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Bald Rick

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Does anyone have any experiences of flying with Alitalia? Are they preferable to Ryanair? Is it wise to book with them as they are struggling financially?

Well they are taking the lease on some of the Air Primera A321neos, so someone believes in them.
 
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Butts

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I often upgrade to get the tier points as it's a cost effective way of maintaining my silver status. It's actually cheaper to buy a Euro Traveller ticket and then upgrade than to buy a Club Europe ticket at the time of booking. I flew in club from Edinburgh to London last month and there were 3 of us in that cabin. Of course the cabin can be re-configured so that they can offer fewer or more business class seats but there are normally around 20 seats (the first 5 rows) in the Club Europe cabin.

Can't believe my Club Europe Return Ticket to Luxembourg on Tuesday is now on sale on the BA Website for £1004 !!!

Feel even better about paying £180 (original cost + upgrade fee)

Forget Black Friday ....my investment appears to be a genuine bargain !!
 

fowler9

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Can't believe my Club Europe Return Ticket to Luxembourg on Tuesday is now on sale on the BA Website for £1004 !!!

Feel even better about paying £180 (original cost + upgrade fee)

Forget Black Friday ....my investment appears to be a genuine bargain !!
Ha ha. Result.
 

atillathehunn

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BA returning to Islamabad thrice weekly from London, 787-8.

Glasgow getting a daily A380 on one of its services.
 

YorkshireBear

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Went on one of Jet2's new Boeing 737-800s for the first time this weekend. Much improved interior to their old style (admittedly I have not flown with them since June 2017). I found it very comfortable for the 2hr 30 flight to and from Poland.
 

gsnedders

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Glasgow getting a daily A380 on one of its services.
Seems like this is ultimately driven by runway works in Dubai, with GLA going down from 2x777 to 1xA380. From the BBC article about it:

From 16 April until 31 May, the larger capacity A380 will replace Emirates' current twice-daily Boeing 777 service between Glasgow and Dubai.

From 1 June until 30 September, the double daily service will be reinstated on the route, with the Airbus A380 operating on the first flight of the day, and a Boeing 777 on the second.

Thereafter, the service will revert back to a twice-daily Boeing 777 operation.

I wonder if we'll see the A380 + 777 combo in future summers? (Also somewhat annoying it's the first flight of the day; it's the flight one less wants lie-flat beds for if you're flying in business!)

Is the current works at the end of the international pier related to the A380 starting regular operations? It looks like they could provide better ground support for large aircraft than currently exists. I've not been able to find anything about it though!

In related news to my seeing that work, I made it on a couple of BA A320neos the weekend before last from LHR to Gibraltar (GIB) and return; from an interior point of view, they're almost identical to BA's refurbished A320ceos but with: taller overhead bins, toilets relocated to the rear of the aircraft (which I think some LGW A320ceos have?) adding an extra row os seating, and no screens (thank god they have to do a manual safety demo!). I didn't actually realise it was a neo until the return flight, thinking it was just a new refurb variant of the nominally LGW aircraft!
 

atillathehunn

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Seems like this is ultimately driven by runway works in Dubai, with GLA going down from 2x777 to 1xA380. From the BBC article about it:



I wonder if we'll see the A380 + 777 combo in future summers? (Also somewhat annoying it's the first flight of the day; it's the flight one less wants lie-flat beds for if you're flying in business!)

Is the current works at the end of the international pier related to the A380 starting regular operations? It looks like they could provide better ground support for large aircraft than currently exists. I've not been able to find anything about it though!

In related news to my seeing that work, I made it on a couple of BA A320neos the weekend before last from LHR to Gibraltar (GIB) and return; from an interior point of view, they're almost identical to BA's refurbished A320ceos but with: taller overhead bins, toilets relocated to the rear of the aircraft (which I think some LGW A320ceos have?) adding an extra row os seating, and no screens (thank god they have to do a manual safety demo!). I didn't actually realise it was a neo until the return flight, thinking it was just a new refurb variant of the nominally LGW aircraft!

I agree that the winter (well, spring I suppose) use of the A380 is driven by the runway works at DXB. However, I believe the summer use is planned. It's not from an official source, but I have seen that there is a lot of work being done at GLA and a friend who passed through there the other day said it looks like there is a split level jetbridge. It may be that he say it from a bad angle, or had partaken in a bit too much Bucky. If there really were gate alterations made then it's surely not just for a few weeks of extra operation while the runway is upgraded? Abidjan has regular A380s and they just use stairs, so not sure it would warrant the investment. The alteration, if true, smells like Emirates have stated their intention to do A380 for at least the summer months.

