OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 24929 posts, RR: 60 Posted (1 year 3 weeks 4 days 8 hours ago) and read 13047 times:
Welcome to my latest trip report.
This trip was a bit of a last minute decision. I was due to travel to Athens to see my Family for a few days and decided to ask my Cousin if he would like to take a quick visit to London . As you will know last time it was not a nice experience at British Airways/Swissport Athens and due to a gesture by BA customer relations in Newcastle I was offered enough Executive Club miles for two round trip flights ATH-LHR-ATH. Now I could have used these anywhere or even for just myself to travel somewhere further but I thought it only right that my Cousin should have 50% of the miles as it was him that was affected the last time too.
Not one to say no to a trip my Cousin said he would love to go so I logged onto the BA website and booked the flights with miles and paid just a minimal service fee.
The morning of the flight we got up early and my Cousin drove us to the Airport. My Aunt got up to see us off and wanted us to call her as soon as we checked in . She was a bit anxious due to last time but I assured her everything was fine and we had been told to contact the British Airways desk prior to check in .
DATE: 11/MAR/2012
AIRLINE: BRITISH AIRWAYS
FLIGHT: BA 631
ROUTE: ATHENS - LONDON HEATHROW
CLASS: EURO TRAVELLER ( UPGRADED TO CLUB EUROPE )
SEAT: 4D / 4F
AIRCRAFT: AIRBUS A320
REG: G - ????
As we were advised my Cousin and I approached the ticket desk. Right away I recognised the staff member and she knew me
I said '' Good morning , I take it you remember me ? ''
She said '' Yes '' and gave me a nervous smile. I then advised her that we were told to contact the desk . She asked me to wait a minute and she went into the back office to make a call to check in . The call actually lasted around 4-5 minutes. She then came back and pointed us to the direction of the check in and said her colleagues were waiting to check us in . I can only presume they got a short run down on the incident last time.
My Cousin and I proceeded to the Club Europe check in desk and were greeted by a friendly check in agent and Swissport supervisor. We were asked how many bags we were checking in and I presented our passports. I looked at my Cousin and he looked at me , he looked a bit nervous but I was not worried. The agent took a quick glance at the passport and then issued boarding cards and said '' Mr OA260 you are upgraded to Club Europe today and I think you know where the lounge is ? '' . I said '' Thank you very much and I do indeed know where the lounge is''.
My Cousin and I then proceeded to the BA lounge along the way calling my Aunt to let her know all was well.
We entered the lounge and right away were recognised . The lovely Lady who was very friendly to us last time was there and said '' Hey how are you ? No problems this time I hope ? ''. We both smiled and said no thank god. She told us to sit and relax and enjoy the lounge.
OLYMPIC AIR - ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΗ "Η ΕΛΛΑΔΑ ΨΗΛΑ" "GREECE FLYING HIGH"
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 24929 posts, RR: 60 Reply 3, posted (1 year 3 weeks 4 days 8 hours ago) and read 13064 times:
Time to visit the bathroom.
After that we were both tired so we took a sleep .
About 40 minutes prior to landing drinks were offered again so I went for sparkling water and lemon.
Soon it was time to land into LHR :
Nice to see but alot of aircraft to brand :
We pulled up on stand but no one was at the air bridge to let us off. The pilot came over the PA and appologised but it took nearly 10 minutes to get off after parking at the gate . It was a bit of a pain but we were in no rush so didnt care but some passengers were complaining as they had connections. After a while the door opened and we disembarked thanking the crew for a lovely flight.
Bags were first off and very quick. Reminds me of the BA Olympic advert
Hmm the new Greeks ? lol...
We made our way to the underground to get the tube to T123 where we would change to the X26 to Worcester Park. We then got a train to Ewell to where my Mum lives.
So as usual we all went to Jimmys Spices :
And then we shopped :
So this was a very short trip and after some nice times with my Mum we were back to Heathrow .
