jwhite9185 From United Kingdom, joined May 2007, 719 posts, RR: 0 Posted (5 months 3 weeks 1 day 2 hours ago) and read 7393 times:
After reading reports from both Gabriel and Suryo (Akhmad) on here almost a year ago, I decided that Malaga seemed to be a pretty good destination to visit during the UK's dark winter months - Sunlight, Beaches and an interesting city. I had originally wanted to go around March of this year, but the prices ended up being higher than my other planned trip at the time, so I headed off to Frankfurt instead. I still wanted to visit the Spanish city though, so I monitored the prices over the following months. Then one rainy Saturday in June, I was messing about with flight dates, prices etc. on ba.com and saw that if I went midweek in November the prices came down to a more reasonable £106.
It said on the site that there were only 5 seats left at the price for the outbound sector so without much delay I booked. I was quite happy with this, as it was the cheapest I’d managed to get a flight for! The only downside was that the flight would depart LGW at 07:40, so unless I wanted to catch a train from my local station at 04:00 I’d be staying the night at LGW.
Not a major problem as I’d managed to get such a good deal on the flights and a reasonable deal on the Barceló Malaga hotel at the station.
A couple of days after I returned from my trip to Madrid, I was feeling impressed with what I had experienced on the ground, and disappointed with what I had missed out on in the air. As BA had one of their standard Club Europe special offers on, I decided to upgrade.
Check in was done via the BA mobile app 24 hours before departure:
I was initially allocated seat 2A, but as it appeared I had a seatmate, I chose to move to 5A instead.
Unusually for me, I set off for the airport the night before departure and due to this I had no schedule to keep to. I decided to catch the train that went via Clapham Junction as I preferred this route over the one that goes through Guildford.
In hindsight maybe I should have taken the train through Guildford. There were a lot of problems at Clapham junction and an hour’s journey ended up taking nearly 2. Although going by my last 2 trips, I'd be happy of this to be my now traditional delay!
Once at a very quiet Gatwick, I made my way over to the hotel. The route ended up going through the car park, which wasn't what I was expecting, especially from a Hilton, but once through the front doors it was perfectly acceptable.
The following morning, my alarm went off at 05:00, and at 05:20 I made my way over to the North terminal via the transit system.
The check in area was pretty quiet as expected and I grabbed a souvenir boarding pass from a very chatty and helpful check in agent. She went the extra mile and invited me to use the fast track security and asking if I had been to the lounge before. After I said I'd only been to the one at LHR, she gave me directions on how to find it once through security. Once again excellent customer service from BA.
Once through security, I pretty much headed straight for the lounge, as the terminal seemed pretty much the standard affair. It had been 21 years since I last travelled from the North terminal and I must admit I didn’t recognize any of it really, except the water fountain that has now dried up.
I spent the next hour or so reading the newspapers on offer, abusing the free Wi-Fi, which didn’t work too well, grazing on the poor selection of food and trying to see what was happening outside. But as it was dark, this was a little difficult.
My choice of entertainment for the day ahead
About the best of the food offering’s
The only hot food on offer
I must admit I was a little disappointed with the F&B offerings in this lounge. A few slices of toast and some beans were about the only hot food on offer and the rest were pastries or cereal. I had better in the No1 lounge back in April. The major plus side though was that it was nice and quiet. If BA could take the catering from the T5 lounge and put it into the LGW one, it would be perfect.
Boarding was announced at 07:10 from gate 53. I grabbed my bag and made the short walk down to the gate. There was a separate lane for Club, BA Gold/Silver cardholders however it was sealed off.
When I got to the gate I noticed one of the flight crew sat at the gate. So unless he was just deadheading, we wouldn't be going anywhere anytime soon. Turns out he was deadheading as boarding was called on time at 07:20. Despite being a jetbridge, an EasyJet A319 was using it, and our 737 was parked alongside – the ground crew mentioned this and told people to be careful on the wet tarmac.
BA2712
LGW-AGP
20th November 2012
737-436/G-DOCS
Seat: 5A / Club Europe
Scheduled: 07:40/11:30
Off: 07:51
On: 11:45
Funny how there seemed to be a lot of people traveling in Club Europe when boarding was called, however once onboard there were only 11 passengers in the Club cabin. There seemed to be quite a few people heading towards the back though.
Legroom didn't seem that great, however I don't remember it being too brilliant the last time I travelled on a BA 737 back in 2001 either. It wasn’t awful, I'd just had better. The cabin also seemed a little worn but I was expecting that really. Nothing major though – just well used. The only thing that was pretty poor that I later found out was the water pressure in the front washroom. To wash your hands, you had to hold either the blue or red button down, and even then it was a poor trickle that came out.
Our neighbor that was hogging the jetbridge
The flight crew came over the PA and made the usual announcements, mentioning the flight time was expected to be 2h25 and that there were pretty good flying conditions.
