CrimsonNL From Netherlands, joined Dec 2007, 1616 posts, RR: 42 Posted (2 years 10 months 5 days 22 hours ago) and read 7793 times:
AIRLINERS.NET CREW CHAT OPERATOR
Hi guys, here’s a report about my recent trip to London. The itinerary is AMS-LCY and LGW-AMS, on BA and BA Cityflyer.
For me and my friend and regular travel companion Jordi, it’s sort of a tradition to visit London at least once a year. If you don’t count a LHR transfer in December, it had been a year, and we went looking for some fares. The one airport we both hadn’t visited yet was LTN. However I wanted to try the LGW based 734 for a while now. Same for the relatively new E70 service to LCY.
Jordi decided to join me on the LCY inbound, but chose to fly back on HV to RTM. Our paths would separate at LGW. I found that booking 2 separate tickets was cheaper then one, so I traveled on 2 tickets that day. Our flight into LCY would leave at 0720. Seeing that I live only about 20 minutes from AMS, Jordi stayed over at my place, and we left for AMS at 0600 the next day.
Having already checked in, we proceeded trough the passport control, and headed to the terrible D concourse at AMS. This is a dark, old, and cramped concourse, with individual gate security. I hate it. Getting to the gate there was a line of people waiting for the checks, as the security staff wasn’t screening anyone yet. I talked to my co-workers at the gate, and found out that there would be around 40 people on today’s flight.
AMS-LGW 15-JUL-10
BA8450 operated by BA Cityflyer
ERJ-170-100ST first time on type
G-LCYD
Seat 16A
It was my second ride on BA Cityflyer, having flown the G-BZAU (Avrojet) a year back, and my second ride on an Embraer, with the ERJ-140 (N846AE) in my log. However I was excited to try a plane of the E-jet series!
Yankee-Delta at the gate
We headed down the gate and were welcomed by 2 male flight attendants. The purser had an extremely angry look on his face. The younger flight attendant seemed nice. I took my seat in the back. The legroom was decent, however the headrest was too short, and stopped halfway up my neck. It was quite uncomfortable when leaning back. Luckily the seat next to me remained empty.
Legroom
View with the LHR flight getting ready as well
As it was a no nonsense flight, with a lot of business people, everyone got seated in seconds. Doors were closed and we pushed back 2 minutes early. We were lucky to have RW24 in use so taxi would only take about 3 more minutes.
The takeoff was nothing special, however we rocketed away during the climb.
Climbing over the clouds
As soon as we hit FL100, the service started. Choice of sandwiches were either cheese, or cottage cheese. And I hate cheese. When I asked the flight attendant he went trough the trolley and found one bacon-tomato sandwich, probably leftover from yesterday’s flight. That really made my day! It was pretty good and not dry at all.
Cabin
After this the drink service started, I got some OJ and a coffee, the latter was your typical airline coffee.
The purser still had an extremely angry look on his face. It was almost scary! The captain informed us “good people” that we would have a slow descent into LCY, because of busy airspace over London. However he hoped to arrive somewhat early. He wasn’t lying as the way down took ages and we hardly descended at all. Going trough some cloud layers it got a little bumpy
One of the pleasures of LCY is the short taxi time, and we were on blocks 5 minutes early. The ramp was filled with all kinds or regional's. Luxair, Cityline, Cityjet, Cityflyer (such original names, those three) We disembarked via the rear stairs and headed into the terminal
Tail section of the Yankee-Delta
Romeo-Echo, out of MUC!
Inside the terminal we cleared immigrations and got to the small luggage claim area. One of the bags was stuck on the belt, resulting in a big pile-up of about 20 bags, it was hilarious to see the other pax trying to get their bag out of the pile. We headed to the DLR station and bought a 3 zone day-pass for the public transport in London. We got on the DLR and got off at Bank station, taking the Northern line to London Bridge. Hay’s galleria is a usual coffee spot for us, and I love what they did with that area, looks real nice. I didn’t bother to take any pictures, because by know I know how London looks haha!
