Welcome to another report .   An unexpected trip to London to see my Mother after she had an operation I took a few days off work and arranged flights. BMI had the best schedules to suit me and so I decided to book them. My Sister had been attending to my Mother whilst she was in hospital so I had to do my duty also and do some things for my Mother that she couldn't do .



DATE: 10/AUG/2011
AIRLINE: BRITISH MIDLAND INTERNATIONAL
AIRCRAFT: AIRBUS A320
FLIGHT: BD 122
ROUTE: DUB - LHR
CLASS: PREM Y
SEAT: 2A
REG: G-MIDT


I had checked in online the night before and so I took my regular bus trip to the airport. The night before I had been wondering if the riots in London would calm down and thankfully it seemed they had. There had been no trouble where my Mum lives so I was not worried.

The night before I left my new BMI Gold pack arrived which was handy :







The bus dropped me off outside Terminal 2 so I always clear security there even if flying from Terminal 1.














As I approached the Fast Track desk there was an English guy attending the desk. I showed him my boarding pass and he proceeded to ask me for a card. I advised him I didn't need to have a card as the Fast Track facility was for Prem Y and Business Class passengers. He pointed to a sheet showing three cards which were of the new Dublin Airport authorities pay Fast Track program. I advised him that I didn't have one of those and so it didn't apply to me. He then said he was under instructions that cards must be shown with a slight smirk on his face . Anyway he didn't seem to know what he was talking about so I opened my wallet and asked him which one do you require. I showed him my LH Senator/BMI Gold/BA Silver and AF Platinum ! He then looked confused and taken by surprise and stumbled in his speech and waived me through. Cant stand idiots like that but always nice to come out with the upper hand  

After I got through I joined the Fast Track sue only to see that DAA staff were directing groups of families to the front of the sue whilst official Fast Track passengers were left waiting. This was really annoying and defeats the purpose of Fast Track. Anyway some of these people were just messing around and taking ages to get ready so I just went in front of them. It was like organised chaos.






My regular stopping point   I was in need of a coffee by this time.







And some nice views , I think this AA bird had gone tech !









Well sometimes you just have to treat yourself  



























Soon it was time to head to the BMI lounge. DAA's new priority card system .



Welcome to the now very familiar BMI lounge. I wish they would update it like the lounges at LHR.
I was welcomed by a very friendly Eastern European lady who was a breath of fresh air from staff they
have had in the past.











Soon it was time to head to the gate and to see my Midhaul config ride to LHR  

























Families were boarded first and then Star Golds were invited to board at their leisure.
The nice comfy seats .













Soon the safety demo was done and time to make our way to the runway .































For a few days AC had been flying in their B777 but shame not today .

Thats dedication !







After take off the service commenced and it was another chance to sample the new Posh wraps.









After a nice snack I decided to take advantage of the recline and get a short sleep. Soon after
it was time to get ready for landing into LHR.









































We pulled up on stand and I said goodbye to the crew.



I then made my way to the Central Bus Station to get my bus to Worcester Park.



When I got to Worcester Park I had to get onto a train to Ewell and soon I arrived at my Mothers house.

It was great to see my Mother and she was recovering well. We decided to go out for lunch. I wanted to go to ny favourite place in Epsom ''Jimmys Spices'' but she didn't fancy it. I then advised her she could have Chinese or Italian as they do everything. So she agreed we would go there. When we arrived she smelt the curry and changed her mind lol.. So we both had curry  











After a very nice meal as usual it was time to leave and go to get some shopping. First we went to Marks and Spencers and she stocked up. We then went to drop the bags before heading back out to Sainsburys.

My Mother said she only had a few items to get there but famous last words she saw a LCD HD TV that she wanted for her kitchen and suddenly the trolley was totally full .



It was either get a bigger trolley or call it a day . Seeing as it was late we decided to stop shopping .

That evening we decided to go out for a nice Chinese meal. We were surprised to see we were the only ones there and the owner said the riots had stopped people going out even though there no problems in that area. I guess Croydon is not that far and they had major problems. Anyway a lovely meal was served.



So after that we went home to relax before heading to sleep .

The next morning we woke up and it was time for me to vacum the house. I took it out of the cupboard only to find it had broken. Time ticking before I had to leave to get back to LHR I went with my Mother to the local electronics store.

On the way we stopped for our morning coffee at a lovely local cafe .







I love the interior of this cafe all old things .

