PatJordan - 07/02/2011 07:07 GMT
DUB-LHR-DUB.
I took advantage of BMI's low fares to visit family in London. The on-line booking process is simple to follow, though it can take the BMI site a while to open. Because I had availed of low fares, seat selection is not available until check-in.
Online check in is available from 24 hours prior to departure, and at this stage, you can select the number of checked in bags. BMI do not charge for baggage which is a welcome touch. I selected seats for my wife and I: row 13 was the most forward available, which let me to think that the aircraft would be a two class plane redeployed to the DUB-LHR route.
We used the DAA Blue car park which is easily accessed from the M50, and a very reasonable 5.50euro per day when booked on line. If only DAA used some of their revenue to fill some of the many potholes which become pools in wet weather.
There was no queue at the BMI bag drop off desk, and we were swiftly dealt with by a very helpful lady.
This particular morning, Dublin airport was very quiet and we were through security within a few minues. However, there seemed to be a heaitng problem as the airport was freezing!
The BMI lounge is beside the main shopping area and a short walk from the departure gates. Sadly on this occasion the lack of heating extended to the lounge which was like an icebox. The unfortunate lady working there had an overcoat and scarf to try and keep warm. It is inexcusable that Dublin Airport impose charges on pax and expect them to freeze.
The 0830 hours flight boarded on time and the aircraft was virtually full. As expected, it was a two class A320. Seats were blue leather and the aircraft was immaculate. Cabin crew were friendly, and just before 0830, the captain announced a delay to 0915 on foot of the heavy winds. The business cabin is 2-2 and economy 3-3. Despite the C seats, the pax there had to make do with economy plus service (warm sandwich and drink). Economy pax have to make to with (good) coffee and a biscuit or chocolate bar.. I always felt that stopping the sale of sandwiched to economy pax was a backward move and loss of revenue. (This is my opinion, I am unaware of the costs involved).
We pushed back at about 0910 and were airborne shortly afterwards. The captain later let us know that we would be landing at approximately 1010. At it happened we were still circling Heathrow at 1030, but this was beyond anyone's control. We touched down just before 1040 and were on stand within 5 minutes.
There was only a short wait for baggage to arrive.
Returning, we had checked in online the previous evening and proceeded to the BMI premium check in area (taking advantage of my DC Gold status). A very friendly lady checked in our bags, and even enquired if we know where the BMI lounge was situated. A nice touch indeed.
Having some time to spare, we had lunch at Wetherspoons (under £9 for a roast lunch!) and proceded airside.
There were few people in T1, and we were airside in less than 5 minutes.
Again, taking advantage of my DC Gold card, we visited the Star Alliance lounge. This is a former BA lounge, and is very big with a variety of seating types. Eagle eyed pax will note that the showers retain the BA logo!
There is a good range of food : always hot soup, a rice and curry type dish (chilli today), sandwiched, salads, fruit, hot savoury snacks...there is virtually a full meal available here. There is a good range of soft and alcoholic drinks on offer:I enjoyed a (couple of) glasses of Zinfadel.
Our flight was scheduled for 1750, and about 1600, I received a sms from BAA's excellent service (flight messenger) informing me of a 25 minute delay.
We proceeded to the BMI lounge as it is nearer the departure gates. This has been recently refurbished. As I have previously written about this very pleasant lounge so will refrain from too much detail here. There was a new range of cakes on offer, which were delicious, but not too good for the waistline!
The lounge staff kept pax well informed of delays, and out flight was called about 6.10pm. This allows just the right amount of time to walk to the departure gates and be one of the last to board, thus minimising the time sitting on the aircraft.
This was an A319 with all economy seating (3-3). The first 4 rows were reserved for economy plus pax: there were only 2, and the remaining economy cabin was almost full. The seats were upholstered in the new brown colurs.
The captain apologised for the delay, and quickly pushed back. The cabin crew gave a very good safety demonstration, as we taxied towards the runway. At this point I fell asleep and did not awake until we touched down in Dublin at approx 1940.
Bagage took about 15 minutes to arrive on the belt, and despite being marked "priority" ours were almost last to appear.
The delays on both flights were a little annoying, but not that much so. As always, BMI offer a very good service for a reasonable price. I personally would love to see business class reappear on this route (particularly the morning flight when the cooked breakfast was so welcome), but needs must.
Overall a very pleasant return trip and excellent value at less than 100euro return each.
