BOS-LGW, just before route cancellation

We've taken a few shorter trips since Thanksgiving: Raleigh-Durham (Christmas), Cleveland (New Year's), Philadelphia (webfare), Washington DC (Shuttle triple miles promo). But we haven't taken a good long trip in a good, long time. We began negotiations for a long trip in late February and agreed upon London, for the weekend of March 28-31 (one of our patented "mad weekend in ..." a la Brussels and Tokyo). Alas, Circumstances got in the way, and we had to reschedule the trip.

Our rescheduled itinerary was:

22 May DL 60 dep BOS 1820 arr LGW 0550+1 767-300ER 4F&G

29 May DL 61 dep LGW 1310 arr BOS 1550 767-300ER 11F&G

22 May I'd been working my way up to this trip as usual: schedule shifting (albeit without my usual jet lag diet!). I woke up at 0400 on the day of departure with a full day ahead of me. By the time I got back home and hubby and I piled in a cab for the airport. We arrived at Logan very early, but that's not such a bad thing.

The first thing we noticed was the new ticket counter configuration. Continental has taken over the former DelEx counter. Swiss has moved over next to them. Delta's Medallion/BizElite/First Class line is now in the old Swiss side. Unfortunately, we didn't know that ahead of time, so we walked to where we thought the line was. The line was very long, even with five agents serving it. The usual set of moronic lateshowers were in front of us. Some of them had flights leaving Logan at 1630 or 1700, and at 1600 they were standing in line like sheep (baa).

We checked our one bag and did a bit of a walk around the terminal. While the ticket desk configuration changed, not much of the terminal did; In other words, there wasn't much to see. Instead, we chose to go down into security. My goodness. Even though we used the priority line (which is marked as priority for both DL and CO elites. Unfortunately, that priority line didn't get us into a priority/separate x-ray machine. We had to push along with all of the same morons who were late for their flights.

Through security (and neither of us were selected for secondary screening), we wended our way to the Crown Room, which was pretty busy. We found our way to one of the web terminals. Ugh, I forgot that Delta actually still uses modems on these terminals. I hate modems, they should be banned (yeah yeah, I'm a snob).

We hung out in the Crown Room until about 1740 when we went out to the gate. The flight was due to depart from gate 28, conveniently adjacent to the Crown Room. We didn't even have to stand and wait, for when we emerged from the Crown Room, people were already going on board. We followed them right on board and settled in our assigned seats, 4F&G.

Each seat had a bottle of water (Delta labelled), along with the amenity kits. The outbound amenity kits were very odd: brown cloth bag filled with brown tinted items (the usual toothbrush, eyeshade, socks, etc). A flight attendant came by and whisked away our jackets and offered us OJ, champagne, or mimosa. I said "no thanks" to all three; hubby had OJ. The FA then came around and passed out menus (I like the new booklet size). Newspapers followed. I took a Financial Times ("nobody ever wants the Financial Times" said the FA).

DL61 sch dep BOS 1820, actual 1833. sch arr LGW 0550+1, actual 0550+1
767-300ER, N192DN, 8FA's (4C, 4Y), seats 4F&G

The door was shut at 1820 and we pushed at 1833 (only a 13 minute difference; pretty good for BOS). I settled into my seat along with my pillow and blanket. I worked damned hard to see that I could get as much sleep as I could on this flight. I hate leaving the east coast so early (1820); even a flight just an hour later would be more palatable (and arrive into London at a more palatable hour as well!). Who says these seats are too narrow, anyways? I found them plenty wide enough.

I've not been on many flights recently, but it seems that Delta is showing the safety video not just in English but also in Spanish. Does that have to do with their alliance with AeroMexico (and if so, why not also show it in French, Italian, Czech, and Korean)? The English language video was the same old same old; honestly, it's time for a new video.

As we were taxiing along, the cockpit crew came on the PA to announce that flying time was 5h45m (ugh - short!), and we'd cruise at 31000 feet. During the taxi, the FA came around to take meal orders. Another FA followed her and passed out landing cards. "British or US?" she asked. "Both!" I responded. That made her think (I was nice and said "I don't need one"). Technically, it's not just Britain, but anybody in posession of a European Union passport (like hubby).

On the taxi to the active runway I spotted an Alitalia MD-11 (what happened to their 767?), a Swiss A330, Alaska Air 737 (Jimi Hendrix colours), and N64EZ, a small turboprop with two engines mounted on a high wing (which landings.com says is a Rockwell Commander 690B).

We took off from runway 22L at 1902 after a lengthy taxi (29 minutes, I guess not too bad for Logan, it just seemed to go on forever). As soon as we reached a safe cruising altitude, I unbundled my blanket, got out my pillow, and hit the "sleep" button on my seat. Hubby prepared for his meal (he ordered the soup, see below for menu choices).