Some other photos of Ewell Village :








Soon we moved to the Electronics store ,the guy was friendly but wanted us to buy a make I didn't know. Anyway I said to my Mother that we were getting nothing but Miele as its a decent brand. She agreed so I carried it home and unpacked it.




Impressed with all my cleaning and getting in the shopping for my Mother it was soon time to say goodbye and make my way back to LHR.




I took the train and then caught the bus .





Arriving at LHR some nice views .



















Does anyone miss Concorde ?



So I made my way to Terminal 1 and as I arrived early I went to the BMI Premium check in and asked
if I could take the earlier flight. The earlier one was to be operated by a ERJ rather then my flight which was
to be operated by an A319. I just fancied something different.The nice guy at the desk granted my request
and issued me with my boarding pass. I then made my way back to security.

DATE: 11/AUG/2011
AIRLINE: BRITISH MIDLAND INTERNATIONAL
AIRCRAFT: EMBRAER RJ145
FLIGHT: BD 129
ROUTE: LHR-DUB
CLASS: PREM Y
SEAT: 2A
REG: G-RJXR







I decided to go to the Star Alliance lounge first and see what food items were on offer.



I was not dissapointed. Greek Feta cheese Goujons  











Ok Im hungry  

So I decided to leave the Star lounge and head to the BMI one.





I like the design of this lounge and wish they would upgrade the DUB lounge to this standard.





















Soon it was time to head to the gate .







Some nice views from the huge picture windows in this gate area.





































Soon to take a look at my ride to DUB .













Boarding was announced and I asked the dispatcher if I could change my seat. I was told I could
have 2A so I was happy. At that time the gate agent came around and tagged bags that were too
large for this aircraft. Mine was tagged. A guy was complaining and didn't want it tagged.

''I have thousands of pounds worth of stuff in here Im not checking it ''. The gate agent advised him
it would be left at the bottom of the stairs before boarding and would be taken off for collection at DUB
but this guy wasn't having it and was quite rude to the agent.













I was greeted at the door by a nice FA called Kevin .









First impressions were good . I guess for me I had never been on this BMI aircraft before so it was
exciting LOL...


































Soon after boarding completed it was time to make our way out onto the runway. You
get better views on this type of aircraft.





















































Some nice views of this BA machine !













RJ A330 heading to AMM .















Soon we made our way down the runway and it felt a bit weird compared to my usual take offs
at LHR .









Soon after take off the service commenced.







Another nice wrap and then time to head to the bathroom to freshen up.











After a while the FA came and had a chat with me. Was very interesting to speak to him
and learnt a lot. He said he liked the ERJ as he got to know the passengers better. Fair
comment I think. Also it turned out he knew an old school friend of mine who is now apparently
in a senior position at BMI . Always nice to hear what happened to your School mates and it
certainly is a small world.



Soon it was time to make our decent into DUB and soon we were on the ground.





I said goodbye to Kevin and thanked him for a nice flight and made my way to the bottom of the stairs where my carry on was waiting for collection.





Then I made my way to arrivals and to get my bus home.

So thats the end of my report. I really enjoyed seeing my Mother and it was great to see her in such good spirits after a very traumatic time. I was very worried and glad so far all is going well.

Thanks for reading and I appreciate all your comments as usual . BMI gave me another nice experience and lets hope this continues.


Regards

OA260   / Philip

Hey Philip, great report!

Quoting OA260 (Thread starter): The night before I left my new BMI Gold pack arrived which was handy :

Looks nice, although updating the card design wouldn't hurt. Not too nice that both the basic, silver and gold cards are all black, and the only thing distinguishing them is the tiny little *A symbol in the corner. I liked the old card design better.

Quoting OA260 (Thread starter): Anyway he didn't seem to know what he was talking about so I opened my wallet and asked him which one do you require. I showed him my LH Senator/BMI Gold/BA Silver and AF Platinum ! He then looked confused and taken by surprise and stumbled in his speech and waived me through. Cant stand idiots like that but always nice to come out with the upper hand

Hehe, now that's the spirit!  I am however sorry to hear your BA status have been downgraded to Silver, did this happen recently?

Quoting OA260 (Thread starter): Well sometimes you just have to treat yourself

That looks fab! Why couldn't you've just stayed there instead of heading for that dull old BD lounge?

Quoting OA260 (Thread starter): Welcome to the now very familiar BMI lounge. I wish they would update it like the lounges at LHR.

