Round The World and other travels

Boarding started nice and early and Business Class passengers were called forward after the usual pre-boarding groups. I was keen to see how New (as we still call it!) Club World would look on a 767. The arrangement works rather well, in my opinion, and with 24 seats in four rows of 2+2+2, the cabin has a more civilised feel than the 777 dormitories, but of course cannot compare with the upper deck of a 747. I could have chosen one of the A seats which, uniquely on the 767, are forward-facing, but decided that 1K was the seat for me. I reckoned we had 23 passengers in the cabin, which was a far better load factor than I had been expecting. Of course, it is perfectly possible that there were some op-ups. The cabin also contained at least one small child for this overnight flight which, to put it mildly, made me think "uh-oh!"

I had a pre-departure orange juice - Champagne and water were also on offer. Everybody was aboard by 1745 and we pushed back early at 1749. However the Captain explained that there were about ten aircraft ahead of us in the queue for the runway and, sure enough, it was 1821 before we took to the air. I'd completely forgotten that the 767 climbs steeply like a 757, in total contrast with the somewhat hesitant upward glide of a fully-loaded jumbo. Facing rearwards, and despite my seat being in the correct 'green light' position, I felt my body leaning against my tightly-fastened seatbelt!

Our initial route took us north through Massachusetts. We levelled out at 35,000 feet and then turned north-eastwards through New Hampshire, Maine (overflying Bangor) and the Canadian province of New Brunswick (overflying Fredericton), before heading into the Gulf of St Lawrence and passing between Quebec and Newfoundland.

The menu was as follows :-  

I had a pre-dinner drink of Champagne, accompanied by some Macadamia nuts. The tray was initially presented as shown, which was confusing in that the dessert was already in place. What happened to the cheese option? I chose the steak main course and it proved to be absolutely delicious. (I had fully expected Club World food to seem disappointing so soon after the delights of CX First Class.) Keenly aware of the passing time, I wasn't in the mood to pursue the cheese option and had a nibble at the dessert before ordering a cup of blackcurrant tea.

I think all East Coast USA to UK overnight flights are killers in terms of jet lag, but the Club World product was really to prove itself. As a Business Class offering, the seat is amazing - I wonder what the Next Generation version, due to be revealed soon, will be like! With only some three hours available for sleep, I can honestly say that I was out for the count for the whole of the available time. That's why the flat bed concept is such a world-beater. I was so glad that I'd decided to splash out the extra BA Miles for Club World.