There were 3 cabin crew on board: one quite young and friendly, one who I never saw and the purser who seemed like they couldn't crack a smile if their life depended on it.
Pushback was delayed due to a couple of late passengers – the captain announcing that he was still deciding if they were going to travel or not. One of my pet hates is lateness and when I heard this announcement my first thought was “sod the potential delay, throw them off – that’ll teach them!” Around 5 minutes later they turned up and sat themselves down in seats 1D and F.
Must nearly be time to go.
A few moments later we pushed back. Once we did set off it was over to runway 26L - the first time I had departed from that runway since 2002. During the taxi, I noticed the purser jump up from their seat and tell Mr. 1F to put his seat in the upright position – So he turns up late, then continues to annoy the crew by reclining his seat before takeoff.
As we were running a little late, we got to push our way to the front of the queue. On takeoff, just before 08:10, we went past the BA hangars, where there was quite a mix outside - an open skies 757, a Cityflyer E190 and a mainline 767.
This was pretty much the last I would see of the UK today.
Due to the low cloud cover, I didn't get to see much. Around a minute after takeoff Mr. 1D decided he was bored and wanted his laptop – which meant another telling off from the purser. Not that he paid much attention as he continued to fiddle with his bag until he retrieved his laptop and then sat down again. I noticed a gold executive club tag on one of their bags, so they weren't new to flying... they obviously just didn't care!
Once the crew were released for duty, the hot towels were handed out. I remember back in the day, this was standard practice across all classes. Now it seems to only be reserved for premium passengers.
There still wasn’t much to be seen outside.
Around 20 minutes after takeoff, breakfast was served, still without a smile. It was actually pretty good - it didn't have a microwaved taste to it at all, although presentation was a bit lacking compared to the BD breakfast I had earlier in the year.
During breakfast, the first officer made a quick update, saying that we had reached our cruising altitude of 35,000 ft., we were due to land in Malaga at 11:45 local and that we were given an odd routing over Paris, Toulouse and the Pyrenees rather than straight over the Bay of Biscay.
The clouds had started clearing slightly once we had crossed into France
Once the trays were cleared, I turned to fellow trip reporter adamspotter (Brendan) for a bit of entertainment.
Or at least that was the theory. The 2 older guys sat in the row behind were talking and laughing very loudly, making it pretty difficult to concentrate on reading. At least I wasn't trying to sleep, like the deadheading captain who was sat opposite.
After finally managing to read Brendan's interesting report on his trip from RTM to MUC, I made an attempt to chat to the not so friendly purser. I asked about the fate of the 737's but the only reply I got was "who knows". She did mention that a couple of the ex BMI Airbuses might be coming over to LGW, but she was then distracted by and economy passenger trying to use the Club Europe toilet. I decided to cut my losses and return to my seat.
A short while later we crossed they Pyrenees
Not bad, but nowhere near as good as the view of the Alps I had on my previous trip!
The rest of the flight was pretty uneventful. The purser gave out glasses of water, which was a nice touch though
There were a few views of various cities down below.
Alicante
I had a look through the new look high life magazine to kill some time. There wasn’t much of interest though, apart from an interview with a 777 first officer.
Then it was time to descent at 11:17 local. Around 30 minutes before landing the captain came over the PA giving an update of our progress and saying that we would be landing on the southwesty runway (technical term?!) and that the weather was pretty good and 14 degrees. The routing took us out to sea before making a 180-degree turn to line us up with the runway. I noticed that the landing gear was extended very early – maybe around 5 minutes before touchdown. Of note, there was a Spanish woman with a baby in the cabin, who spent the entire flight wondering backwards and forwards, not even stopping during the meal service. Why pay extra for Club Europe, then not sit in the seat or eat the meal?! Might as well go in economy - least there would of been a bit further to walk!
Touchdown was just before 11:45, and we made a short taxi over to the terminal. I noticed we were being guided in by a follow me van. Not noticed this before, but seemed to be common practice in AGP?
Shortly after we arrived on stand and it was out through quite an old looking part of the airport. During disembarking, the guys behind had a brief chat with the deadheading captain. Turns out he had flown in from BGI that morning and was off to finalize buying a property.
I saw another couple of visitors from the UK/Ireland along the way. The MON landed just after us – I was also unaware that there were any MON A321’s were in the new livery. I'd get a few more pics of this one a bit later.
jwhite9185 From United Kingdom, joined May 2007, 719 posts, RR: 0 Reply 1, posted (5 months 3 weeks 1 day 2 hours ago) and read 7378 times:
Passport control was the easiest I'd ever experienced - I went to give the officer my passport and he just waved me throughout without even taking it off me... Fair enough. After that it was out into arrivals.
Blue skies - Not experienced this in November for quite a few years!
Then I took a walk out to the aviation museum that was around 15/20 minutes away.
What a difference a couple of hours make
I was welcomed in by a friendly guy, and spent a good couple of hours or so looking around and watching the movements. I know Gabriel covered the museum in his report, so hopefully I haven't duplicated too much.