The captain came on with the usual post-departure prattle. We'd be cruising at 31000 feet and had an ETA of 0545 BST (eugh). He promised a smooth flight (which didn't turn out to be the case). Thankfully, that was the last we heard of the captain. Instead, the FAs took over and service soon began.

Menu (B/C-A ATL/BOS-LGW)

Salad
Red Leaf Lettuce and Escarole with Feta Cheese, Tomatoes and Kalamata Olives, offered with Tomato Basil Vinaigrette or Parmesan Peppercorn Ranch Dressing.

Assorted Breads and Butter
(I don't know what kind they had)

Entrees

* Roasted Beef Tenderloin with Madeira Shiitake Mushroom Sauce, accompanied by Celery Root and Herb Mashed Potatoes, julienned Roma Tomato and Sugar Snap Peas

* Regional Cuisine: This month we are pleased to feature a culinary selection from the Pacific Rim. Marinated, grilled Mahi Mahi enhanced by Ginger Soy Sauce, served with a medley of Jasmine Rice, Asparagus and Squash

* Farfalle Pasta complemented by roasted Red Pepper Cream, tossed with Green Beans, Corn and Leeks. Smoked Turkey Pesto Sausage may be added to this Entree

* Hearty Southwest Chicken Soup garnished with Green Pepper Salsa

Fruit and Cheese

Dessert
All Natural Vanilla Ice Cream Sundae with your choice of Chocolate, Caramel and Blackberry Sauces, Whipped Cream and chopped Nuts, garnished with a Pirouline Cookie

Breakfast
Fresh Fruit (pineapple, strawberries)

Breakfast Breads (bagels, croissants) with Butter, Cream Cheese, and Preserves

Please choose one of the Following

* Kellogg's Cereal served with Milk

* Scrambled Egg Crepe with Asparagus and Red Bell Pepper, offered with Chicken Apple Sausage and roasted Potatoes

I'm pretty good at falling asleep on planes. My parents used to joke that all they had to do to make me fall asleep was put me on a 747 (they later amended this to include ANY jet plane, as it seems when I was younger the only plane I didn't sleep on was the first flight I ever took, on a HS-748). I'd done everything right to fall asleep early (I have great sleep hygeine): shifted my schedule, eaten an early dinner (pre-flight), wore comfortable non-constricting clothes, had eyeshade, earplugs, etc.

Except it wasn't to be. In the row immediately behind me (seats 5F&G) were two of the loudest guys I ever had the "pleasure" of flying with. They would not shut up. And their voices were of the loud booming type. Even with my earplugs in, I could hear everything they said (undoubtedly because of my seat being reclined into the sleep position). This state of affairs really really upset me.

Hubby suggested I put airline headphones on over my earplugs. That was a great idea, except the crew was having trouble with the entertainment system. Eventually they got it figured out and I searched for a channel that was not obnoxious. I eventually found one, and did manage to get some sleep, although not as much as I wanted. :-(

About 90 minutes before landing, the crew turned the lights on. I got up and hit the lav, but I missed the hot towel service in the meantime. I went and found an FA who would give me one, because I really needed the refreshment. Shortly after, a different FA came around and offered me OJ (no thanks), and then brought my breakfast tray. Yum! Cereal and milk and fruit - just what I wanted.

We began descent at the insane hour of 0508 BST. The captain rang final at 0530 and we touched down on LGW's sole runway at 0544. For whatever reason, this flight didn't rate a gate, so we taxied into airstand 134 at 0550.

Fresh air was just what I needed, actually, so I didn't mind the walk down the airstairs and onto the bus. I remembered from somewhere that LGW's buses were LIFO (Last In First Out), so I made sure that hubby and I were positioned strategically near the door. I didn't want to sit any longer, so standing didn't bug me.

We pulled up to the arrivals door and were not the first ones off the bus. We were the first up the escalator (passing everybody else) and definitely the first through passport control. Most of the passengers on the plane held American passports and had to go and stand with all of the evil furriners. Hubby and I had our EU passports open to the correct page. We barely paused on our way past the nice woman checking passports.

Downstairs and over to the baggage belt (previously identified as belt 3). Once again, the Delta Priority tag didn't help our bag arrive any sooner (although it did seem that most of the bags which came out first did have the Priority tag). It did arrive pretty quickly and we were off and through HM Customs (green channel, no officers present).

First stop: the arrivals lounge. Even though the crew did not announce the arrivals lounge, we'd read about it on FlyerTalk (and my Delta Guardian Angel confirmed its existance). Christopher had a recollection that it was in the Le Meridien, but just to be sure, we asked at the Delta ticket desk on the departures level. They assured us that's where it was, so off we went.

