Embarking on a new adventure, we recently flew British Airways in Premium Economy to Boston. This journey wasn’t just a trip; it was a prelude to a big move! Our travels were dictated by my wife’s employer, who had approved this specific class of travel.
Before even stepping on the plane, we had to navigate a bit of paperwork. Forty-eight hours prior to departure, British Airways sent an email requesting our COVID certificates and required US attestations. Unfortunately, I couldn’t submit my wife’s documents due to a discrepancy between her first name on the vaccination certificate and the booking. We were, however, reassured that we could check in at the airport 24 hours before our flight, even with the document issue.
The Journey Begins
Departure day arrived, and we left Chelsea, our home, three hours before our flight. Arriving at Heathrow Airport, we were greeted by the comfort of my Gold Guest List status, which allowed us to access the First check-in area. Swiftly taken care of, my wife’s vaccination wasn’t even questioned. With our passports scanned and luggage checked in, we were handed our boarding passes.
The First Wing’s exclusive security checkpoint awaited, before we stepped into the Concorde Room, British Airways’ most opulent lounge. My Gold Guest List status granted us an hour of luxurious relaxation. The Concorde Room is an oasis of comfort, featuring a fireplace, cozy armchairs, and a dedicated dining area.
We enjoyed a light lunch at the dining area, although the service was a tad slow for my liking. Afterwards, my wife indulged in some delicious scones before we headed to our gate.
Boarding and In-Flight Experience
Boarding our flight to Boston was a chaotic experience. The gate at Terminal 5 was buzzing with activity, and the boarding process was a bit disorganized. The World Traveller Plus cabin was packed, but thankfully, we were able to settle in comfortably.
Welcome drinks were served shortly after we settled in, and I opted for a refreshing glass of still water. As the plane taxied to the runway, menus were distributed.
Service on this flight was somewhat mechanical. The aperitif service began with a Virgin Mary and a selection of hot nuts. For the main course, I chose the minced beef, which was excellent. I skipped the rest of the meal, unfortunately, due to dietary restrictions.
The service felt sluggish, with an extended wait for clearing the trays. This felt particularly inconvenient given the limited space and desire to work or simply relax.
Throughout the flight, there was no additional service offered. I had to get up and visit the Galley to get a coffee. The final meal served before arrival was disappointing, with a dry, long-life meat puff pastry.
Arrival and Reflections
We arrived at the gate almost on time, but the immigration process took an eternity – nearly an hour for me!
Overall, the flight was decent, but the service was certainly lacking. The “Premium Economy” moniker seemed a bit misleading, as the seats weren’t particularly comfortable. While the flight was satisfactory, the service could be significantly improved. I’m not sure what was “premium” about the experience!
