British Airways review (Gatwick to Geneva, March 2008) BUSINESS CLASS

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 code share and franchise partners, British Airways flies to more than 300 destinations worldwide.

Route: London Gatwick to Geneva 

Departure date and time of flight: 06:45am on the 23rd March 2008

Flight Number: BA724

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:

Standard- tea, coffee, orange juice, apple juice, lemonade or coca-cola, and wine. Champagne was also offered along with caviar.

Comments regarding the first meal: 

For Breakfast the main course consisted of a scrambled egg made with free range eggs, roasted tomatoes, sausage made with .pork, button mushrooms and a slice of bacon made from British pork. The meal was scrumptious. I could taste that the food was fresh. All the items were freshly made on that morning- and since this was an early morning flight out of Gatwick so that would make sense.

To accompany the main dish the air hostess brought along a basket with a selection of breads- I went for the freshly cooked hot chocolate bun. Freshly squeezed orange juice was provided. To top it all up was a nice plate of fresh fruit consisting of kiwi, strawberry, melon, orange and grapefruit was included. Orange marmalade was provided by the British firm Wilkin & Sons.

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 Scottish shortbread and biscuits, 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.

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 23rd March Gatwick to Geneva: Copyright Navjot Singh

British Airways Champagne: Copyright Navjot Singh