Barbados for a Day: A BWIA Trip Report!
Posted: Sun Aug 29, 2004 4:07 pm
Day Trip to Barbados - BWIA MAN-BGI-MAN
Background: I took this trip to urgently courier legal documents out to a lawyer in Bridgetown working for the same company as my dad - a courier was both £800 more expensive at £2000 (!) and would take an extra 4 days, thus it was cost effective to send me. My Dad volunteered my services, and at 4pm on Thursday I was called at work and told to take the Friday off - I was off to Barbados for a day! At this stage it was all I knew, but when I got home I found I was flying BWIA - I'd rather have flown VS via LGW, but A340 is A340
. So here is my report on BWee...
Friday 27th August 2004
BW991 MAN-BGI
Dep: 1115 (Actual 1130)
Arr: 1455 (Actual 1515)
Airbus A340-300 9Y-JIL
I was up at 6am, had my breakfast, and was driving to MAN by 0645, with just an overnight bag and my camera. Because it was an 'all expenses paid' trip, I didn't have to worry about parking, and so stopped in the T2 long stay, and got the shuttle bus to T2 Arrivals. I took the escalator to the departure level, and made my way to the Servisair desk, where I was to pick up my ticket - as it had only been booked last night (or not, as it turned out), there was no time to send me the ticket. I turned up at Servisair and was told there was no ticket in my name. when I showed the travel agents faxed confirmation the servisair rep said the payment had not been recieved. I quickly called my dad and told him what was going on, and he said the travel agent wasn't open until 9.30 - plenty of time to check in, but my window seat was looking less likely. At this time, there was nothing I could do, so I went to collect the parcels of legal documents - not difficult to spot, with two huge boxes on a trolley. I took the trolley and went for a coffee and a breakfast ciabatta. My dad called me during this, saying the travel agents had phoned and apologised for not putting the booking through. I was impressed at their lack of urgency for a flight leaving in less than 24 hours - if it had been leaving earlier I'd have been in trouble! As I returned to the desk, the rep was filling out my ticket - I was pleased to see he put 'J' as the class - sadly it was not to be, and he overwrote it with a 'Y' shortly afterwards. the whole process took about 20 minutes. eventually, I did get my ticket, and went to check in.
I arrived at checkin to find a complete lack of a queue. This impressed me, as I enjoy not having to wait for hours on end. I was assgned seat 63A, the 3rd row from the back.
<IMG SRC="http://www.atomic-album.com/showPic.php ... 20copy.jpg">
I moved through security, and although the machine didn't beep I was frisked (2nd time it's happened to me at MAN now). I then went straight to the windows to see my aircraft - I was pleased to see it was 9Y-JIL - I was worried it might be an Air Plus Comet A310 or similar lease. I observed a few movements, including the AZ ERJ-170 departing, and the MH 747 being towed on stand. While waiting for boarding, I went to Waterstones to buy the book about Ryanair, something new to read on the flight. After this, all passengers for my flight were called to assemble at gate 210, so I went to wait there, watching the ground staff work and the dispatchers run around. Boarding was first announced for first class and those requiring assistance, followed by those in the rear rows - as I was lurking near the gate I was one of the first on board. The fist thing I noticed was that this aircraft was blatantly ex-Virgin. BWIA hadn't touched the interior, bar the headrest covers. I took my seat in 63A and watched the activity on the ground at MAN - VS 742 Island Lady pushed back, and then returned on stand with what appeared to be engine trouble, and a Volare A321 arrived, after which we pushed back. The engine start was fairly speedy, and we were taxiing in a few minutes. We taxiied past most of the long haul flights lined up at T1 and T2, plus an AF A318 (F-GUGD), and the three BD A330s. We crossed 24R and taxied straight to 24L where we lined up instantly - ourdeparture was witnessed by two blokes in the line-up field
. The takeoff felt powerful, but the rate of climb wasn't, it seemed to take an eternity. We passed over Liverpool and the airport, and over to Ireland.
<IMG SRC="http://www.atomic-album.com/showPic.php/23004/lpl.jpg">
At this stage the seat belt signs were extinguished, and the crew passed out headsets. Now, the IFE. Well, it was shambolic to be honest. Considering they still had the VS system installed, they could have improved it so much. Primarily, the problem was they only had the single reel of movies, so they simply forced all PTV's onto that. This highlighted another problem - about 25% or more didn't work. I was playing around with mine to see if it offered any features only to manage to turn the screen off - and off it remained until they turned the movies off. There were three movies played one after another - Peter Pan, one about a barbers in Chicago (I think, I wasn't paying attention) and a comedy called Duplex, which I watched as I had finished my Ryanair book already.
