British Airways 2708 (Gatwick to Barcelona)

Departing England and traveling to Spain, I took British Airways flight 2708. This was done aboard an Airbus 319.

British Airways Airbus 319 at Gatwick Gate 101.

British Airways Airbus 319 at Gatwick Gate 101.

Seating is cramped to say the least. Although designated “business class” the seats are actually coach seats with the center seat not sold and armrests that move a few inches to the side. In terms of leg room, well, look at the photo:

Cramped seating in "business class" aboard British Airways 2708, Airbus 319.

Cramped seating in “business class” aboard British Airways 2708, Airbus 319.

Here’s a profile look at the seating arrangement:

Business class seat spacing aboard British Airways Flight 2708.

Business class seat spacing aboard British Airways Flight 2708.

The flight proceeded quite smoothly, with this meal served:

Meal served in "business class" aboard British Airways Flight 2708.

Meal served in “business class” aboard British Airways Flight 2708.

Cabin staff was generally friendly and helpful, but it is a difficult situation considering the cramped nature of the seating, spartan meal, and parade from coach to the lavatory. And here’s the view on approach to Barcelona, Spain.

View of Spanish coast on approach to Barcelona Airport from British Airways Flight 2708.

View of Spanish coast on approach to Barcelona Airport from British Airways Flight 2708.

Thankfully, this was a relatively short flight, and Spain is a wonderful country to visit.

British Airways Lounge, Gatwick Airport

British Airways operates a very pleasant lounge at Gatwick Airport. Here you can relax, do some business, and have a snack. As per my usual habit, let’s start with the snacks as I found them one recent morning. There’s a sort of breakfast bar that you see here:

Breakfast foods at the British Airways Lounge, Gatwick Airport.

Breakfast foods at the British Airways Lounge, Gatwick Airport.

At another counter there was a selection of breakfast pastry shown in the next photo.

Breakfast pastry in the British Airways Lounge, Gatwick Airport.

Breakfast pastry in the British Airways Lounge, Gatwick Airport.

Then there was the well-stocked and help-yourself bar shown here:

Bar at British Airways Lounge, Gatwick Airport.

Bar at British Airways Lounge, Gatwick Airport.

If you prefer coffee or tea, simply make your selection at one of these machines:

 

Coffee and tea makers in the British Airways Lounge, Gatwick Airport.

Coffee and tea makers in the British Airways Lounge, Gatwick Airport.

Additionally, you’ll find a nice selection of beer and soft drinks in coolers:

Beer and soft drinks at the British Airways Lounge, Gatwick Airport.

Beer and soft drinks at the British Airways Lounge, Gatwick Airport.

Finally, and on a more serious note, there are computers and a copy machine for those who need to get a bit of work done or connect with the outside world.

Computer stations at the British Airways Lounge, Gatwick Airport.

Computer stations at the British Airways Lounge, Gatwick Airport.

A well run lounge like this makes travel much easier and enjoyable. Avail yourself of such facilities at every opportunity.

Scenic Airport Approaches

The Daily Telegraph news paper of Britain recently published a photo essay of the most scenicl airport approaches according to their readers. Here is the link:

 

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/activityandadventure/9836487/The-worlds-most-scenic-airport-approaches.html?frame=2466030

 

My favorite island, Aruba, made the list and the description is very accurate. Looking forward to flying there and enjoying the view one more time. Check out the link to enjoy the photos.

Published in: on May 16, 2014 at 1:13 am  Leave a Comment  
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4 minute flight to Aruba

Want to fly to Aruba? Well, join me on this two-legged flight from Philadelphia International Airport, with a stop in Miami, landing in Aruba. You’ll be there in less than four minutes. Here’s the video to prove it.

Both flights were excellent. Cheerful cabin staff, good food, great landings, all you need to have a pleasant trip. My thanks to American Airlines for getting me there safely, on time, and in style. Bon dia!