gabrielchew From United Kingdom, joined Aug 2005, 2512 posts, RR: 14 Posted (1 year 7 months 3 days 3 hours ago) and read 11104 times:
Part 1: London to Colombia via ARN/MUC/FRA on BA & LH
Hi!
Welcome to the first part of my trip report covering my flights to Colombia. Despite 99% of Colombia’s international news coverage concerning drugs, violence and kidnappings, Colombia is somewhere I’ve always been curious about. I’d received a few emails from Lufthansa offering some pretty good fares down to Bogota (around GBP 450) from London. However, it wasn’t until I saw FlyingFinn76’s Facebook update about flying to Colombia that I started to think about actual times and dates. A quick email conversation with FlyingFinn76 and I found out that LH had misloaded the fares on flights to BOG from quite a few northern European airports. Instead of a fare of around GBP150 + tax, the fare was a grand total of GBP 0 + tax. FF76 had booked a long weekend to BOG for the end of October. After playing around with the dates, I decided on a rather long winded ARN-MUC-FRA-BOG-FRA-MUC-HEL routing, along with some connections with BA LHR-ARN/HEL-LHR. I’d be going out a few days before FF76, but we’d be flying back to HEL on the same flights. Once I’d added the BA flights, the total including tax wasn’t so much cheaper than an LHR-FRA-BOG routing, but of course that would have been far less interesting. Total airfare for the international flights was GBP 340 (EUR 390/USD 530). Bargain!
I also booked a series of flights inside Colombia, but I’ll cover those in the next report.
The map for today’s flights:
The entire itinerary:
As all the flights were booked a long way in advance (April), I wasn’t sure what I’d be doing nearer the time of departure. As it was, I wasn’t working the day I was leaving. I had booked the last flight of the day out of LHR to ARN which was scheduled to arrive at 2340. I decided to go to Heathrow early to see if I could get on the earlier 1640. This flight was pretty full, and my fare non-flexible, but I thought I’d give it a go.
On the bus to Heathrow
Annoyingly, the bus I usually get ot LHR has recently dropped the extension from the Central bus station to T5, so I had to get the free Heathrow Express over to T5
I arrived at LHR nice and early at around 2pm. I was directed to the customer services desk to see about changing to the early flight. As I had guesses, I was told that there would be a large change fee of around GBP150. No thanks. I tried to reason that it would save BA money to put me on the earlier flight (as otherwise I’d spend the afternoon drinking in the lounge), but it was to no avail. Interestingly, if I had booked the lunchtime B767 flight to ARN, I would have ended up on one of the longhual 767s with PTV in economy.
Departures
After checking in, I took a few photos from the drop off area.
Diplomat Parking
Premium check in area
BA don’t have a minimum check in time in Terminal 5 (they do in T3). Instead, there is a last time you have to have your boarding pass scanned by security (35 minutes). It’s the same for everyone, and if you turn up at security at T-34 minutes, then you’ll find you’ve already been automatically offloaded, even if you’re a Gold member in First.
Security wasn’t too busy today, and before long I was in the BA Galleries South lounge. Time for a bit of lunch. As I had six hours before my flight, I thought it a prudent idea to pace myself on both the food and the booze.
I got a couple of pots of vanilla ice-cream. The guy sitting on the table over from me asked where I got them from. Clearly, not many people know where the ice-cream freezer is.
After getting some food in the South Galleries, I took the metro over to Terminal 5B. This is mainly used for long-haul flights. Passengers are told NOT to go over to 5B or 5C until their gate is announced (normally an hour or so before the flight) as there is no “proper” way to get back to T5A (where most shorthual flights leave from). However, I had done my research (on Flyertalk) and found out about a “secret” passageway back to T5A without having to go through security again
The escalator to the metro
Views of T5B
The lounge warden welcomed me into the lounge, disregarding the fact that I was very early, and in the wrong terminal. I took a seat, and a bottle of water, and logged onto the free wifi.
I caught passing waiter, and ordered a glass of champagne.
A few views of the T5B lounge. Not too busy, mainly as people spend most of their time in the T5A lounges.
After a while on my computer finishing off a few last minute tasks (including renewing my travel insurance which expired the day before, and hadn’t realised!) I decided to see what food was on offer, as well as move to a new seat.
This B744 would shortly be leaving for CPT
Is this you? Boarded the YUL flight after I took the photo.
After 2 hours in the lounge, I moved again, this time to the computer area to print out a few things (I’d forgotten my guide book at home, so I printed off quite a few Google Maps!, as well as my insurance things). Nice view.
Some more snacks
CPT boarding
Around 50 minutes before my scheduled departure for ARN, I decided to head over to the A gates. For the record, take the lift next to the T5B Boots to level -2, then go down the stairs.
You then end up in a completely deserted area, with a tunnel going left for A, and right for C.
Nice mood lighting
Once back in T5A, I caught the lift back up to departures. The walk was actually much shorter and easier than I had thought, taking just 6 minutes from the T5b lounge to the Galleries South lounge. The tunnel is actually on -4, so it might be offlimits to passengers. Still the sign on the stairs DIDN’T say staff only. Maybe it’s only allowed going from B to A, and not visa versa?
