GB Airways - by Charles Smith
16 September 2006

TFS - LGW Euro Traveller. Check in at TFS was a relaxed and informal affair. No security questions asked about my checked baggage what so ever and hardly a word from the IB check in staff, handed my boarding pass and proceeded through security to departures. A 90 minute delay due to the late incoming aircraft ensued. This airport is a boring place especially as most outlets closed bang on 9pm. Finally, boarding was announced at 2230 for the revised 2300 departure. Boarded strictly by row number. The gate being the only passport check so far. A320 aircraft with the usual 3-3 layout. See my previous post for favourable seating tips. Departure to the east then a left turn north towards Europe. Drinks service after take off followed by duty free service and then a hot dinner. Chicken Chasseur main course catered by the same company who provide "meals on wheels" to the elderly! A stone cold bread roll and processed chocolate desert accompanied the in flight fayre. A £5 box of chocolates from duty free and a few glasses of chardonnay compliments of the bar service proved a more appealing option and the 4hr flight passed by easily. Movie and short subject selection viewable via drop down monitors. Take your own earphones and save yourself £3. Crew helpful and responsive when prompted. Otherwise they seemed quite content in their galley haven reading books and magazines. A bumpy approach and landing into LGW where we parked on stand a little after 3am in pouring rain. Then deja vu of the outbound queues hit home as 4 flights worth of passengers merged together to be processed by 3 of the slowest individuals HM Customs have at their disposal! 30 minutes of queueing in the slowest moving line (of course) and then another 10 minute wait for the baggage belt to be announced. Bag 3rd through the plastic flaps and quickly on my way home to bed.

GB Airways - by Charles Smith
13 September 2006

LGW - TFN Euro Traveller. Arrived at North Terminal at 0500 for a 0715 departure. Check in area heaving with people. Made use of the self service check in facility as BA advise this is the most convenient way to check in, avoiding the queues. All you have to do then is "simply" drop off your checked baggage at the quick bag drop. What a joke! What BA/GT fail to mention is that self service check in is now so popular, all but 2 of the check in desks in zone F are now designated for quick bag drop with queues trailing out of the terminal. A full 35 minutes in a line of passengers when I could have checked in conventionally and saved 20! And then to be asked the same security questions as I had just answered on the self service check in. The whole process seems to have lost its original time saving benefit. After another hour to process security, managed to make it airside where there flight was already advised as boarding. Short stroll to the gate and more or less straight on board. Airbus A320 in a 3-3 configuration of blue leather seats. Worth mentioning rows 1 - 12 have the most legroom @ 34" pitch as the Club Europe cabin can be altered according to demand. Most GT flights I have travelled on tend to have a maximum of only 4 rows so if you bag the front 8 rows, taller passengers will be slightly better off. Anything in row 13 and beyond has the standard Euro Traveller pitch of 31" pitch. Push back delayed due to a new set of brakes. Advised by a somewhat over confident captain who's jokes failed to impress at this early hour. Finally got going after a 30 minute delay. After take off, hot breakfast served with coffee and tea. No drinks service until 3hrs into the flight which I find intolerable. Movies shown on drop down LCD screens from the overhead panels. Crew somewhat embarassed and apologetic to be charging £3 for a pair of headphones and I can see their point. The service resembles nothing of a BA European service of similar flying time.

GB Airways - by M Spence
30 July 2006

I wonder if other travellers are aware that the rescheduling of GB for the Winter months on this route means that it will no longer be possible to fly back from Gibraltar to Manchester in a day. I do wonder if GB is sending out a message that they no longer are interested in the North of England as they have also axed the MAN-AGP route.

GB Airways - by Harold Halliday
14 July 2006

The effects of BA Connect takeover go from bad to worse - see 5th July below. The latest change to our flights (Manchester-Tenerife) were in (yet another) email sent yesterday (11 July) from BA advising us of a 'revised' return to Manchester at 0255. Not surprisingly, we have cancelled the flights and purchased alternative direct tickets (at a lower price) elsewhere. There is an air of disorganisation, bordering on madness, with the BA Connect takeover. GB Airways appear to have achieved near-charter status at full fare prices - good luck to them if they can persuade customers to buy from them, but on present form it seems unlikely. We have voted with our feet!

