THE FLIGHT: British Airways flight BA209 to Miami, USA, departing London Heathrow’s Terminal 5 at 1.40pm in a B747-400 aircraft.
THE CHECK-IN: The pre check-in didn’t work as well as it should have done as the machine reader rejected my print-out but it was sorted in minutes and I was soon through to the cavernous Business Class lounge. This is how lounges should be: comfortable, good food, a chill-out cinema, plentiful seating, workstations and access to the Elemis Spa.
THE BOARDING PROCESS: Easy, even though the lounge was in T5A and the flight departed from T5B – the Track Transit between the two only takes a minute. Priority boarding meant there was no scrum at the gate either.
THE SEAT: The 52-seat Business Class cabin on the main deck was configured 2x4x2. Seat 20A was facing backwards which initially felt strange, I must say, but the seat comes into its own with well thought out gadgets: the tray table on a slide, storage drawers, good-size video monitor and its control that clicks neatly into place, the foot stall that folds flat as a leg rest, and in-wall seat controls. My only whinge was over the useful privacy screen, as it was dropped every time one particular stewardess came to offer something, while another saw fit to walk round to the entrance of my cubicle.
THE SERVICE: Pulled away on time but didn’t actually take to the air until 28 minutes later. Offered papers straight away but the stewardess disappeared with the drinks tray so I didn’t get one until well after take-off, at 2.45pm. She was also a bit slow with taking my coat. Generally efficient and smiley staff. Menus were given out together with a pack of useful amenities including Elemis creams, toothpaste and socks. Mackerel pâté and smoked salmon and side salad was nice and light and the shepherd’s pie good too.
THE arrival: Arrived on time at 5.35pm and was dreading the arrivals experience at Miami. It was 30 minutes until we got to passport control.
THE VERDICT: A pretty seamless flight experience, and what a way to fly if the budget stretches that far.
THE DETAILS: British Airways flies 14 times weekly to Miami. Business Class fares range from £2,230.80, including taxes, fees and charges. See: www.ba.com Gillian Upton
