So initially our flight was meant to leave at 1645. About an hour before departure that was put back to 1705. At about 1640 we headed to the gate. As we arrived the first passengers from the incoming flight were coming off the airbridge. They came off in small groups and it took quite some time. Two wheel chair passengers were last. As the left a fellow on his own mobility scooter headed to the gate agent calling his wife after him. He had been on our cruise and was similiarly behaved on the cruise. He had obviously had a stroke which probably explained his behaviour.
Group 1 was then called which was way more than those in business class. We were second and third. However as we got close to the plane there was the guy on his scooter in heated converseation with a gate agent on how to deal with his scooter. She was adamant that the battery had to be disconnected and the scooter put into a container which had to be done on ground level. However it was raining and the wife was upset as she said the scooter is not allowed to get wet. Though I was on2 tender trips when the 2 of them were onboard with the scooter which was exposed to the spray on both trips and that didn't seem to peturb them.
So we all ended up waiting another 25 minutes in the airbridge whilst that was sorted. I have messaged BA suggesting that mobility scooters must be sent for loading at check in and a wheelchair provided to the person with the scooter. Several people missed connections due to the delay.
Unfortunately that wasn't the end of the problems. There were quite a few that came on with more than 1 large carryons. The couple in the row in front of us had 4 one of which could only be fitted in length wise. Another smart cough young American also had a bag that would only fit length wise and told the FA she was rude and aggressive when she told him to check it in next time. I'm sure he won't. It ended up with 3 bags being unable to be fitted into the bins so another 10 -15 minutes before that was sorted.
So to the flight. A new A321 but still the European version of J with just the middle seat blocked.
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Found out a new reason to put a pink ribbon on your case. You know exactly which bin it is in.
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The meal was either a chicken salad or spinach gnocchi. Being Rowc 3 we were able to have the chicken salad. Heard the folks in Rows 4 and 5 complaining loudly that there was only the gnocchi for them. One woman saying she paid for business class so that she could have a choice of meals. New one on me. She kept on having a go at the CSM throughout the flight saying she was going to complain to management.
so here is the meal.
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Mrsdrron had the Sav Blanc and I the Argentinian Malbec. We were very nice to the CSM so we both got 2 small bottles which equalled half a bottle of wine.
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Now Mrs Row 4 must have complained because 2 hours after the flight we both got an email apologising for the delay. So I took it upon myself to message BA again. Sherryn the CSM was actually fantastic in placating most passengers and providing a shoulder to a couple of the younger FAs who were close to tears. They had come from the back of the plane. Sherryn did the bulk of the work and her smile never left her face throughout it all. I specifically mentioned how she didn't waver even with a torrent of abuse from a woman in Row4.
We were meant to and at 1825 but although we left 80 minutes late we were still at the gate after a 10 minute wait for it at 1925.
Then when heading for the train from the remote gate Mrs Row 4 came barrelling past me elbowing me as she passed. Wasn't going to let that just happen so I effectively blocked her partner from getting past. In her frustration she took a wrong turning and ended up missing te first tain. Poetic justice.
Finally into a taxi about 2020. The sun was setting.
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An honest taxi driver as even with a tip the fare was GBP 20 cheaper than a similiar distance 5 years ago.