That place is always empty it seems... Perhaps most of the usual visitors decided to stay longer at the Chocolate Lounge 

Quoting OA260 (Thread starter): I wanted to go to ny favourite place in Epsom ''Jimmys Spices'' but she didn't fancy it.

Ah, the famous curry place! Too bad you didn't go there this time.

Quoting OA260 (Thread starter): First impressions were good . I guess for me I had never been on this BMI aircraft before so it was exciting LOL...

The ERJ is a really nice aircraft, a lot more fun to fly then the A320's. Although I don't like the loud noise the nosewheel makes when taxiing.

Quoting OA260 (Thread starter): Another nice wrap and then time to head to the bathroom to freshen up.

I must say that bathroom looks pretty fab, nice with the linen towels and I'm guessing they were there for Y as well? Pretty surprised to see that since many airlines don't even offer them in business class on long haul planes  

Thanks for sharing!
//Jonas

Quoting LH4116 (Reply 3): Hey Philip, great report!

Hey Jonas thanks for the reply.

Quoting LH4116 (Reply 3): and the only thing distinguishing them is the tiny little *A symbol in the corner. I liked the old card design better.

Yes I agree they should be Gold/Silver/Blue don't know why they messed it all up .

Quoting LH4116 (Reply 3): I am however sorry to hear your BA status have been downgraded to Silver, did this happen recently?

Thats ok I knew I wouldn't keep Gold I never fly Oneworld anymore just no point. I might do a BA trip before April next year which is when Silver expires. The Gold was good when I had it and to experience the BA F lounges etc... Star is my only must have card these days . I have not even used the AF one yet !

Quoting LH4116 (Reply 3): Why couldn't you've just stayed there instead of heading for that dull old BD lounge?

I still like to spend some time there as they have free wifi and I charge my iPhone .

Quoting LH4116 (Reply 3): Too bad you didn't go there this time.

We did in the end she said she would get something else in there as they do lots of different dishes so we went to Jimmy Spices and when she got in she smelt the curry and took the curry lol...

Quoting LH4116 (Reply 3): and I'm guessing they were there for Y as well?

Yes I forgot about that and I noticed it at the time also nice touch to have real mini towels.

Quoting OA260 (Thread starter): I then made my way to the Central Bus Station to get my bus to Worcester Park.

The X26 by any chance?! My main way of getting to see my family in Sutton these days.

Quoting OA260 (Thread starter): We decided to go out for lunch. I wanted to go to ny favourite place in Epsom ''Jimmys Spices'' but she didn't fancy it. I then advised her she could have Chinese or Italian as they do everything. So she agreed we would go there.

Oh you're just pure evil!!  I haven't had me some Jimmy's since my sister's birthday in April...a man has cravings you know! Never seen desserts like that there though, maybe they only serve them at lunchtime?

Quoting OA260 (Thread starter): I took the train and then caught the bus .

I stopped at that bus stop on the X26 just two days before you. Shame, we could have said hello!

Nice report, as usual.

Cheers.

Andy.

Hi Andy ,
Many thanks for the reply.

Quoting BAViscount (Reply 5): The X26 by any chance?!

Yes its a great service . I always used to use LGW but LHR is not too bad either with the connections. At least I can use both LHR and LGW for variety Lol...

Quoting BAViscount (Reply 5): I haven't had me some Jimmy's since my sister's birthday in April...a man has cravings you know! Never seen desserts like that there though, maybe they only serve them at lunchtime?

Yeah I never miss an opportunity. I think they upgraded some things there including the dishes as we noticed some new main dishes also . They seem to do very well there and the price is great. It was £20 for the two of us including drinks which is a bargain.

Hi Philip,

You have got me hooked on your report once you mentioned the main purpose of your trip. Visiting your beloved mother!  

I am happy to know about your mother’s prosperous recovery and also that she did not have any trouble during the riots. Please give her my best wishes.

Quoting OA260 (Thread starter): so I had to do my duty also and do some things for my Mother that she couldn't do .

Way to go!   

Quoting OA260 (Thread starter): I showed him my LH Senator/BMI Gold/BA Silver and AF Platinum ! He then looked confused and taken by surprise and stumbled in his speech and waived me through

   Priceless!

Quoting OA260 (Thread starter): Well sometimes you just have to treat yourself

Dangerously delicious!