I travelled on a BA A320NEO yesterday, I know this because the captain was very proud of this in the announcement. The overhead bins were noticeably bigger, seats seemed identical. The real standout was the noise, it was near enough silent. I was sitting behind the engines, which is normally a very noisy spot. It whined a bit, but wasn't loud, and it floated up into the air. From that perspective, it made a huge difference. I didn't notice about the toilet at the front.
 

Bald Rick

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I agree that the winter (well, spring I suppose) use of the A380 is driven by the runway works at DXB. However, I believe the summer use is planned. It's not from an official source, but I have seen that there is a lot of work being done at GLA and a friend who passed through there the other day said it looks like there is a split level jetbridge. It may be that he say it from a bad angle, or had partaken in a bit too much Bucky. If there really were gate alterations made then it's surely not just for a few weeks of extra operation while the runway is upgraded? Abidjan has regular A380s and they just use stairs, so not sure it would warrant the investment. The alteration, if true, smells like Emirates have stated their intention to do A380 for at least the summer months.

I travelled on a BA A320NEO yesterday, I know this because the captain was very proud of this in the announcement. The overhead bins were noticeably bigger, seats seemed identical. The real standout was the noise, it was near enough silent. I was sitting behind the engines, which is normally a very noisy spot. It whined a bit, but wasn't loud, and it floated up into the air. From that perspective, it made a huge difference. I didn't notice about the toilet at the front.

I have been through GLA recently, but didn’t notice the jetbridge works. I did notice a BA A320 half in a tent though.

Interesting about the neo and noise; I certainly notice the difference when they fly over my house. I’m hoping to get one on my next EZY flight early next year; an A320neo has been operating the same flight all this week. EZY have quietly got themselves a fleet of over 20 neos now.
 

Bletchleyite

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Moving the bog to the back makes sense on many levels - there's more room and you then know anyone who is heading for the cockpit door is up to no good.

Actually, what I'd do is move the cockpit door back so the cockpit has a private toilet, removing another issue of having to get a member of cabin crew in while one of the pilots has a wee.
 

gsnedders

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I agree that the winter (well, spring I suppose) use of the A380 is driven by the runway works at DXB. However, I believe the summer use is planned. It's not from an official source, but I have seen that there is a lot of work being done at GLA and a friend who passed through there the other day said it looks like there is a split level jetbridge. It may be that he say it from a bad angle, or had partaken in a bit too much Bucky. If there really were gate alterations made then it's surely not just for a few weeks of extra operation while the runway is upgraded? Abidjan has regular A380s and they just use stairs, so not sure it would warrant the investment. The alteration, if true, smells like Emirates have stated their intention to do A380 for at least the summer months.

Didn't look like a split-level jetbridge when I was there a week and a half ago, it looked like a whole extension to the west pier. Better accommodation for widebodies has been part of the GLA masterplan for around a decade now, and I think the plan was always for the new gates to be sized for A380s/747-8Is as a matter of future-proofing rather than anything else.

I travelled on a BA A320NEO yesterday, I know this because the captain was very proud of this in the announcement. The overhead bins were noticeably bigger, seats seemed identical. The real standout was the noise, it was near enough silent. I was sitting behind the engines, which is normally a very noisy spot. It whined a bit, but wasn't loud, and it floated up into the air. From that perspective, it made a huge difference. I didn't notice about the toilet at the front.

I had active noise cancelling headphones in, so I can't say I noticed the noise, even versus the A320ceo family aircraft I had to the GLA–LHR legs! The seats are different from row 12 back, FWIW; the neo seats are Recaro seats that don't recline (at the front, they have the same seats as the ceo do in their whole cabin).

The really weird thing was ending up on the east pier landing back at GLA from LHR on the way home; I don't think I've ever seen a BA aircraft there before!

Moving the bog to the back makes sense on many levels - there's more room and you then know anyone who is heading for the cockpit door is up to no good.

Actually, what I'd do is move the cockpit door back so the cockpit has a private toilet, removing another issue of having to get a member of cabin crew in while one of the pilots has a wee.

There is still a toilet at the front, but as has long been the case it's meant for Club Europe passengers only (well, on domestic shuttles since they went back to 2-class). The difference at the back is you now have two toilets behind the rear doors.
 

VioletEclipse

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Figured this would be the best place to ask this, given it's aviation-related (plus I don't think it really warrants it's own thread).

Have been trawling through British Airways pics from the 80s & 90s of the Landor livery and it got me thinking: what was the last aircraft in service with BA still wearing that livery and when did it (a get repainted or B) retire? I know a few 747-200s managed to last into the early 2000s still wearing it, but not much else. May seem like a silly question, but am curious as to what the answer will be nonetheless. :)
I have noticed that this post hasn't had a reply yet, I don't know enough to answer but it would also interest me, and, I presume,the person who originally posted it :)


I know I'm a bit late for the Berlin discussion but is there even a chance that Brandenburg Flughafen (BER) is ever going to open, I doubt it.
 