The meal was served about 2 hours in to the flight. The choice was lamb or chicken. I chose the lamb, and was given a tray containing a lamb curry-type dish, a salad, a warm roll, a fruit salad dessert and a mineral water. The food was actually very good, and I was pleasantly surprised. About 2 hours before landing in BGI we were also offered afternoon tea - a warm scone with jam and clotted cream, which was a nice touch and was also delicious.
The cabin crew served drinks three times during the flight, but also offered drinks if the call button was pressed, so no-one went thirsty. The crew themselves were also very good, professional and friendly, and very polite.
<IMG SRC="http://www.atomic-album.com/showPic.php ... inglet.jpg">
At this stage, with 1 hour and 53 minutes to go, the PTV's came back online, and I discovered the moving map. I say 'discovered' as there was no in-flight magazine detailing channels for audio or video, even though some audio channels were working also, though there were no more videos to watch.
We began descending into BGI and were treated to a spectacular view of the coastline - where I would be staying in a few hours time in fact. As we descended lower and lower I was amazed how close many homes were to the runway - at one point we can't have been more than 50 feet high and there was a shanty type dwelling just wide of the wing. you just don't see that in the UK! After a poor touchdown (we bounced) the captain recieved a round of applause from some in the cabin - I didn't join in because I knew just how bad the landing was!
We taxiied in to the terminal, and I noticed some aircraft of note, including a DHL 727, a Shorts 360 and several Caribbean Star and Liat DH-8's. We parked next to a BA 777 G-VIIG, and disembarked. As soon as I was out of the aircraft the heat hit me . I walked to the terminal, admiring the BA 777, when man asked me if I was Martin. I replied yes, and he introduced himself - he was the lawyer I was handing over the documents too. However, he also happened to be chairman of the Barbajan Air Transport Association (or something), which is why he was allowed airside.
I passed through security with the minimum of fuss, which suprised me as I expected a barrage of questions on why I was only here a night, and exactly what is it I'm couriering? However I was though in no time, colecting the boxes. Security had a quick look through one to check they really were documents, and I was waved into Barbados.
Saturday 28th August 2004
BW990 BGI-MAN
Dep: 1900 (Actual 1925)
Arrive: 0830 (Actual 0825)
Airbus A340-300 9Y-JIL (again!)
I arrived at BGI Airport at 1630, two and a half hours ahead of departure. The queue was huge, and moving slowly. However, to my delight I saw a 'hand baggage only' check in, and so managed to jump the queue, and get my window seat, this time 42K
<IMG SRC="http://www.atomic-album.com/showPic.php ... 20copy.jpg">
I proceeded through security, and was through almost instantly. I also didn't have to pay the BDS$25 departure tax as I had only been there a day - leaving me approximately £8 richer. As I prceeded through security an odd thing happened - I put my bag on the X-ray belt and look my wallet out of my pocket to put in the bag. As I straightened the lining of my pocket I walked through the machine it went off, so I expected to get frisked - but the security guard just told me to walk through again without my hand in my pocket - this I did and with no bleep. Very odd!
I went to buy a paper and sat down by a window to observe all the movements. Most interesting ws VS B747-400 G-VROM "Barberella" loading for a flight back to LGW, however there were plenty of other movements from BWIA 737's (I must have seen most of the fleet, including their other A340), and Caribbean Star and LIAT DH-8s, plus the BA 777 back to LGW also took off as I sat down. After the VS flight had left I read the paper and watched the movements until 9Y-JIL arrived, slightly behind schedule. I went to the toilet, and they announced immediate boarding- literally. No messing around with priority boarding here! I was told to board through the 2nd door, and off I went. Sadly, it was dark now so there was not much to see. There weren't even any aircraft on my side to watch
. I boarded and wandered through the old premium economy cabin, finding my seat - sadly, with an occupant in the aisle seat. As he stood up to let me in, I noticed something else - I had no PTV control. Good thing I intended to sleep on this flight! We departed late due to both the late incoming aircraft, and a man wishing to get off - meaning his baggae had to go too. eventually we did push back, and the engines started for the long taxi to the runway. As we were taxiing a thought struck me - Where was Concorde kept? I never saw any hangar that looked like it was looking after the worlds most famous aircraft.
