June 2024. For our first visit to the United States of America since the COVID-19 pandemic, we flew to New Orleans via London Heathrow with British Airways. After two days of exploring NOLA, Amtrak‘s Crescent overnight train brought us from Louisiana to New York, where we we stayed one night only before flying home.
After arriving from Brussels on time, we had a more than 4-hour layover in London Heathrow (as it is notorious for delays, this was much appreciated).
Considering that Heathrow likes to keep it’s passengers in the shopping areas it advertises as such that people have to wait in the “A” main building before proceeding to satellites “B” or “C” only if and when their flights are announced to be departing there.
This means that on peak days the “A” area of Terminal 5 is severely overcrowded with hardly any place to sit. As we had some time to kill and where a bit peckish we decided to look for a place to eat. At first impression everything was full but after walking around a bit more we saw the Plane food by Gordon Ramsay restaurant on the top level, as it was a bit hidden (and pricier) this was probably the calmest place to be in the terminal so we decided to grab a bite to eat there.
We enjoyed a nice lunch with a sushi starter and pasta main. They also offer quick service menu’s in which you can have your food within 25 minutes. Another nice touch are the charging points at the tables of both UK and USB-A plugs.
After the meal we decided to cheat the Heathrow system and gambled that our flight would depart from the “B” satellite and went over there to find some peace and quiet. Lo and behold the entire “B” Area was almost empty with plenty of seats to stretch out on. In the end we had a good gamble as our flight would indeed be leaving from there.
Flight BA225
From London Heathrow (LHR) 16:05 (16:35) to New Orleans (MSY) 19:55 (19:40)
Flight Time 9 hours 4 minutes
Boeing 787-9 G-ZBKG
Delivered to British Airways in August 2016
Once again boarding was done in groups and we were among the first to board as we were in the last row of the aircraft. British Airways operates a rather premium heavy fleet of aircraft, meaning business class stretched to about halfway the plane, after which there was a big premium economy cabin.
Only the rear cabin of the plane is Economy, in a typical Dreamliner 3-3-3 fashion. As we paid extra for advance seat selection we were able to select a window and aisle seat in the last row, as due to the narrowing fuselage there are only two seats on the sides there. In between Timothy’s seat and the wall we had some space to store our bags during the flight for easy access without compromising on legroom.
The seats themselves where of the older British Airways long-haul economy model. But due to sufficient padding more than comfortable enough. They also provided good legroom for Economy, and the up/downwards adjustable headrest provided for a comfortable position. On the seat there where a light blanket wrapped in plastic, a small pillow and some earphones in a paper envelope (which doubled as a collection bag for change for charity).
The fold down table can fold halfway or fully to provide different options to use it.
The entertainment system offered a good variety of entertainment options, and as we flew in June even a special “pride” selection for pride month. From the screen and interface you could see it was an older system, but it worked perfectly.
Boarding went very smooth and after a for Heathrow relatively short taxi we were airborne in no-time.
After take-off we were first served a drink along with some sour cream and chives pretzels. Drinks where available from an extensive (for economy) bar including alcohol, all complimentary. I chose to have a gin and tonic while time timothy indulged in wine.
For the main meal we had a choice between a chicken stew with polenta or a vegetarian meal of paneer with rice. As they reached our (last) row there was only 1 chicken left, so Timothy kindly volunteered to try the paneer so I could have the chicken.
Along with the main meal you also had a quinoa salad to start, a bread roll with butter, some cheddar cheese and crackers and a tiny pot of chocolate brownie for dessert. On the tray there was a small bottle of water as well. Alongside the meal you could get another choice of drinks and I went with a coke. After the meal the crew came around with tea or coffee, served in a paper cup.
During the flight the crew frequently came around with trays filled with cups of water, orange juice and apple juice, so you never went thirsty. If you ever felt thirsty or peckish you could always go to the galley for something and the crew would be more than willing to help.
Before landing we receive a hot pastry, with a choice of chicken or vegetarian along with another full drink service.
We landed a bit before schedule and had a very smooth arrival experience. Despite waiting on the plane for everyone in front of us to clear and exiting it dead last, we were still amongst the first to clear immigration as the baggage belt was before immigration and everyone else was still waiting on its bags. I never experienced such a fast and smooth arrival in the USA.
All in all we had a very pleasant flight with BA.
Despite the stereotypical prejudice that British Airways crews are cold and stiff lipped, we experienced quite the contrary. The crews where very friendly and joyful.
They radiated a positive energy that they loved doing their jobs and be there for their passengers. They are amongst the friendliest crews in the European skies and they really do add to the great product British Airways offers.
I will certainly put BA higher on my list to select to fly on in the future.
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