FIDS
T5A
A quick check on the lounge FIDS showed a one hour delay. Not good news. I was quite tired by now, and the delay would mean an even shorter stay at the ARN Jumbo Hostel, and a consequently more grumpy day tomorrow.
Nothing for it, but to have a bit more food!
The future
At 2030 I left the lounge, and headed down to the gate.
By the time I arrived, boarding had just started. I joined the priority queue, and was soon on board.
October 2011
London Heathrow (LHR) – Stockholm Arlanda (ARN)
British Airways BA 786
Scheduled: 2015-2340 (2h25m)
Actual: 2103-0006 (2h03m)
Airbus A320 G-EUXL
I had managed to snag the window seat behind Club Europe. This, along with the aisle seat are probably the best Y seats on the Airbus fleet as they are wider than normal, and the B seat isn’t sold. The load was around 75%, with the back 3 or 4 rows completely empty. The captain apologised for the delay, saying earlier in the day there’d been a mechanical error, and they’d spent the day playing catch up.
After a very short taxi, we took off 50 minutes late.
Moving map
Fifteen minutes after take off, the crew rolled the trolley to the front of Y. Tonight’s catering was a ham and cheese sub roll – very tasty actually. I asked just for a couple of gins (without the tonic), explaining to the bemused cabin crew guy that I’d taken some slimline tonic from the lounge (they’ve stopped serving it in Y).
An interesting article in HighLife
Hmmm, nice advert. I think I’ll go to Colombia tomorrow
En route to Denmark. As you can see, the moving map also had an earlier return flight from AMS stuck on the screen.
BA routemap. GVA still missing despite being served up to 16 times a day from all three of BA’s London bases.
Hitting the Swedish coast
Safety Card
Luckily, we managed to make up a little bit of time, and started our approach to ARN around 2345.
Welcome to a dark and rather deserted ARN
Being sat near the front, I was off the plane pretty quickly.
Due to the late arrival, quite a lot of people were embarking on a fast-walking race for immigration (at this time of day there’d only be 2 or 3 immigration officers, so long waits for those at the back).
Once through immigration, there was a longish wait for the bags, but they finally arrived
Approaching the aircraft was great – it’s not often you can walk up to a B747 on your own, with no one else around. It’s just a shame that it was dark both when I arrived and left. A word or warning if you go, DON’T take the lift unless your bags are VERY heavy. Far quicker to walk.
The café in the nose
My room, which was surprisingly comfortable and well appointed. By the time I got into bed it was 1am. I was up again at 6am – way too little sleep.
It was sad to have to leave so soon after arriving – I’ll have to come back in daylight next time. It’s nice to have finally joined the very exclusive “I’ve had a shower on a plane” club though!
The bus back to the terminal. It was FREEZING waiting for the bus. Stockholm in October is surprisingly cold.
When I tried to check in online for these flights, I was only allowed to select seats/get boarding passes for the MUC-FRA and FRA-BOG legs, not the ARN-MUC. This was rather odd, especially as the flight was LH operated, and wasn’t over booked or anything. I was told that I would get a seat assignment at the gate.
When I got into the terminal I went over to a self service check in machine. I put my LH M&M card, and was able to check in and select a seat for my ARN-MUC sector. Flight didn’t seem too busy, and I got a row to myself near the back. The machine, however, only printed my ARN-MUC boarding pass. I went over to drop my bag at an adjacent desk. I asked the guy if he could print out my other boarding passes, but was told that he couldn’t, and I’d have to ask in MUC – not very coordinated LH!
FIDS
A nice seating area near the check in desks
There was very little queue at security, and in just a few minutes I was airside.
My plane from last night at the back. The other BA is the LCY flight
My plane for today
Is this only for AY pax?
Can’t leave Scandinavia without visiting a Design store
More comfy seating
Deicing for SK flight to FAO. Like I said, it was cold!
Arriving from warmer climes
Starbucks (Sweden’s’ only?)
A few more of my A320
Boarding started twenty minutes before scheduled departure. There wasn’t any boarding system, just a free for all.
October 2011
Stockholm Arlanda (ARN) – Munich (MUC)
Lufthansa LH 2421
Scheduled: 0745-0955 (2h10m)
Actual: 0755-0939 (1h44m)
Airbus A320 D-AIPH
As I was waiting to walk down the aisle to my seat, the very friendly purser commented to the lady behind me “oh, I love your coat”. It’s nice when the cabin crew interact with passengers spontaneously!
As I had hoped, the flight was pretty lightly loaded, and I got a row of three seats to myself. Unfortunately the row ahead and across was filled up with a group of Swedish guys going on a drinking holiday to Munich. They were pretty loud.
Yup, its an A320
There wasn’t much to be seen out of the fogged up windows. Beautiful morning to be flying.
gabrielchew From United Kingdom, joined Aug 2005, 2512 posts, RR: 14 Reply 1, posted (1 year 7 months 3 days 3 hours ago) and read 11245 times:
Off we go
Fifteen minutes after take off the trolley with breakfast reached my row – a nice ham and cheese sandwich – lucky I like the combo!