We were number one for departure, and as we lined up the engines were spooled and we were off. Slowly - this was one of the most underpowered takeoffs I have ever felt. I can only assume we had a large load of both bags and fuel accounting for this. As we climbed it was announced that the IFE was on - this time it apeared to be functioning as intended. However, mine was useless without a control, which was a shame as they were showing 'School of Rock', and I really wanted to see it. Watching it silently on someone elses PTV isn't exactly enjoyable. Drinks were served, and then dinner, which tonight was a choice between beef and chicken. I chose beef, and recieved a tray containing a salad, beef in gravy with green beans and potato, a warm roll, a coffee cake slice and a mineral water, and again it was excellent. Once the tea and coffee was served, the cabin lights were dimmed and I went to sleep. The seats were very uncomfortable and I kept having to move (as much as possible in the cramped seat anyway!) around. About 1 and a half hours before landing the cabin lights were illuminated and breakfast served - a fruit salad with a croissant and a muffin. again, very nice, and I was impressed with the fruit, which was still soft and juicy - normally I find it dries out a bit on flights. We came into land over Ireland, and I caught a brief glimpse of DUB, before, returning into cloud. Next time I could see properly, we were over Manchester city centre, and MAN itself could clearly be seen. We manouvered onto the ILS, descending onto 24R. the decent was a little turbulent, but nothing major. We came in for a smooth touchdown on 24R, and turned off opposite the viewing park. We were followed in by a Monarch A320 and AA 757 from Boston. We taxied past a PIA 747 (AP-BFX) which was waiting for a stand, and towards T2. We took the back route past all the remote stands, and I assumed this was to give way to an aircraft pushing back. However, we turned away from the main building and onto stand 219 - furthest away from the terminal.
<IMG SRC="http://www.atomic-album.com/showPic.php/23004/MAN.jpg">
(The window was very dirty!)
This did have one advantage however - we were disembarked by bus (after waiting 10 mintes for busses and airstairs!), and got taken the length of T2 behind all the aircraft! sadly, photos impossible. Back into T2, passport control a breeze, no bags to claim, straight to the car park pay station and onto the bus - home by 1015.
An interesting few days. Overall, BWIA were OK. The food and service were excellent, but the interior of the aircraft were tatty and in need of repair. The IFE requires some serious maintenance - at least if the had projector screens or drop dows every few rows everyone would have been able to see the movies rather than just the ones with working IFE sets. In future I suspect I'd take VS and go via LGW, however I didn't have much choice in this flight as it was such short notice!
Background: I took this trip to urgently courier legal documents out to a lawyer in Bridgetown working for the same company as my dad - a courier was both £800 more expensive at £2000 (!) and would take an extra 4 days, thus it was cost effective to send me. My Dad volunteered my services, and at 4pm on Thursday I was called at work and told to take the Friday off - I was off to Barbados for a day! At this stage it was all I knew, but when I got home I found I was flying BWIA - I'd rather have flown VS via LGW, but A340 is A340
. So here is my report on BWee...Friday 27th August 2004
BW991 MAN-BGI
Dep: 1115 (Actual 1130)
Arr: 1455 (Actual 1515)
Airbus A340-300 9Y-JIL
I was up at 6am, had my breakfast, and was driving to MAN by 0645, with just an overnight bag and my camera. Because it was an 'all expenses paid' trip, I didn't have to worry about parking, and so stopped in the T2 long stay, and got the shuttle bus to T2 Arrivals. I took the escalator to the departure level, and made my way to the Servisair desk, where I was to pick up my ticket - as it had only been booked last night (or not, as it turned out), there was no time to send me the ticket. I turned up at Servisair and was told there was no ticket in my name. when I showed the travel agents faxed confirmation the servisair rep said the payment had not been recieved. I quickly called my dad and told him what was going on, and he said the travel agent wasn't open until 9.30 - plenty of time to check in, but my window seat was looking less likely. At this time, there was nothing I could do, so I went to collect the parcels of legal documents - not difficult to spot, with two huge boxes on a trolley. I took the trolley and went for a coffee and a breakfast ciabatta. My dad called me during this, saying the travel agents had phoned and apologised for not putting the booking through. I was impressed at their lack of urgency for a flight leaving in less than 24 hours - if it had been leaving earlier I'd have been in trouble! As I returned to the desk, the rep was filling out my ticket - I was pleased to see he put 'J' as the class - sadly it was not to be, and he overwrote it with a 'Y' shortly afterwards. the whole process took about 20 minutes. eventually, I did get my ticket, and went to check in.
I arrived at checkin to find a complete lack of a queue. This impressed me, as I enjoy not having to wait for hours on end. I was assgned seat 63A, the 3rd row from the back.