The original terminal at AGP
After I had seen the inside of the museum, I decided to wait around to watch the plane that brought me to AGP depart back to LGW from the viewing terrace.
After around an hour or so, the BA flight hadn't shown up so I made the walk back to the terminal to grab a bite to eat as there wasn’t a huge amount of movements.
The menu showed a nice looking baguette – so I was a little disappointed with this!
After lunch I made my way to the hotel via the train. On my way I saw a departure board - looks like the return BA flight to LGW was having some problems.
New looking station at AGP
The train took around 10 minutes or so to reach the city, and it was straight to the hotel that was located at Maria Zambrano Station
View from my room
I then made use of the Wi-Fi to check in for my return flight tomorrow.
I also had a look at what was going on with the return flight to LGW. Looked as if it was having a few issues. Glad the delay came after I had got to my destination for once!
Once I had done this, I made my way out to see the city.
Not seen a slide in a hotel before!
One of the locals
Another local – keeping a close eye on a nearby dog.
One for Philip!
Looking busy overhead
I then made my way down to the Port/Marina to grab some dinner and some more pics.
This entire meal was only €2 more than the sandwich I had at the airport!
Hotel by night
Once I returned from a tiring walk around the city, I watched a bit of TV, surfed the net on my iPad and got an early night. I'm not used to getting to my destination early enough to get a good look around the city when I arrive!
jwhite9185 From United Kingdom, joined May 2007, 719 posts, RR: 0 Reply 2, posted (5 months 3 weeks 1 day 2 hours ago) and read 7378 times:
The following morning, I headed off in the direction of the beach, although I wouldn't really call it a beach myself...
And on the way back I grabbed some breakfast. They seem to serve chips with everything out here – guess that’s what all the British holidaymakers want!
I spent the final hour in my hotel reading the paper.
At just before midday, I made my way downstairs to the train station to head back to the airport.
Compare this to the price of the ticket from LCY to Waterloo a bit later…
Once at the airport, I made my way up to check in to get a boarding pass.
I saw a couple of interesting things along the way
Once again, the LGW flight had a delay.
Once at check in I noticed that Iberia handled BA here. And it was a similar situation to in Madrid last month - ignored for a good couple of minutes then within 2 seconds of reaching the desk practically ignored due to there being a seemingly important phone call that required more attention than I did.
There didn't appear to be a huge amount landside so I headed through security. As usual there were plenty of people (mainly Brits) who didn't seem to think all the rules applied to them. But as it wasn't busy I was still thorough within a couple of minutes, despite the security agent wanting to take a closer look at my phone that was in my bag.
As my gate wasn't due to be announced for another 45 minutes, and my breakfast left me feeling pretty thirsty I grabbed a Starbucks.
I know a lot of people are pretty upset with them at the moment due to them not paying any tax in the UK, but
1: This is Spain and;
2: I don't care!
After that I went for a wonder, before heading off in the direction of gate C34
Whilst on my travels I saw the delayed flight from LGW arrive, along with a couple of others.
And then I saw my ride back to LCY arrive
After this I headed through to gate C34, although I wish I hadn't bothered so soon, as there was also an EasyJet and the BA flight to contend with.
Annoyingly, there were a group of about 4-6 lads on the flight who thought that the entire airport were interested in what they were talking about... Shut up!! Seemed as if this flight would be slightly full.
Boarding was announced at just past 14:00 for rows 1-5. But of course, nobody paid any attention to this, much to the annoyance of the ground staff. Eventually they went though a selection of people in line checking boarding passes and anybody who didn't have the correct one was firmly told to sit down! Wish they could take such a stance at every airport.
BA8488
AGP-LCY
21st November 2012
E-190 G-LCYO
Seat: 18A / Euro Traveller
Scheduled: 14:20/16:00
Off: 14:23
On: 15:57
Once on board, there were quite a few announcements saying that the flight was completely full. The captain also announced a flight time of 2hours 25 minutes and that we would be cruising at 38,000 ft.
I did have a seatmate - one that thought the armrest was his and couldn't sit still for more than 20 seconds - until he fell asleep, taking up even more of my space.
The legroom on this E190 was quite a bit better than the E170 that brought me back from Frankfurt earlier in the year.
Spot the mistake!
Pushback was at 14:23 and we made our way out to the runway. Along the way we passed another stricken BA 737 - what's going on with these jets?!
Once at the runway there was a bit of a wait for a landing Norwegian 737, but once that had passed we were off at approx. 14:37 local.
After departure it clouded over quite a bit, so the views weren't that great.
Shortly after, the meal service began. It was more than I was expecting to be honest. The crew of 2 on this flight were generally friendly. When asked my choice of sandwich, which was chicken and tuna or cheese and egg, I replied that I'd take whatever they had most of – this was met with a laugh and a reply of “we’ve got plenty of both!” I ended up with the chicken and tuna, although as they said they had plenty of both I should have asked for both. Then it was around a 15 minute wait for a drink which was a little annoying but no major deal really – its not like I had to be anywhere!
