Time for the last Snapshot from this collection, focusing on the passenger experience on Britsh Airways 296 between Chicago O’Hare International and London Heathrow.
I’m sure you know how I do this travel writing thing by now. But for those reading this for the first time, I have two major travel writing styles:
- Trip Reports—These are full, deep-dive reports that take you into the experience, the small things and the big things!
- Snapshots – These are bite-sized reviews that show you the product in some gentle headlines (and normally, only images shot on the phone)
We’re on Snapshots at the moment as I finish up getting this trip report into some sort of manageable working order (and it’s close. I just need to spend an evening designing collages when I have more than a few minutes).
Booking
This flight was booked as part of a return trip via British Airways online, costing £580 in total. Once booked, I could pre-assign seats as needed (a benefit of being a British Airways Silver).
As British Airways does not offer any extra-space Economy Class seats, I chose one near the front of the Economy cabin.
Check-in
Because of additional requirements (a capture of my passport was required), I elected to check in at the airport as opposed to the BA On-Line Check-In Function. During the aborted Online Check-In process I was offered a buy-up to Club World for £950. This was declined.
British Airways has moved its departures at Chicago O’Hare, with arriving flights being handled at Terminal 5 and departing flights handled at Terminal 3.
Thus, the check-in desks for the airline are in the far-right of the departures level, where Iberia, Aer Lingus and Japan Airlines are also handled.
Both bags were accepted for flight without issues.
Security
Security control was carried out at Line 7, with one agent and one security line being operated. Pre-check customers could go via Line 6A. Both bags were pulled and searched due to the photography gear in both bags.
From here, I was able to access the airside area at O’Hare Terminal 3.
Lounge
British Airways passengers can utilise the American Airlines Flagship Lounge the H/K segment of the terminal. Access to the lounge is by fare and status, with an Oneworld Saphire allowing me access to the Flagship Lounge on an international itinerary.
Entering the lounge, there are different seating types.
Towards one end of the lounge, there was a dining area, with drinks available across the lounge.
The food options were a mixture of hot and cold options – with it all served buffet style.
There was also a comprehensive spirit and alcohol selection, with soft drinks supplied in canned and free-flow forms.
Boarding
Boarding for the British Airways flight to London flight was from Gate K12. As usual, the boarding process was managed by group number.
At the gate, identification and US CBP protocols were cleared to allow me to leave the USA.
The Aircraft
A British Airways Boeing 787-10 (G-ZBLC) would take me to London Heathrow that evening.
The Seat
This being a 787-10, it is configured in a four-class configuration with 8 First Class seats (Based on PRIME Seat), 49 Club World seats (Based on the Collins Aerospace Vector platform), 35 World Traeller Plus seats based on the Recaro PL3510 and 165 World Traeller seats (based on the Recaro CL3710).
As I was in World Traveller, I would be on the Recaro C3710 seats.
IFE+C
The seat was fitted with a 10″ Panasonic eX3 family display. There was a USB port fitted under the screen, with a shared mains outlet below. Various boxsets and films were loaded – along with the airline’s partnership with Paramount Plus.
There was inflight connectivity provided by IntelSat’s 2Ku system. On this flight free messaging (text only) was provided to Executive Club Members.
Food and Drink
The first pass down the aisles was a drinks service, with an offering of wine for dinner made. Interestingly, no snacks were offered.
The main meal service pass followed, with a choice of chicken or pasta.
A tea/coffee pass was made when the trays were collected.
For breakfast, an egg and cheese bagel was offered throughout the cabin.
Approach to London.
The aircraft made its approach into the United Kingdom via Ireland, descending via Liverpool and Birmingham. This was followed by the aircraft being placed in the Bovingdon stack.
After exiting the stack, the aircraft turned over London, making a River approach to Heathrow Airport.
Landing
The Boeing 787-10 arrived on the North Runway at Heathrow Airport. This allowed for a quick exit from the runway towards the Terminal 5 complex.
Arrival and Luggage collection
With the aircraft arriving at the far side of Terminal 5 C, there was a short walk to the Transit to Terminal 5 A for UK Border clearance (conducted manually).
My bags were delivered in around 35 minutes after landing – a major improvement over previous trips through this terminal, allowing me to exit into the public area in a quick enough time.
From here, I was able to enjoy the restorative effects of a mug of coffee – before boarding a coach for onward transit.
The full review of British Airways 296 in Economy Class is coming soon.
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