OLYMPIC AIR - ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΗ "Η ΕΛΛΑΔΑ ΨΗΛΑ" "GREECE FLYING HIGH"
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 24929 posts, RR: 60 Reply 4, posted (1 year 3 weeks 4 days 8 hours ago) and read 13065 times:
DATE: 12/MAR/2012
AIRLINE: BRITISH AIRWAYS
FLIGHT: BA 632
ROUTE: LONDON HEATHROW TO ATHENS
CLASS: EURO TRAVELLER
SEAT: 25J / 25K
AIRCRAFT: BOEING 767
REG: G - BZHC
We checked in with a friendly agent who advised us of a delay. We didnt mind , more time in the lounge
After some shopping we then made our way to the lounge :
OLYMPIC AIR - ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΗ "Η ΕΛΛΑΔΑ ΨΗΛΑ" "GREECE FLYING HIGH"
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 24929 posts, RR: 60 Reply 5, posted (1 year 3 weeks 4 days 8 hours ago) and read 13015 times:
One thing you cant fault BA on and thats the catering in the lounges :
I love this ice cream too
Due to the delay we were in time for lunch so we decided to have something :
Then after a while it was time to head to the gate for boarding :
A nice B767 to ATH :
Right by the exit row there was a FA who was very chatty . She was asking my Cousin about life in Athens these days and said she wanted to go on holidays in the Summer to Greece. We chatted alot about all different things and she mentioned that the delay was due to earlier fog and not the usual reason which was the B767 going technical. I smiled and said that I had heard there had been some issues. Only a short time previously two flights were cancelled from ATH-LHR and BA sent a B744 down to ATH to collect the passengers. Shame it wasnt this time The flight before us that morning to ATH had been cancelled so this flight was 100% full.
Soon boarding had completed and we made our way to the runway to take off .
After take off the crew commenced their duties . The majority were ''business friendly'' to borrow Markus's signature phrase
The meal was nice and I love the way they tell your the fat and calories .
After a while we both fell asleep for the remainder of the flight waking up when we began our decent into ATH .
We pulled up on stand and disembarked the aircraft thanking the crew for a plesant flight.
We collected our bags and made our way home to un pack the shopping
So thats the end of my report. I hope you all enjoyed. A nice experience on BA . Since BMI has been taken over I am now being matched to BA Gold. I guess this means that I will use them more especially if they keep the BHD-LHR route on their own metal. I still will keep the majority of my travels on Star Alliance though as I still prefer their members products and routes. BA did the job though and the upgrade was a nice token by them.
Thanks for reading and I appreciate all your comments
OA260 / Philip
OLYMPIC AIR - ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΗ "Η ΕΛΛΑΔΑ ΨΗΛΑ" "GREECE FLYING HIGH"
gabrielchew From United Kingdom, joined Aug 2005, 2512 posts, RR: 13 Reply 6, posted (1 year 3 weeks 4 days 7 hours ago) and read 12823 times:
Very nice Phil - good to see that your flight with time was better than last time, and great that you got upgraded! The Euro Traveller food looked better than the Club Europe meal I think. Thanks for posting.
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 24929 posts, RR: 60 Reply 8, posted (1 year 3 weeks 4 days 7 hours ago) and read 12705 times:
Quoting gabrielchew (Reply 6): Very nice Phil - good to see that your flight with time was better than last time, and great that you got upgraded! The Euro Traveller food looked better than the Club Europe meal I think. Thanks for posting.
Hey thanks alot yes I always prefer main meals on the flights as breakfast is nice but not as substantial. Still both were nice and the outward ATH-LHR had the nicest Greek yoghurt I have tasted in a long time.
Hi im glad you enjoyed. I seen that earlier and I am going to sign up maybe in four weeks. No point at the moment as I get into BA F Class lounges with my BMI card which is valid til June so may as well get the longest stretch out of it . Will be nice to sample some extra special Champs in T5 though
OLYMPIC AIR - ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΗ "Η ΕΛΛΑΔΑ ΨΗΛΑ" "GREECE FLYING HIGH"
767747 From United States of America, joined Jan 2005, 1750 posts, RR: 26 Reply 9, posted (1 year 3 weeks 4 days 2 hours ago) and read 12083 times:
Hey, Phil - Another good report on BA.
I'm impressed by the really good looking Y meal on the LHR-ATH; nice job, BA! I also really like the marketing campaign for "To Fly To Serve"; how stylish!
ROGERBCN From Andorra, joined Sep 2006, 1136 posts, RR: 19 Reply 10, posted (1 year 3 weeks 3 days 23 hours ago) and read 11777 times:
Hola Philip!
Nice to see a great BA report, especially after the nightmare of the last one; very nice of you to invite your cousin along, fair after all the hassle he went through, nice chap!
Really BA seems a great airline, especially on land with all those great offerings at the lounges. Good you caught that B767, although I have much preferred the B747. Hope next time!
ATH seems to have learnt their lesson and the upgrade was the minimum they could do, I imagine they were shaking the moment they saw you approaching the check in desk.