Trying to be Swiss?
The rest of the flight was uneventful. The previously mentioned lads kept pestering the younger Purser and ringing the call bell every 2 minutes until the other crewmember told them to “pack it in”.
I kept myself amused by watching videos on my iPad and reading one of Hannah's (Infodesk) trip reports until the engines spooled back at 15:12 UK time, and then descent started properly at 15:19. So unfortunately the reading of the trip report only got half way through, as things on this flight were about to get interesting again!
The captain once again came over the PA, giving an update on the status of the flight, saying that we were headed for Beachy head before heading North and saying that due to a front over London he expected a rough ride into LCY.
After passing the South coast and heading North the weather suddenly got very British. We were into some pretty heavy cloud, with quite a bit of turbulence. Coupled with the speedbrakes being deployed and the landing gear being lowered quite early – just as we passed the Dartford crossing – It seemed like the flight crew were fighting this one al the way down to the ground. Yet it was still a pretty smooth landing – much less of a hit than my last landing at LCY that was for sure!
On disembarking I had a quick chat with the crew. Turned out that the cabin crew were Edinburgh based and that they had to get back there after this flight, and the flight crew were done for the day.
I did get a bit moaned at on the tarmac, although not for taking pictures. Instead it was for hanging around at the crossing for a fuel truck – he insisted it would stop, however I didn’t fancy playing chicken.
Then it was off through LCY - which was hassle free. After this it was on to the DLR and the underground to Waterloo.
Once at Waterloo, I decided to head out to the river to grab a couple of pictures. I had wanted to get off at London Bridge an walk from there but that station was closed due to a fire alert.
Then it was on to the train for the 20 minute journey home.
Once I arrived home, there was a package waiting for me - some model planes that I had ordered from the USA just over a week previously.
ont2cgi From United States of America, joined Sep 2010, 113 posts, RR: 0 Reply 3, posted (5 months 3 weeks 1 day 2 hours ago) and read 7289 times:
Quoting jwhite9185 (Thread starter):
Pushback was delayed due to a couple of late passengers – the captain announcing that he was still deciding if they were going to travel or not. One of my pet hates is lateness and when I heard this announcement my first thought was “sod the potential delay, throw them off – that’ll teach them!” Around 5 minutes later they turned up and sat themselves down in seats 1D and F.
Reminds me of one time I was connecting in ATL. My flight from RIC was delayed due to Mx, and I missed the oringal flight to STL. When we got there, I was told to make my way to the next gate over, where I was givingh a boarding pass for 1A.
Once I got board and was seated, the FA closed the door, and the Cpt. announced "Now that the passenger were were holding for has arrived, we'll be on our." I think you can guess the looks my fellow passengers gave me.
817Dreamliiner From Montserrat, joined Jul 2008, 1404 posts, RR: 1 Reply 4, posted (5 months 3 weeks 1 day ago) and read 6969 times:
Great Report!
Quoting jwhite9185 (Thread starter): I must admit I was a little disappointed with the F&B offerings in this lounge. A few slices of toast and some beans were about the only hot food on offer and the rest were pastries or cereal.
Too bad about the lounge offerings at LGW, seems pretty poor IMO
Quoting jwhite9185 (Thread starter): Funny how there seemed to be a lot of people traveling in Club Europe when boarding was called, however once onboard there were only 11 passengers in the Club cabin. There seemed to be quite a few people heading towards the back though.
How many of these seats were Club Europe? Its a real shame that BA doesnt have a separate product for Club Europe, Its pretty much the same economy seat with maybe extra legroom and the middle seat blocked out...
Really wish BA would put the embraers on the MAN-LGW route instead of just dropping it, The legroom looks pretty good!
Quoting jwhite9185 (Reply 2): Once I arrived home, there was a package waiting for me - some model planes that I had ordered from the USA just over a week previously.
Nice! I have a model DL 77L, but thats all the way back in MNI.
Thanks for sharing your report, looking forward to more!
Blast Reality, Burst it into shreds! Banishment, This World!
jwhite9185 From United Kingdom, joined May 2007, 719 posts, RR: 0 Reply 5, posted (5 months 3 weeks 22 hours ago) and read 6675 times:
Hi, ont2cgi
Quoting Reply 3): Reminds me of one time I was connecting in ATL. My flight from RIC was delayed due to Mx, and I missed the oringal flight to STL. When we got there, I was told to make my way to the next gate over, where I was givingh a boarding pass for 1A.
Once I got board and was seated, the FA closed the door, and the Cpt. announced "Now that the passenger were were holding for has arrived, we'll be on our." I think you can guess the looks my fellow passengers gave me.