Quoting OA260 (Thread starter): DAA's new priority card system

Aha, that’s what the security was talking about!

Quoting OA260 (Reply 1): Thats dedication !

I hope he will reveal himself.

Quoting OA260 (Reply 1): After a nice snack

Which muffin do you prefer? The Chocolate Lounge or the BMI one?

Quoting OA260 (Reply 1): When we arrived she smelt the curry and changed her mind lol.. So we both had curry

Quoting OA260 (Reply 1): suddenly the trolley was totally full

Somehow, I miss my own mother-son day out.  

Quoting OA260 (Reply 1): On the way we stopped for our morning coffee at a lovely local cafe .

A good deed to support the community after troublesome days.

Quoting OA260 (Reply 2): Greek Feta cheese Goujons

How appropriate!

Quoting OA260 (Reply 2): but this guy wasn't having it and was quite rude to the agent.

Jesus, why the rudeness? So, what happened next?

Quoting OA260 (Reply 2): Always nice to hear what happened to your School mates and it certainly is a small world.

Especially if you have a fb account.   

Quoting OA260 (Reply 2): I really enjoyed seeing my Mother and it was great to see her in such good spirits after a very traumatic time. I was very worried and glad so far all is going well.

You are such a caring son! She must be very proud of you.

Thanks for sharing this heartwarming Sunday morning read.

Best wishes,
Suryo

Another excellent report as usual Philip!

Quoting OA260 (Thread starter): my new BMI Gold pack arrived

Exciting!

Quoting OA260 (Thread starter): Well sometimes you just have to treat yourself

I'm sure I recognise that muffin - probably from one of your previous reports!

Quoting OA260 (Reply 1): LCD HD TV that she wanted for her kitchen and suddenly the trolley was totally full .

Lol! Looks like there's also another Freeview box, as well as the TV... And I like the positioning of the small white Dutch electronics box (light bulb?) on the bottom right...

Quoting OA260 (Reply 1): Anyway a lovely meal was served.

Looks delicious!

Quoting OA260 (Reply 1): we were getting nothing but Miele as its a decent brand

My wife insisted on buying a new Dyson, I was sceptical, always being satisfied with no-name brands, but believe me, it works so much better.

Quoting OA260 (Reply 2): better views on this type of aircraft.

Nice shots, thanks. The Etihad F1 logojet brings back nice memories   and the ET machine is somehting to look forward to! Also noticed the SAA aircraft, the plain white one I believe was leased from Iberia until their full complement of A330s have been delivered.

Thanks again Philip!

signol

Hi Philip!

Thanks for another interesting read. Also lovely to follow your household chores, this TR surely did cover every aspect of this trip! I like it!

Quoting OA260 (Thread starter): After I got through I joined the Fast Track sue only to see that DAA staff were directing groups of families to the front of the sue whilst official Fast Track passengers were left waiting.

That's not acceptable. Also in HEL we have one fast track line, some regular ones and one where families and passengers requiring assistance have priority.
Well, at least Finavia gets SOMETHING better than others...

Quoting OA260 (Thread starter): Well sometimes you just have to treat yourself

Wha-what's that? Can it be called a muffin? I'd like to have one now...  

Quoting OA260 (Thread starter): The nice comfy seats .

Excellent for such a short flight!

Quoting OA260 (Thread starter): The earlier one was to be operated by a ERJ rather then my flight which was to be operated by an A319

Sure a nice change, glad you managed to get on the ERJ-145. That's also a nice type covered in my log, flew it on Finncomm once, now I'm hoping to get on the ERJ-135, it's a bit harder to catch.

I'd like to end with the classic questions:
- What did you pay for your ticket?
- How was the load factor on your flights?

Thank you for sharing!
717Flyer

Quoting akhmad (Reply 7): You have got me hooked on your report once you mentioned the main purpose of your trip. Visiting your beloved mother!

Hey Suryo , many thanks for the reply. You know we are alike in this matter and I think thats what makes you such a likeable character. If someone is good to their Mother than they cant be a bad person ! Ok I know there are some exceptions lol... But as a general rule .

Quoting akhmad (Reply 7): I am happy to know about your mother’s prosperous recovery and also that she did not have any trouble during the riots. Please give her my best wishes.

Many thanks I will pass it on for sure. I have made a promise to myself to visit more often.

Quoting akhmad (Reply 7): Way to go!

Indeed .

Quoting akhmad (Reply 7):   Priceless!

