British Airways (London Gatwick to Geneva), BUSINESS CLASS, BOEING 737-400

British Airways tailfin: Copyright Navjot Singh

British Airways is the national flag carrier of the United Kingdom, and operates full international and domestic scheduled air services for the carriage of passengers, freight and mail and the provision of ancillary services. British Airways operates to 148 destinations around the world with a fleet of 245 aircraft. British Airways are one of the world’s leading scheduled premium international airlines. Their main principal place of business is Heathrow, one of the world’s premier airport locations, which serves a large geographical area with a comparatively high proportion of point-to-point business. Operating one of the most extensive international scheduled airline route networks, together with our cod eshare and franchise partners, British Airways flies to more than 300 destinations worldwide.

Route: London Gatwick to Geneva 

Departure date and time of flight: 17.30pm on the 9th March 2008

Flight Number: BA736

Flight duration: 1h 35m

Class: Business Class

Aircraft type: Boeing 737-400 

Punctuality of the flight:

The flight departed on time from a rather unusually quite Gatwick Airport, and arrived around 10 minutes early into the normally very quite Geneva Airport. There were no delays, and the weather was perfect on the way.

Any baggage issues:

No issues- the bags arrived on time and in one piece.

Comments on the check- in staff and any issues: 

I usually find it much easier to check-in at Gatwick without any hassle at all. There was no queue. The staff were very polite and professional.

Comments regarding the pre-meal service:

Choice of various hot and cold drinks. Champagne was also offered along with caviar.

Comments regarding the first meal: 

For dinner the main course consisted of honey roasted ham with boiled potato salad and a cheese & onion quiche. All of this was accompanied with fresh olives, and sprinkled with some fine black pepper and lemon juice. Mustard was available as an option with the ham.  

To accompany the main dish the air hostess brought along a basket with a selection of breads- I went for the sunflower seed decorated roasted bun. Fresh water was provided by “Harrogate Spa”. To top it all up was a lovely chocolate cheese cake for desert- again very fresh and delicious.

Comments regarding the drinks service:

A second round of drinks were offered after the meal- this also consisted of wine and champagne.

Comments regarding the in-flight snacks (if any):

Though a short flight, passengers in Business Class were open to go to the galley and choose from a selection of fine cheese slices, roasted bread and a selection of drinks.

Comments of professionalism of the cabin crew:

The cabin crew were very professional and polite. The flight (including Economy Class) was almost empty. Just a normal flight, without any incidents.

Improvements that could be made: 

This was a great flight, and on such a short flight, it is difficult to find any faults. Everything was just fine.

Comments on the interior of the aircraft (including seat comfort): 

The 737-400/500 series of aircraft are used by British Airways for their short to medium haul routes within Europe. The aircraft is used from both Gatwick and Heathrow. The interior is a standard 3-3 for Economy and 2-2 configuration for Business Class passengers. The Business and Economy Class seats are all leather in navy blue colour (typical of the signature for British Airways).

Overall rating 1-10 (worst-best):10

British Airways service in Business Class consists of complimentary Champagne: Copyright Navjot Singh

British Airways Gatwick to Geneva 9th March 2008: Copyright Navjot Singh