Guess that must be a bad feeling. Fair enough if you've come off a tight connection, but these guys seemed to have the attitude that the plane would wait for them by the way they just casually walked across the tarmac.
817Dreamliner,
Quoting 817Dreamliiner (Reply 4): Too bad about the lounge offerings at LGW, seems pretty poor IMO
One of the poorest I've seen in a lounge actually.
Quoting 817Dreamliiner (Reply 4): How many of these seats were Club Europe? Its a real shame that BA doesnt have a separate product for Club Europe, Its pretty much the same economy seat with maybe extra legroom and the middle seat blocked out...
True, especially having seen a report from SU recently showing that it can be done. There were 14 Club Europe seats in general - only row 7 was completely empty from what i remember, although most people had no seatmate.
Quoting 817Dreamliiner (Reply 4): Really wish BA would put the embraers on the MAN-LGW route instead of just dropping it, The legroom looks pretty good!
Would be good however the Embraers are operated by Cityflyer so unless CFE start up ops from LGW or BA mainline acquire some it wont happen.
Quoting 817Dreamliiner (Reply 4): Thanks for sharing your report, looking forward to more!
817Dreamliiner From Montserrat, joined Jul 2008, 1404 posts, RR: 1 Reply 6, posted (5 months 3 weeks 20 hours ago) and read 6459 times:
Quoting jwhite9185 (Reply 5): True, especially having seen a report from SU recently showing that it can be done. There were 14 Club Europe seats in general - only row 7 was completely empty from what i remember, although most people had no seatmate.
Well, I hope they at least try to invest in something for the future (wishful thinking...)
Quoting jwhite9185 (Reply 5): Would be good however the Embraers are operated by Cityflyer so unless CFE start up ops from LGW or BA mainline acquire some it wont happen.
Yup, I know, just wishful thinking especially since ive never flown an Embraer jet before.
PlaneHunter From Germany, joined Mar 2006, 6190 posts, RR: 79 Reply 7, posted (5 months 3 weeks 9 hours ago) and read 5944 times:
Hi James,
great report with many nice pictures, well done!
Quoting jwhite9185 (Thread starter): As BA had one of their standard Club Europe special offers on, I decided to upgrade.
Good decision, what a bargain.
Quoting jwhite9185 (Thread starter): It was actually pretty good - it didn't have a microwaved taste to it at all, although presentation was a bit lacking compared to the BD breakfast I had earlier in the year.
That looks quite good! Bad to hear about the unfriendly service, though.
Quoting jwhite9185 (Thread starter): Once I arrived home, there was a package waiting for me - some model planes that I had ordered from the USA just over a week previously.
jwhite9185 From United Kingdom, joined May 2007, 719 posts, RR: 0 Reply 8, posted (5 months 3 weeks 2 hours ago) and read 5710 times:
Quoting 817Dreamliiner (Reply 6): Well, I hope they at least try to invest in something for the future (wishful thinking...)
If they do, it wont be much different - Most Euro carriers use the flexi seating, although on the 734 I was on, it didn't have the middle seats converted into the tables like on the Airbuses.
Yeah, so far they have had that offer available on every flight I've booked through BA.com. You get full tier points as well so they're definitely worth it. Also you can upgrade right up to check in providing they don't sell out.
PlaneHunter From Germany, joined Mar 2006, 6190 posts, RR: 79 Reply 9, posted (5 months 2 weeks 6 days 22 hours ago) and read 5520 times:
Quoting jwhite9185 (Reply 8): Yeah, so far they have had that offer available on every flight I've booked through BA.com. You get full tier points as well so they're definitely worth it.
Sounds really good. I guess those offers aren't available on long-haul flights.
adamspotter From Netherlands, joined Feb 2011, 776 posts, RR: 2 Reply 10, posted (5 months 2 weeks 6 days 22 hours ago) and read 5504 times:
Hi J
Very nice report with many great pictures, well done!
Great idea to take the upgrade to Club Europe for such a nice price. Looks like you had a nice and relaxing flight in CE although the purser doesn't sound all to well.
Great pictures of Malaga and the museum really enjoyed them.
The return flight also looks quite nice and enjoyable.
Beautiful pictures of London, a great way to end this great report, keep them coming!
Quoting jwhite9185 (Thread starter): Once at a very quiet Gatwick, I made my way over to the hotel. The route ended up going through the car park, which wasn't what I was expecting, especially from a Hilton, but once through the front doors it was perfectly acceptable.
Also found that to be quite interesting when I was there before the summer
Quoting jwhite9185 (Thread starter): Once the trays were cleared, I turned to fellow trip reporter adamspotter (Brendan) for a bit of entertainment.
Beautiful, although not as beautiful as the Alps like you said correctly
Quoting jwhite9185 (Thread starter): Passport control was the easiest I'd ever experienced - I went to give the officer my passport and he just waved me throughout without even taking it off me... Fair enough. After that it was out into arrivals.
