Round The World and other travels
A frequent flyer's collection of trip diaries
This is: The Portuguese Connection (2012)
Flight Log 2: BA504
London Heathrow (LHR) - Lisbon (LIS)
Four rows were allocated to Club Europe and there were just four passengers to be accommodated. Bruce and I were in 1C/1A, a third passenger was allocated to 2A but moved to 1F, while the fourth was in 2D. This of course left us with the entire left side of the cabin to ourselves. We had both received seemingly random, but no doubt carefully targeted, offers to upgrade from Euro Traveller (Economy) during the time since making our original bookings.
The flight as a whole appeared to be lightly loaded, judging by the numbers heading into the rear cabin. Doors were closed nearly 15 minutes ahead of the scheduled departure time, but at this point luggage was still being loaded down below. We pushed back from stand at 1937 and left from Runway 27R fourteen minutes later. The seat belt signs were switched off as we approached the Southampton area and cabin service got underway with a round of hot towels. On a sector of this length there was time for a pre-dinner drinks service - I had a glass of champagne - and it was pleasing to see 'Out of Africa' nuts, which I had previously enjoyed many times on Club World flights, making an appearance in the Club Europe cabin. They certainly had a more premium feel than the mini-pretzel snacks previously offered. It felt a little strange not having to adjust our watches on a flight from the UK to continental Europe.
A choice of meal was offered: chicken with root vegetables or grilled salmon on a bed of Caesar salad. We both plumped for the former and found it tasty and enjoyable. The tray also contained a rather rudimentary cheese offering, mini-packs of biscuits and chocolates and a portion of butter. A selection of warm rolls was offered from a basket. The meal was rounded off with a cup of coffee.
Time seemed to pass very quickly and I soon found myself picking out landmarks as we approached Lisbon airport in its decidedly urban setting. It was a reasonably clear night despite some scattered cloud. Touchdown came at 2158 and arrival on stand just four minutes later.
It had been over a year since my last Club Europe flight and, overall, this was an enjoyable reintroduction to a once-familiar indulgence. Having said that, we both agreed that there were a few details where the experience had been lacking in style and polish.
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| Date: Sat 10 Nov 2012 |
| Aircraft: Airbus A320 |
| Scheduled dep: 1940 |
| Actual departure: 1937 |
| Scheduled arrival: 2215 |
| Actual arrival: 2202 |
| Cabin: Club Europe (Business Class) |
| Seat: 1A |
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