GB Airways - by Harold Halliday
5 July 2006

Like others, I too have had the BA Connect experience with GB Airways. In April I booked a return flight later in the year from Manchester to Tenerife. The departure time ex MAN was a very convenient 1500 hours with a return ex Tenerife at 2025. So far, so good. On 6th June the times were changed to 0710 ex MAN and 1135 ex Tenerife. Not so convenient, but it happens. Still no hint of what was to come. On the 9th June another email from BA entitled "Change to your British Airways flight operated by GB Airways". Of course it was the introduction to "BA Connect." The real information lay in its last line - "Food and drink available for purchase on board". I've no objection to BA Connect. I use it often enough. However on a 4.5 hour flight the absence of catering is a material reduction in service. In what other industry can the terms and conditions allow this? I'm a BA shareholder, and anxious to see them in profit (its been years since they paid a dividend), but this is frankly foolish behaviour.

GB Airways - by John Lumby
5 July 2006

It appears that Darran Burr is correct in his warnings about BA/GB Airways. I booked two return tickets from Manchester to Malaga in October only to find (by e-mail) on my return from abroad last week that my booking had been altered by BA. Their explanation was that BA Connect was taking over the route and as a result, I was now flying with BA Connect on a low cost airline basis (after shelling out a full euro traveller return fare) and to forget about complimentary food and drink and the like and that the flight had been reduced to one class. I have subsequently complained by e-mail to BA/GB Airways and they have as yet not had the courtesy to reply.

GB Airways - by Darran Burr
18 June 2006

Beware, from 1st Sept 06 all GB Airways Manchester services will be operated under BA's "Connect" product, this means no more free food or drinks and no more Club Class option!! They have also dropped the Manchester to Malaga route from 1st Nov 06. Get ready for the complaints GB!

GB Airways - by Jean Robb
18 June 2006

Manchester to Dubrovnik 30 May and returned 13 June. Price for flights was excellent, only £153 each return booked in Feb. Outward flight only 2/3 full. Checked in online and was able to book exit row seats so even more leg room than usual. Timings were good and flight crew excellent. It was the first time we had flown with them. We were slightly disappointed because no entertainment but it was only a short flight so it didn't really matter. Hot breakfast going out but only a cheese sandwich on the way back! Free drinks if you like tea/coffee, water or fruit juice. A good experience for the price and we will use them again.

GB Airways - by Mike Williamson
10 June 2006

MAN-ACE-MAN on 6 occasions so far this year. Sometimes cheaper than the equivalent charter flight but always better in terms of seat pitch professionalism of staff and timekeeping. The airline and its staff try hard to make a positive difference.

GB Airways - by Duncan Whiting
1 June 2006

LGW-Dalaman. Having flown this route on many charter airlines, GB Airways was a pleasant alternative. 31 inch legroom, professional crew, leather seats and free alcohol served. Would recommend this airline.

GB Airways - by Des Howlett
18 April 2006

CMN-LHR. Use this service about 8 times a year. Always on time, clean newish Airbus 320. Service always efficient and not too formal, food and drinks never less than acceptable. Good and useful information from the flight deck unlike some other airlines.

GB Airways - by J Tupling
7 April 2006

MAN / TFS / MAN. Euro Traveller, and very impressed. Booked on line no problems. Check in at Manchester and Tenerife on return trouble free and very quick this being provided by the very smart informative ground staff, my wife had requested wheelchair assistance which was provided right away on booking in. The aircraft was very clean and our seating in row 3 very good. The help and care provided for my wife by both the ground staff and cabin crew on both journeys could not have been any better they were all so friendly and most efficient. Although we had a small delay on the two flights we were kept well informed with further info from the flight crew after we had boarded. Both the flight crew and cabin staff were very smart indeed and most informative and the drinks and meal service very good with a better than average hot meal served on both flights. All in all we are most impressed with the service offered by GB Airways so much so that we have already rebooked with them, so keep up the good work.

GB Airways - by Steve Alley
8 February 2006

LGW-PFO with GB Airways and impressed with the service. The crew were friendly and professional and thorough when it came to onboard safety procedures. On each flight (4h 30 mins) we were served a hot meal - more than adequate considering the competitive ticket price.