I39OO From United Kingdom, joined Oct 2012, 43 posts, RR: 0 Reply 11, posted (5 months 2 weeks 6 days 21 hours ago) and read 5460 times:
Hello James!
Thanks for yet another story, your trip report output is remarkable!!! It looks like you've had a very good time down in Malaga, let me congratulate with you for your beautiful pictures, they really made me want to pack my stuff and go!
Quoting jwhite9185 (Thread starter): There were a lot of problems at Clapham junction and an hour%u2019s journey ended up taking nearly 2.
Well, wouldn't it be a normal day without a delay at Clapham?
Quoting jwhite9185 (Thread starter): To wash your hands, you had to hold either the blue or red button down, and even then it was a poor trickle that came out.
I had the same issue on my latest flights on BA's 734s. Given how dated those planes are I was actually surprised to see that the interiors weren't in such a poor state, but washing my hands proved quite hard as in your case.
I don't mind the Gatwick operations, it's just... too far for my liking. I envisage a future when LGW is given Embraers instead of those Boeings, I guess they would suit them quite well. Cityflier looks like a good product as well, and well done to the cabin crew member who stood up to those morons. I guess that on certain routes this kind of behaviour has to be taken into account... Larnaca flights come to my mind.
jwhite9185 From United Kingdom, joined May 2007, 719 posts, RR: 0 Reply 12, posted (5 months 2 weeks 6 days 21 hours ago) and read 5437 times:
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 9): Sounds really good. I guess those offers aren't available on long-haul flights.
I've got a longhaul flight with BA booked and I'm sure there was an option when i booked but now it seems to have disappeared.
Brendan,
Quoting adamspotter (Reply 10): Very nice report with many great pictures, well done!
Thanks,
Quoting adamspotter (Reply 10): Looks like you had a nice and relaxing flight in CE although the purser doesn't sound all to well.
It was pretty good actually - I prefer the longer sectors where you can relax a little, rather than the flights where its takeoff, landing and not much inbetween.
Quoting I39OO (Reply 11): Thanks for yet another story, your trip report output is remarkable!!!
No problem - as I may have mentioned before, I write them as I go along, so all thats needed when I get back is the photo work. Probably could of had this one out a little sooner if I'd pulled my finger out a bit! Although I have posted reports in the past the day after I'd returned home and realised I'd left some pictures out so I tend to take a bit more time now to make sure i get everything I want in.
Quoting I39OO (Reply 11): let me congratulate with you for your beautiful pictures
Thanks
Quoting I39OO (Reply 11): they really made me want to pack my stuff and go!
Not a bad city for a weekend - and the temperatures at this time of year are pretty good too.
Quoting I39OO (Reply 11): I envisage a future when LGW is given Embraers instead of those Boeings
Possibly, although one of the few bits of information I managed to get out of the crew member on the outward flight was that the ex BD jets would be going over. That would make sense in the short term as I'm led to believe theres slight differences between those and the BA ones.
Quoting I39OO (Reply 11): Cityflier looks like a good product as well
They were pretty good - Not a massive difference to BA mainline, although I guess thats part of the deal in using the BA branding. The new jets certainly help.
Quoting I39OO (Reply 11): I guess that on certain routes this kind of behaviour has to be taken into account... Larnaca flights come to my mind.
Well I'll get to find that out for myself in a few days!
Quoting I39OO (Reply 11): Looking forward to read from you again!
Quoting jwhite9185 (Thread starter): I did have a seatmate - one that thought the armrest was his and couldn't sit still for more than 20 seconds - until he fell asleep, taking up even more of my space.
So another one suffering from 'swollen testicles syndrome'. Annoying to have such a seatmate definitely...
In theory yes, although I prefer boarding by the steps - even in the rain.
Quoting sultanils (Reply 13): Annoying to have such a seatmate definitely...
Yeah, although he wasn't too bad a bit further into the flight. He initially hung his jacket on the coathook on the seat. Not sure if you're familiar with the layout but it basically meant most of the jacket was infront of me. It didn't stay there long!
gabrielchew From United Kingdom, joined Aug 2005, 2512 posts, RR: 13 Reply 15, posted (5 months 2 weeks 6 days 17 hours ago) and read 5226 times:
Nice report James, and great timing...i'm off with BA LGW-DBV in a few weeks in Club. It's a bit worrying to hear about all the tech delays...fingers crossed it won't affect me too much. Looks like you had a good time in Malaga - it was nice to relive the Spanish warmth for a few minutes as I type in a freezing cold room!
Quoting jwhite9185 (Thread starter): I was initially allocated seat 2A, but as it appeared I had a seatmate, I chose to move to 5A instead.
Ooh, looks busy. My DBV flight has 8 rows outbound, and the max 9 rows coming home.
Quoting jwhite9185 (Thread starter): I noticed a gold executive club tag on one of their bags, so they weren't new to flying... they obviously just didn't care!
