BMI Airways

...times in business class with BMI and less often, in economy class. My flights have however been for the most part to Brussels though I have flown in Business to Glasgow and economy to other domestic locations (Manchester, Edinburgh etc); the latter flights were not as recent than the Brussels trips though so my comments focus primarily on these.

Short haul business class travel is now confined to very few destinations. Business have ...
...one can do if flying BMI is to check in on light in practice the system often seems not to work or refuse to record the frequent flyer number. At least business passengers rarely have to queue – there is one bank of counters just for them. BMI prefer as many passengers as possible to check in using the self service machines and try to insist anyone in economy checks in by this method; many passengers with BMI are however transferring from other Star ... more

Like the previous contributor I have flown several times in business class with BMI and less often, in economy class. My flights have however been for the most part to Brussels though I have flown in Business to Glasgow and economy to other domestic locations (Manchester, Edinburgh etc); the latter flights were not as recent than the Brussels trips though so my comments focus primarily on these.

Short haul business class travel is now confined to very few destinations. Business have embraced the low frills concept in many respects and went through a spell of charging all non business passengers for food. This policy has been modified a little and anyone with a blue plus level of membership with their frequent flyer programme will get some free food once again. However, it is a far cry from the days when they offered some very tasty light meals and a full bar service for all passengers on even a very short domestic flight. Regrettably, I have to say that service has similarly been cut back in the business cabins that survived the cull. Meals are served in a cardboard box which is a little tacky and generally limited to baguettes on short haul services.

Check in at Terminal 1 is fairly chaotic at most times of the day. For me though, I regularly get the first morning flight not long after the airport opens. This is very good as, whilst the most sensible thing one can do if flying BMI is to check in on light in practice the system often seems not to work or refuse to record the frequent flyer number. At least business passengers rarely have to queue – there is one bank of counters just for them. BMI prefer as many passengers as possible to check in using the self service machines and try to insist anyone in economy checks in by this method; many passengers with BMI are however transferring from other Star Alliance partners and have reason to speak to a check in agent. Therefore, one can usually observe a huge queue for the economy check in desks.

On occasions I have not been at the airport at the crack of dawn the queue the queue for security is huge and it does not seem BMI have any fast track rights (only BA seem to offer this). It moves faster than one might fear at first sight though.

The next stop for business passengers is the lounge. This is not one of the best in Heathrow, certainly far behind the BA terraces brand. Unless you are a gold star alliance member you must go upstairs to a particularly grim room (though at least it has windows). Here there is a very limited selection of drinks (though it is not important at 6 AM) and almost no food (rather more upsetting if you left home at 4-30AM). One redeeming feature is the coffee machine – it produces a reasonable brew. There is also a surprisingly generous selection of magazines so another plus there (but do not let the gatekeepers see if you want to take any away). A decent selection of newspapers are also there (at least early in the morning).

Many passengers have to my knowledge walked through to terminal 2 and used the Lufthansa lounge which is possible from airside. I have visited that lounge once when I used Austrian and can confirm it is a little better.

Short haul equipment I have recent experience of is exclusively the Airbus (usually 320). Seating is 3 each side of the isle but there are spare seats between passengers in business class allowing extra room. Economy is sometimes a little cramped.

The early flight out of Heathrow to Brussels is usually boarded on time though that airports chronic overcrowding means it will not always depart on time. When it does you are however given your box of food which will typically include a yoghurt type drink, some sliced apple in a sealed packet, chocolate and your choice of baguette (in the morning this is usually bacon or 4 cheese). The bacon baguette is one of the worst I have ever tasted in the air, the cheese version is good. Both are served hot. Coffee or tea follows.

On the flight back from Brussels the star allowance lounge is much more pleasant. There is a better range of drinks and usually a few nibbles. It is just as well as in my experience the evening flight is often late, sometimes significantly so. Information when there is a delay is not always what it might be.

The flight back very much depends on the crew. There is the same box is presented with not dissimilar contents. You will probably not find the fruit and certainly not get the yoghurt drink though. Also, the choice of baguette will be cold on the way back.
The best thing about the return in business is the free bar. They offer a fair range including a Champaign (obviously not a prestige label), red or white wine (no choice though) and a fairly impressive range of spirits and liquors. They have all there in case someone wants to buy a particular brand back in economy I guess.

I always try to avoid checking luggage when flying into Heathrow but when I have the wait has been fairly substantial on occasion. If you are already late it is the last thing you want.

Overall I consider the BMI product very average these days. It is a crying shame that they do not maintain the standards of around 3 or 4 years ago when I think BMI offered a better short haul service than BA. However, the position now is that a restricted business ticket on BMI costs around £430 at its lowest. This is on a par with Eurostar’s business premier service and an incredible £150 more than the British Airway’s restricted business price. This has persuaded me to use the BMI as my first choice on the Brussels route. Any airline who were able to offer a quality service on a regular basis between Gatwick and Brussels would, I believe, do very well now that Eurostar are moving their terminal.

This all said there is a decent short haul network and some cheap flights in economy. Providing you know you will not get any free food or drink on the short flights then this is probably as good as any low cost airline. If you have the blue plus level of membership you are laughing (and may even secure a coverted seat near the front on one class flights). 

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