GB Airways - by Nick Gunning
27 January 2006

GIB-LGW/LHR-GIB euro-traveller (economy). Flights on-time and no hassles. Used on-line check-in and was able to get window seat in forward section of euro-traveller cabin. GB Airways A320 aircraft are configured with approx first 9 rows with 34inch club seat pitch and as the size of the club cabin varies according to day and route, if you get a seat in euro-traveller with a single figure row number, it will have the club seat pitch. Leather seats with good recline and very comfortable. Nice hot breakfast on morning flight but other non- breakfast flights offer only the horrible deli-box which is just about the only valid criticism which I could make about either flight. Nice coffee; strong and no peppery taste. No newspapers on GIB/LGW but not a problem as I has a book to read.

GB Airways - by D Maguire
26 January 2006

LGW-LPA-LGW in Club Europe. Flight out delayed for one hour due to heavy traffic at Gatwick, not the airlines fault. Service was slow in the Club section and with only 7 passengers this was a lazy performance. On the return it was a different ball game, 11 out of the 15 seats were occupied and the team worked well, nice to have a film on this sector. All in all a good return flight, on time, reasonable food and a pleasant crew.

GB Airways - by James Simmonds
21 January 2006

LGW-INN-LGW. Great to be able to travel to Innsbruck for less than the usual 7 day ski holiday package with charter flights, or via Vienna with Austrian Airlines. GB airways now offer a 4 times weekly winter service, with flight times that are great for a 2 night getaway. Problems with number of bags onboard on the outbound leg, and considering the flight was only half full, took a long time to resolve, but with a very quick flight time, arrived on schedule. Service was OK, with hot breakfast outbound, and cakes and biscuits inbound, however on both sectors, was not impressed by the cabin crew lack of interest. You would not expect a crew member to be yawning during the safety demo - It did not look very professional one bit. However the flight was comfortable, cheap (£80 rtn) and I would be willing to travel with them again in the future.

GB Airways - by Maurice Maguire
2 December 2005

Malaga-Manchester return in September with GB Airways, masquerading reasonably well as BA. Several advantages over the ubiquitous competition on the route: good legroom - and online check-in for the better seats; free drinks - on this occasion served generously, though this isn't always the case with BA - and (limited) free food. Above all, rock-bottom fares which are knocking spots off many of the charter carriers. I travel economy frequently on this route and notice how often Club is empty. Couldn't they offer a few upgrades to take the bad look off it ? Mind you, having travelled in Club (and I suspect most other European routes are similar) I certainly wouldn't be prepared to pay a huge premium for a marginally better service : a slightly improved 'meal' plus champagne (if you like that sort of thing); leg- room the same. Congratulations, though, to BA for doing it at the price in economy. But I suspect a heavy price is being paid - or about to be paid - for it somewhere in the organisation!

GB Airways - by Chris Seal
23 November 2005

LGW-MLA-LGW. Club. Hand luggage only so straight through at Gatwick. Boarding by seat row number but for once they announced that Club passengers could board at leisure - unusual for GB. Good service both directions. No IFE despite being 3 hours. Food food and non-stop alcohol.

GB Airways - by George S Cameron
20 November 2005

MAN-MLA-MAN economy. Used on line check in both ways, but fast bag drop only at MAN. Check in painless both ways though. Using on line check in meant exit row seats on way out. Return trip had realised that up to row 8 seat pitch is business class pitch so booked row 6. Better than exit row in that seats recline. Comfortable leather seats for short flight and leg room adequate. Cabin was clean. Flights on time both ways. Cabin crew polite and efficient on both legs. Service was leisurely but we enjoyed that. Food was hot breakfast out and hot lunch return. Not brilliant but when is airline food brilliant? One drinks round each way, but I noticed that crew happy to serve passengers who wanted and extra drink. Overall impression was of good standard efficient airline. We would book a flight with them again.

GB Airways - by Keith Wood
15 November 2005

MAN-MLA-MAN. Online check in straightforward and fast bag drop off better than queuing for standard check in. Seats A-C in row 3 had plenty of legroom and smaller middle seat ideal for magazines/newspapers. Flight left and arrived on time. Return flight same as the outbound- easy check in - quick- flight left and arrived on time-infight service good-staff friendly and helpful.

