Boeing 777-200ER

 

[Sun Chariot]

That would be a Boeing 777-200ER

The post was just a play on words. A bus stop and a aircraft. Hence "air bus", not "Airbus".

 

[gabrielhj07]

Indeed and our BA outward today was the same.
The post was just a play on words. A bus stop and a aircraft. Hence "air bus", not "Airbus".

I do apologise

 

[Sun Chariot]

I do apologise

No need to apologise. I was hoping a reader would reply with the punchline. And you did!

Our BA flight LHR to JFK was a 777-300
The return AA flight was an older 777-200 (flight AA106 was cancelled, then replaced with AA9600, for the same departure slot. I don't know the cause; but it did seem shabbier than BA's -300)

 

[route101]

Took 3 flights over the weekend.

GLA - AMS - CDG was the first leg.

The trip started off not how Intended. The flight was at 6am and I set my alarm for 2am or so I thought. I wake up and glance at my phone and it was 3am, I wondered why the alarm did not go off and lucky I woke up at 3! As it was too late to park in the City Centre and catch the airport bus I decided to take my car to Glasgow airport and park at one of the off site car parks, for some reason the official Glasgow airport parking was showing fully booked, I guess to make you turn up and pay the on the day charge.

Flight to AMS was a older 737 -700 and felt cramped. After a small delay for deicing we managed to get away before the snow. Service was a drink and a slice of banana bread. The flight was quick and touched down in AMS before 9am. The lines for passport control were long so walked further around to another control point.

My next flight was not until 1235 so I grabbed something to eat before I went through security to the Schengen part of the airport. This was my first time in this part of AMS and there appeared to be work ongoing.

The flight to CDG was onboard Air France and one of their rare A318s. We were delayed on stand until a slot was found. Luckily I did not have a seat neighbour. Service was a small cheese sandwich and a drink, which was more than I was expecting. The flight was quick and arrived at CDG T2.

For £90 one way I thought this was good value for two rare aircraft types.

 

[GRALISTAIR]

Instead of traveling tomorrow, the day before Thanksgiving, and the busiest travel day of the year, me and my wife are traveling this afternoon. CHA-ATL-DUB
Chattanooga - Atlanta - Dublin.
CRJ900 for first leg and a Boeing 767 for the transatlantic portion.

 

[GRALISTAIR]

I am currently on an Airbus 321. DL351. SEA to HNL (Seattle to Honolulu). Going to tour the USS Missouri on Pearl Harbour Day.

 

[thejuggler]

Just back from a short hop to Malaga from Leeds with Jet2. 2 nights over there was cheaper than 2 nights in UK cities, the weather was better, the food was cheaper and unbeknown to us when we booked it was a Bank Holiday today so the city was full of markets, festivities, parades and fireworks. Really nice city, train from airport to city centre takes 11 minutes, cost £1.50 each way.

Jet2 good as ever and we escaped before the heavy winds arrived. Flight down was on a venerable 737-300, ex Easyjet, return on a 737-800 ex Jetairways of India, but it wasn't much younger than the -300. Despite the calm weather Leeds Bradford runway always gives the impression of not being quite long enough!

 

[Sun Chariot]

A step back in time. 8th June 2009. Dallas Forth Worth, I'm about to board an AA flight to El Paso. A chance meeting...

 

[Cross City]

A step back in time. 8th June 2009. Dallas Forth Worth, I'm about to board an AA flight to El Paso. A chance meeting...

Used to love that white American Eagle scheme. Always looked fantastic in the California sunshine.

 

[Sun Chariot]

Used to love that white American Eagle scheme. Always looked fantastic in the California sunshine.

I totally agree. I'd not seen the current livery until last month (post #227) on the day we flew out to JFK.

 

[Cloud Strife]

I've just made a short weekend hop to Valencia from Wrocław with Ryanair (or strictly speaking, Buzz, although it was in the Ryanair livery). Paid 250zł (around 50GBP) for a return ticket booked two weeks ago with hand luggage only, and can't fault the experience in both directions. WRO has issues with deicing in the morning due to several departures at 6am causing delays, but Ryanair account for this by padding their schedule to ensure that we arrived on time in Valencia. The outbound flight was notable for a very drunk Ukrainian woman who was necking even more vodka on the plane, although she wasn't any bother and kept herself to herself.

Valencia Airport itself is quite smooth, with fast security checks. The only issue is the lack of space, particularly as arrivals to the low-cost / regional extension have to weave their way through crowds to get to baggage reclaim.

 

[Iskra]

Virgin Atlantic 1400 London Heathrow-Miami on Friday 10th of January in economy. A330-900.

Boarding was great as the gate was announced unexpectedly early. After calling the premium boarding groups with no such passengers at the gate, they just let anyone around the gate area board as they wished to speed things up. Ended up knowing one of the flight attendants so we received a pre departure glass of champagne, which was good quality and a nice touch. The other food served was good. I had bangers and mash and it was some of the nicest-tasting economy food I’ve had. The flight was lovely; the aircraft modern, quiet and having good infotainment. We arrived at Miami early but we stood waiting for a gate. The arrival experience at Miami airport was abysmal, with a huge queue and not many border agents. Additionally, everything stopped while a shift-change happened so that slowed everything down more. I think it took us over 2.5 hours to get through the airport, meaning our pre-booked transfer had departed so we had to take a taxi. I had a poor impression of Miami airport the last time I used it, but apart from using it on my return journey- I’ll be looking to avoid it in the future.