Great pictures, time to go for breakfast, made me hungry
Salut!
Roger
"At reise er at leve" H.C. Andersen (Travelling is Living)
CaptainRed From Germany, joined Oct 2010, 578 posts, RR: 19 Reply 11, posted (1 year 3 weeks 3 days 18 hours ago) and read 11103 times:
Hi Phil,
thanks for another great report with a lot of interesting pictures. Glad to read that this time everything went smoothly, the upgrade at least a small compensation for the problems you had the last time. Seems like you a had good experience on BA, the food definitely looks great. Also nice to get the 767 on an European flight.
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 24929 posts, RR: 60 Reply 12, posted (1 year 3 weeks 3 days 18 hours ago) and read 11086 times:
Quoting 767747 (Reply 9): Hey, Phil - Another good report on BA.
Hi Matthew
Quoting 767747 (Reply 9): I'm impressed by the really good looking Y meal on the LHR-ATH; nice job, BA! I also really like the marketing campaign for "To Fly To Serve"; how stylish!
Yes I was impressed to some airlines serve that on longhaul to USA . I also love the campaign too very stylish .
Quoting ROGERBCN (Reply 10): very nice of you to invite your cousin along, fair after all the hassle he went through, nice chap!
Well I think he would have been a bit dissapointed if I had not and its more fun going together .
Quoting ROGERBCN (Reply 10): I imagine they were shaking the moment they saw you approaching the check in desk.
LOL... well put it this way we know everyone there now . Not always a bad thing ! I really have a soft spot for the Girl in the lounge she is so good at her job.
Quoting CaptainRed (Reply 11): Seems like you a had good experience on BA, the food definitely looks great. Also nice to get the 767 on an European flight.
Indeed . Yes getting a widebody to ATH these days is rare. Weird to think in the old days it was A300/B747 with OA and BA used Tri Stars At least this B767 is still running . Fingers crossed for a B787 in future
OLYMPIC AIR - ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΗ "Η ΕΛΛΑΔΑ ΨΗΛΑ" "GREECE FLYING HIGH"
MSS658 From Belgium, joined Oct 2010, 2212 posts, RR: 14 Reply 14, posted (1 year 3 weeks 3 days 15 hours ago) and read 10724 times:
Hi Philip
Great trip report, glad things where easier in ATH than last dec.
BA has a decent product, however I don't see to much catering-wise difference between J and Y.
FLIEGER67 From Turkey, joined Sep 2003, 4391 posts, RR: 57 Reply 16, posted (1 year 3 weeks 3 days 10 hours ago) and read 10285 times:
Hey, Phil,
one more good read from the ATH-LHR-ATH route. Good to know about BA, the upgrades and everything worked well this time.
Any news around the ex OA 340's?.
These BA lounges looking really good, something for me also.
Quoting OA260 (Thread starter):
After take off the crew commenced their duties . The majority were ''business friendly'' to borrow Markus's signature phrase
eicvd From Ireland, joined Mar 2008, 2068 posts, RR: 5 Reply 17, posted (1 year 3 weeks 3 days 10 hours ago) and read 10287 times:
Hi Philip
Thanks for posting another great trip report. Nice to see another report featuring some BA lounge's, was talking to someone only a few days ago about a possible to visit to one
Dublin, where Sam Maguire will be coming home to in mid September
Hey Markus ,
Thanks for the reply. Not sure the update on the A340's I have not been following it recently. It's a total nightmare saga. Shame to see but history is repeating itself like it did With the B742 ! Indeed BA lounges are nice always an enjoyable experience.
alaskaqantas From New Zealand, joined Dec 2005, 900 posts, RR: 5 Reply 19, posted (1 year 3 weeks 3 days 8 hours ago) and read 10108 times:
hey thanks for the report!
just curious. As someone who travels a lot within the US and with the EU I still don't FULLY get the idea of European business class having the Y seat with just a blocked middle seat... now I can understand the logistics of a 737 / 757 / A319/20 etc. for their own finances (not a fan in regards to my comfort) but BA has that 767 for shorter haul flights that you flew on that has a middle seat blocked, but the configuration can't be moved around as it goes up to a bulk head and is a completely different seat to what is offered in Y (whereas on the other planes its the same seat so they can just move the curtain)
It also seems that the middle seat would just be added weight... Either I'm missing something or I don't get it. haha, anyone have an answer?