I’d been wanting to visit the Imperial War Museum for quite a while, but we never got around to do it. We got on the Northern line again to Elephant and Castle, and headed to the IWM. It’s kinda small but they have a nice collection, well worth a visit.
The IWM
Mark V tank
T-34
Nose section of an Avro Lancaster
The Sopwith Camel
Part of the airplane collection
North American P-51D Mustang
After visiting the museum we once again got on the Northern line to Angel station. It had been 3 years since we we’re there, and we wanted to ride the longest escalator in London again. After that some more sightseeing around London. At 1530 it was time to head to Victoria station. I had found a real bargain on Southern Railways to LGW, but the ticket was only valid on the 1617 train. After picking up the tickets, (somehow I got 5 tickets, with only 2 actually valid for travel) we got some fish and chips at a bar near the station.
The train ride took about 30 minutes, and arriving at LGW, we met with Jordan (Pawsleykat) and had some drinks in the North terminal. My flight would be leaving at 1840, but Jordi’s flight (leaving in the old South terminal) would leave about 2 hours later. Around 1800 I said goodbye to Jordan and Jordi, and within 3 minutes, I had cleared security and was in the airside area. Looking at the screens I found out that my flight had been delayed to 1905. However no gate was shown. From a previous visit to LGW I remembered that the gate is only shown after there is staff present, and in this case it didn’t show until the scheduled time of departure. I inquired about the gate at a BA info desk, and I also asked the lady what the registration of the plane would be;
“Why would you wanna know that?”
-“Oh, you know, I’m one of those plane spotters!”
“Oh, you’re one of THEM!” She said laughing. She informed my the registration was going to be the Charlie-Yankee, a 737-400 as I hoped for!
BA 777 with titles saying “Keeping the flag flying” –or something
LGW Tower
The gate area was high up, and it didn’t make for any good pictures of the plane
I like the ring around the radome!
As boarding started, we had to walk down a ramp to the jetbridge, it made for a better photo opportunity.
LGW-AMS 15-JUL-10
BA8119
737-436 first time on type
G-DOCY
Seat 7A
I usually choose seats behind the wing, but for a change I got one up front this time. The legroom was very generous, probably because this row is sometimes used as business class. I even had a small table on the armrest.
I must say the interior looked very worn. The seat was comfy, but the adjustable headrest was just hanging by 2 elastic bands. The cabin divider looked like it would fall apart any moment, with all kinds of hinges and hooks. It might look better if they would have a curtain! In the aisle carpet, 2 tracks of the years of trolley use were visible, I thought that was kinda funny. The seat next to my remained empty
The service started, and while the crew was nice, I must say the offering was very, very poor. Even worse then KLM. All we got was a bag of assorted peanuts/almonds and a drink!
The nuclear plant, I see this one almost every time I’m on a UK trip
Air contractors ATR-72, possibly heading to AMS
Windmill park near the Dutch shoreline
During the decent I spotted a KLM 733 flying below us, and as I feared we would be getting the dreaded RW18R
Remote tower at RW18 the Satellite, the above mentioned KL 733 visible
The Firefly, used for fire fighting training
The PH-BXM, I flew her on CDG-AMS. Wait what? Déjà vu!
Sunset and Schiphol twr
We got to the stand 30 minutes late. I disembarked, leaving the Charlie-Yankee behind. Within 10 minutes I got on the bus, which I unknowingly shared with Airbuseric, and 30 minutes after disembarking I was back home. The following morning I had to work at 0600, and I saw the Charlie-Yankee leaving after her night stop. Funny to think the plane had more time to rest then me!
--------
Conclusions;
BA / Cityflyer
My first time on BA mainline, and second time on Cityflyer. I must say that Cityflyer is decent, comparable to say LH service. The BA mainline was disappointing, the crew was fine but the offerings very poor, at least KLM gives you cookies! The ticket prices were decent though.