Peter Mugridge

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Actually, what I'd do is move the cockpit door back so the cockpit has a private toilet, removing another issue of having to get a member of cabin crew in while one of the pilots has a wee.

El Al have had that system for years haven't they? Admittedly they have had circumstances in which it was a good idea to do that for rather longer than the rest of the world has...
 

Bletchleyite

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There is still a toilet at the front, but as has long been the case it's meant for Club Europe passengers only (well, on domestic shuttles since they went back to 2-class). The difference at the back is you now have two toilets behind the rear doors.

Ah. I'm fairly sure some of Wizz's aircraft have that arrangement - possibly the 321s?
 

gsnedders

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Ah. I'm fairly sure some of Wizz's aircraft have that arrangement - possibly the 321s?
It's been offered as an option on recent A320ceos (the family, not the A320 specifically!), AFAIK, though I forget when it launched. Dunno if it involves plumbing differences, so dunno if it's doable at refurb time.
 

atillathehunn

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Didn't look like a split-level jetbridge when I was there a week and a half ago, it looked like a whole extension to the west pier. Better accommodation for widebodies has been part of the GLA masterplan for around a decade now, and I think the plan was always for the new gates to be sized for A380s/747-8Is as a matter of future-proofing rather than anything else.



I had active noise cancelling headphones in, so I can't say I noticed the noise, even versus the A320ceo family aircraft I had to the GLA–LHR legs! The seats are different from row 12 back, FWIW; the neo seats are Recaro seats that don't recline (at the front, they have the same seats as the ceo do in their whole cabin).

The really weird thing was ending up on the east pier landing back at GLA from LHR on the way home; I don't think I've ever seen a BA aircraft there before!



There is still a toilet at the front, but as has long been the case it's meant for Club Europe passengers only (well, on domestic shuttles since they went back to 2-class). The difference at the back is you now have two toilets behind the rear doors.

I'm not nailing myself to the cross of the split-level jet bridge. They may have mistaken it for something else. It wouldn't really make sense to install one, but it would make sense to improve the gate area for the larger passenger volumes and a bigger parking spot for the whale.

I didn't have headphones, but really noticed the difference on the noise. Quite appreciable during normal flight.
 

atillathehunn

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El Al have had that system for years haven't they? Admittedly they have had circumstances in which it was a good idea to do that for rather longer than the rest of the world has...
Is seems like the sort of thing they would do.

I think I recall somewhere that the 747 has this? While I appreciate the the security element, but oxygen mask deployment in event of captain's dodgy curry consumption??
 

Butts

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Ha ha. Result.

I often see BA lambasted on here and I would like to publicly praise them for their actions when I missed my flight to Luxembourg on Tuesday Morning due to the M4 Closure and National Express incompetence.

Members may recall I was on a BBC Ticket - namely Beggars Business Class where I upgraded a £70 return from Heathrow to Luxembourg at a cost of £118 to fly Club Europe.

After arriving at LHR at 0750 for a flight at 0805 I approached the Customer Service Desk with some trepidation. However much to my delight they put me on the Afternoon Flight at 1555 and arranged for me to return on Wednesday Morning on the 1115 Flight at no extra cost retaining my Business Class Status.

I had to cough for a Hotel in Luxembourg (Got Ibis Budget at Airport for £60) but my whole trip nearly went up in smoke :E - or no smokes as the case would have been but for BA's munificence.

Enjoyed The Galleries Lounge at T3 - the "free pour" Glenlivet was certainly utilised !!!

Onboard had The Champers both ways.

Luxair Lounge at Findel not a patch on the BA one, still had Cognac for breakfast.

Well done BA, 2600 B&H Gold safely returned to the UK !!
 

gsnedders

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I'm not nailing myself to the cross of the split-level jet bridge. They may have mistaken it for something else. It wouldn't really make sense to install one, but it would make sense to improve the gate area for the larger passenger volumes and a bigger parking spot for the whale.
Alas, I'm not flying again from GLA until late February now (a two and a half month gap between flights from here, the horror! though I do have one trip from EDI–BRU booked…), so can't really take a better look/photos till then. Asked some friends who might get something sooner, though. I would've tried to take photos had I not arrived at the airport 45 mins before departure. :)
 

Techniquest

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Away from the topic of Gatwick, I've just seen an advert on TV for Virgin Atlantic's sale. Really wish I had the funds available right now for booking my Sydney trip!

Which leads me to wonder, how often do VA do sales on average?
 

fowler9

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Away from the topic of Gatwick, I've just seen an advert on TV for Virgin Atlantic's sale. Really wish I had the funds available right now for booking my Sydney trip!

