THE FLIGHT: The 90-minute flight from London Heathrow to Vienna was flown by an Airbus A319. I sat in seat 6B in Economy. This is the slightly smaller version of Airbus’ A320 jetliner with the same single aisle fuselage. I returned in Business Class on a mid-morning flight in seat 1F. Unfortunately the flight was delayed by 90 minutes due to a technical fault.
THE CHECK-IN: bmi has a central check-in area at London Heathrow's Terminal 1
which was welcoming and efficient on a quiet Sunday afternoon.
THE lounge: We were given access to bmi's Great British Lounge which opened 12 months ago. There is a 'kitchen-style' buffet area complete with black Agas; a long wooden 'lunch' table; a hotel lounge area;
a business area with internet access; and a large windowed area with reclining seats overlooking the runway. The effect was a great sense of space with mood lighting to suit the time of day. The Business lounge at Vienna is shared with Austrian Airlines.
THE seat: The Economy cabin is configured 3x3 and the dark grey seat is perfectly adequate for short-haul flights, with an approximate three-inch seat recline.
THE service: In Economy class I was served pre-wrapped sandwiches and hot and cold drinks from the trolley. The meal in Business class on the return leg was considerably more lavish.
THE arrival: Vienna Airport was busy on arrival and we parked well away from the terminal and were transported in by bus.
THE verdict: All you need for a short flight, with friendly and efficient crew. Just a shame that the return journey was delayed.
THE DETAILS: bmi flies twice daily between London Heathrow and Vienna. Flights are from £99 return in Economy (£581.10 in Business), including taxes. Passengers
enjoy full service benefits such as free checked baggage to a total weight of 20kg (30kg in Business), allocated seating, complimentary food and a full bar service throughout the day. See: www.flybmi.com. Jo Austin
