Whilst I’m stuck between flights (as the train lines between Oslo Airport and the Central Station are closed), I’ve got more than a few minutes to kill before I can reclear security. Therefore, it’s time for a Snapshot.
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 start my next big trip. Who knows, I might get time to write a few more of these downroute? We’ll see.
With that, let’s get on with the show
Booking
This flight was booked on Avios, costing 15,000 Avios+£37 as a one-way redemption, via the BA site, about a week before departure.
Check-in
British Airways handles some of its flights at Terminal 3 instead of Terminal 5 (with Terminal 3 traffic being much more Origin and Destination Traffic as opposed to stronger connecting traffic) – so it is important to. Check which terminal you are flying from.
I checked in online as I was travelling on the coach from Birmingham to London, with 9 rows of Club Europe assigned on this aircraft. At Heathrow, I was able to obtain a paper boarding pass.
Security
I utilised the Fast Track security at Terminal 3. This was done at walking speed, with the end-to-end experience taking around 3 minutes in total.
Lounge
The Cathay Pacific Lounge was used, with the business class side accessed.
Boarding
Boarding would be through Gate 29. This was the same gate that I used to fly to Chicago in October, and considerably less busy.
The Aircraft
This was an Airbus A320ceo – a 14-year-old example in the airline’s Eurofleet (taken at Oslo Airport – Heathrow was dealing with some of Storm Bram.
The seat
The BE Aerospace/Collins Aerospace Pinnacle seat was installed on this aircraft. As is tradition, the middle seat is blocked in Club Europe.
Catering
The drinks service was carried out from a trolley, whilst the meal service was hand-delivered.
Three options were offered – a Full English Breakfast, A cheese omelette or cold cuts. The Full English was selected, with button mushrooms, fried tomato and sausage. There was also a corrsant and some yoghurt with grainolia items.
Connectivity
British Airways uses the European Aviation network for the aircraft’s internet connectivity. This will be replaced with Starlink connectivity in the future.
Free messaging was offered for British Airways The Club”.
IFE
No IFE other than the HighLife Magazine (available via the Aif-Free
Landing and Immigration
The aircraft landed around 15 minutes early at Oslo Airport, with it at the gate 10 minutes early. From here, I was able to disembark and follow the signs for immigration.
At this point, the agent also enrolled me for the European Entry/Exit System.
With no luggage to collect, I was able to clear the secure area around 15 minutes after landing.
There was a plan that I would go into Central Oslo; however, Trains happen.
The full trip report is being lined up over the next few weeks.
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