Book it Danno! BA002 New York-JFK to London City Airport (Club World)

Book it Danno! BA002 New York-JFK to London City Airport (Club World)
EDITORS NOTE: IMAGE HEAVY

Index:

BA002 New York JFK to London City Airport
British Airways, Airbus A318. Seat 2K, Club World
3451 miles flown, 210 Tier Points Earned, 3451 Base Avios + 3451 Bonus Avios

Heading down the jetbridge, I was greeted by the crew – and headed to my home of 2K for the night.

The cabin inside was darkened already for those who were looking forward to a nights sleep.

Seat contents.

Pre-Departure beverages, and a bottle of water for the night.

As there were less than 30 passengers tonight, the plane loaded up quickly. However, this being JFK nothing is quick, so pushback was delayed, and the taxi was prolonged.

The safety demonstration was carried out, and soon our little A318 begun its taxi around JFK airport.

Taxing past the JetBlue terminal

And past a big olde A380 (would had made for a good photo… big vs. small)

Ah, the bright lights of Manhattan. I hope to see you again some day.

Soon, it was the turn of our little Airbus A318 to line up on the runway for the flight back to the United Kingdom. With a spool-up of the engines, we took to the air for a gentle take off roll.

With a night time climb-out it was wonderful to see the lights of the boroughs of New York as the plane begun its long trek back to London.

The cabin crew were quick off the bat one the plane had reached an appropriate altitude, with a drink and nut service

Out of Africa Nuts and a Kir Royale. Yes. I’m BA. Yes, I’m in Club World. No I can’t resist a Kir Royale. Actually rather easy to make according to Google:

Easy!

The crew checked what passengers wanted to do – dine, breakfast, sleep. I went for the full experience (mainly as I skipped dinner thanks to so some previous omnishambles)

Prawn, salmon and salad starter.

Steak and Mash. A lot of people like their steaks done in various different ways – rare, medium, etc. I only do Well Done Steaks. As such, I loved this steak. Your opinion may vary on steaks – that’s mine.

Meanwhile on the iPhone – The Monster (Eminem and Rihanna)… sums up relationship with British Airways….

Desert was a Chocolate Tart. How could I resist?

Delectable!

Service was carrying out briskly with the tray cleared away quickly.

With that, it was lights down and time to put the bed in a semi-flat position, and relax/sleep/doze.

Flat. Well, I like to be semi elevated rather than fully flat.

I manage to get a few hours rest as the plane crossed the pond (with my body going through a 10 hour time zone change, I don’t honestly think it knew when to be awake and when to be asleep).

I woke up and some lights were on.

Gently, the cabin lights came up as it was time for breakfast. The crew went about the service quietly

Breakfast was delivered on a tray- being a selection of fruits and bread. Since I was filled up quite well from the dinner – this was a pretty good breakfast (compared with the US Airways variant – which had no dinner after take off).

A strawberry, kiwi fruit, melon and pineapple.

The fruit was fresh, and the bread was warm. More importantly, the orange juice was refreshing and the coffee… was white. That was swapped to a black coffee quickly. It wasn’t a bad breakfast – but suitable consider the meal earlier.

With the clear-down completed, the cabin was tided up for landing. Those who wanted breakfast to go, had their breakfasts to-go delivered to them, and seats were brought into the upright position.

Outside, it was black still. Night as the country slept, and our plane begun its approach to London City Airport.

Soon the bright lights of East London begun to show below.

As we closed on City Airport, the lights dimmed in the cabin until it was practically black.

As we came into City the plane begun its steep descent. However just as it seemed we were going to land, the captain put the power on – and executed a go-around.

It seemed an errant gust of wind as we were closing into City was the cause – which had caused us to land a lot further than safe to do so, so the captain opted to go-around.

Climbing out over Stratford

Once at a safe altitude, the Capitan explained what happened and why, and told us we were going to try for another landing shortly.

This time, there were no errant gusts of wind as our Airbus A318 made an exuberant landing at London City Airport.

With a short taxi to the ramp, the journey over the Atlantic over, and soon the plane was parking up at Gate 24 – back to where I was Thursday morning.

With the bongs going, and the lights up – it was time for every man and their dog to depart the plane.

With us arriving at Gate 24, the usual procedure is to take a bus to Passport Control. This morning would be no different.

Thank you G-EUNB!

Less than a minute later, the bus was waiting outside Passport control, and waiting clearance to open the door.

Overall: I love these non standard operations that British Airways operate – services that are that bit different than the ones operated out of Heathrow or Gatwick. The service aboard the plane was considerate to the passengers’ different needs, with the bed being comfortable for the short flight across the Atlantic. The food was edible and of good quality as well as proportional for a night flight. Admittedly, the go-around at City Airport was unexpected, but it was a comfortable flight showing how to operate a niche service.

Next: More Omnishambles at London City Airport.

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