Im usually pretty dismissive of such stupidity but at 7am without a coffee ! Not happening  

Quoting akhmad (Reply 7): I hope he will reveal himself.

I hope not LOL....  

Quoting akhmad (Reply 7): Which muffin do you prefer? The Chocolate Lounge or the BMI one?

You need to ask ?  

Quoting akhmad (Reply 7): How appropriate!

Yes when I saw them I was very pleased . Maybe they have dishes rotating to represent the Star carriers so maybe we must thank A3 for it  

Quoting akhmad (Reply 7): Jesus, why the rudeness? So, what happened next?

Oh I know and I dont think it was the truth. He took it on anyway and ignored the staff ! He was the type of person you avoid . Full of himself and selfish.

Quoting akhmad (Reply 7): Especially if you have a fb account.

Haha I must search .

Quoting akhmad (Reply 7): You are such a caring son! She must be very proud of you. Thanks for sharing this heartwarming Sunday morning read.

I try to be and do my best.

Quoting signol (Reply 8): Another excellent report as usual Philip!

Many thanks Im glad you liked it .

Quoting signol (Reply 8): I'm sure I recognise that muffin - probably from one of your previous reports!

Your trying to make me feel guilty ? lol... but your right .

Quoting signol (Reply 8): Lol! Looks like there's also another Freeview box, as well as the TV... And I like the positioning of the small white Dutch electronics box (light bulb?) on the bottom right...

You miss nothing   They had the set top box HD half price so she got it . I got the Phillips LED bulbs half price as Im in the process of puttng all LED into my house with so far great effects and lower bills.

Quoting signol (Reply 8): My wife insisted on buying a new Dyson, I was sceptical, always being satisfied with no-name brands, but believe me, it works so much better.

I have a bad experience with Dysons . Never again  

Quoting 717Flyer (Reply 9): Thanks for another interesting read. Also lovely to follow your household chores, this TR surely did cover every aspect of this trip! I like it!

Many thanks . Yeah I try to give A-Z just my style.

Quoting 717Flyer (Reply 9): That's not acceptable. Also in HEL we have one fast track line, some regular ones and one where families and passengers requiring assistance have priority.

I know and I dont mind people with special needs going in front of me and I often offer to let someone who needs assistance to go first but this was not the case.

Quoting 717Flyer (Reply 9): Wha-what's that? Can it be called a muffin? I'd like to have one now...

Its a toffee and marshmallow one  

Quoting 717Flyer (Reply 9): I'd like to end with the classic questions: - What did you pay for your ticket? - How was the load factor on your flights?

9,000 miles and EUR60 , it was a miles booking . The normal fares were over EUR300 so I needed to use the miles as they were better value at short notice.

The flights were 70% full out and 65-70% back.

Quoting OA260 (Reply 10): I got the Phillips LED bulbs half price as Im in the process of puttng all LED into my house with so far great effects and lower bills.

Philip, my point was that the position of the box, hiding the final "s" of "Philips", was appropriate for you  

signol

Quoting OA260 (Thread starter): Cant stand idiots like that but always nice to come out with the upper hand

I work the Fast Track ticket presentation at LHR on a regular basis. Really irritatates me when pax think they are entitled to use that facility when they are not. If you are asked to show a card, just show it. If I don't need to see it, I won't ask. I don't like wasting my time asking for things I don't need to see.

Quoting signol (Reply 11): Philip, my point was that the position of the box, hiding the final "s" of "Philips", was appropriate for you   signol

Arr ok Im slow today LOL.... Your very perceptive   It wasnt done deliberately.  

Thanks for another very in-depth TR Phil  

There are some great, contrasting shots throughout and I loved the close-ups of all of the heavies at LHR.

One particularly striking point is the apparent cleanliness of the BMI aircraft on both segments. Other Euro carriers could improve a lot in this regard. From reading your reports, BMI really seem to have upped their game in the past few months in terms of service continuity.

Regards,

EIBusiness

Nice report - flying MAN-LHR-MAN with BD tomorrow, with both legs on the ERJ so I'm looking forwards to that. Always enjoy my trips on them!

Quoting 747438 (Reply 12): . I don't like wasting my time asking for things I don't need to see.