And some tea, water and juice
“Be invited”? What does that mean?
A nice overview of PEK in the LH magazin
South American Map
Enjoying the views of the Swedish/Polish coastlines
A quick visit to the loo
Cabin
A bit of a typo in the Magazin
I didn’t know LH let 16 and 17 year olds drink!? What’s the drinking age in Germany?
The crew came through a couple of time, offering refills and trying up the cabin. The Swedes around me ordered more beer.
Starting our approach to MUC
The Austrian border and Alps in the distance
A short taxi brought us to a remote stand. The local temperature was announced at 3C – another cold city!
I flew a couple of legs of this earlier in the year
Once the bus dropped us off at the bottom of the terminal, I made my way to the LH Business lounge to pick up my boarding passes for my next two flights.
I inquired about upgrading the FRA-BOG flight but was told that currently there this wasn’t possible, either with cash or miles. With only twenty minutes or so before boarding, I just got some bread and jam, some hot chocolate and some water.
FIDS
I headed down to the gate around twenty minutes before scheduled departure to find a lot of people queuing at the gate, and no plane. Hmmm. I took a seat and watched the people in the queue growing restless.
A few minutes later our plane arrived from FRA
I guess it was a member of staff that got the jumpseat? The flight was 100%+
Boarding finally started ten minutes after our STD.
October 2011
Munich (MUC) – Frankfurt (FRA)
Lufthansa LH 109
Scheduled: 1050-1155 (1h05m)
Actual: 1131-1210 (0h39m)
Airbus A321 D-AIRO
I was greeted at the door by a smiling lady, holding a big box of chocolate bars. Interesting! I wondered if this was instead of an inflight service as the flight was scheduled to be too short or bumpy.
There was a Liechtensteiner youth sports team onboard, and they all had very big carry ons. It took some effort to find somewhere to put my backpack. This plane had the old style seats. The legroom was noticeably worse than on the previous flight. Having a large middle seat neighbour didn’t help – lucky this was short flight.
Neighbours
We took off forty minutes late in the cold but sunny sky
MUC
I was happy to see the trolley roll out of the back galley less than ten minutes after takeoff. I was even happier to see them start serving from the back. Just a bottle of beer for me, with some music. The rows at the front of economy weren’t served until ten minutes before arrival – a rushed drink for them. A credit to the crew to serve everyone though – reminds me of BAs LHR-MAN service. It’s a race against time!
Approach into FRA
Touchdown in FRA after just 39 minutes, a quarter of an hour late
As always, there was a long walk through the horrible tunnel from Schengen to non-Schengen
FIDS
A B744 for BOM
I made a beeline for the lounge after a long wait for immigration. Everyone was dying to leave Germany today. A white beer and a tomato risotto. Very tasty.
And a healthy plum
Not the best views from the lounge
Another B744, this one for MEX though
When I got down to the gate, there were more enormous queues. This was going to be a full flight, in Y at least. It turned out that there was an issue with the catering in economy, so they asked First and Business to board, whilst reminding status customers in economy to wait.
After a good 20 minute wait, I was finally allowed to board
There was a water trolley, with a “please help yourself!” sign at the end of the jetbridge – never seen this before – anyone else? I was going to take a glass, but thought there was a high chance of spilling it what with all my hand luggage and camera.
October 2011
Frankfurt (FRA) – Bogota El Dorado (BOG)
Lufthansa LH 542
Scheduled: 1430-1905 (10h35m)
Actual: 1513-1844 (9h31m)
Airbus A340-600 D-AIHH
I was greeted by a bunch for friendly crew, and directed down the far aisle. I’d selected 40K, just ahead of the penultimate door, and next to the staircase down to the toilets. You get great views of the wing, without the wing getting in the way. However, service was a bit slow here as they start at the front of the cabins. http://www.lufthansa.com/mediapool/pdf/70/media_871770.pdf
Nice sized PTV (sorry about the reflections)
View of the stairs from my seat
I knew that the flight was fully booked, so I knew I’d have a seat mate. I think he was Colombian, but we never spoke, so I don’t know. He was pretty good at getting up so I could get out through.
The captain came on the blower and apologized about the catering delay, and said that we should be arriving on time anyway, so not to worry.
Off we go!
Moving map
Views before lunch
Hot towels were handed out. I was just reading (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/british-airways-executive-club/1270333-new-wt-improvements-bassas-not-happy.html) about how the unions on for BA’s old fleets (the ones who like to strike) have just been forced in handing out hot towels in Premium economy. Apparently they’d been resisting for a long time due to the extra work. On my LHR-SAN flight with the new Mixed Fleet crew, I got two towels, on the MEX-LHR I didn’t get any.
Drink service before lunch. Yes, I had a G&T : )
There were two choices for lunch, pasta with chicken, or potatoes and beef (?). I went with the former, which was really tasty.
A post dinner G&T
Once the trays were cleared, there was nothing to do but look out the window and watch the map.