Thanks again,
~Cheers-
~~Kyle
to some people the sky is the limit, to aviation enthusiasts, its home!
gpbcroppers63 From Ireland, joined Jan 2008, 511 posts, RR: 0 Reply 20, posted (1 year 3 weeks 3 days 7 hours ago) and read 10031 times:
Hey Philip,
Another one up to the usual high standard. Thanks! Glad to see that this BA experience was much better than the last. The upgrade was a lovely gesture but the food looks a little poor. Shame they didn't plate up the breakfast properly rather than offering it in a plastic tray inserted into china. Hopefully the presentation will improve with the acquisition of BD!
Looking forward to the next one.
Gareth
According to one of my colleagues, my problem is that I'm addicted to travel!
lukeyboy95 From Papua New Guinea, joined Apr 2008, 951 posts, RR: 35 Reply 21, posted (1 year 3 weeks 3 days 6 hours ago) and read 9995 times:
Hi Phil,
A few quick comments. Firstly, a really excellent trip report. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and it is interesting what BA still offer on longer intra-Europe flights. I am happy that you will be flying with them more in the future, as you can keep us updated in a neutral manner about the progress and standards of BA and whether they hold up.
Quoting OA260 (Reply 2): Bags were first off and very quick. Reminds me of the BA Olympic advert
fbgdavidson From United Kingdom, joined Oct 2004, 3688 posts, RR: 31 Reply 22, posted (1 year 3 weeks 3 days 6 hours ago) and read 9989 times:
Nice report, not often you see the Band 4 shorthaul flights covered so well
Coincidentally I was in Terminal 5 at the same time as you on March 12th! I had a very long layover that lasted the late morning and early afternoon. I didn't see myself in any of the pictures though or recall someone snapping away...nevermind!
"My first job was selling doors, door to door, that's a tough job innit" - Bill Bailey
Quoting alaskaqantas (Reply 19): Either I'm missing something or I don't get it. haha, anyone have an answer?
Well IIRC and Im not BA seating expert but I thought the seats can be narrowed to make 3-3 and then Club Europe config they are adjusted to make it wider so its changable according to demand . I could be wrong though.
Quoting gpbcroppers63 (Reply 20): The upgrade was a lovely gesture but the food looks a little poor. Shame they didn't plate up the breakfast properly rather than offering it in a plastic tray inserted into china. Hopefully the presentation will improve with the acquisition of BD!
In fairness it was plenty for me and tasty . Nice hot pastries etc... You can only do so much with breakfast and they did it well although the bacon wasnt proper bacon but I think thats more to do with being prepared in ATH. Yeah who knows but BD will just morph into BA catering but thats not a bad thing IMHO
Quoting lukeyboy95 (Reply 21): I am happy that you will be flying with them more in the future, as you can keep us updated in a neutral manner about the progress and standards of BA and whether they hold up.
Well I will try I am certainly starting to warm to BA so we shall see how long it lasts
Quoting lukeyboy95 (Reply 21): I took that bus only 5 days, it is a joy to get a London bus and not have to stop every 15meters!
Yeah its good and like you say doesnt stop everywhere which is what I hate in London these days .
Quoting lukeyboy95 (Reply 21): Were they prawns? I dread 'pasta' but this one looked better than average.
No it was meat balls and the pasta was tasty. So many airlines weld their pasta to the tray but not this it was like a good ready meal ( if such a thing exists )
Quoting fbgdavidson (Reply 22): Nice report, not often you see the Band 4 shorthaul flights covered so well
Hi many thanks and your right Id love to see more of these flights reported on .
Quoting fbgdavidson (Reply 22): Coincidentally I was in Terminal 5 at the same time as you on March 12th! I had a very long layover that lasted the late morning and early afternoon. I didn't see myself in any of the pictures though or recall someone snapping away...nevermind!
Thats a coincidence. When taking pics Im very discreet so no one notices The lounges were quite full IIRC as the delays due to fog meant people staying in there longer.
OLYMPIC AIR - ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΗ "Η ΕΛΛΑΔΑ ΨΗΛΑ" "GREECE FLYING HIGH"
KLAM From Netherlands, joined Mar 2007, 167 posts, RR: 0 Reply 24, posted (1 year 3 weeks 3 days 4 hours ago) and read 9857 times:
Quoting OA260 (Thread starter): My Aunt got up to see us off and wanted us to call her as soon as we checked in . She was a bit anxious due to last time but I assured her everything was fine and we had been told to contact the British Airways desk prior to check in
What happened last time? :P Everyone seemed to be quite nervous!