Good because on this occasion a card was not required and thus the agent should not have asked for it . I was allowed Fast Track purely on the basis of class flown and not frequent flyer status. Someone on the same flight in the same class as me who wasn't even signed up to a FF program was not required to show any card. Clearly the guy didn't know or was just being smart. By the vibes and smirk I got I gathered the latter. I don't like people trying to sneak their way into Fast Track either , you either have the requirements or you get into your correct lane.

Quoting EIBusiness (Reply 14): Thanks for another very in-depth TR Phil   There are some great, contrasting shots throughout and I loved the close-ups of all of the heavies at LHR.

Hi many thanks   Glad you liked it . Appreciate the reply.

Quoting mhodgson (Reply 15): Nice report - flying MAN-LHR-MAN with BD tomorrow, with both legs on the ERJ so I'm looking forwards to that. Always enjoy my trips on them!

Hey thats cool hope you have good flights. Id love to get the ERJ again sometime .

Hi Philip,

Nice report as always, good to see another couple of scent bmi flights - interesting some of the DUB flights have been downgraded to the E145, one has to ask how much longer will bmi service DUB?

Glad your mum is well.

Best wishes

Mark

Quoting ba319-131 (Reply 17): Nice report as always, good to see another couple of scent bmi flights - interesting some of the DUB flights have been downgraded to the E145, one has to ask how much longer will bmi service DUB?

Hey Mark good to hear from you . BMI have actually brought back the early morning rotation for the Winter so that gives us all hope ! We thought they were on the way out but now who knows. Fingers crossed they stay . It would be a shame to see them improve then pull out .

Hi Phillip

Nice trip report, thanks for sharing it with us. Looks like a good deal to have the midhaul configuration on a short hop such as DUB-LHR. The E145 segment seems interesting as well. Always interesting to see the big jets from the small E-Jet.


Greetings
Marc

Hi Philip,

Nice touch to mention the purpose of your trip. I know only too well how hard it can be having family in another country - your visit to your Mum sounds a bit like my trips when I go: shopping & housework!! Glad to hear your mother is recovering well from the operation.

Quoting OA260 (Thread starter): I showed him my LH Senator/BMI Gold/BA Silver and AF Platinum ! He then looked confused and taken by surprise and stumbled in his speech and waived me through. Cant stand idiots like that but always nice to come out with the upper hand

I'm not surprised he stumbled over his words after that!

Quoting OA260 (Thread starter): Well sometimes you just have to treat yourself

Wow, what a cupcake. I'm craving one right now!!

The legroom in business looks huge on the A320. I bet having a nap in that seat was a pleasure.

Quoting OA260 (Thread starter): Mother said she only had a few items to get there but famous last words she saw a LCD HD TV that she wanted for her kitchen and suddenly the trolley was totally full .

Haha, sounds just like mine.

What a cute cafe/shop you stopped at, it's like stepping back in time.

Quoting OA260 (Thread starter): that we were getting nothing but Miele as its a decent brand. She agreed

Good German quality  

Quoting OA260 (Thread starter): Does anyone miss Concorde ?

ME!!

Great that you caugh the ERJ on your return, an aircraft I'm missing in my log. And what about that Ethiad F1 livery? Most eye-catching.

Happy flying
Infodesk   

Quoting MSS658 (Reply 19): Nice trip report, thanks for sharing it with us. Looks like a good deal to have the midhaul configuration on a short hop such as DUB-LHR. The E145 segment seems interesting as well. Always interesting to see the big jets from the small E-Jet.

Hi Marc,
Many thanks for the reply. Glad you liked it . Yes always nice to get a Midhaul .   You do indeed get a different view from the smaller jets and its nice to have a change.

Quoting infodesk (Reply 20): Wow, what a cupcake. I'm craving one right now!!

Yes but thank god no where like that near me as Im only allowed one every few weeks  

Quoting infodesk (Reply 20): The legroom in business looks huge on the A320. I bet having a nap in that seat was a pleasure.

The problem is you get too used to it lol... Then you want it all the time.

Quoting infodesk (Reply 20): What a cute cafe/shop you stopped at, it's like stepping back in time.

Yes I love that place and will go back again when Im next there .

Quoting infodesk (Reply 20): And what about that Ethiad F1 livery? Most eye-catching.

Yes it was a nice catch . Was a case of being in the right place at the right time.

Hello Philip,

Thanks for this nice picturesque report. You were really, I mean really shooting away were you  

I'm sorry to hear about the security issues at DUB: firstly the agent taking pride in abusing his authority (nice to see you overtook him in the end) and secondly the 'fast track' becoming suddenly the 'slow track'. Maybe those passengers were about to miss their flights and thus directed to the lane by the staff?