ERJ-170
First time on the Ejet, I liked it! It felt much more spacious then the nearest competitor, the CRJ series. Though I like the CRJ pretty good, the Ejet definitely had a more mainline-jet feeling to it. Not noisy at all. I just didn’t really like the seats.
737-400
What can I say? It was a pleasure to score a new subtype of the 737 series. I didn’t think it was noisy, though I was seated near the engine. The interior could sure use a make over but you can’t blame that on the airplane. A fine bird to fly on.
--------
My fifth time to London, and probably not the last one. I really like the city! Though I should get myself to some other cites in the UK. So far I’ve only been to London, Cambridge, and Leeds. It was a good trip, and I got to add 2 new plane types, and a new airline to my list!
Thanks for reading, any comments are always welcome!
Nice! I'm going to fly it as well next month and I'm looking forward to it! Good to read something about the E70 to form some expectations.
Quoting CrimsonNL (Thread starter): As soon as we hit FL100, the service started. Choice of sandwiches were either cheese, or cottage cheese. And I hate cheese.
Haha, and I thought I was the only Dutch who doesn't like cheese. Nice they could find you a bacon sandwich instead.
You do? It looks so 70's/80's to me. Time to modernize the livery BA!
Quoting CrimsonNL (Thread starter): I must say the offering was very, very poor. Even worse then KLM. All we got was a bag of assorted peanuts/almonds and a drink!
I noted this weekend KL has changed it service concept! The sandwiches have been replaced by cookies (sweet or salty) and I must say I was not amused! However it is more in line with their Skyteam partners I think. AZ offers also the option between salty or sweet cookies!
Quoting CrimsonNL (Thread starter): First time on the Ejet, I liked it! It felt much more spacious then the nearest competitor, the CRJ series. Though I like the CRJ pretty good, the Ejet definitely had a more mainline-jet feeling to it. Not noisy at all.
AI151 From United Kingdom, joined Dec 2009, 303 posts, RR: 17 Reply 2, posted (2 years 10 months 5 days 19 hours ago) and read 7382 times:
Hi Martijn nice little TR with BA.
Quoting CrimsonNL (Thread starter): I had found a real bargain on Southern Railways to LGW, but the ticket was only valid on the 1617 train.
First and foremost I must comment on this as at Victoria it was myself on Platform 16 that dispatched your 1617 train! No doubt you must have passed me not having a clue that a fellow A.netter is there! LOL!
Quoting CrimsonNL (Thread starter): As it was a no nonsense flight, with a lot of business people, everyone got seated in seconds. Doors were closed and we pushed back 2 minutes early.
One of the best things with LCY flights is that there is no fuss.
Quoting CrimsonNL (Thread starter): I inquired about the gate at a BA info desk, and I also asked the lady what the registration of the plane would be;
“Why would you wanna know that?”
-“Oh, you know, I’m one of those plane spotters!”
“Oh, you’re one of THEM!” She said laughing. She informed my the registration was going to be the Charlie-Yankee, a 737-400 as I hoped for!
At least she saw the funny side of it. Some others might have had called security!
Quoting CrimsonNL (Thread starter): The service started, and while the crew was nice, I must say the offering was very, very poor. Even worse then KLM. All we got was a bag of assorted peanuts/almonds and a drink!
It's such a shame that BA's standards are dropping so quickly. Even in Club Europe, sometimes they cut back on things as well. The cabin crew problems certainly are not helping but its all to do with cost cutting! Let's see how much longer they are our national airline.
airbuseric From Netherlands, joined Jan 2005, 4015 posts, RR: 52 Reply 3, posted (2 years 10 months 5 days 19 hours ago) and read 7337 times:
Hi Martijn,
good report. Yes, the BA E70's are sure nice rides! Got on their first day of ops, you remember that report. LCY is far above the other airports when it comes to a convenient way to enter the city!
The reason that you got a sandwich to LCY, is since the competition offers the same. I had a sandwich on a BA/LHR bound flight also. Since KLM offers that also.