Filling in my landing card. That question was phrased a bit strangely
gabrielchew From United Kingdom, joined Aug 2005, 2512 posts, RR: 14 Reply 2, posted (1 year 7 months 3 days 3 hours ago) and read 11212 times:
I decided to go downstairs and have a look at the “underdeck”, there LH have put 5 toilets, and the crew rest. What a great idea! Plenty of space, bright and welcoming. They even had a small snack bar set up down there. And it’s always nice to use airplane stairs!
Cabin views
I spent the next few hours watching TV. Despite having a nice big TV, the entertainment choices weren’t great. I watched Bad Teacher (pretty good), and Something Borrowed (not so great). Out of interested, if they went from the current 20 (?) film choice up to say 100 choices, would there be a lot of additional cost/effort/space needed? I also caught up with some Scrubs (just one episode mind) and a rather lacklustre documentary on the Ocktoberfest.
A chocolate bar handed out a few hours after lunch
There was an announcement made sating that our flight had been selected for a survey. I volunteered to fill one out, mainly to pass the time (and get a free LH pen!).
Alcohol free! Just orange and sparking water.
Map
The sun slowly setting
More map
Roughly 90 minutes before landing, another hotel towel was handed out, shortly followed by dinner. Again, there were two hot choices, wither rice with honey roasted chicken (my choice) or pasta with two kinds of pesto. Again, very tasty. Well done LH. More lovely catering!
As we flew over the Caribbean, I kept hoping to see some islands. I *think* I saw Bonaire, but it’s hard to tell!
My first glimpses of South America, a new continent!
Finally, we’re in Colombian airspace
Despite the late departure, we began our descent early into Bogota. Unfortunately, by now it was dark, so I didn’t get any good views of the city.
The cabin prepared for landing.
And we’re down! Welcome to Colombia, continent no. 6 for me, and country no. 76!
Seatbelt sign off, time to go! I’d had an email conversation with DavidCA (that’s, your emails were very helpful!), and been advised to make a dash for immigration, which I did.
The corridor to immigration
Waiting. Luckily, the queue moved very quickly. There were around 20 counters open for just our flight. After answering a few questions about my trip (the guy only spoke Spanish), I was stamped in, and sent off to get my bag.
After only a few minutes wait, my bag appeared.
My customs declaration to stamped, and I went through to the arrivals area. There weren’t any ATMs to be found, but there were a lot of exchange counters. Interestingly, you have to leave a fingerprint on your exchange certificate….not sure the reason for that. There was a passageway off to the official taxi waiting area, where after giving my hotel address to the lady, I was given a receipt with the fare to be paid. Easy. Before long I was on my way to my hotel for the night, the well priced and located Ibis.
So, I’d made it to Colombia. I’m currently in Cartagena on the Caribbean coast, waiting for yet another thunderstorm to pass (it’s mid-rainy season at the moment). I was very pleased with my LH flights. Their service (both long and shorthual) might not be fancy, but is generally efficient and sufficient. There were a few problems, like the check in issue in ARN/online, and the catering in FRA. But the flights themselves were very pleasant. BA were perfectly adequate on the short hop to ARN, although the delay was a bit tiring given the time of day. My domestic Avianca report will be out sometime next week I imagine.
I’m looking forward to seeing your comments and questions!
deltamartin From Sweden, joined Dec 2010, 1059 posts, RR: 9 Reply 3, posted (1 year 7 months 3 days 3 hours ago) and read 10932 times:
Hi Gabriel!
Great tripreport, I really enjoyed reading about your flights with Lufthansa since I have some upcoming longhaul flying with them myself, although not until next year.
I love the pictures on your flight over the Atlantic. The wing and the sea... Beautiful!
infodesk From Switzerland, joined exactly 7 years ago today! , 1236 posts, RR: 34 Reply 4, posted (1 year 7 months 3 days 2 hours ago) and read 10758 times:
Hi Gabriel,
I do vaguely remember reading about the misprice on FB, but didn't take it in. Great bargain you managed to snatch there with a nice exotic routing.
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): I tried to reason that it would save BA money to put me on the earlier flight (as otherwise I’d spend the afternoon drinking in the lounge), but it was to no avail
Bet they'd never heard that one before!
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): Instead, there is a last time you have to have your boarding pass scanned by security (35 minutes). It’s the same for everyone, and if you turn up at security at T-34 minutes, then you’ll find you’ve already been automatically offloaded, even if you’re a Gold member in First
Strict rules indeed. Can imagine there would be some Gold members or First passengers who don't agree with it.
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): I didn’t know LH let 16 and 17 year olds drink!? What’s the drinking age in Germany?
You're allowed to drink beer & wine from 16, spirits from 18
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): guess it was a member of staff that got the jumpseat? The flight was 100%+
Am sure that screen makes for interesting reading, never seen anything like it.
Nice to see some 747s, it really is a beautiful aircraft.
Hope you're enjoying your time in Colombia!
Happy flying
Infodesk
"Do nothing in haste, look well to each step and from the beginning think what may be the end" - Edward Whymper
amsspot From Netherlands, joined Jun 2005, 78 posts, RR: 0 Reply 6, posted (1 year 7 months 3 days ago) and read 10401 times:
Hey gabrielchew,
Thanks for writing and sharing this trip report. Really nice to read a flight report on Lufthansa's flight to Bogota. I recently flew on Iberia to Bogota (still in the middle of writing a flight review about this flight) and I must admit that it looks like that Lufthansa would have been a better choice.
