Round The World and other travels

Flight Log: UL503

Colombo (CMB) - London Heathrow (LHR)

Our SriLankan Airways booking actually originated in Ho Chi Minh City, the initial Saigon - Kuala Lumpur sector being flown on Malaysia Airlines but booked as a SriLankan codeshare. Both this and the following KL - Colombo sector are documented in 'pictorial summary' format in the Flight Impressions section of the Flights page. This review of the UL503 experience includes our time in the Serendib Lounge at Colombo. As mentioned in the relevant part of the Photos section, this was familiar territory. Having said that, we both thought that it had undergone something of a facelift since our previous visit.

The boarding (as previously) was a bit chaotic, with security screening taking place at the gate and passengers then being held in a crowded 'pen' until the cabin crew were ready for us. Nevertheless, Bruce and I managed to be first into Business Class, providing an excellent opportunity to take photos. Bruce was seated in 1K, while as a late joiner to the trip, I had 5K. This was the third time I had taken UL503 and the second occasion on which it had involved an Airbus A330-300 fitted with state-of-the-art 'reverse herringbone' seating in Business Class.

On arrival at my seat, I was quickly offered a choice of champagne, orange juice, apple juice or water. Much as I enjoy AJ, it seemed silly not to accept the champagne. Headphones, food and drinks menus, an amenity kit, pillow, blanket, slippers, socks and eyeshades had already been placed in my seat area. The captain gave an expected flight time of 11hrs 15mins, and explained that departure was being delayed by ten minutes in order to avoid an overly early arrival at Heathrow.

Drinks orders were taken for the post-take off service and hot towels were distributed prior to departure. Additionally, a flight attendant confirmed to me that my pre-ordered main course had been loaded. We pushed back at 1300 and were airborne twelve minutes later. Once we had left the Sri Lankan coast behind, I fired up the Denzel Washington / Chris Pine movie Unstoppable; it was one that I had seen at least twice before, but the best I could find at this stage! My champagne and ice water arrived, and the former was topped up in due course.

The main meal service followed, with tables being nicely set in preparation for arrival of the food. Here's the menu:

I started with the seafood and continued with my pre-ordered 'SriLankan Special' curry. I realised that I'd also had this on my previous UL503, but still enjoyed it enormously. To be honest, I would also order it again if the opportunity presented itself! I finished with some fresh fruit and a naughty little Sachertorte. When the dishes were cleared away, I started up the second movie of the flight, the much more recent Crazy Rich Asians.

With two movies under my belt, I decided that it was time for a nap. Sure, it was a day flight - but as with all westbound long-haul flights, it would end up being a very long day indeed. The trick is to take a short sleep (maybe 3hrs) and then on arrival, force yourself to stay awake until a reasonable bedtime in the new time zone.

I woke up as we were approaching the Black Sea from Turkey and amused myself with three consecutive episodes of the Canadian show Just For Laughs. It was soon time for the second meal service:

This turned out to be surprisingly substantial. I had the chicken yakitori and it was very tasty. Our route progressed over Europe by way of Romania, Hungary, Slovakia, Czechia, Germany and the Netherlands. Canadian comedy gave way to American, in the form of two Big Bang Theory episodes.

Hot towels were distributed and a final apple juice was offered as we passed over Rotterdam. As the cabin was tidied up with the collection of headsets and various other items, it seemed as though things were rapidly drawing to a close. But we were Heathrow-bound, and therefore duly entered the stack over Essex. After describing the compulsory few circles in the sky, we made our approach and touched down at 1906 on Runway 27L. I managed to spot our night-stop - the Hilton Garden Inn at Hatton Cross - during the final approach. Arrival at the gate came at 1913 local time, which I think any reasonable person would describe as on-time.

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