The arrivals lounge is in the Le Meridien, and was staffed by a very nice woman. She checked our boarding passes (I know we can get in on a BizElite ticket, I'm not sure if we could if we were SkyTeam Elite or SkyTeam ElitePlus travelling in coach or not). "Would you like to have a shower?". She said the magic words. Definitely, positively, you bet. I felt much more human after the shower. Only one other passenger from our flight made it to the lounge. The agent was very chatty, and said that very recently, the loads on DL60/61 had been very good. She hoped the flight would return (me too, but I'm not counting on it). The agent, like almost every other Delta employee we've dealt with, was terrific. She's what makes Delta worth flying.

We paused for a little bit (and ckd had a snack) and got our bearings. We'd read that some crews give out discount tickets on the Gatwick Express. Perhaps that went out the window along with the lounge announcement. In any case, since we knew we wanted Victoria (and not Kings X), we figured we'd just take the Gatwick Express rather than Connex or Thameslink. It was more expensive, but what the hell. That's what holidays are for.

While in London we visited the Houses of Parliament (got a tour from an actual MP - and he would be my MP if I still lived in England!), RAF Hendon, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, British Library, British Museum, and the Royal Army Museum. Oh, and we saw lots of family. In addition, Christopher saw the Barbican (and the video game exhibition), the Museum of London, and the Design Museum. I saw Hampton Court and Kensington Palace. I also spent alot of time inside Marks & Spencer and consumed alot of their food! Plus, we spent a sizable amount at the London Transport Museum bookshop.

Of course, the trip couldn't last forever. Wednesday May 29 found us back on the 0945 Gatwick Express from Victoria. The ticketing level at Gatwick was almost completely deserted when we arrived. Unfortunately, due to some silly policy, we had to pay an additional GBP20 each for ticket tax for our upgrades. Oh well. Tax paid, check in, and we went airside to the Crown Room.

The Crown Room is quite nice. When we arrived it was pretty full (seemingly of pax bound for ATL). Even though it was labelled Crown Room (and not a BizElite lounge), there was food: breakfast things earlier, and later, sandwiches appeared. Christopher sat and read while I did a lap around the duty free area (but didn't buy anything). I also scoped out the location of our gate, which was a long long way away.

Our flight was due to depart at 1310, and boarding had been set for 1210 (according to the agent at the check-in desk). I knew that was very very early, but had no idea how far away the gate was. At about 1210, we packed up and headed for the gate. Now I'm a fast walker, and it still took us about seven minutes to make it to the gate from the Crown Room. Obviously, the other passengers (most of who were coming from the Departures Lounge) took even longer.

It didn't matter. The gate agent announced there would be a "slight delay" as the plane had only just been towed onto stand (well, it had been there at 1115 when I was at the gate; I don't think an hour is "just", but who knows...). We hung out until boarding was called at 1240 (fully 30 minutes late).

DL60 sch dep LGW 1310, actual 1313. sch arr BOS 1550, actual 1536
767-300ER, N1201P, 8FA's (4C, 4Y), seats 11F&G

There was a door at the gate entrance, and then a hallway. From the hallway, there were four different agents checking (and ripping - wah!) boarding passes, as well as numerous security screeners. Neither hubby nor I were selected for secondary screening. We soon went on board and settled in 11F&G, the last row in the very tiny second BizElite cabin.

The efficient flight attendants came around and collected our jackets while we settled down. The amenity kit on this leg was awesome. On the way out it was a brown shoe bag (what would I do with THAT?), but on LGW-BOS it was actually a blue Delta widget (!). I don't know if it's necessarily functional, but at least it's decorative. I'm going to take it to work and put it next to my plant to add to the colour in my office.

The flight attendants came around and passed out pre-takeoff drinks. Each seat had a 250ml bottle of Evian. The FAs also passed out menus (see below) and newspapers (we'd already read the Guardian and Independent, but they had the Times and the FT, not to mention the typical USA tripe). The senior FA then came around, introduced herself to us, identified us by names, and took our meal orders. She confirmed that my special meal did make it on board (see below). Even though the flight was completely full, nobody dawdled. As a result, we were "buttoned up" at 1304 and pushed back (after a short delay for a slot - damned NATS) at 1313. We taxied over to Gatwick's (sole) runway - 26L - and took off at 1335. On the way we spotted not one but TWO TU-154s (how often does that happen outside of Eastern Europe?); one was Belavia, I don't remember who the second one belonged to. The safety video was shown, only in English (not also Spanish). Funnily enough, a CO 777 took off about three planes in front of us. The backwash from the engines was impressive on the wet runway!

