I flew GB Airways, for the first time, on a holiday to Gibraltar booked through an online travel agent. I did not have much of a choice of who to fly with as the only other airline was Monarch and that would have cost £10 more! I found out that GB Airways fly planes on their own routes under the British Airways brand so although they are an independent operator they are backed by a larger company.
The journey out from Gatwick was an early morning flight. On boarding the Airbus plane I was pleased to see that all the seating appeared to be all of the same quality (large leather-style seats with enough room to stretch my legs out straight) although first class had an extra paper head-rest cover! The flight left the terminal on-time but had to queue to get onto the runway.
Once we had taken off a number of LCD screens popped down and displayed a map of our current location, our speed and altitude and the temperature outside the plane. This was quite interesting and provided the necessary in-flight entertainment along with a free copy of the Daily Mail.
We were served a cooked breakfast that was plenty for that time in the morning and quite enjoyable. Tea and coffee was provided and later a drink from the bar.
We arrived not too late after a relaxing journey, ready for the first day of our holiday.
This set my expectations high for the journey home. We were flying back on the evening flight so we checked in with plenty of time. We knew something was wrong when they told us that our plane would be delayed by 2 hours. We were told no more information at the airport and when our plane arrived we could see that it was different from the one we came on.
When we boarded the plane it was very different. The seats were cloth and the plane appeared older and more cramped (although the leg room was just as good). We got our free copy of the Daily Mail but there were no screens to tell us where we were.
Before we took off the captain was very pleasant and told us that there had been a problem on the plane that should have come from Gatwick and that they had to change to a Boeing at very short notice - hence the delay.
The meal back, however, was a roast and nicer than the first one. We got tea and coffee, a drink from the bar and a glass of wine with our meal!
The plane sped back and made up some time but the ride was not at nice as the Airbus - you could hear and feel all the parts moving. If the Airbus was the equivalent to doing 70 on the motorway in a Jaguar then the Boeing was the equivalent of a Mini!
Considering the difficulties they had had, the service was excellent and very friendly. The food was excellent and a real change to your "typical" airline food. I cannot directly comment on the price as it was booked with hotelaccommodation but that was a bargain so it cannot be that bad.
Overall, I was very impressed and will fly with GB Airways again (if I get the chance).
Handy to know, I have booked with First Choice for my pending trip to Lanzarote, but have so many problems, I have been looking to see what else is around, and GB Airways have offerings that suit our requirements and the prices are not too bad.
Sue
JoePoirot 02.07.2004 17:49
The times they must have a-changed..... u r lucky to get a sandwich now if you are in pleb class.
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Advantages: Quality of British Airways!, Great on-board service!. Disadvantages: Pretty expensive as only recognised airline company which flies to Gibraltar!
Martin_Lee20 20.07.2000 ·
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Review of GB Airways
Advantages: On-line check in for some airports, good prices if you are flexible on travel times, comfortable planes, free food and drinks Disadvantages: Flexible check-in means greater chance of mislaying luggage, inflexible in respect of changes, food a little iffy
sue.51 25.12.2004 (25.12.2004)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of GB Airways
Advantages: On-line check in for some airports, good prices if you are flexible on travel times, comfortable planes, free food and drinks Disadvantages: Flexible check-in means greater chance of mislaying luggage, inflexible in respect of changes, food a little iffy
sue.51 25.12.2004 (25.12.2004)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of GB Airways
Advantages: Quality of British Airways!, Great on-board service!. Disadvantages: Pretty expensive as only recognised airline company which flies to Gibraltar!
Martin_Lee20 20.07.2000 ·
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Review of GB Airways
Advantages: Can be cheap, wide variety of destinations and routes, online booking, friendly cabin crew Disadvantages: Can be pricey, no frills, not so good check in experience, out of town airports
Katieshaz 27.12.2007 (29.12.2007)
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