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I always enjoy flying at this time of year, what with Bonfires and fireworks galore.
Tonight I have engineered a flight once night falls, and a nice window seat to boot, so I hope it is clear and I get a good view – much more cosy sitting at 35,000 feet and sipping a Vodka Cranberry than having to freeze in one's garden or a muddy Park.
If you want fireworks, good alcohol and warmer weather then how about New Years in Rio ??
I've never planned it, but the times I've flown back in to LHR during the weeks leading up to Nov 5 (and for a while afterwards) it has been worth seeing.
I've never caught a major fireworks display on the way in, more of the backgarden variety, but it certainly gives you a fresh - and unusual - perspective on the displays.
You also get to sit down, though usually since you are on the approach the drinks have been packed away.
I feel the same way sometimes when flying long haul, and I wake in the night, and raise the blind a little bit (not enough to wake anyone) to see the first rays of a dawn somewhere over goodness knows where.
You didn't ask for it, but it's been given to you.
Life's all about enjoying the moment.
Indeed.
Quite a bit of cloud at 4,000ft, but the approach into London Airport over Buckingham Palace was superb. Splendid almost full moon above the cloud, and some superb shows as we descended into land.
The Purser is normally more than happy to oblige with a clear plastic cup, which is entirely legal to keep with you on approach.
I'm with Vintage Krug and viking01 on this one. I took off from Gatwick about 7.00 last night and the good citizens of Surrey had obligingly prepared bonfires and fireworks for us. Although a 'Fireworks' (4 oz Champagne, 1/3 oz Gin, 1/2 oz Tangerine Schnapps, twist of orange) might be a more apt choice of drink. Very warming in a cold field or a slightly too air-conditioned Galleries lounge.
I also flew back in over London last night - the fireworks and view of the Gherkin, the London Eye and Big Ben were beautiful. I am with you, Vintage, on this one.
It has been a year or two since I flew on 5th November, but I remember the last time which must have been three years ago. It was a crisp clear night and flying back from MAN to LHR, the view of the fireworks was great.
Most definately a different perspective.
I flew back into LHR last night as well and saw quite a few firework displays. I was surprised how 'low' they looked from the sky.
Guy Fawkes night has nothing on Diwalli. I work in the control tower at Heathrow and it is a beautiful sight. So many more fireworks than the 5th November.
This is my first post on here. Love reading this site. Don't ruin it with silly nonsense boys and girls
Welcome RogerVictor,
glad to see someone new with something sensible to say. I hope you will post again in the future if you read something that you think worth commenting on or you feel that from your professional point of view would be of interest to us frequent flyers.
Cheers,
Jonathan
I flew in on SQ's A380 in a business suite this evening from SIN - LHR.
Most of the fires were still blazing round the city, & hundreds of firework displays, & with a few circles, clear skies, it was fun even a fluke for me to be up there. But with a few days as well as weekend, its common to see each year now. Wouldn't buy a ticket, but when it is co-incidental,a pleasant treat.
Hi everyone !!
VK you know I am not a fan of yours !! But regarding your comments here---it is just okay. So I do not understand why Golfpro attack you like that ! I know and you know that you can really stimulate someone to comment against you--but here--as far as my personal judgement--you are fairly normal. So the comment about being " fruitcake "--is definitely inappropriate-Golfpro !!
We have some weird experiences and attitudes towards somethings in our travel life--so we are just normal travellers then !!
By the way--I experienced the Guy Fawkes on the air once--even I think it was great to see all the bonfires from high above--alright then !!--count me weird to this topic !!
Hess
As requested, I've moderated this forum.
As a journalist, I'm all for free speech, but can we keep things respectful, not hurt one another's feelings and remember ultimately that we are trying to give the many people who read the forum (the majority of whom never post) useful information.
Many thanks
Tom Otley
BA now soliciting pics:
It's Guy Fawkes Night tomorrow, if you're flying over the UK and see any firework displays, tweet us your picture when you land with the hashtag
#BA5Nov
You can also follow us at:
http://twitter.com/british_airways
I like your way of thinking VK. Rather like my thoughts on skiing. Sitting cosily in the bar or the terrace of a great hotel, drinking Champagne whilst watching the hordes freezing their b**'s and breaking their legs. Never been fond of ice unless cooling my drinks!
The most impressive "bonfires" I've ever seen were when flying into Kuwait a day or two after the Iraqis had fled and seeing all the oilfields alight. As unfortunate as it was, it's a sight that will remain firmly etched in my mind.
If anyone is fortuante enough to be in Orlando, some of the best aerial firework views can be had by taking a "flying lesson/trial flight" at night out of Kissimmee or Orlando Excecutive and flying near or around the the theme parks around 10 (ish) subject to local ATC rules etc
Instructor + student + 2 in the back, it will work out far cheaper and far better than one of the 5 minute helicotper flights.
Well it had to happen, I agree with VK too. Much better to enjoy displays from the warm with a tasty beverage. I often muse on the fact that many countries such as the US choose to enjoy their fireworks in the summer when it is warm whilst the English and the CHinese (with New Year) prefer to build character by standing outside in the freezing cold and precipitation of the colder months
As Guy Fawkes means preserving the Monarchy to some and defeating the Catholics to others, may be moving the fireworks celebration ot the Sovereign's Official Birthday in June mught preserve the positive aspects, remove the negative and ensure a warmer if not drier nigth for fireworks in UK?
Fireworks are surely about the beauty of the lights, the warmth of the experience and the smell of the "explosion". (FlyingChinaman, stay off this thread please!!!!)
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