Which leads me to wonder, how often do VA do sales on average?
Don't really know regarding Virgin sales but handily looked at round the world tickets? Ours was pretty competitively priced when compared to there and back tickets.
 

NathanPrior

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Saw a 747 do a takeoff starting from 3/4 of the length of Heathrow today, I thought it wasn't gonna make it at one point. Due to be flying out on one on the 8th Feb, as long as this stupid US Shutdown ends in time for me to get my ESTA renewed.
 

flymo

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Saw a 747 do a takeoff starting from 3/4 of the length of Heathrow today, I thought it wasn't gonna make it at one point. Due to be flying out on one on the 8th Feb, as long as this stupid US Shutdown ends in time for me to get my ESTA renewed.
Applied for my ESTA on Friday as flying to the US on Feb 3 and it was approved in less than 2 hours. The shutdown didn't seem to affect the process too much.
 

NathanPrior

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Applied for my ESTA on Friday as flying to the US on Feb 3 and it was approved in less than 2 hours. The shutdown didn't seem to affect the process too much.

Mine was approved (well I checked) like 25 hours after I applied and it had been approved. However, there's a lot of people on twitter who have been waiting longer than that.
 

atillathehunn

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Apparently flights have been suspended at Heathrow due to a drone sighting

All appears quiet again now (there are details on another thread), and it doesn't seem like mass disruption was achieved on this occasion.
 

atillathehunn

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I often see BA lambasted on here and I would like to publicly praise them for their actions when I missed my flight to Luxembourg on Tuesday Morning due to the M4 Closure and National Express incompetence.

Members may recall I was on a BBC Ticket - namely Beggars Business Class where I upgraded a £70 return from Heathrow to Luxembourg at a cost of £118 to fly Club Europe.

After arriving at LHR at 0750 for a flight at 0805 I approached the Customer Service Desk with some trepidation. However much to my delight they put me on the Afternoon Flight at 1555 and arranged for me to return on Wednesday Morning on the 1115 Flight at no extra cost retaining my Business Class Status.

I had to cough for a Hotel in Luxembourg (Got Ibis Budget at Airport for £60) but my whole trip nearly went up in smoke :E - or no smokes as the case would have been but for BA's munificence.

Enjoyed The Galleries Lounge at T3 - the "free pour" Glenlivet was certainly utilised !!!

Onboard had The Champers both ways.

Luxair Lounge at Findel not a patch on the BA one, still had Cognac for breakfast.

Well done BA, 2600 B&H Gold safely returned to the UK !!

Sounds like a good trip Butts, and I suppose it's the benefit both of flying business class and with a non-LCC. Incidentally, I used LUX airport recently. What a tiny, terribly efficient, airport. I was the only person at security and then the only person at the waiting area as I got there far too early (i.e. more than 10 minutes in advance).
 

atillathehunn

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SAS adding Aarhus to Manchester.

Odd route, but there we go. I think thrice weekly with a CRJ900
 

jopsuk

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In reference to moans I've previously made, seems Thomas Cook are starting a Stansted-Preveza (Sundays only) service this summer, operated by SmartLynx
 

Techniquest

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Well in a matter of hours I'll be on my first flight of 2019, and my first with Ryanair since October 2017. I'll be on the 1105 Luton to Copenhagen, and on Saturday the 2030 Copenhagen to Luton.

I'm seeing now why people moan about the amount of emails Ryanair send before the flight. I've had at least FIVE emails about cabin baggage and FOUR about car hire, strangely I had less about paying to check-in early and reserve my choice of seat. I'm a solo traveller, on short flights, so I really wasn't too fussed.

I've got 12B tomorrow and 12E on Saturday, yes they're middle seats in both directions but I'm not super fussed. I can still see out of the window, just admittedly not as clearly as I could if I paid for a window seat. I am however near the wings so that will do me just fine. I've had better luck with the random seat selector for free before, but the gamble of not paying £7 each way has paid off as far as I'm concerned.

Hopefully Ryanair will prove why I rate them as a favourite airline, one of my Top 3 Airlines alongside Jet2 and Flybe. There's always a chance I'll have crap flights with them and kick them out of that elite club, but my past experience of Ryanair crews is that they're better than BA crews so I'm hoping they continue to do me proud!

Oh, and Ryanair does decent coffee on-board, which Jet2 and BA don't which will always give them the edge. I don't know what brand Flybe use these days so I can't comment on them.

Most importantly, I'm well excited about getting back in the air! Follow the action of my first instalment of Juliano's World Frenzy in 2019 on Twitter using hashtag #TechsWorldFrenzy and/or follow me on Instagram for more photos, @juliano_travels on there.
 
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