<IMG SRC="http://www.atomic-album.com/showPic.php ... 20copy.jpg">
I moved through security, and although the machine didn't beep I was frisked (2nd time it's happened to me at MAN now). I then went straight to the windows to see my aircraft - I was pleased to see it was 9Y-JIL - I was worried it might be an Air Plus Comet A310 or similar lease. I observed a few movements, including the AZ ERJ-170 departing, and the MH 747 being towed on stand. While waiting for boarding, I went to Waterstones to buy the book about Ryanair, something new to read on the flight. After this, all passengers for my flight were called to assemble at gate 210, so I went to wait there, watching the ground staff work and the dispatchers run around. Boarding was first announced for first class and those requiring assistance, followed by those in the rear rows - as I was lurking near the gate I was one of the first on board. The fist thing I noticed was that this aircraft was blatantly ex-Virgin. BWIA hadn't touched the interior, bar the headrest covers. I took my seat in 63A and watched the activity on the ground at MAN - VS 742 Island Lady pushed back, and then returned on stand with what appeared to be engine trouble, and a Volare A321 arrived, after which we pushed back. The engine start was fairly speedy, and we were taxiing in a few minutes. We taxiied past most of the long haul flights lined up at T1 and T2, plus an AF A318 (F-GUGD), and the three BD A330s. We crossed 24R and taxied straight to 24L where we lined up instantly - ourdeparture was witnessed by two blokes in the line-up field
. The takeoff felt powerful, but the rate of climb wasn't, it seemed to take an eternity. We passed over Liverpool and the airport, and over to Ireland.<IMG SRC="http://www.atomic-album.com/showPic.php/23004/lpl.jpg">
At this stage the seat belt signs were extinguished, and the crew passed out headsets. Now, the IFE. Well, it was shambolic to be honest. Considering they still had the VS system installed, they could have improved it so much. Primarily, the problem was they only had the single reel of movies, so they simply forced all PTV's onto that. This highlighted another problem - about 25% or more didn't work. I was playing around with mine to see if it offered any features only to manage to turn the screen off - and off it remained until they turned the movies off. There were three movies played one after another - Peter Pan, one about a barbers in Chicago (I think, I wasn't paying attention) and a comedy called Duplex, which I watched as I had finished my Ryanair book already.
The meal was served about 2 hours in to the flight. The choice was lamb or chicken. I chose the lamb, and was given a tray containing a lamb curry-type dish, a salad, a warm roll, a fruit salad dessert and a mineral water. The food was actually very good, and I was pleasantly surprised. About 2 hours before landing in BGI we were also offered afternoon tea - a warm scone with jam and clotted cream, which was a nice touch and was also delicious.
The cabin crew served drinks three times during the flight, but also offered drinks if the call button was pressed, so no-one went thirsty. The crew themselves were also very good, professional and friendly, and very polite.
<IMG SRC="http://www.atomic-album.com/showPic.php ... inglet.jpg">
At this stage, with 1 hour and 53 minutes to go, the PTV's came back online, and I discovered the moving map. I say 'discovered' as there was no in-flight magazine detailing channels for audio or video, even though some audio channels were working also, though there were no more videos to watch.
We began descending into BGI and were treated to a spectacular view of the coastline - where I would be staying in a few hours time in fact. As we descended lower and lower I was amazed how close many homes were to the runway - at one point we can't have been more than 50 feet high and there was a shanty type dwelling just wide of the wing. you just don't see that in the UK! After a poor touchdown (we bounced) the captain recieved a round of applause from some in the cabin - I didn't join in because I knew just how bad the landing was!
We taxiied in to the terminal, and I noticed some aircraft of note, including a DHL 727, a Shorts 360 and several Caribbean Star and Liat DH-8's. We parked next to a BA 777 G-VIIG, and disembarked. As soon as I was out of the aircraft the heat hit me . I walked to the terminal, admiring the BA 777, when man asked me if I was Martin. I replied yes, and he introduced himself - he was the lawyer I was handing over the documents too. However, he also happened to be chairman of the Barbajan Air Transport Association (or something), which is why he was allowed airside.
I passed through security with the minimum of fuss, which suprised me as I expected a barrage of questions on why I was only here a night, and exactly what is it I'm couriering?
However I was though in no time, colecting the boxes. Security had a quick look through one to check they really were documents, and I was waved into Barbados.Saturday 28th August 2004
BW990 BGI-MAN
Dep: 1900 (Actual 1925)
Arrive: 0830 (Actual 0825)
Airbus A340-300 9Y-JIL (again!)