What was the cabin crew like on your flight? Iberia's flight attandants are not the friendliest around.
How long did you spend in Bogota? Did you like the city?
Cartagena is just an amazing city. Have fun there!
I'm looking forward to your Avianca trip reports.
Best regards,
Miles
musapapaya From United Kingdom, joined Apr 2004, 1002 posts, RR: 0 Reply 7, posted (1 year 7 months 2 days 23 hours ago) and read 10298 times:
Quoting infodesk (Reply 4): Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter):
Instead, there is a last time you have to have your boarding pass scanned by security (35 minutes). It’s the same for everyone, and if you turn up at security at T-34 minutes, then you’ll find you’ve already been automatically offloaded, even if you’re a Gold member in First
Strict rules indeed. Can imagine there would be some Gold members or First passengers who don't agree with it.
A friend of mine missed her flight to Aberdeen by passing through security 30 minutes before departure. Stupid idea for BA/LHR to implement something like this. I thought checkin for LHR T5 generally closes 45 minutes before departure. Whatever, we just made an excuse for my friend and said that she was asked by the security to do extra screening, and it was their fault..... She was booked on a later flight eventually.
This requirement will definitely take away a lot of domestic O&D passenger, however, having something like this does not make BA any more puntual than their counterparts.
Quoting infodesk (Reply 4): I do vaguely remember reading about the misprice on FB, but didn't take it in. Great bargain you managed to snatch there with a nice exotic routing.
Yeah, it was lucky saw Petteris FB update, otherwise I would have missed it!
Quoting infodesk (Reply 4): Bet they'd never heard that one before!
Bet they have! Still, BA are well known for not being flexible with things like this. That's why they make money!
Quoting infodesk (Reply 4): Strict rules indeed. Can imagine there would be some Gold members or First passengers who don't agree with it.
Perhaps, although you have to draw the line somewhere.
Quoting infodesk (Reply 4): Hope you're enjoying your time in Colombia!
I am - I'm going for a massage in a bit, such a bargain compared to London!
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 5): interesting first part of your Colombia series.
Thanks
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 5): Nice. Mistakes are really rare in LH's inflight magazine.
Yeah, I imagine they would be. Strange mistake to make though, featuring the B733, then picturing the B735!
Quoting amsspot (Reply 6):
Thanks for writing and sharing this trip report.
No problem!
Quoting amsspot (Reply 6): I recently flew on Iberia to Bogota (still in the middle of writing a flight review about this flight) and I must admit that it looks like that Lufthansa would have been a better choice.
I think LH would have been better (unless yo don't like having a PTV!)
Quoting amsspot (Reply 6): What was the cabin crew like on your flight? Iberia's flight attandants are not the friendliest around.
LH cabin crew were good. Efficient, and occasionaly friendly : )
Quoting amsspot (Reply 6): How long did you spend in Bogota? Did you like the city?
Just one night, but got 30 odd hours there next weekend
Quoting amsspot (Reply 6): Cartagena is just an amazing city. Have fun there!
Yeah, it's beautiful, loving it here. Great food too!
ROGERBCN From Andorra, joined Sep 2006, 1127 posts, RR: 19 Reply 9, posted (1 year 7 months 2 days 23 hours ago) and read 10270 times:
Hola Gabriel!
What an interesting read your TR is.
Great you were able to catch that bargain fare to BOG and obviously the interesting routing. This is always I look forward to, the more planes you catch, the more airports you are able to visit, the more fun the trip is.... my travel mates do not think the same though.
Interesting to see LH service and catering. I am surprised when the same company cannot print boarding passes for their own flights on the same ticket, puzzling to say the least.
It is always great to explore a beautiful country like Colombia, and I am sure Cartagena is a great city with very beautiful housing and interesting history. I have never been but I have heard a lot of positive things about the country and its natural beauty.
Enjoy your stay and have a great trip back! Looking forward to reading it!
Salut!
Roger
"At reise er at leve" H.C. Andersen (Travelling is Living)
Palmjet From United Kingdom, joined Nov 2001, 1050 posts, RR: 20 Reply 11, posted (1 year 7 months 2 days 22 hours ago) and read 10179 times:
Hi Gabriel
I was so pleased to see the first instalment of your travels to South America.
Firstly, a massive THANK YOU for spelling COLOMBIA correctly!! The number of times I have seen it misspelled "COLUMBIA" by other people, including the official press in many different countries, is nothing short of astounding. It has never been spelled Columbia. It's not hard to check the spelling so it beggars belief why it seems to be one of the most common misspelled words (at least for English speakers).
I really enjoyed your report. Seems like a nice LH A346 experience for you - was that your first LH 346?
The registration on your first flight out of LHR - the BA flight, indicates it was an A321 (and not an A320)?
Shame you did not get longer overnight at ARN. Looks like a great place to stay for avia geeks! I will have to bear that in mind.
