BA043 LHR-CPT WT+ 19-Mar-2009
Posted: 23 Mar 2009, 16:16Check-in at T5 is a dream. Did online to get a good seat - all bulk heads taken (I normally find them available at BA online check) so went for 16J - ailse seat at the back of WT+ which is my new favourite seat. I dont sleep so its easy acess to the galley, no-one to your right and you are one of the first people off the flight as its right next to L2.
Security at T5 is a bit of a nightmare, but its really the fault of the PAX. How hard is it really? Put your stuff down in the tray and walk through when they say. Dont wear a belt. Take off your boots. Laptops out the bag. How hard is it? [:o)]
I love the space at T5 - and had a couple of hours alomost before boarding so went and found a chair overlooking the runway and watched a few planes lad. No A380 but a few 747's a couple of VS A346's. Did some shopping and headed over to T5-B. Now this is where it almost went wrong. The sun was streaming thorugh over the weatherspoonsand I had a Magners and chilled out. Next I new the absolut final boarding call was being made and I had to sprint across the terminal to be one of the last to board.
I was stopped by the lovely chap from immigration as I was about to board, and given the third degree over what I had being doing in the Uk (working) and why I was leaving and when they may be expecting me back. After that I was on board, and told to go through and then its right. hmm.. i dont think so. The nice thing about WT+ is you get to go left. Simple things please me.
We waited on the ground for about an hour while an 'admin issue' with the cargo was sorted out. After that we were airborne for the 11 ish hour flight down the west coast of Africa to a hopefully sunny Cape Town.
Was offered a paper (choice of mail or guardian) and they only had the mail left. Now I dont read the mail (sorry for those that do its a personal preference) but I said thats fine and took it for something to do - but just before take off I heard the CC member behind me in the galley ask the club CC if they had any spare guardians and she brought it over to me. Good work!
Drinks and food served very quickly from a fantastic crew. I must admit I think BA are onto something with the recent food choices. Pasta is an excelent dish for bulk prep and ability to stay edible after a few long hours. The Lasagne, simple side salad, fresh bread roll followed by winter fruit tart was actually the best food I have ever eaten on board. Including everything I have ever eaten on AA business and VS UC (except the bacon roll). I hate giving BA credit but when its due...
Rest of the flight was actually uneventful. No water runs though, which was fine for me as I like to get up a few times anyway, but if you are stuck in it may be a bit awkward. I did see the CC very attentive to any serivce calls at seat. Also to note the CSD was seen frequently during the flight, helping out all over the place. The only small minor point was when we started the decent he mentioned we were going to JNB. My heart sank for a second as I thought I was minutes away from home, but he confirmed it was CPT shortly after. I dont eat economy breakfast on a flight as its always awful so cant comment on the breakfast(AND WHY ORANGE JUICE FROM CONCENTRATE IN A LITTLE PLASTIC BOWL??? AARRGGHHHH!!!)
Came in to land on time despite the hour holdup at LHR. A magnificant Table Mountain was just visible in the early morining sunrise, smooth landing and quick disembark. Was first through immigration waiting for my luggage and the enevitable luggage search from customs (when they see the dutry free champagne they always assume I bring more gifts for people... thats what the champagne is for!)
Full marks to BA for T5, food, service. The WT+ seat isnt great but its better than economy. The location is great - is a nice touch being between club and first and I understand this layout will be used on all BA 747's in the future. I like it.
Sorry for my rambling on.. hope it was at least slightly enjoyable.