GB Airways - by Peter Matza
6 November 2005

LGW-TUN-LGW. Early morning flight out (07.15) and lounge access good. Hot breakfast in Club was meat free (just because we're flying to Tunisia??) but omelette was ok. A & C seats comfortable as usual. Did not get priority luggage service - hardly expected - despite Club label. On return, we used the Tunisair lounge - poor quality selection of drinks and snacks, pity those who pay royally for it normally. Flight delayed but BA staff (in BA dress) conspicuous by their absence in lounge even when special needs passenger and carer required assistance. Eventually left 1.5 hours late. No luggage priority at LGW as flimsy label attached in Tunis had come off. Overall experience was ok and Club for a holiday (using miles) was comfortable.

GB Airways - by Darran Burr
6 November 2005

Club Class with GB Airways Manchester to Malaga and back. Both flights on time, check in smooth at both ends, comfort of seats was excellent with 34 inches of legroom. The seating configuration on the Airbus A320 aircraft in Club Class is 2x3 configuration. Passengers get complimentary alcoholic and soft drinks as well as a hot meal in Club and a light snack in Economy.

GB Airways - by Chris Seal
25 October 2005

We've flown several times over the last year. If you travel Club you do tend to get the same treatment as if it were a proper BA flight, however in Economy it can be very different with them regularly running out of drinks. It looks like they heading to becoming a cheap, no frills airline. That's always assuming you get on board; we have never been on a flight that left at the time/date we originally booked. Every one has either been changed or cancelled. We're off to Gran Canaria in a few weeks, our outgoing flight was cancelled and we were transferred to one a day later and then the time of that was changed!

GB Airways - by R Davies
2 October 2005

Has anyone else suffered from GB decision to "Withdraw the Manchester to Paphos to Manchester" service on a Friday ? I was booked on the return leg on Friday 4 th November 2005 only to recieve an e-mail this week cancelling it and offering me a flight 2 days later which is unacceptable.Did BA6827 ever exist because it is not listed on any timetables ??Any help would be appreciated as B Airways just arent intrested in my problem in fact their view was accept change or cancel which cant be right can it ?

GB Airways - by Rod James
17 August 2005

Have flown on several LGW/MLA sectors with this airline, and as it's a BA franchise partner it lives up to the standard in almost every respect. Leather seating throughout its Airbus fleet, plus free drinks food and newspapers. Only criticism I would add is the total lack of in flight entertainment. Given that some of their routes are to popular holiday destinations, this seems to be a shortcoming in some respects. Example is London / Paphos route, which is a touch short of 5 hours!

GB Airways - by J Cook
8 August 2005

GB Airways Flight MPL-LGW on 07th August. Flight was canceled, no arrangements made by airline. Massive kick off at Check in desk in Montpellier. After many efforts from ground staff, we were informed that a flight coming from Alicante would be diverted and come and pick us up, 9 hours down the road! Most unpleasant experience, feels like GB is becoming worse than a charter airline, with no commitment to the contracts made with their paying customers. Cabin Crew were great, although they all seemed exhausted. I really felt sorry for them.

GB Airways - by Norman Peters
25 July 2005

Gatwick-Fuerteventura. During 2004 /5 GB airways made a great publicity campaign in launching flights to the airport - which as a property owner on the island provided an excellent service for me from LGW twice a week. Until suddenly I noticed on the BA web site on manage my booking the flights had been cancelled. No notification of this was offered by GB airways, and after speaking to BA GB would offer no compensation for either flying to ACE / LPA or TFN for making alternative onward transport arrangements. It seems GB like to make a lot of publicity of launching new flights to new destinations then stopping them without so much as a telephone call to their existing customers with bookings confirmed. I note the same is now happening with the MAN-Funchal flights - Come on GB - if you launch flights to new destinations - please keep them going for longer than 6 months please!

GB Airways - by K Jones

10 July 2005

Manchester-Malta in July. Outward flight was cancelled- nobody from BA contacted us about the cancellation. Instead, we were informed by a rude customer service agent that we would be sent via Gatwick, with a 4 hour wait and then onwards with Air Malta (not a patch on BA inflight service). The return flight was very good however- clean interior, leather seats, good inflight entertainment, hot meal and friendly service. One of the best flights I have had. Unfortunately, customer service on the ground ruined what would have been a very enjoyable experience with GBAirways.