Looking forward to hearing about your domestic flights within Colombia, and of course, whether you made that rendezvous with FF76!
gabrielchew From United Kingdom, joined Aug 2005, 2512 posts, RR: 14 Reply 12, posted (1 year 7 months 2 days 22 hours ago) and read 10115 times:
Thanks for all your comments so far
Quoting musapapaya (Reply 7):
A friend of mine missed her flight to Aberdeen by passing through security 30 minutes before departure. Stupid idea for BA/LHR to implement something like this. I thought checkin for LHR T5 generally closes 45 minutes before departure. Whatever, we just made an excuse for my friend and said that she was asked by the security to do extra screening, and it was their fault..... She was booked on a later flight eventually.
This requirement will definitely take away a lot of domestic O&D passenger, however, having something like this does not make BA any more puntual than their counterparts.
Well, the 35 min rule is well publicised. If you check in online it will say on your boarding card. If you check in at the airport, the machines will tell you to go straight to security. The only way to miss your flight is if you don't pay attention and dawdle.
Quoting ROGERBCN (Reply 9): What an interesting read your TR is.
Thanks!
Quoting ROGERBCN (Reply 9): my travel mates do not think the same though.
Mine too. They think I'm wierd for doing these flights, but then always ask how I can fly business classmwith airmiles!
Quoting ROGERBCN (Reply 9): I am surprised when the same company cannot print boarding passes for their own flights on the same ticket, puzzling to say the least.
Yeah, still don't know what happened with the check in - not very efficient of LH
Quoting ROGERBCN (Reply 9): Enjoy your stay and have a great trip back! Looking forward to reading it!
Quoting eicvd (Reply 10): didn't want to stop reading I enjoyed it that much. Really looking forward to part 2 now
Part 2 coming soon!
Quoting Palmjet (Reply 11): I was so pleased to see the first instalment of your travels to South America.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Quoting Palmjet (Reply 11): Firstly, a massive THANK YOU for spelling COLOMBIA correctly!! The number of times I have seen it misspelled "COLUMBIA" by other people, including the official press in many different countries, is nothing short of astounding. It has never been spelled Columbia. It's not hard to check the spelling so it beggars belief why it seems to be one of the most common misspelled words (at least for English speakers).
I think that was more luck, as I never really thought about the spelling. Neither looks wrong (in my eyes), so it's chance that I wrote the right one! I suppose its hard because most people pronounce it col-UM-bia, rather than col-OM-bia.
Quoting Palmjet (Reply 11): I really enjoyed your report. Seems like a nice LH A346 experience for you - was that your first LH 346?
Yeah, my first LH A346, but done 3 other A346, 2 on QR, and 1 on HU.
Quoting Palmjet (Reply 11): The registration on your first flight out of LHR - the BA flight, indicates it was an A321 (and not an A320)?
Yes indeed, that should have said A321, sorry.
Quoting Palmjet (Reply 11): Shame you did not get longer overnight at ARN. Looks like a great place to stay for avia geeks! I will have to bear that in mind.
yeah, will have to stay for longer next time
Quoting Palmjet (Reply 11): Looking forward to hearing about your domestic flights within Colombia, and of course, whether you made that rendezvous with FF76!
Well, the rendezvous is this Friday, so we shall see!
stipica From Croatia, joined Feb 2011, 398 posts, RR: 8 Reply 13, posted (1 year 7 months 2 days 22 hours ago) and read 10050 times:
Hi Gabriel ! ... have a nice time in my favorite continent ... last weekend I had "the gabrielchew weekend" ...hehehe ...I read a series of asia and usa / mexico trip reports ... and now begins "a gabrielchew week" and "Finn in Colombia "... happy stipica
FLIEGER67 From Georgia, joined Sep 2003, 4387 posts, RR: 57 Reply 14, posted (1 year 7 months 2 days 22 hours ago) and read 9993 times:
Gabriel, well done.
A real good idea to do that routing finally and also with the upcoming meeting much better.
LH service looks nice. Interesting to follow that screen in MUC for the waiting pax. The jump for me please!.
A friend of mine missed her flight to Aberdeen by passing through security 30 minutes before departure. Stupid idea for BA/LHR to implement something like this. I thought checkin for LHR T5 generally closes 45 minutes before departure. Whatever, we just made an excuse for my friend and said that she was asked by the security to do extra screening, and it was their fault..... She was booked on a later flight eventually.
This requirement will definitely take away a lot of domestic O&D passenger, however, having something like this does not make BA any more puntual than their counterparts.
Well, the 35 min rule is well publicised. If you check in online it will say on your boarding card. If you check in at the airport, the machines will tell you to go straight to security. The only way to miss your flight is if you don't pay attention and dawdle.
I do agree that it is very well publicised, and we didnt check in online, my friend was not advised by the gate agent, however there were signs on the screens. My ultimate question is whether this measures improve BA's in time performance or not.
volvair From Germany, joined Oct 2011, 167 posts, RR: 10 Reply 17, posted (1 year 7 months 2 days 19 hours ago) and read 9681 times:
Hi Gabriel,
thank you for taking us with you on your journey to Columbia. I also read about LHs pricing mishap in spring, but unfortunately timing was just not right for me. Great that you were able to take advantage of it!
