I'd been having a really, really terrible time at work of late for one reason or 25 more (Ahh, bless!) The SAD season was approaching faster than a boy racer on the outside lane of the M25 and I wanted a bit of luxury. A bit of sun. A touch of R&R. Answer? Holiday! Due to the devastation of the 11th September I wasn't that keen on a long-haul flight so needed somewhere closer and with a touch of sun. Never been to Spain before - prefer farther afield - so the Costa Blanca sounded good. Close and with temperatures in November around 68, perfect for a fortnight away. Of course, it rained and rained but we'll not get into that.
Booked the villa, the car and just needed flight tickets. In line with the bad time at work, a treat was in order. Start off the holiday as we meant to go on. Let's fly Business Class, or in BA's lingo, "Club Class" (CC). Now travelling this way isn't usual so don't go thinking I'm only a few quid behind the price of a pair of Victoria Beckham's earrings. No. This was a treat.
The flights to Alicante should have been £1000.00 each
but we got them for less than half-price, courtesy of Dial-a-Flight (very good, check them out). "Would you like to select your seat number over the telephone, sir?" Would you like me to contact BA and confirm the pitch of the seats, sir? Would you like me to. . . ?" And on it went. Good start and continued throughout. Tickets arrived. Flights was changed. "Did I want a refund?" "No". Sorted!
As it was only a European flight we travelled in a 737, capacity of 126 seats. ('Ark at me spewing out the specifications of something I know nothing about. Good job I've got their in-flight mag here). The seating for CC section is at the front of the plane, screened from the main by a gammy blue curtain which is closed after take-off. But the treatment begins before then.
"Good afternoon, sir. Welcome aboard." "Would you like a newspaper?" "Go on then." "We have. . ." "I'll take..." "Thank you, sir"
Why's he thanking me when he's the one giving me the freebie? Strange, but I told him he was welcome. Off he goes to do his synchronised safety spiel and then an announcement which also included telling the others that the toilet behind the curtain is not for them. It's ours. And that they have to pay for their drinks and we don't. Nah. Nah.
Am I the only one who finds it totally mind-boggling that something like the weight of a plane can leave the ground? Always amazes me. Please don't tell me how - I'm happy in my wonderment. Our plane went up and the treatment continued. Free alcohol, liqueurs, beverages, whatever and as much as you like, notwithstanding Champagne at £4 a quart. Yuk! Don't like the stuff anyway. And a menu. A menu if you please. And would I like a glass of wine while I'm reading? Decisions. Decisions...
"How is your meal, sir". "Actually the lamb is very nice." "Would you like a glass of port to complement your cheese platter?"
I'm not sure whether the food tasted better because we were at the front of the plane and thus near the ovens where the smell is stronger, more stimulating to the senses, but it did taste very nice. No complaints from me. I don't think I would have complained anyway. The poor steward was so demonstrative and happily involved with his attentiveness that a disparaging tone may have sent him into convulsions. No complaints from any of our fellow CC travellers either by the looks of them. Only 12-seat capacity so a quick look around and you could see everything.
A nice meal, time for a nice read and a doze. Imagine the seats in the economy section - three in a row. Take out the middle seat, extend the other two and that's club class. With more room in front. Being 6' I really do feel cramped in economy even on relatively short flights but not here in CC. Very comfy. And if you've read your book then feel free to choose any of the complimentary magazines on board. How about a glossy PC mag, News Week, OK!, a Travel mag perhaps, or maybe Golf is your thing. All there for your perusal and removal.
"Would you like a coffee?" "Tea would be better." "Lemon with that, sir" "Milk will be fine." "Perhaps a glass of Chardonnay?" "Oh, I think so. Ta" "Will that be Spanish or South African, sir?" "Surprise me."
And so it went on. Hot damp cloth. More beverages. More relaxation. The steward assigned to our section couldn't have been more helpful. There wasn't time to ask for anything, as he spotted it and had it covered before you could ask. Not overwhelming but certainly attentive. Nothing was too much trouble for him and he took his job seriously. With more room to spread out it really was a pleasant journey. And that's saying something coming from me. I hate travelling. I love getting there but the journey drives me up the wall. Just like the trek home. Once the case is packed, that's it. The holiday is over! The travelling then becomes complete tedium, absolute monotony. But now I'm not so sure. Wonder how much a CC is to New Zealand. Gulp.
But BA don't get off completely with just pure praise. Where was the TV? I know the flight was only a couple of hours, enough time for a meal, a read and a light snooze but what about the kids? No radio either. Entertainment is vital on flights but BA seem to disagree. On this they fall down. I become bored and restless when flying so can sympathise with the gremlins not to mention their parents. But have no fear, I have in my possession a copy of BA's "Your Thoughts" and I shall be telling 'em.
I have to say this flight was one of the best I've ever had. And it's not the first time I've flown Business Class either so do have comparisons. Totally relaxing, highly efficient staff and plenty of reading matter. A little TV wouldn't go amiss and in fact would make the flight close to perfect. Even a radio would help. High marks to BA.
Now, just before you go, or if you've skipped the rest to get here (naughty) then a quick word about the CC lounges. (We flew from Gatwick but from what I can gather they're all the same whichever (main) airport you're flying from). Your CC flight ticket gains you access to free showers and spa, free (alcohol) beverages and biccies, newspapers, magazines, etc. in a huge lounge, an area that wouldn't look out of place in an Ikea catalogue, all wooden floors and abstract prints. Even a play area for the kids (unsupervised) is provided. Very quiet when we were in and all facilities are for the sole use of Club Class passengers. There's no shops in the lounge, for those you need to go back into the main terminal, but if you want to escape the hustle and bustle then it's fine. The Lounge is a little difficult to locate with it being down the corridor and near a departure gate so ask for directions. And yes, there is a section to have a ciggie.
A little luxury is good for the soul now and again.
OK. I'm done. You're released.
[This South African Chardonnay is very, very nice. Brought a couple of bottles home courtesy of BA].
I can't believe that this review was about British Airways European Club Class! Although the review is quite old, I've travelled in club (there is no first class) many times in the last five years. Compared to short hops with Singapore Air or Thai Air, where there is no 1st Class either, British Airways is really ropey. The cabins are cramped the seats very basic, the food dire and hurriedly delivered. There is a flimsy half curtain between club and economy - and I can't see a major difference between the seats at the front of economy and those in Club (OK they are a little bit wider, but on a short hop, who cares?). Of course long-haul flights in BA Club are another kettle of fish. The lie down beds, though narrow are really relaxing, especially if you can get a window seat on the upper deck - in fact we prefer to fly club (upstairs and window) rather than first class if we can't get seats 1A & 1K in first!
purdy 02.03.2004 13:31
I flew club to New York - and the champange was free!! It is sheer luxury! Heather
mfhome 21.06.2003 10:56
Cool, glad you enjoyed it. I've flown BA Club and First and they do it better than any other airline I've used. When I was lucky enough to go First they had to prise me off the plane (I wanted to stay and see the end of the film on my personal video)
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Advantages: Check-in was a breeze. Comfortable seating and decent service. Disadvantages: Poor punctuality meant we were nearly diverted to a different airport.
andymcf 11.12.2002 (11.12.2002)
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Review of British Airways - BAW
Nov 22nd, 2001
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