For the rest I hope all goes well with your mother. You definitely gave her a great time: dining, shopping, vacuuming, ...

   Sultanils

Quoting sultanils (Reply 22): Thanks for this nice picturesque report. You were really, I mean really shooting away were you

Yeah thank god we are in digital age otherwise the rolls of film would be crazy  

Quoting sultanils (Reply 22): Maybe those passengers were about to miss their flights and thus directed to the lane by the staff?

Well they were in no hurry to get through security so I don't think so . They were so slow and others behind me who were also Fast Track were saying how crazy it was. Oh well hope next time it will be a proper Fast Track  

Hi, Phil,

great pictures as usual.
For sure a good catch, these E45 on the LHR-DUB route.
Nice service offers and also the lounges looking good.
Sounds like a succesfull trip, in terms with you´re mother and aviationwise.

Greetings,
Markus(FLIEGER67)

Quoting FLIEGER67 (Reply 24): great pictures as usual. For sure a good catch, these E45 on the LHR-DUB route. Nice service offers and also the lounges looking good. Sounds like a succesfull trip, in terms with you´re mother and aviationwise.

Hey Markus good to hear from you . Yes a success , always nice to see my Mum and these small trips can be better than exotic ones sometimes. You can't beat a few days with family.  

Hi Philip!

Thanks for a very nice report with nice picutres!

I have to say that I'm shocked but it seems BD is the only (?) European airline to have seperate seats in business rather than to just block the middle seat which seems to be standard in Europe. A big kudos to BD for having a proper C class seat. Service seems to be nice for such a short flight.

Nice that you tried the EMB-145 on the return; nice with a different type of aircraft and it's actually fairly comfortable for its size.

Looking forward to your next report!

The777Man

Quoting The777Man (Reply 26): I have to say that I'm shocked but it seems BD is the only (?) European airline to have seperate seats in business rather than to just block the middle seat which seems to be standard in Europe. A big kudos to BD for having a proper C class seat. Service seems to be nice for such a short flight.

No bmi uses a flexible business seating like most European carriers on short haul flights (under 3:30). We have a fleet of A320/A321 with a fixed business cabin which are used on mid-haul flights (3:30 and longer). These aircraft are used on some shorter flights now and again.

Quoting The777Man (Reply 26): Hi Philip! Thanks for a very nice report with nice picutres! I have to say that I'm shocked but it seems BD is the only (?) European airline to have seperate seats in business rather than to just block the middle seat which seems to be standard in Europe. A big kudos to BD for having a proper C class seat. Service seems to be nice for such a short flight. Nice that you tried the EMB-145 on th

Hey there many thanks Im glad you enjoyed it , the mid haul is nice to get but the official is the 3-3 middle seat free config ilke LH/LX etc... still even thats not to bad at least you have space but the comfy seats are always better  

Quoting bwaflyer (Reply 27): These aircraft are used on some shorter flights now and again.

DUB seems to get a lot of them lately but I expect that to change soon.

Hi Philip!

Nice tripreport with lots of nice pics.

I really wanna try BMI some day. Before it might be too late.
The cafe you stopped at on the way to buy a vacuumcleaner looked cool.

Martin

Hi Phil,

nice report about your latest bmi trip. I flew MAN-EDI on a bmi ERJ-145 in 2004, the interior was exactly the same.

Quoting OA260 (Thread starter): Well sometimes you just have to treat yourself

That looks delicious!

Quoting signol (Reply 8): Also noticed the SAA aircraft, the plain white one I believe was leased from Iberia until their full complement of A330s have been delivered.

The A332s are replacing the A342s and the two former IB A343 will stay in the fleet, as far as I know. They should soon get SAA's latest interior and a proper livery.


PH

Hi Phil,

Another lovely trademark report of yours. How decent and nice of you to pay your mum another visit to help her with everyday chores! I hope you did not get her to pay for your eating out, though  

Those biz seats on BMI look fab, nice that you got a plane equipped with those. And of course good for flying the Jungle Jet a well, it's not the most comfortable ride out there (although I like them far better than the CRJ-1/200s) but certainly a nice deviation from the boring stream of Airbuses you usually get.

Those pictures of the BMI Heathrow lounges remind me again that I really need to get there soon to try them out!

