Reality Check
REALITY CHECK
FLIGHTS / HOTELS / APARTMENTS / CAR HIRE / TRAIN JOURNEYS / CHAUFFEUR / PARKING
➔ FLIGHT DELTA, BUSINESS ELITE
THE FLIGHT: From Miami to London Heathrow in Delta's BusinessElite cabin, departing at 7.40pm and operated by a Boeing B767-400ER. THE CHECK-IN: There were no queues at the dedicated check-in for all SkyTeam members for this overnight flight and passport control was similarly empty. THE LOUNGE: This facility on the fourth floor is a calm and contemporary space, awash with beige leather seating and loads of natural light. There are toilets and showers, an elegant bar in one corner, plenty of refreshments and snacks and wifi access throughout. The only thing it lacked was the facility to have a full meal in order to maximise sleeping time in the air. THE SEAT: I was welcomed and directed to my seat and offerings of Champagne or orange juice arrived soon after. Delta’s BusinessElite cabin comprises seats in open configuration of 1-2-1, with flatbed seats, pillow, blanket, a good selection of goodies in the amenity kit, a flexible reading light at shoulder level, a power point just underneath and a table that’s a little tricky to pull out. Seat controls are easy and well lit. My only complaint is that the foot support doesn’t extend unless the seat is fully reclined.
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THE SERVICE: Lots of attentive service, including staff checking that I could pull and slide out the table, but it’s soon to be replaced with an easier-to-use, ‘pop-up’ version. Food service began quickly and was good, with vegetable soup, warm bread rolls, a crunchy salad and hearty pasta all served in white china. I eschewed the ice cream sundae, crème brulee and cheese on the dessert menu. I managed five and a half hours sleep and awoke to a breakfast service that was well underway. I opted for fresh fruit and juice rather than the cooked options. I hadn’t used the AVOD in-flight entertainment system but
on the outbound sector found it easy to use and with ample contemporary offerings. THE VERDICT: Despite a short delay in take-off, it was a pleasant and comfortable flight overseen by a competent, friendly and approachable crew. Being able to sleep on a flat bed was key on this overnight sector. THE DETAILS: Delta’s direct London-Miami flight was dropped mid-April, but the same flatbed is on Delta’s direct flights to Atlanta ex-Heathrow, which connect to Miami. A return business fare is £1,983.99 including taxes. Tel: 0871 22 11 222;
www.delta.com. GILLIAN UPTON
➔ SERVICE HEATHROW BY INVITATION
THE SERVICE: An expedited, all-frills, highly personalised and secure service that whisks travellers through a private facility at Heathrow and straight out to the tarmac and the waiting aircraft. Eligibility for Heathrow by Invitation is to holders of business or first class tickets. THE CHECK-IN: The unprepossessing entrance off the Western Perimeter Road at Heathrow gives no indication of what’s to come once you get through security barriers and pull up outside the Windsor Suite on one corner of T5. There is a kerbside drop-off (and pick up) and, magically, my personal VIP host appeared, addressing me by name. My luggage and passport were taken and I was guided a few steps into the comfort of a private lounge. THE FACILITIES: The lounge – which is available for up to three hours – is one of several individual private rooms and is akin to a top-end hotel suite minus the bed. Awash in neutral tones and high-spec fittings and fixtures, it has comfy sofas, coffee table, flatscreen TV, oversize mirror, newspapers, telephone, free wifi, luxurious bathroom and shower room, elegant floral arrangements and a staff member to take orders for refreshments, including alcoholic
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drinks. There is also a private suite for meetings for up to six people (including non-flyers), prior to boarding. I was informed of the time we had to leave the lounge in order to reach T4 in time and when that time came, the normal lengthy and arduous airport security checks are dealt with seamlessly. Directly outside the lounge is your very own security check and passport control, with no queues and friendly staff. A door on the other side leads to a waiting limo and your own personal chauffeur which, in my case, took us on a meandering route to T4 behind another limo. I was deposited close to the aircraft and after one final passport check I joined the last section of the airbridge and boarded the flight. Depending on whether or not your aircraft is loading from a pier or from steps, the driver will deliver you to the most convenient point. On the inbound journey, arriving bags are collected and delivered to the VIP passengers. THE VERDICT: This is how royalty, celebrities, heads of state and bluechip company bosses avoid the paparazzi and the stress of travelling through an airport, and it certainly ticks all the boxes. It’s like a private jet experience but flying on a
scheduled airline. Yes, it comes with a sting but if you’re a Saudi prince or the head of a bluechip company I guess it doesn’t matter. THE DETAILS: The one-way cost of the service is £1,500 (+VAT) but this is for up to six passengers travelling together. Tel: 020 8757 2223. See:
www.heathrow.com/vip. GILLIAN UPTON
106 THE BUSINESS TRAVEL MAGAZINE
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