And, LGW is not served by any other mainline, so I guess BA can get away with only the nuts.
I was flying on the same day, noticed you getting off the bus at your place of living. I still have to finish so many other reports though :S
Regards
Eric
btw, I'm on the 4661 in 9 hours. In case you're on duty
"The whole world steps aside for the man who knows where he is going"
eicvd From Ireland, joined Mar 2008, 2068 posts, RR: 5 Reply 4, posted (2 years 10 months 5 days 19 hours ago) and read 7289 times:
Hi Martijn
Nice trip report, really enjoyed the read.
Quoting CrimsonNL (Thread starter): My fifth time to London, and probably not the last one. I really like the city
Me too, been to London 6 times now in the last 2 & a half years, mostly weekend trips for football matches. Going over for a day trip next week, acting as tour guide for my mother & sister.
Dublin, where Sam Maguire will be coming home to in mid September
DunaA320 From UK - England, joined Feb 2009, 610 posts, RR: 9 Reply 5, posted (2 years 10 months 5 days 19 hours ago) and read 7262 times:
Hi Martijn
Great report and thanks for posting. Always a pleasure to read a report from my city. Glad you enjoyed your brief time there. Also nice to see a bit more of Schipol reported, I've been twice in 3 weeks!
Quoting CrimsonNL (Thread starter):
It was my second ride on BA Cityflyer, having flown the G-BZAU (Avrojet) a year back,
Ah, my first and probably last Avro.
Quoting CrimsonNL (Thread starter): Hay’s galleria is a usual coffee spot for us, and I love what they did with that area, looks real nice.
Agreed, a lovely place and off the beaten track. Although I am a fan of Covent Garden for this type of thing, but at Hay's its alot less touristy and quieter.
Quoting CrimsonNL (Thread starter): I’d been wanting to visit the Imperial War Museum for quite a while, but we never got around to do it. We got on the Northern line again to Elephant and Castle, and headed to the IWM. It’s kinda small but they have a nice collection, well worth a visit.
Take me back to school trips here when I was like 8. Very interesting museum and I learnt loads when I visited.
Quoting CrimsonNL (Thread starter): we met with Jordan (Pawsleykat) and had some drinks in the North terminal.
Oh Jordan, getting about once again
Quoting CrimsonNL (Thread starter): I must say the interior looked very worn. The seat was comfy, but the adjustable headrest was just hanging by 2 elastic bands.
I know exactly what you mean, I've flown on BA A320's like this. Very tatty and not a good impression.
My first time on BA mainline, and second time on Cityflyer. I must say that Cityflyer is decent, comparable to say LH service. The BA mainline was disappointing, the crew was fine but the offerings very poor, at least KLM gives you cookies! The ticket prices were decent though.
ERJ-170
First time on the Ejet, I liked it! It felt much more spacious then the nearest competitor, the CRJ series. Though I like the CRJ pretty good, the Ejet definitely had a more mainline-jet feeling to it. Not noisy at all. I just didn’t really like the seats.
Im flying on Cityflyer for the second time this monday coming, hopefully I can judge the service a bit better this time as last time they were unable to provide a full service onboard due to the hot water machine being frozen! Also it will be my first time flying an Ejet, I will be on the 190 variety so thhanks for the info.
Quoting CrimsonNL (Thread starter): My fifth time to London, and probably not the last one. I really like the city!
Thanks for visiting my city, glad you liked it. Say hi next time you're over!
akhmad From Netherlands, joined Sep 2005, 2332 posts, RR: 53 Reply 6, posted (2 years 10 months 5 days 1 hour ago) and read 6343 times:
Hi Martijn.
Nice reportI really need to go to London sometime. I have never gone farther yet than the hotel airport. Your covering about BA B734 brings back the memories of flying them myself last year.
Quoting CrimsonNL (Thread starter): Why would you wanna know that?”
-“Oh, you know, I’m one of those plane spotters!”
