Round The World and other travels
A frequent flyer's collection of trip diaries
April 2005 : Flight Log : BA6933
Malta (MLA) - London Gatwick (LGW)
Although I didn't really partake of any of the offerings in the lounge at Malta Airport, it being so soon after a hearty breakfast, time nevertheless passed quickly. I was surprised to see that my flight had commenced boarding a full three quarters of an hour before the scheduled departure time, but I certainly wasn't going to quibble about it. Transfer to the A321 was by bus and I was soon settling into 2A, the same seat on the same aircraft (G-TTIC) that had brought me out to Malta a few days previously. Four rows were designated as Club Europe, but there were only five passengers up front : myself and 1A, 1D, 2F and 3A.
The prompt boarding allowed an early departure at
1212. With only a short taxi to the runway, we were airborne by
1219. There was a welcome hot towels service immediately after the
cabin crew were released from their seats and this was followed by a
pre-lunch drinks service. I had a couple of glasses of the Piper
Heidsieck champers with some sour cream and chive nibbles. Little
menu cards were distributed, in the new Club Europe colours of white
and mint green. The choice was between a lamb casserole with lentils
and chicken tagliatelle, followed by plum tart and crème anglaise
(i.e. posh custard
) and some cheese. As I'd had chicken
for dinner the previous evening, I decided on the lamb. I was rather
surprised to see the Purser collect the menus on taking our orders -
no souvenirs on this flight, then. The lunch was enjoyable, as was
the Spanish red wine that I had with it, but somehow it didn't quite
compare to the deliciously naughty, early-morning champagne
breakfast that I'd had on the way out
Our route took us over Sardinia and a corner of Corsica, overhead Nice, across the French Alps, close to Paris and directly into what seemed to be a fairly quiet London Gatwick. This impression was further strengthened when I found myself in the near-deserted BA First Lounge to await my connection to Edinburgh.
Date: Tue 26 Apr 2005
Aircraft : Airbus A321
Scheduled dep : 1225
Actual departure : 1212
Scheduled arrival : 1430
Actual arrival : 1414
Cabin : Club Europe (Business Class)
Seat : 2A
Flight History 2005