Booked the 0825 from Gatwick to Glasgow on Friday, 13th March.
I normally take the train for this journey, but at 91 compared to BA's 44 I could not justify it. And the more people on that aircraft, the greener the flight, right? [}:)]
A special word about Gatwick Airport security - this was my first experience of using the North Terminal security for a long time - it's very strange. The queue was about 15 minutes as they didn't have enough staff to cover all the departures. Some people were taking their shoes off, to walk through the scanner. I asked the man at the machine if I had to, and he said it wasn't necessary and wasn't sure why everyone was doing it.
So I walked through, didn't go beep and went to collect my carry on bag. At this point a security 'lady' said 'You've got your shoes on! Please take them off!' I replied 'That man just told me I didn't have to take them off'. She replied 'Just take them off' so I did and off they went to be X-rayed. Then as I walked to the shops, another Xray machine, and another attempt by Gatwick Airport to separate me from my shoes. I have no idea why two X-Rays are needed, but I have the impression that they don't really know either. Which for security isn't the kind of thing you want to be thinking.
Gate 55 seems to be BA's domestic home, and it's very close to the main departure area. The quiet and calm manner in which we were boarded (avoiding the walk across the tarmac because BA actually use the jetbridges provided!) was in stark contrast to the air of unspoken tension as a low cost alternative prepares for boarding.
On board, the cabin crew pleasant, with a range of ages represented. And they were smiling! Properly! Annoucements were clear and friendly, the captain talking to us a few times throughout the flight.
I picked seat 23A for no real reason apart from I like the window view, I reckoned that most people would be nearer the front, but the back were all filled, and as it's a 3-3 configuration I had to try to avoid the shoulder shuffle with my fellow traveller.
My first in flight breakfast for years! A 'full English' was served, with scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, tomato and mushrooms, with 'fresh from concentrate' orange juice and tea and coffee. It was like welcoming back an old friend. [;)]
We waited on the tarmac for what seemed like ages, probably about 10 minutes before we were able to take off, and then I enjoyed what was probably the smoothest flight I have ever had. Not a bump, not a judder, the landing at Glasgow was the closest thing an aircraft can do to kiss the ground.
A fairwell from the captain that sounded genuine 'we very much appreciate your custom', and a vow from me to use proper airlines from now on. Apart from my flight home, which I had already booked with easyJet.