I arrived at BGI Airport at 1630, two and a half hours ahead of departure. The queue was huge, and moving slowly. However, to my delight I saw a 'hand baggage only' check in, and so managed to jump the queue, and get my window seat, this time 42K
<IMG SRC="http://www.atomic-album.com/showPic.php ... 20copy.jpg">
I proceeded through security, and was through almost instantly. I also didn't have to pay the BDS$25 departure tax as I had only been there a day - leaving me approximately £8 richer
. As I prceeded through security an odd thing happened - I put my bag on the X-ray belt and look my wallet out of my pocket to put in the bag. As I straightened the lining of my pocket I walked through the machine it went off, so I expected to get frisked - but the security guard just told me to walk through again without my hand in my pocket - this I did and with no bleep. Very odd!I went to buy a paper and sat down by a window to observe all the movements. Most interesting ws VS B747-400 G-VROM "Barberella" loading for a flight back to LGW, however there were plenty of other movements from BWIA 737's (I must have seen most of the fleet, including their other A340), and Caribbean Star and LIAT DH-8s, plus the BA 777 back to LGW also took off as I sat down. After the VS flight had left I read the paper and watched the movements until 9Y-JIL arrived, slightly behind schedule. I went to the toilet, and they announced immediate boarding- literally. No messing around with priority boarding here! I was told to board through the 2nd door, and off I went. Sadly, it was dark now so there was not much to see. There weren't even any aircraft on my side to watch
. I boarded and wandered through the old premium economy cabin, finding my seat - sadly, with an occupant in the aisle seat. As he stood up to let me in, I noticed something else - I had no PTV control. Good thing I intended to sleep on this flight! We departed late due to both the late incoming aircraft, and a man wishing to get off - meaning his baggae had to go too. eventually we did push back, and the engines started for the long taxi to the runway. As we were taxiing a thought struck me - Where was Concorde kept? I never saw any hangar that looked like it was looking after the worlds most famous aircraft. We were number one for departure, and as we lined up the engines were spooled and we were off. Slowly - this was one of the most underpowered takeoffs I have ever felt. I can only assume we had a large load of both bags and fuel accounting for this. As we climbed it was announced that the IFE was on - this time it apeared to be functioning as intended. However, mine was useless without a control, which was a shame as they were showing 'School of Rock', and I really wanted to see it. Watching it silently on someone elses PTV isn't exactly enjoyable. Drinks were served, and then dinner, which tonight was a choice between beef and chicken. I chose beef, and recieved a tray containing a salad, beef in gravy with green beans and potato, a warm roll, a coffee cake slice and a mineral water, and again it was excellent. Once the tea and coffee was served, the cabin lights were dimmed and I went to sleep. The seats were very uncomfortable and I kept having to move (as much as possible in the cramped seat anyway!) around. About 1 and a half hours before landing the cabin lights were illuminated and breakfast served - a fruit salad with a croissant and a muffin. again, very nice, and I was impressed with the fruit, which was still soft and juicy - normally I find it dries out a bit on flights. We came into land over Ireland, and I caught a brief glimpse of DUB, before, returning into cloud. Next time I could see properly, we were over Manchester city centre, and MAN itself could clearly be seen. We manouvered onto the ILS, descending onto 24R. the decent was a little turbulent, but nothing major. We came in for a smooth touchdown on 24R, and turned off opposite the viewing park. We were followed in by a Monarch A320 and AA 757 from Boston. We taxied past a PIA 747 (AP-BFX) which was waiting for a stand, and towards T2. We took the back route past all the remote stands, and I assumed this was to give way to an aircraft pushing back. However, we turned away from the main building and onto stand 219 - furthest away from the terminal.
<IMG SRC="http://www.atomic-album.com/showPic.php/23004/MAN.jpg">
(The window was very dirty!)
This did have one advantage however - we were disembarked by bus (after waiting 10 mintes for busses and airstairs!), and got taken the length of T2 behind all the aircraft! sadly, photos impossible
. Back into T2, passport control a breeze, no bags to claim, straight to the car park pay station and onto the bus - home by 1015.An interesting few days. Overall, BWIA were OK. The food and service were excellent, but the interior of the aircraft were tatty and in need of repair. The IFE requires some serious maintenance - at least if the had projector screens or drop dows every few rows everyone would have been able to see the movies rather than just the ones with working IFE sets. In future I suspect I'd take VS and go via LGW, however I didn't have much choice in this flight as it was such short notice!
? 
