6th April - Hi London!

After arriving at LAX and waiting for a while in the Qantas Lounge it was time to board our flight to London Heathrow. Boarding was seamless and the British accent welcoming us on board was lovely. After a welcome drink we were up and away.

My starter was sweet potato carpacchio...absolutely delicious with a pungent asian honey mustard dressing served with a small amount of wild rice, blanched chopped green beans and endive. Steve had the sweet potato soup and said this was also delicious. We both had a main course of baked cod with a lemon veloute sauce - also delicious and reminiscent of the lovely fish pies often found in an English pub.

Sleep was scattered but 3 hours from landing light was peeking from under my shade so I half opened it to have a look and was instantly told off as "it will wake people up". Suitably chastised I sat back in my seat. A few minutes later I wanted a drink but the facilities on this flight are very basic. While Steve had a water bottle in his drawer mine was missing. Steve pressed his call button but no-one came and the cabin was deserted.

It was impossible to get out of my bed as someone else was sleeping and this blocked my exit - I would have to step over them and probably wake them. I also put my call button on just in case Steve's button wasn't working but still no-one appeared and it was now about 20 minutes later. Amazing they were there in an instant with the blind but all this time later no-one has come. Just not good enough.

Steve finally had to go up to get some from the galley and gave them a bit of a serve about doing their job.  They were just chatting away and didn't bother with the call - what if it was a medical episode.

Other problems - the touch screen doesn't work, the USB port to charge my phone was loose so the cord wouldn't stay in place but did on Steve's side (though not well...actually battery percentage went down!) so I didn't bother. There is no room apart from a small drawer to put things apart from the overhead locker, plane is badly configured as I can't get out from seat to go to the toilet when the beds are flat without waking someone up so I stayed in place. Overall not a great experience apart from the food so, apart from our return journey from London to Los Angeles I won't be flying BA again as it was all very disappointing.

We landed in LHR and still no sign of my jacket so I had to ask as we were near the exit and had to wait in the galley while they tried to find who had put it away. She came back about 5 minutes later with 3 jackets and I found mine so I joined Steve outside the plane and we finally walked the long walk to passport control (seamless) then on to a huge screen where we were notified that our luggage would be arriving at Carousel 7. After waiting there for at least 30 minutes an announcement was made that luggage will now be at Carousel 3. Finally found our luggage and headed out through customs, then asked where to find the Uber area as there were no indications of ride share or anything like that.

We ordered the Uber and while we were waiting a couple behind (who were on the same flight) realised they didn't have their jackets...must have been the other 2 jackets that came out. Poor things..they might need them as the breeze is quite chilly. The ride into the city was smooth. Spring is in full force and the roads are lined with daffodils and fresh leaves on the trees. Just gorgeous. A lovely fresh breeze is refreshing after the confines of the plane and the terminal buildings.

On to the Victory Services Club; a retreat from the craziness. Beautiful service and into our room with ease. Now to unpack, have a shower and find a pub for some dinner....