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): When I tried to check in online for these flights, I was only allowed to select seats/get boarding passes for the MUC-FRA and FRA-BOG legs, not the ARN-MUC.
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): The machine, however, only printed my ARN-MUC boarding pass. I went over to drop my bag at an adjacent desk. I asked the guy if he could print out my other boarding passes, but was told that he couldn’t, and I’d have to ask in MUC – not very coordinated LH!
That's weird. Never had problems with LH self-service machines, always found them to work like a glitch.
We don't have too much reports of South America here, so I'm really looking forward to the Tripreports of your domestic flights (hopefully including some destination pics!) and your joint flight back to Europe. Enjoy your remaining time in Colombia!
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Reply 14): Well, I´ve not fixed you´re earlier US/Mexico series, but finally looking for the next part now.
Well, please read and enjoy!
Quoting musapapaya (Reply 15): I do agree that it is very well publicised, and we didnt check in online, my friend was not advised by the gate agent, however there were signs on the screens. My ultimate question is whether this measures improve BA's in time performance or not.
Yeah, it's be iteresting to know if T5 is better timewise than T3.
Quoting deltamartin (Reply 16): PEK and NRT, will be first time on the A380!
Enjoy it. The LH A380s are quite nice, and PEK and NRT are AWESOME!
Quoting volvair (Reply 17):
thank you for taking us with you on your journey to Columbia
No problem!
Quoting volvair (Reply 17): I also read about LHs pricing mishap in spring, but unfortunately timing was just not right for me. Great that you were able to take advantage of it!
Quoting volvair (Reply 17): That's weird. Never had problems with LH self-service machines, always found them to work like a glitch.
Well, it was the online checkin that had the issues, and not giving me my ARN-MUC bp in the first place.
Quoting volvair (Reply 17): We don't have too much reports of South America here, so I'm really looking forward to the Tripreports of your domestic flights (hopefully including some destination pics!) and your joint flight back to Europe. Enjoy your remaining time in Colombia!
Yes, there will be lots of pics in the follwing parts!
767747 From United States of America, joined Jan 2005, 1748 posts, RR: 26 Reply 19, posted (1 year 7 months 2 days 17 hours ago) and read 9526 times:
Another good report, gabrielchew!
Looks like you had a few nice flights with LH. I'd love to stay in that 747 near Arlanda airport. How cool ! I read a report about the hostel; looks like a cool place to stay for one night.
AY had the same set up in Copenhagen when we were about to head back to the USA. The agents manning the area were trying to sign as many people up with AY frequent flier numbers as possible!
Quoting 767747 (Reply 19): Looks like you had a few nice flights with LH
Yeah, LH were great
Quoting 767747 (Reply 19): I'd love to stay in that 747 near Arlanda airport. How cool ! I read a report about the hostel; looks like a cool place to stay for one night.
The777Man From United States of America, joined Jul 1999, 6079 posts, RR: 56 Reply 21, posted (1 year 7 months 2 days 13 hours ago) and read 9320 times:
Hi Gabriel !
Great first installment in this South America series !
Too bad the BA flight was delayed and that your stay in the Jumbo Hostel was cut short. It seems like a nice place to stay.
I think the legroom on LH's 321s is less than on their 320s but I'm not sure. I've always felt very cramped on LH's 321 and never had that feeling on their 320s.
Food looks really good on FRA-BOG and a nice routing just straight over the Atlantic. I flew LH's D-AIHR MUC-LAX in March this year and had a similiar good food and okay service but I was close to two infants.......I agree that the PTV selection could be a lot better.
Looking forward to the next part!
The777Man
Need a Boeing 777 Firing Order....Further to fly....GA, T5, CI and LX 777s
MSS658 From Belgium, joined Oct 2010, 2202 posts, RR: 14 Reply 22, posted (1 year 7 months 2 days 10 hours ago) and read 9090 times:
Hi gabriel
Thanks for sharing this report with us. Quite interested in the ARN-stay, gives me a nice overview of what to expect in january next year when I get there.
The featured aircraft in LH's magazine is indeed a 737-500. I have already flewn on this bird in August last year from FRA to BRU
It seems like you got similar service on your FRA-BOG sector as I did on my MUC-MIA sector last year!!
Looking forward to more!!
sultanils From Belgium, joined Mar 2010, 1173 posts, RR: 29 Reply 23, posted (1 year 7 months 2 days 8 hours ago) and read 8997 times:
Hi Gabriel,
A good picture plenty report, thanks for that. You managed to get it online quickly, I wonder if you do all the uploading and typing in a cybercafé or on your own PC and make use of a Wifi network somewhere?
I keep being amazed at LHR’s T5, the transfers on BA are made a lot easier now. FRA has it’s glitches but I find it to be a most ‘entertaining’ airport, lots of great views everywhere you look.
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): Total airfare for the international flights was GBP 340 (EUR 390/USD 530). Bargain!
€ 390 is a nice price for this routing. LH certainly doesn’t make a profit out of you this time…
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): Interestingly, if I had booked the lunchtime B767 flight to ARN, I would have ended up on one of the longhual 767s with PTV in economy.
