Tier Point Run to Inverness in Nov 2022: Day 2 – Inverness (INV) to London (LHR)

Getting through Fastrack security was straightforward, as it was yesterday. By the time I got through there was a fairly long queue at the EasyJet gate (rather than the BA gate which has all of the BA group stands clearly in place). Due to the lack of clear queuing it end up being a bit of a farce. Not unusual; to be honest boarding is quite often a bit of a farce at Heathrow, let alone the outstations.

The Scottish gate team announced Group 1 could board, which highlighted something for me. I’ve noticed that there has definitely been an attempt to call Group 1 first at the start of boarding at both Heathrow and Inverness. Although there was a cock up on my earlier flight (LHR to INV), where the first call was for Groups 1-3 (i.e. the way boarding used to be organised), then there was a secondary call just Group 1. By then every man and his dog was in the queue, so that call had to be corrected, otherwise we may have had an uprising! So, back to the change in policy; I just hope that continues.

Back to Inverness and once we finally got on board (into seat 01A this time), the BA cabin crew were scurrying around to find space for roll-on cases and trying to catch up on time as well. In the end, their efforts were in vain and we pushed back about 30 mins later than planned.

On board, I was provided with a menu which contained the same options for dinner as yesterday. Rather than try the alternative ham hock dish, I played it safe and went for the aubergine again. It was just as good as yesterday!

The WiFi on board was woeful. Every time I tried to connect it told me that there was no Internet connectivity, so it didn’t even allow me onto the portal.

We caught up some of the delay on the flight down to Heathrow. On final approach it was nice to see lots of fire works lighting up the skies over London. I counted at least 10 decent sized displays on the south side of the city.

Landing was nice and smooth and just for a change, we headed to a domestic gate (A3) and we only waited a few mins before the Stand guidance system was turned on. This is a system which gives information to a pilot attempting to park an aircraft at an airport stand, usually via visual methods, leading to the term Visual Docking Guidance System (VDGS) and also A-VDGS (the A standing for advanced). Thus aircraft remain clear of obstructions and ensures that air bridges can reach the aircraft.

I was off first and I said my goodbyes to the cabin crew, who were friendly and keen to provide a good level of service. No queue at the PODS and it wasn’t long before I was back in Bobby 2 on way home via the M25/M40. Good to avoid the plethora of cameras on the M4.

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