Airlines these days are VERY inconsistent, you can never tell. Last week my brother flew SWISS to SKG from MAD to visit some family, and he was awfully disappointed! Yet it seems you had quite a possitive experience this time! I love that the meals are labled, I like to know what I eat, and the picture on top of the lid certainly enhances the presentation (although I must say that in food marketing, creating expectations that will later be let down is quite punished by the consumer).
As always, great reading a report by you again.
Best regards,
Fer
flyOM
25 Quokkas: Hi Phil, It's good to see your report of how you chose to use the miles offered following your previous experience. Sharing them with your cousin who
26 sultanils: Hi Philip, Another nice set of pics of another nice ATH run. It’s sure a good thing BA did it right this time. And bonus points for getting an upgra
27 dc9northwest: Hi there! Very fair of you to do Was the ATH lounge comfortable? The chairs look a bit on the cheap side, I'd say... It's always good to see the posit
28 lukeyboy95: Should have clarified. Meant the starter looking thing with the lettuce. It looks like prawns in some sort of light curried dressing or something. Al
29 OA260: Oh a long story so I will direct you to the report British Airways B767-Lounges+ Swissport Disgrace!. (by OA260 Feb 7 2012 in Trip Reports) Sorry to
30 FlyingFinn76: Hi Phil, Good to hear your treatment was vastly different this time and you even got an op up, congrats on that! A very nice way to make sure you cous
31 signol: Hi Phil, excellent as always Nice short trip on BA. Will your home - ATH legs be in another TR? Very nice of you, and I bet your cousin appreciated it
32 lhr380: Hey Phil, PHEW Glad you had a good trip. I really need to fly a Euro 767 soon!! Cheers for the good read
33 KLAM: I missed that one! I like your TR's a lot. That is a regretable attitude from Swissport. Tell me, was the person handling your ATH-LHR sector the nas
34 OA260: Hey P thanks for the comments Well no chance of that he currently has a love affair with everything Briitsh/English A Man Utd fan and big into Englis
35 signol: Hi Phil, Ah, I understand now Me too! I've only been in 3 in my life... I had a look, I'm in Norwich but there's none nearby, maybe next time we visit
36 OA260: Yeah was the best way to keep it seperate. Really ? Im surprised , I always thought you were a lounge guru You will have to change that sometime ! Ye
37 akhmad: Dear Philip, The first thing occurred to me when I saw the title was, ‘OMG! Did Anthony get another bad treatment?’ Luckily, it was not the case!
38 OA260: Hey Suryo Thanks for the reply. Yes indeed. I must say it was good once we checked in and we in the lounge . Its always at the back of your mind afte
39 LH4116: Hey Philip, great report! I must say that I'm very impressed with BA's service recovery strategies. Refunding you a very generous amount, hence adding
40 OA260: Hey Jonas Indeed will be worth a few runs somewhere Especially if they keep the BHD and DUB routes. Not sure I didnt ask . Might find out next time .
41 adamspotter: Hi Phillip, Nice report, good to see you had a better experience with BA then last time. Always nice to get an upgrade. BA lounge looks pretty nice wi
42 OA260: Hey Brendan Indeed. Yes lounges always nice and the Y meal was very good. Long may that service last in Y . I hope it survives the cut backs .
43 chopchop767: Hi Phillip, Thanks for the superb and well-documented experience on BA. Last weekend, I hoped to create as generous an amount of photos on my NAP to L
44 deltamartin: Hello Philip! Nice report as usual! Good to read that you had a nice couple of flights on BA, and no issue this time. Also very nice to get that upgra
45 roberts87: An enjoyable read as usual! And it seems BA did a great as usual too. Great meal service in Y as well, so it seems.
46 ba319-131: Hi Philip, Nice read and pictures as usual, apologies for the late read, just struggling to find the time to keep up these days! - That was a nice tou
47 OA260: Hi many thanks Im glad you enjoyed it . Really ? Reading some reports AZ seem to be improving alot . Hi there and thanks for the reply. Yes they real
48 infodesk: Hi Philip, So good to hear that your BA flights were a success this time. What a difference in the way you were treated. I bet the staff were on the b
49 The777Man: Hi Philip! Great report with great pictures ! Very good to see you had a much better experience on BA this time. Extra nice to get the upgrade going t
50 OA260: Hey Hannah Indeed Im totally with you there . Such a shame each time I see it sitting there. Oh yes cant beat M&S but I dont need to tell you tha
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