After takeoff, the captain came on the PA to do his constitutional (describe the route of flight), and to say that this was one of the last LGW-BOS runs (it ended on 31 May). It's a real shame Delta couldn't make a go of this, as I really loved the route (with the exception of the absurdly early departure time from BOS and resulting horrifically early arrival time at LGW).

Then the food service began. I really appreciated seats 11F&G. Yeah, we might have gotten served a little more slowly than in 4F&G, but the cabin was very very quiet. There was a lav right behind the curtain to coach (two lavs: right by row 21, my favourite coach row on any Delta plane). Unfortunately, service was NOT FEBO (start from the Front on Even-numbered flights, Back from Odd numbered flights).

Menu (B/C-A LGW-BOS)

Salad
Romaine Lettuce, Radicchio and Itality Parsley with Artichoke Hearts, roasted Red Bell Pepper, Kalamata Olives and Parmesan Cheese, offered with Parmesan Pepeprcorn Dressing or Mustard Vinaigrette (actually "Italian" or "Blue Cheese" - handmixed on demand by the FAs).

Assorted Breads and Butter
White, Cheese, Pretzel

Entrees

* Herb-crusted Rack of Lamb presented with a Bordelaise Sauce, complemented by a roasted Potato and Vegetable Medley

* Regional Cuisine: This month we are pleased to feature a culinary selection from Provence, France Seared Tuna enhanced by Provencale Sauce, offered with Vegetable Orzo and Haricots Verts

* Raviolini Pata accented by Tomato Sauce, tossed with a Zucchini, Eggplant, Bell Pepper, Parsley and Goat Cheese Ratatouille. Grilled chicken may be added to this Entree

* Hearty and spicy Mulligatawny Soup consisting of diced Red Pepper, Onions, Carrots, sliced Apples and Curry, garnished with Cilantry Rice

Fruit and Cheese

Dessert Premium Vanilla Ice Cream Sundae with your choice of Chocolate, Caramel and Black Cherry Sauces, Whipped Cream and chopped Nuts, garnished with a Pirouline Cookie

Afternoon Refreshment

Fresh Fruit

* Turkey-Pastrami and Cheddar Cheese Sandwich on Pumpernickel Bread, offered with Herb Potato Salad

* Oriental Rotini Noodle Salad with grilled chicken, julienned Carrots and Cucumber, enhanced by Oriental Sesame Dressing

Warmed Cookies

Christopher had the Soup (which he enjoyed), while I had my special meal. After the plates were cleared, I settled down to watch a movie while Christopher read. Later, I did some puzzles (and listened to my iPod - better living through iPod :-) while Christopher relieved me of our Powerbook G4 so he could watch a movie.

Before we knew it, snack time rolled around. Christopher had the Pasta Salad. Unfortunately for me, my second special meal didn't make it on board. The FAs searched high and low (I'll give them credit for it!), but no dice. It wasn't their fault that catering failed to load the meal, and they did their best to offer me an alternative.

This is a good time for me to say how pleased I was with the crew. While the outbound crew was pleasant and helpful, the LGW-BOS crew was one of the best I've had in a long time. They were courteous, professional, cheerful, patient - you name it. Delta's front-line staff does them credit again.

After snack, the captain came on the PA to announce we'd been held up on arrival due to weather in Boston. He didn't describe what kind of weather, but with Boston, it can be clear and there can still be delays (damned NIMBYs blocking runway 14/32). The seatbelt sign was lit at 1445 (EDT) due to chop (although the FA announced "due to initial approach"). We didn't actually "nose over" until 1449. The captain rang final at 1517 and we touched down on (pre-announced) 4R at 1530.

Our taxi to terminal E was very quick: we docked at gate E3 at 1536. We were off and down the jetway (after saying goodbye and thank you to the awesome crew). Immigration was quick. Our bag took a while to come out (not just ours, everybody's!), but then we were through customs quickly and out onto the curb. Even with a 1536 landing, we were in a taxi for 1600. Unfortunately, that meant rush hour in Boston (and we had to take the Ted Williams rather than the Sumner, oh well).

All in all, a terrific trip. Delta personnel does them proud again, from the Arrivals Lounge staffwoman at LGW to the flight attendants on LGW-BOS. I'm really sorry to see this flight go. Due to a combination of circumstances, this flight was the first time we'd been on this route (mostly because I really hate LGW - as my England-residing family live much closer to BHX, and LGW is a real haul).

I want Delta to realistically serve more international destinations out of BOS. Would this route have survived without September 11? Hard to say. Will it come back after the opening of Terminal A? I hope so. Will we still be in Boston then? Also hard to say!

Next trip: SEA, later in June

On the horizon: South Pacific excursion, possibly RTW, later this year.

Back to my trip reports page

Back to my homepage