Why did you not book this then? Too much time in ARN? You could’ve enjoyed the Jumbo Hostel some more then.
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): It’s the same for everyone, and if you turn up at security at T-34 minutes, then you’ll find you’ve already been automatically offloaded, even if you’re a Gold member in First.
I don’t know if this is better or worse than the checking in before a certain time.
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): explaining to the bemused cabin crew guy that I’d taken some slimline tonic from the lounge (they’ve stopped serving it in Y).
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): Out of interested, if they went from the current 20 (?) film choice up to say 100 choices, would there be a lot of additional cost/effort/space needed?
Maybe just some extra harddisk space and some extra cash for copyrights?
CaptainRed From Germany, joined Oct 2010, 578 posts, RR: 19 Reply 24, posted (1 year 7 months 2 days 7 hours ago) and read 8852 times:
Hi gabrielchew,
great report, thanks for taking us with you on your long journey down to Colombia. Never been here myself but for sure an interesting country.
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): Total airfare for the international flights was GBP 340 (EUR 390/USD 530). Bargain!
Wow, now that's indeed an amazing price. And you also put together an interesting itinerary with some short-haul flights before. Plus the stay in the Jumbo hostel (even if only a short one), well done. But why that routing via MUC, for sure there are enough direct flight from ARN to FRA?
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): I tried to reason that it would save BA money to put me on the earlier flight (as otherwise I%u2019d spend the afternoon drinking in the lounge), but it was to no avail.
Good argument here Hope you at least enjoyed your lounge visit then and had your fair amount of drinks and meals.
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): There was a water trolley, with a %u201Cplease help yourself!%u201D sign at the end of the jetbridge %u2013 never seen this before %u2013 anyone else? I was going to take a glass, but thought there was a high chance of spilling it what with all my hand luggage and camera.
Interesting, never seen something like that before. I would think that this slows down the whole boarding process quite a lot. Plus, as you said, the risk of spilling.
Cool to get a A346, really looong nice looking airplane.
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): There were two choices for lunch, pasta with chicken, or potatoes and beef (?). I went with the former, which was really tasty.
Indeed, looks good. Glad you enjoyed your LH flights, despite some small problems. I think they offer an overall very good product, even in economy.
Now I am looking forward about your adventures within Colombia
CaptainRed
25 gabrielchew: Thanks! Yeah, it's a great hostel. Pricey, but this is Sweden! The A320 has the new NEK with space saver seats No problem! Two hot meals as well? LH
26 RCS763AV: The city of Barranquilla is so misplaced on that map! Anyway, great report, very detailed. Looking forward to you colombian flights.
27 planejamie: Great trip report! I never even knew this existed, I guessed there would be some sort of staff tunnel, but not something that big or that flashy! They
28 FlyingFinn76: Hi Gab, You sure are fast with these reports - I guess the downpour at Cartagena kept you a prison of your hotel room and afforded you plenty of time
29 ba319-131: Nice report GC, I stepped foot in Colombia earlier in the year, wish I'd taken some time outside the ariport though, perhaps next time. - That's a goo
30 gabrielchew: Thanks for all your comments so far! Thanks! I think it's strange that BAA keep this such a secret. For a staff only tunnel, it's quite nice. They mus
31 planejamie: It actually looks too smart to be a staff tunnel, with the mood-lighting and the polished floors etc. I can see it as a backup if the trains ever fai
32 FlyingFinn76: Hi again, Actually I was asking about that LH breakfast sandwich on ARN-MUC, not BA...
33 gabrielchew: Oh, sorry, the sandwich was cold I think there must also be one in 5c
34 LH4116: Hey there Gabriel Caramel Chew Chew, great report! Wow, now that's a bargain! Still can't believe the fare was GBP 0, how comes? I'm guessing the airl
35 gabrielchew: Thanks! Well, I still paid the enormous fuel supplement No, no controls. It is legal. If you take the train back, the you have to go through security
36 akhmad: Wow Gabriel, Great report. I feel like tagging along with you all the way to Colombia. What a steal! Nice to know BA is consequent. Thanks for the tip
37 gabrielchew: Thanks, enjoy the trip! Yup, great price Comfy, but cold near the door I should have asked if I could sit there! I love White beer! About 30 mins. Wh
38 SloAir: Hi Gabriel, nice to compare yours and P. flights on the same route, seems you both have enjoyed and you both did a great job in providing us with the
39 gabrielchew: Thanks! So, who's was better Well, there is no more traffic in the aisle, but if you were in row 41, the noise from people waiting there (espeicaly a
40 signol: Excellent report Gabriel, and good to compare with FF's Indeed a bargain, and that's including the BA flights! Interesting... I've had a shower on a t
41 gabrielchew: Thanks! Well, I try my best to maximise the lounges! Currently maximising the HAM lounge!
42 OA260: Hey very nice report and nice to see your journey after reading P's series . Im going to look through your other parts now Love the meals on LH pretty
43 gabrielchew: No problem! Well, the fourth and final part is now out Yeah, they were good
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