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Nothing crystallises international travel better - ‘would you like afternoon tea?’ - at 1AM - does it? Of course that’s departure time, looking at arrival time it’s only 20:00. Still not really tea time, but slightly more acceptable. Having already eaten dinner some hours previously, there’s no way a body can rationalise so let’s gloss over the logic and concentrate on the practice.
Nothing crystallises international travel better - ‘would you like afternoon tea?’ - at 1AM - does it? Of course that’s departure time, looking at arrival time it’s only 20:00. Still not really tea time, but slightly more acceptable. Having already eaten dinner some hours previously, there’s no way a body can rationalise so let’s gloss over the logic and concentrate on the practice.
We’ve not flown BA since 2009. There’s a good reason for this - she may be the world’s favourite airline, but she’s not ours. Over the years, and with a lot of experience and despite being a grumpy shareholder for decades, we’ve come to the conclusion that ‘our’ proud carrier isn’t actually the best, others - predominantly based East of Greenwich - are so much better. Today, however is epiphany day, at least for this journey anyway.
Every aspect of today’s travel has been exceptional, starting way beyond BA’s remit. The journey to LHR relaxed, pleasant, accident and idiot free, a smooth and unhurried journey. Parking at T5 simple, as in get out, hand over the key and walk away. The dedicated club check-in empty and security equally queue-less. Within 15 minutes we were ensconced in the BA lounge drinking an excellent Chablis with several hours to spare, which was fortunate since several work jobs still required attention for both of us.
A short underground train ride took us from the lounge to the gate, and we were able to walk straight into the airplane, no queuing required, and champagne immediately proffered.the staff all pleasant, cheery and helpful. My backwards-facing seat abutts hubby’s forward seat so we can happily chat face-to-face without strain. As soon as we’re airborne a kir royal arrives to get the party started,
Dinner could be booked in advance but there’s no need, we browse the menu and opt for parsnip soup and beef cheeks for him, carpaccio and prawns for me. It’s all very good, just a minor comment about my carpaccio, it’s the first tine I’ve ever seen it arrived gently cooked, but hey-ho, it wasn’t awful, just some chef’s opinion - for reference I prefer the traditional way. A very nice Côtes du Rhône aided digestion whilst hubby enjoyed Napa Chard and Chilean Cab.
The glad experience didn’t extend to in-flight entertainment however, this aircraft must be a bit aged as the ‘telly is only about 12 inches and 4:3 format so positively antique - although the films are up-to-date - we started the latest Jurassic offering but soon got bored and switched to a bit of Mama Mia II escapism.
Approaching the Americas we get offered tea, as I said at the top it’s a funny reflection on travel that tradition schedules become messed-up, but it’s a happy addition to our 29 hour day and we arrive only two hours later than we left, the Westerly journey having eaten five of the seven flying hours.
Bracing ourselves for the traditional and friendly US border-guard welcome, we descend into JFK for a whistle-stop layover. Turns out even Immigration New Yorkers have had a personality transplant and we’re whisked through speedily and with no pain, so quick the bags haven’t arrived, of course. Only five minutes later we’re on the Skytrain then shuttle to our hotel, which in fact is close enough to see and walk to, except that’s just not possible!
It’s past 3AM and Morpheus’ swarthy arms beckon. Goodnight!
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