...a very nice experience
I?m reminded that when flying international, we should allow at least 1-1/2 to 2 hours for check-in. Being one of those people who would rather be early than be rushed, let?s opt for the 2 hours.
After checking and double-checking that the airline tickets and passports are handy, we line up to deposit our luggage that will be stowed in the cargo area.
Check-in at British Airways counter was handled professionally, yet friendly; pre-designated seating was verified and we were ready.
British Airways proved to be a very good choice (Boeing 777); seats are sufficiently wide, ?tho not the leg-room I would have preferred, not the leg room you would have at home (grin). You then realize you can?t expect more when flying Economy. The adage ?you get what you pay for? comes to mind.
Food was exceptionally good: the full evening meal, breakfast next morning, and snacks and drinks offered frequently in between. Good movies to watch the night long, if you so wished.
B.A. also provides you with a goodie packet consisting of a travel-toothbrush and paste, socks to warm your feet, and an eye-mask to induce sleep. These are yours to keep?nice, huh? They also provide pillow and throw for sleeping. As a first-time- trans-Atlantic traveler, I could not sleep.
Since time changes were made (6-hours-later difference from departure-site time), the actual flight time was only 9 hours, with arrival in London at 7:20 a.m. Good tail-wind, the Jet Stream. Breakfast was served at 6 a.m., but a midnight snack by my watch.
The flight attendants were all very attentive and courteous; seeing to passenger needs was evident in their attitudes.
May I insert a few useful tips to first-time overseas travelers, for when traveling a long distance to any destination:
A carry-on bag is all that is needed on board; one that will fit under the forward seat. It might contain a book for the long flight, slippers to change into in the event of swelling feet, medications that must be taken daily along with copies of hotel reservation confirmation (in case other luggage is lost or delayed), tooth brush and tooth paste due to overnight flight, hard candies to ease dry mouth and hand/body lotions to ease dry skin. Don?t forget a Mac if traveling to rainy climes, or jacket for cooler climes, and stow in above compartments.
Security at the gate was better than adequate, which was reassuring; our first lap of the flight would take us from Texas across the Atlantic to London, which meant an exceedingly full tank of gas; thoughts of 9/11. Believe me, you think of this aspect; once thought of, quickly forgotten. Check-in security IS important, and fear should never override the pleasure of traveling.
For health reasons when flying long distances, get up and walk around ever so often. There’s usually enough room at the back of plane to do some ’bends’ and ’stretching’ exercises to relieve stiffness.
A friend who travels extensively to Europe had advised that I take only $20 cash, my bankcard, one credit card, drivers license (we are renting a car), and health-insurance cards. I heeded the advice, and returned home with the $20. Once at your destination, use your bankcard at ATMs to get local cash, and credit card for purchases, hotel and meal expenses, etc. This, too, worked out fine. Just keep track of the ?etc.?s.
Would I fly British Airways again? YOU BET I would?and hope to have the opportunity again.