The FLIGHT: BA0289 from London Heathrow to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (Arizona). Boeing 747-400, with 3x4x3 configuration in World Traveller (Economy). Flight time was ten hours and 20 minutes.
The CHECK-IN: Check-in at Terminal 4 took about an hour, although there was a self-check-in kiosk option. Several US-bound BA flights were leaving at the same time, which lead to a lot of queue jumping and panic from some passengers.
The SEAT: The 31-inch pitch and 17.5-inch width didn’t feel particularly cramped, although meal times were challenging. Seats D and G in rows 41-49 have much less foot room due to an entertainment equipment box.
The SERVICE: We were offered a headset and handed immigration forms before take off. The drinks trolley appeared an hour after take off and made a second appearance 45 minutes later. A party of 20 passengers in close proximity to me took such a shine to the free red wine that within a couple of hours the whole group was banned from ordering alcohol – and, presumably by association of my seat number, so was I.
The ENTERTAINMENT: The AVOD system offered a choice of 24 ‘new’ movies, a similar number from the ‘movie library’, a choice of 60 TV channels and more than 60 albums. I was in the middle of a movie when, after complaints from passengers whose screens were blank, the system was rebooted – my 6.3-inch video screen never worked again.
The ARRIVAL: Only five of the 20 or so immigration desks were manned and it took 45 minutes before I reached one of them.
The verdict: For a packed flight, and thus fairly demanding shift, the in-flight crew coped efficiently and pleasantly. This was an Economy flight that delivered on all the basics without offering anything extra to ensure the experience will linger awhile in the memory.
The details: BA operates a daily service (except Wednesdays) from Heathrow to Phoenix. Fares from £214, including all taxes. www.britishairways.com Steve Hartridge