Hello phillip,

i'm glad you've answered my eternal questioning while at LHR: where this such small aircraft is flying to... but why a regional single class type on this route?

Quoting OA260 (Reply 2): wish they would upgrade the DUB lounge to this standard.

not only DUB 

Quoting OA260 (Reply 2): http://i955.photobucket.com/albums/a...4.jpg

totally true...to be honest, no even they arrive on time but always well in advance, the only delay that i've experienced was utterly out of their control caused by a french ATC strike... so well done for this.

the most important is that now your mum feels better. Many thanks for sharing your latest BMI experience

enjoy your w-e

Hey Philip!

great report on BD again. You always manage to get so much information about such short flights.

Quoting OA260 (Thread starter): I opened my wallet and asked him which one do you require. I showed him my LH Senator/BMI Gold/BA Silver and AF Platinum ! He then looked confused and taken by surprise and stumbled in his speech and waived me through. Cant stand idiots like that but always nice to come out with the upper hand

Well, maybe that guy needs another job? It's not really the way to treat business passengers. 'Fast track' is even written on your boarding pass!

Quoting OA260 (Thread starter): After I got through I joined the Fast Track sue only to see that DAA staff were directing groups of families to the front of the sue whilst official Fast Track passengers were left waiting.

Yes, experienced this in AMS as well. Definitely not my style and the purpose of fast track is gone.

All together, great flights and good to hear that mother is recovering well. With the nice seats on the Airbus of BD, I wouldn't switch to the ER4, but indeed, it's a more interesting plane, especially along all the heavies in LHR  

Regards
Eric

Hey Philip! Nice report, thanks for sharing. That red BMI carpet instantly made me look back at the days BD served AMS and the few flights I had the pleasure to dispatch. I wish they'd resume service!

Regards,

Martijn

Hello Philip!

Thanks for the nice story. BMI seems to offer a good business product! I love the pictures of the little Embraer. it´s good looking A/C and especially with the BMI livery!

Quoting OA260 (Thread starter): there even if flying from Terminal 1

I love the design. DUB looks like a nice airport

Quoting OA260 (Thread starter): Well sometimes you just have to treat yourself

Looks delicious!

Quoting OA260 (Thread starter): Soon it was time to head to the gate and to see my Midhaul config ride to LHR

:D

Quoting OA260 (Thread starter): Some nice views of this BA machine

Very beautiful! You can really see how big it´s in your pictures!

Greetings
Robert

Quoting OA260 (Thread starter): Does anyone miss Concorde ?

Yes sorely missed. I would accept that A380 if it was in BA colors. England is not in the Middle East.

Quoting deltamartin (Reply 29): really wanna try BMI some day. Before it might be too late. The cafe you stopped at on the way to buy a vacuumcleaner looked cool.

Hi yes indeed but I think we have a few years yet   BMI have a habit of surviving  

Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 30): That looks delicious!

Thanks for the reply yes I will be looking forward to my next one very soon  

Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 31): How decent and nice of you to pay your mum another visit to help her with everyday chores! I hope you did not get her to pay for your eating out, though

Hey P , thanks for the reply. My Mum only paid for one meal purely because she refused to let me pay and we nearly had an argument so I gave in lol... I don't like her paying for things but she sometimes insists so sometimes I let her.

Quoting eastafspot (Reply 32): i'm glad you've answered my eternal questioning while at LHR: where this such small aircraft is flying to... but why a regional single class type on this route?

Haha yes they were operating to DUB on off peak flights mostly.

Quoting airbuseric (Reply 33): great report on BD again. You always manage to get so much information about such short flights.

Hey Eric thanks very much. Yes even on short flights you can get a lot of interesting things and details.

Quoting CrimsonNL (Reply 34): That red BMI carpet instantly made me look back at the days BD served AMS and the few flights I had the pleasure to dispatch. I wish they'd resume service!

I remember BMI to AMS they had a good product and frequency back then . Shame they ditched it.

Quoting parton87 (Reply 35): I love the design. DUB looks like a nice airport

Yes for a small Island DUB does have a decent facility now. No complaints.

Quoting parton87 (Reply 35): Very beautiful! You can really see how big it´s in your pictures!

I must admit I was pleased with those pics and even nicer to be so close to it in a small aircraft with big windows.

Quoting beeweel15 (Reply 36): Yes sorely missed. I would accept that A380 if it was in BA colors. England is not in the Middle East.

Well everything is being EK'd these days ....