The luxury of long haul flying in Business Class is an amazing treat that EVERYONE should experience at some point in their lives! Now that I have experienced this mode of travel, it will be very difficult to go back to coach for longer flights. The service and amenities on my British Airways flights were top-notch all the way!
Points Travel
Recently, I traveled from Pittsburgh to London Heathrow primarily using points!! I have accrued Chase Ultimate Reward Points and British Airways Avios for several years and finally had more than enough for this trip. Unfortunately, it was just before the direct flights from Pittsburgh started, so I did have to deal with layovers. Next time I can fly direct!! I am looking forward to that!
The first leg of my journey, from Pittsburgh to JFK in New York City, was on Delta. Using Chase points, plus some cash to upgrade, I flew in First Class. On a trip this short, it was unnecessary, but I wanted to splurge. I made the mistake of picking a seat in the second row–I had to put my carry-on bag BEHIND me. After that experience, I quickly adjusted my seat selection for my return flight. I enjoyed comfort and punctuality on this leg of my journey–always a plus!
After I changed terminals and went through security, I spent a few hours in the British Airways Business Class Lounge at JFK. The food was decent, and there was free wine and Prosecco. I worked on my computer, relaxed, and made it to my gate with plenty of time to spare. JFK is not my favorite airport (by a long shot) but having lounge access helped make a fairly long layover more tolerable. Soon the time came for me to enjoy my flight in Business Class!
Amazing Service, Generous Space
Upon boarding my flight, the very gracious cabin stewards greeted me with a glass of champagne. I settled into my spacious pod, stowed my gear, and enjoyed a cocktail while the remainder of the passengers boarded. Before I knew it, we were in the air on our way to Heathrow! The wonderful steward took my order for our late-night meal as well as breakfast. I enjoyed a light, delicious meal, and was soon ready to settle down in my lay-flat seat. Once I put on my sleep mask and snuggled under my blanket–I was out very quickly–for the first time on a flight I was able to sleep soundly and not just doze!
After a delicious breakfast, I readied myself for our arrival at Heathrow. I breezed through customs–it was one of the easiest customs experiences I’ve had. Since I still had lounge access, I visited the British Airways arrival lounge for some coffee and to freshen up before boarding the Hotel Hoppa bus. The hotel had allowed me to arrange for early check-in at the Hilton, so my room was ready for me. I considered a side trip to Houndslow to visit an inn I would like to do a story on, but I wasn’t sure time would allow–my cousin Cheryl was flying in from Morocco that afternoon. As it turned out, her flight was delayed, so I would have had time.
Once Cheryl arrived, we enjoyed some food and drinks in the hotel restaurant, then turned in for some well-deserved sleep. The next day we traveled north to visit our Taylor cousins in Dudley. I share more details of that trip here.
Return Trip, Flying in Business Class!
After I enjoyed time with my British cousins and Cheryl, I traveled back to London by train. I stayed at the same Hilton. Since I had to get up quite early the next morning , I turned in early. I enjoyed a very satisfying breakfast in the lounge, then headed to my gate. Unfortunately, my flight was delayed for about 1-1/2 to 2 hours, but the wonderful British Airway staff supplied us with water and snacks as we waited, which helped quite a bit! I was just happy I didn’t have a tight connection in Boston or I would have missed that flight!
The plane from London to Boston was the largest I’ve ever flown in–it had two levels!!! It was also the smoothest take-off I have ever experienced! I didn’t even realize we had left the ground! Again, I enjoyed the amenities in Business Class (Club World). It was probably overkill for the return trip–it was a daytime flight and I didn’t need to sleep. I did enjoy the comfort, delicious food, free drinks, and two movies!
Stateside Once More
Getting through customs at Boston Logan Airport was NOT easy. I have Global Entry, but the airport only had about 10 kiosks for MANY passengers, then only ONE agent processing all of us! Between the flight delay and the customs fiasco, I was happy that my layover was long! I opted to walk from Terminal E to Terminal A, which was quite a trek. By the time I got there, I was very overheated! Fortunately, I had time to drink some water, relax, and make some new friends before my Delta flight to Pittsburgh. This flight was first class, and a great way to end my trip!
By the time I landed in Pittsburgh, I had spent about 20 hours on trains, in airports or on planes. It was nice to get home and see my kids, my pets, and sleep in my own bed! I love to travel, but getting home is also awesome! Now that I have experienced the luxury of First and Business Class, it will be VERY hard to travel in coach! I look forward to the next time I will be flying in Business Class!
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