“Oh, you’re one of THEM!” She said laughing. She informed my the registration was going to be the Charlie-Yankee, a 737-400 as I hoped for!
CrimsonNL From Netherlands, joined Dec 2007, 1616 posts, RR: 42 Reply 7, posted (2 years 10 months 5 days ago) and read 6275 times:
AIRLINERS.NET CREW CHAT OPERATOR
Hey guys, thanks for the repies!
Quoting ChrisCruise (Reply 1): Haha, and I thought I was the only Dutch who doesn't like cheese.
Haha we sure are rare with that!
Quoting AI151 (Reply 2): First and foremost I must comment on this as at Victoria it was myself on Platform 16 that dispatched your 1617 train! No doubt you must have passed me not having a clue that a fellow A.netter is there! LOL!
What are the odds! It was indeed platform 16, what a coincidence!
Quoting airbuseric (Reply 3):
btw, I'm on the 4661 in 9 hours. In case you're on duty
Yup! Hope you had a good trip!
Quoting eicvd (Reply 4): Going over for a day trip next week, acting as tour guide for my mother & sister.
Enjoy it!
Quoting DunaA320 (Reply 5): Thanks for visiting my city, glad you liked it. Say hi next time you're over!
Will do so!
Quoting akhmad (Reply 6): Nice reportI really need to go to London sometime. I have never gone farther yet than the hotel airport. Your covering about BA B734 brings back the memories of flying them myself last year.
You really should! I remember your report, I did the similar route only on EZY because BA was too expensive. Oh well, better late then never!
Contact Air From Germany, joined Apr 2001, 1154 posts, RR: 14 Reply 9, posted (2 years 10 months 4 days 22 hours ago) and read 6083 times:
Hi Martijn,
Great report and pictures - I enjoyed reading and watching a lot.
Quoting CrimsonNL (Thread starter): For me and my friend and regular travel companion Jordi, it’s sort of a tradition to visit London at least once a year.
I can understand that. London is among my favourite cities as well and I have visited it many times.
Quoting CrimsonNL (Thread starter): Choice of sandwiches were either cheese, or cottage cheese.
It is always great to have some variety...
.
Quoting CrimsonNL (Thread starter): When I asked the flight attendant he went trough the trolley and found one bacon-tomato sandwich, probably leftover from yesterday’s flight. That really made my day! It was pretty good and not dry at all.
I like these regs. Just like Cityjet, who uses the RJ range.
Quoting CrimsonNL (Thread starter): and stopped halfway up my neck. It was quite uncomfortable when leaning back.
I know, this isn't too good at all. You really have to thrust the pap behind you when leaning back.
Quoting CrimsonNL (Thread starter): OJ and a coffee, the latter was your typical airline coffee.
I know that BA coffee. It's very average. On my Cityjet flight last week they told me it wasn't possible to serve hot drinks, as the flight-time was too short. Now I think the FA was just lazy, as flight time was nearly a full hour!
oa260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 24891 posts, RR: 60 Reply 11, posted (2 years 10 months 1 day 21 hours ago) and read 5335 times:
Nice report , Id love to get on the BA EJet, really love them. Glad you enjoyed your trip to London, I always look forward to going back to where I grew up. Its still a fantastic city IMHO.
Thanks for the report.
OA260
OLYMPIC AIR - ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΗ "Η ΕΛΛΑΔΑ ΨΗΛΑ" "GREECE FLYING HIGH"
Quoting vandenheuvel (Reply 10): I sympathize for these poor pax. The Avroliner isn't the greatest plane to fly for that long. Does it have the 3-3 config at LH?
Quoting vandenheuvel (Reply 10): I sympathize for these poor pax. The Avroliner isn't the greatest plane to fly for that long. Does it have the 3-3 config at LH?
I like it though, I work with them all the time. I still need to get on one of the RJ85s as I've only been on the RJ100. They do have 3-3 seating.
Quoting vandenheuvel (Reply 10): I remember that windmill park from a flight I've made some weeks ago
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