I love travelling from London City Airport, the closest one
to central London, as it is so easy to get to. Once you are there, you walk
through the door and approach the BA check-in desk and there is always somebody
to give you a warm and welcoming smile.
Not having the time to check-in on line I handed my luggage
and passport over to this very friendly lady. I told her it was always a
pleasure to travel BA from this airport. It is a much nicer atmosphere than
many others in the UK. You feel as if you are a valued passenger.
“We are a small team so we all know each other and get on well,” she said. “I like my job
and the people I meet. I want them to feel taken care of from the minute they
arrive here.”
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| Prague Courtesy of BA |
It seems every other BA CityFlyer worker adopts this
mentality. This is what makes travelling with British Airways, operated by BA CityFlye, such a lovely experience. The
crew, too, often work with the same people and the camaraderie comes shining
through.
Since BA CityFlyer was founded over 10 years ago, it,
reportedly, has quadrupled its customer base. Focusing on business travel, it
has expanded into the leisure market attracting a new customer base. When you
provide good service, something so rare these days, people talk.
Once I had a flight which was delayed from this airport. The
agents dealt with it swiftly, providing
information and giving out vouchers for snacks. When something goes wrong, it
is how you put it right that makes you stand out from the crowd. And this
airline does.
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| Flying with BA from London City |
I was going to Prague, a new route for BA from this airport.
Going through security was a breeze. The lounge has plenty of coffee shops and
restaurants to choose from and there is a good selection in the duty free
should you want it.
My flight departed on time and arrived slightly early which
was a bonus. Boarding was civilised. The cabin crew on both the inbound and
outbound flight worked diligently and were extremely attentive.
I flew Business Class so seating was spacious. However, I
have flown economy with BA CityFlyer and found the seats comfy with plenty of
space and the crew just as efficient. (BA is still serving drinks and a snack
in economy on flights from this airport.)
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| Charles Bridge, Prague Courtesy of British Airways |
The hour-and-a-half flight went quickly. Hot towels were
handed out just after take-off. Menus were also given which was a nice touch on
such a short flight.
I enjoyed a lovely gravlax salad accompanied by a glass of
champagne and good quality
coffee to follow.
BA CityFlyer mostly uses Embraer 170 aircraft on domestic
and European routes. It offers a slick professional service and good value for
money. Cabins are clean and tidy. I am told that even with short turnaround
times, cleaners always come on board. I recently flew TAP and Icelandair and
was appalled by how dirty the tables were.
With more European routes such as Prague and Reykjavik
(winter only) and Paris Orly added to the schedule this airline should be top
of your list. It puts other airlines operating to Europe to shame.
By Daralyn Danns
British Airways flies from London City to Prague Monday to Friday leaving in the morning and Sunday in the afternoon
Basic fares
are available from £70 each way (based on a return journey), for a basic
fare (with hand baggage only)
and are available to book on ba.com/londoncity
(In addition BA has services from Heathrow with connections
also available from across the UK and Ireland.)
Club Europe fares include a generous baggage allowance,
complimentary refreshments and drinks on board and no debit card charges
Customers have a quick and easy journey through the
Docklands airport, with hand baggage it takes just 15 minutes to get from
kerbside to airside. (It did not take me much longer to get airside despite
having luggage to check in.) On arrival in London City I was out in
approximately the same amount of time
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