Time for another snapshot, this time looking at the passenger experience between Stuttgart and London Heathrow with British Airways
For those who have forgotten, I have two major travel writing styles:
- Trip Reports – These are full deep-dive reports taking you into the experience and the small things… as well as the big things!
- Snapshots – These are bite-sized reviews that show you the basic product in some nice gentle headlines (and normally, only images shot on the phone).
Today, we’re on the Snapshot review. The full in-depth review is currently under the first draft (or as some might call it, I’m still editing the thing).
Pre-Checkin
Before travel, to comply with UK entry regulations a Lateral Flow test was taken and a Day 2 arrivals package was booked. This was confirmed at check-in
Check-in
Check-in at Stuttgart Airport was busy, with check-in opening two and a half hours before departure. As I dropped my bag, my documents were checked – this includes:
- Passenger Locator form
- Day 2 test booked
- Departure LFT result.
With the documents checked and bag checked through to London, I was able to proceed
Security
Whilst there appears to be a fair amount of traffic at Stuttgart Airport, a lot was still closed. This included Fast Track security. However, it was quiet enough to be in and out of the security area in under five minutes.
Lounge
Closed at the time of writing. My lounge was the public area and a bottle of Mezzo Mix.
Boarding
Boarding was from the Non-Schengen gate at Terminal 3. Boarding groups were used and managed to run the boarding process.
The aircraft
It’s another Airbus A320ceo that would do the heavy-lift between Stuttgart and London.
Seating
On this aircraft, all the seats were the Collins Aerospace Pinnacle seat. Semi-regular readers of this blog will know my exact thoughts on it.
The middle seat was blocked for use as a cocktail table.
In-Seat Power is available at the lower section of the seat in front. Both mains and USB outlets are accessible.
Wi-Fi
Onboard Wi-Fi was provisioned on this flight using British Airways .Air platform.
This inflight connectivity solution is a branded version of the EAN (European Aviation Network) product, which is in use with the Lufthansa group as well.
Sign-up was simple enough, with a messaging option, a fight pass and a one-hour pass offered.
Speeds were as expected – with just over 1Mb both ways
The onboard shop is also available from here too if you need to top up items, or order service items in EuroTraveller.
Is it enough to stream a video? Amazingly… yes. We’ll go into that in the full review.
Catering
Dettol wipes with a waste PPE bag was given out when boarding the aircraft. For the onboard service, salads were offered. I took a Chicken Salad, with a raspberry mouse and olive bread
Champagne and water were accepted for this flight. In addition, a cheeky coffee was requested before landing.
Landing
Whilst there was no need to stack at Heathrow, we proceeded with a city/river approach.
On landing however, the aircraft was directed to a hard stand for bussing to the terminal
UK Immigration
I was directed initially to the e-gates – however, knowing I would be thrown out of them, I went directly to a Border Agency staffed station. I was queried where I flew in from and after a scan of my passport, I was let through.
No attempt was made to ask for my Passenger Locator Form or any other UK pre-requirements.
Luggage delivery was quick, allowing me to exit the terminal in a reasonable time and make the bus onto the hotel.
The full review of BA921 soon!
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DN: MP16-10