Some people....I pray Karma is real!
Quoting jwhite9185 (Thread starter): Passport control was the easiest I'd ever experienced - I went to give the officer my passport and he just waved me throughout without even taking it off me... Fair enough. After that it was out into arrivals.
Ah, reminds me of the good old days (about 10 years ago?) when you could just wave a Burgundy passport at the guys as you walked through...none of this stopping and, gasp, scanning, of the passport.
Quoting jwhite9185 (Thread starter): After this I headed through to gate C34, although I wish I hadn't bothered so soon, as there was also an EasyJet and the BA flight to contend with.
Wow, so much busier than when I was there. My AGP-LCY flight was about 30% full...plenty of space. And those E190s have great legroom!
Quoting jwhite9185 (Thread starter): Compare this to the price of the ticket from LCY to Waterloo a bit later…
You paid cash for your ticket!?!! That's a big no no....using an Oyster can give you up to around a 70% discount (as well as saving you queuing). Everyone that passes through London (especially if you're from the South East) should have an Oyster
MSS658 From Belgium, joined Oct 2010, 2212 posts, RR: 14 Reply 16, posted (5 months 2 weeks 6 days 6 hours ago) and read 5005 times:
Hello James
Great trip report, thanks for sharing it with us!
It's always nice to go out to the blue clear skies.
AGP seemed to have please you. Great airport, BA seems to have a decent product as well!
Good to see the 734 en the EMB in the log, 2 great aircraft
I really enjoyed the inflight pics on the LGW-AGP leg.
AIR MALTA From Malta, joined Sep 2001, 2364 posts, RR: 1 Reply 17, posted (5 months 2 weeks 6 days 2 hours ago) and read 4873 times:
Great trip reports. Congratulations...
I am flying to Tunis in December and was wondering if it was alos available to flights to Tunis and how to do to get. At the moment, I only see the usual expensive upgrade option.
jwhite9185 From United Kingdom, joined May 2007, 719 posts, RR: 0 Reply 18, posted (5 months 2 weeks 5 days 21 hours ago) and read 4714 times:
Hi Gabriel,
Quoting gabrielchew (Reply 15): It's a bit worrying to hear about all the tech delays...fingers crossed it won't affect me too much.
Hopefully not, although least its easy to claim compensation through the BA website - much easier than SN who haven't even bothered to reply to the email I sent.
Quoting gabrielchew (Reply 15): Looks like you had a good time in Malaga - it was nice to relive the Spanish warmth for a few minutes as I type in a freezing cold room!
One of my better trips - purely for the fact it wasn't rushed for the first time in quite a while. And I'm sure your room wasn't as cold as a Polish winter!
Quoting gabrielchew (Reply 15): My DBV flight has 8 rows outbound, and the max 9 rows coming home.
Could go wither way - On my 'flight' to MAD the other month, it had the full 9 rows yet there were only 7 people in Club. Economy was pretty empty also (maybe around 30 pax?), so I guess in those situations they extend Club as far back as possible to give the premium passengers more space.
I know - some of the things you see people getting up to...
Quoting gabrielchew (Reply 15): Ah, reminds me of the good old days (about 10 years ago?) when you could just wave a Burgundy passport at the guys as you walked through...none of this stopping and, gasp, scanning, of the passport.
I'll take your word for it - only really travelled to the US before this year and thats always been a hassle. Although the worst had to have been driving from the US to Canada on a British passport... we were the only ones who had to get out of the car and go off to a building by the side of the road.
Quoting gabrielchew (Reply 15): Wow, so much busier than when I was there. My AGP-LCY flight was about 30% full
I remember the story, and was pretty surprised when they announced a full flight - only saw 1 spare seat on the whole plane.
Quoting gabrielchew (Reply 15): You paid cash for your ticket!?!! That's a big no no....using an Oyster can give you up to around a 70% discount (as well as saving you queuing). Everyone that passes through London (especially if you're from the South East) should have an Oyster
Very rarely travel in London - twice in the last 5 years - so not worth it. I tend to drive up and walk where I need to go!
Marc,
Quoting MSS658 (Reply 16): Good to see the 734 en the EMB in the log, 2 great aircraft
One of the reasons that attracted me to the route!
Quoting MSS658 (Reply 16): I really enjoyed the inflight pics on the LGW-AGP leg.
The views were pretty good once the cloud cleared.
AIR MALTA,
Quoting AIR MALTA (Reply 17): Great trip reports. Congratulations...
Thanks
Quoting AIR MALTA (Reply 17): I am flying to Tunis in December and was wondering if it was alos available to flights to Tunis and how to do to get. At the moment, I only see the usual expensive upgrade option.
Its normally found in manage my booking. I guess its not guaranteed for every flight though - only ones with a low load in Club. As mentioned, every flight I've taken has had the offer on so far though.
Quoting jwhite9185 (Reply 2): Eventually they went though a selection of people in line checking boarding passes and anybody who didn't have the correct one was firmly told to sit down!
