BA969 Hamburg Airport Terminal 2 to London Heathrow Airport Terminal 5 – Club Europe
TRIP REPORT: More Innovations in Hamburg
In this week of passenger experience fun:
- Back to Hamburg Again. And yes, keeping it simple
- To Heathrow Airport with FlixBus and Terminal 5
- British Airways Galleries South, Terminal 5
- BA964 London Heathrow to Hamburg (Club Europe – New Configuration)
- The joy of the European Entry/Exit System and into Hamburg
- The Ibis Budget St Pauli (Refurbished)
- A walk through the Hamburg Dom Fair (Spring Fair)
- What you might have missed from Aircraft Interiors Expo 2026
- Off the Camera Roll – Exploring Hamburg during the quiet moments
- Escape from the Messe and Return to Hamburg Airport
- Hamburg Airport Lounge and European Entry/Exit System queues
- BA969 Hamburg to London Heathrow (Club Europe – Old Configuration)
- A Luggage Mess and a Messier Coach Ride Home
- Continued Innovation
Whilst the boarding sequence had begun, it seems Hamburg airport had used its usual trick of getting people to line up in the jetway to show that the boarding sequence started on time. Thankfully, the queue had disappeared by the time I got to the jetbridge.
See you in 12 months.
The long queue
A Neo wing and engine
Hamburg Airport Terminal 2 to London Heathrow Terminal 5
British Airways
Club Europe, Seat 4A
Airbus A320neo (Classic configuration)
Boarding the aircraft, tonight once again, it was an Airbus A320neo that would provide the lift back to London. Sadly, this is one with British Airways’ older cabins installed; thus, the brown cow leather of the old seating was installed – as were the Collins Aerospace Pinnacle seats.
The Collins Pinnacle seat (taken on arrival).
And yes, these seats felt well… broken in. That is a generous term, even on an A320neo. That and the spacing on them is not the greatest, too, at 30” at the front, and tighter down the back.
By the time I had boarded, most of Club Europe (business class) were already sitting down, to the point where I needed to slip into the window seat, as the other person in the aisle had already got comfortable.
Wonderful.
As for the seat, yes, it’s Pinnacle. And it’s the British Airways cut-down version, meaning that the cocktail tray is missing.
A “premium airline”. I do wonder some days.
Given this flight was hauling a lot of tired trade show visitors and exhibitors, it filled up quickly (as people filtered through EES and EU Exit line too), with no appeals for hand baggage management.
That is a good sign. Another good sign was that with boarding flowing, it was completed before pushback time.
Jetbridge away.
With no issues reported from the cockpit, our A320neo began pushback, and the crew conducted the manual safety briefing.
We would have no time hanging around this evening, as the aircraft was routed for a short taxi to the runway. Thus, pre-flight checks were completed, and the cabin was secured.
Pushing back
Eurowings says Yes to Europe (Airbus A320neo)
Pulling away from Hamburg.
After a very short taxi from the terminal, the aircraft faced the runway and propelled itself into the night sky for the short hop to London.
With another full business and economy class cabin, the crew went to work. I went to work and connected to the Wi-Fi to get my free messaging. After all, I might as well make use of the on-plane connectivity.
As well as monitor how the coach is going to do. After last time, I want a little flexibility… or is it foresight? I just wanted access to the messaging platform, just in case FlixBus tried some funny games.
At this point in the day and the trip, these things blend.
As to the outside world, as I had selected a seat on the ABC side, Europe started to cloaked in dusk.
The crew began their in-flight service, this time offering two sorts of salads. I went for the Beef Salad.
And yes, I think the cow was still mooing at some points when the plate landed on my tray.
We all have our tastes and how we like our meat done. And I know I’ll get crucified if I tell you my preferences on how I like mine cooked. In terms of taste, it was “fine”. The beef was a little too pink for my liking.
The rest of the salad was fresh and well put together. The roll, whilst warm, was ok, and the foam type desert… I like them. But then I am rather basic at heart.
It seemed that the majority of the cabin were in for the food – even if they managed to stop for a chickenwurst in the lounge. Trade shows can take a lot of people.
As for beverages, I stuck with a Gin and Tonic to get going… because it had been a long old week. And also, what the hey. I’m not driving when I get home, so I can enjoy a short of gin to keep going. And yes, there’s water as well.
I would need to get a bottle of water for the ride back. I’d fix that in London, given the sacrificial water bottle had long-since vanished this trip. Yes, it might have been a plastic bottle, but it’s still one I could have refilled.
With the cabin cleared down, I did need to make it to the small room – and even at the front of an A320neo… the small room remains small. It doesn’t matter how you try to dress it up.
Relieved, I made it back to the seat (with my poor seatmate having to go up and down).
And yes. Even with the G&T down, liquid was still needed. I therefore asked and got a mug of coffee for the rest of the flight.
Coffee
Soon enough, the aircraft began its descent over the Channel, crossing into England over Essex.
Landing configuration
The aircraft looped towards London over Chingford, then south, then turned for Heathrow, aligning itself with the North runway to make its landing.
Southend
The Dartford Crossing, connecting Kent and Essex
Whilst I didn’t get any of the nighttime lights of the City and the West End, I managed to get some wonderful views of South London and Docklands – including a certain City Airport.
Yes, I’m proud of this photo.
And lots of South London.
Clapham Junction
But like all good things, this flight came to an end with the A320neo planting itself on the North Runway at Heathrow.
From here, it was a suspiciously quick taxi off the runway and towards the Terminal 5 area. At one point, it looked like the aircraft was being sent to the hard stands to park up…. But to my surprise, the aircraft turned right – meaning it would be docking at Terminal 5 C.
Depending on the luggage delivery, which could either be good or bad, I can never work out with the far gates at Heathrow.
Sneaking past a company A320
Terminal 5 in the distance
British Airways Boeing 787
And a 777
Sister A320
And sister A320neo
With the aircraft parked at the gate, it was a little more chaotic than normal – people wanted out of the aircraft and to head home. Thankfully, the jetbridge driver was prompt, and soon, a jetbridge was attached to the A320neo.
With the doors open, people flooded out. At least I didn’t have my rucksack, so I had a quick escape too, with the message bag and me ready for the final bits of this trip.
I thanked the crew and headed towards what I suspected would be a long wait at baggage claim.
Overall:
For an up-and-down service, it was fine. Certainly, I’ve been spoiled with the new interiors, with the brown cow seats showing their age – even on this relatively young aircraft.
It shows what a good installation can do and the improvements for passengers it can show.
The crew were friendly enough, but they rushed to complete the service (as the business class cabin was full), whilst the provisioned food and drink service was passable for a short segment. Whilst the idea of something warm would be nice, with the length of the flight and time allowed for service, that would be near enough impossible, I suspect these days.
For a short euro-hop flight, it served the purpose, along with food. Not a lot more I can ask for these days until airlines install better products on their fleets.
Next:
Also, who closed the M40 motorway?
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