Quoting jwhite9185 (Reply 2): I did have a seatmate - one that thought the armrest was his and couldn't sit still for more than 20 seconds - until he fell asleep, taking up even more of my space.
Did you get any chance to confront him and ask why he treated you that way?
Quoting jwhite9185 (Reply 2): The previously mentioned lads kept pestering the younger Purser and ringing the call bell every 2 minutes until the other crewmember told them to “pack it in”.
Way to go!
Thank you for sharing this enjoyable Saturday afternoon read. Gracias por compartirlo!
ba319-131 From United Kingdom, joined Jan 2001, 8263 posts, RR: 56 Reply 22, posted (5 months 1 week 6 days 22 hours ago) and read 3423 times:
Hi James,
Nice read and pictures, thanks for sharing.
Quoting jwhite9185 (Thread starter): After reading reports from both Gabriel and Suryo (Akhmad) on here almost a year ago, I decided that Malaga seemed to be a pretty good destination to visit during the UK's dark winter months
- I went out there in late September with Mrs BA319-131, we flew in and out of LGW, no delays, Club out, full flight, Economy back, again, full flight.
Quoting jwhite9185 (Thread starter): It had been 21 years since I last travelled from the North terminal and I must admit I didn’t recognize any of it really, except the water fountain that has now dried up.
- 21 years, bugger! & yes, the fountain is dry, just not the same.
Quoting jwhite9185 (Thread starter): I must admit I was a little disappointed with the F&B offerings in this lounge. A few slices of toast and some beans were about the only hot food on offer and the rest were pastries or cereal
- It is a weak lounge compared to the T3 & 5 lounges @ LHR, that aside, found it ok for my needs.
Quoting jwhite9185 (Thread starter): I know a lot of people are pretty upset with them at the moment due to them not paying any tax in the UK, but
1: This is Spain and;
2: I don't care!
- Agreed!
Quoting jwhite9185 (Thread starter): The legroom on this E190 was quite a bit better than the E170 that brought me back from Frankfurt earlier in the year.
- Oh yes, the 190 has great legroom.
Quoting jwhite9185 (Thread starter): When asked my choice of sandwich, which was chicken and tuna
- Chicken and Tuna? - what a horrible sounding sandwich!
Did you enjoy Malaga? - We found the old city to be lovely, the old castle had great views over the city, some lovely places to eat, several of your pictures are images of places we were and ate or drank at
02hilliert From United Kingdom, joined Feb 2007, 467 posts, RR: 0 Reply 24, posted (5 months 1 week 6 days 20 hours ago) and read 3366 times:
Hi James,
Great trip, I had done the same flight options just a month earlier - managed to get a deal on Club Europe for the AGP-LCY leg though, great trip and Malaga Airport is not bad at all!
Great to see some pictures of the Museum at the site, I plan to visit in the near future - thanks for some inspiration!
jwhite9185 From United Kingdom, joined May 2007, 719 posts, RR: 0 Reply 25, posted (5 months 1 week 6 days 1 hour ago) and read 3052 times:
Hi everybody, thanks for the latest comments,
Suryo,
Quoting akhmad (Reply 21): What can I say? LGW-AGP-LCY seems to become an annual tradition towards the year end. Your report brings me back the nice memories. Gracias
Quoting akhmad (Reply 21): What a pity. Is it a common problem at Clapham junction?
I dont know really - I don't commute, but I'm of the opinion that the trains in and around London are always packed so thats why I tend to avoid them wherever possible!
Surprisingly not actually. None that I saw anyway.
Quoting akhmad (Reply 21): What an exemplary bunch of Gold members.
Theres always going to be people who think they can get away with acting how they feel.
Quoting akhmad (Reply 21): Do you have a pet cat by chance?
Yes, two!
Quoting akhmad (Reply 21): Did you get any chance to confront him and ask why he treated you that way?
No, I just left him to it. No big deal.
Quoting akhmad (Reply 21): Thank you for sharing this enjoyable Saturday afternoon read.
No problem.
ba313-131,
Quoting ba319-131 (Reply 22): Nice read and pictures, thanks for sharing.
Thanks, no problem.
Quoting ba319-131 (Reply 22): yes, the fountain is dry, just not the same.
Guess its cost cutting measures.
Quoting ba319-131 (Reply 22): It is a weak lounge compared to the T3 & 5 lounges @ LHR, that aside, found it ok for my needs.
The lounge itself wasn't too bad - I actually preferred the layout to the T3 lounge, its just the food offerings that I thought were a little poor. And thats a bit of a shame as thats the sort of thing they can improve on pretty easily I would of thought.
Quoting ba319-131 (Reply 22): Chicken and Tuna? - what a horrible sounding sandwich!
Should of been clearer - It was a chicken and a tuna - not both in the same roll! That would be pretty nasty I would of thought!
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