GB Airways - by Dean Cook

24 June 2005

LGW to Alicante last week (8th June and returned the following day). I try and fly with GB Airways to Alicante and Gibraltar as their service is always very good and the drinks and food are inclusive. The 1105 flight outbound was an hour late due to the catering but the Captain informed us what was going on and no-one moaned. If the ticket is a few quid more than other airlines then it is always worth spending that little extra although to date I have found them cheaper than Monarch, EasyJet and RyanAir. I flew RyanAir once – never again! My only gripe with GB Airways is their in- flight pizza delivery service! Soggy, too tangy, metal taste and too hot! GBL – please look after your passengers and revert back to the tasty healthy sandwiches!

GB Airways - by S Pope

8 June 2005

Flew GB Airways (BA) to Malaga over half-term week with family (wife & 3-year old daughter & 70 years+ mother and her sister) and the experience was excellent. Chose BA for two reasons. [1] Cheaper 'no-frills' with their bun-fight, bus-style seating arrangements such as Easyjet are no good when you have a family in tow (especially with wheelchair assistance needed for elderly). And [2] BA was at least £80 cheaper per person than Easyjet (or any charter flight!) for the same dates and virtually same flight times (when booked back in Feb). Flight left before 10am so could check in at Gatwick after 4pm the previous day and head back home to S.London with only hand baggage and boarding cards to worry about thge next day. This is a real bonus as the check-in for BA Europe flights at LGW is always a crowded nightmare - especially early in the morning. After a few flights with 'low cost' airlines around Europe is was nice to get a decent sized leather seat and free drinks etc (food, of course, is so-so but who really cares on a short flight?). Both flights left and arrived bang on time and the in-flight and ground service (wheelchair assistance) couldn't have been better. Don't be fooled by the low-cost market - you can do it properly, with better comfort and less hassle for a lot cheaper with more established schedule airlines- especially in school break periods!

GB Airways - by Jonathan Miller

7 June 2005

Currently my only complaint with GB Airways is their lack of commitment to the Montpellier market. They are once again planning to suspend this service from October through to next Spring. I am astonished they could be so neglectful of such a promising airport pair. I'm a frequent flyer between LGW and MPL. I use this service in preference to the Ryanair service STN-MPL. because LGW is much closer to my UK base and GB Airways a much nice experience. GB Airways operates this service in British Airways livery and the crew wear BA uniforms. They are every bit a professional bunch, in my opinion. Further, GB Airways often costs no more than Ryanair. They now use the Airbus exclusively on LGW-MPL and it is usually pretty full. If you book early you can get one-way fares for £31 which I reckon is easily competitive with the Irish. The GB Airways station chief at MPL is an old DanAir hand, a real pro, and she has a decent team of agents who dispatch the aircraft very smoothly. There are occasional air traffic delays and very rarely they go mechanical. Some of the flight crew mistakenly believe they are manque radio talk show hosts and do blab on a bit about Disneyland to the right. You get a drink and a bun and even a little TV screen to tell you where you are. This review is based on maybe 20 flights on this route in the last couple of years versus 10 on Ryanair. The Ryanair product has much to recommend it. They are continuing to fly to Montpellier through the winter. I must credit Ryanair for its significant achievements but on the whole I feel more human debarking from GB Airways. I can't understand by GB Airways can't give this route more of a chance.

GB Airways - by David Evans

11 May 2005

PFO to LGW on 4 May in Club Europe. (GB Airways) Check in at Paphos impersonal to the point of being rude. Lounge (Cyprus Air) just about adequate. Flight boarding chaotic leading to late departure (not airline fault as one passenger had managed to lose his passport between security and boarding gate.) Flight OK with attentive and helpful cabin staff. In Flight Meal pretty good! Despite late departure flight arrived LGW early. I will be using this service again but would ask BA to get a grip of the Ground Staff at Paphos.

GB Airways - by Chris Matthews

3 May 2005

LGW to Marrakesh in economy. Excellent in all respects- flights punctual, food good and cabin staff friendly. Extremely good seat price in BA sale made it a very pleasurable experience. Even managed to secure an Emergency exit seat- luck of the draw i know but it made business look very cramped!

GB Airways - by Mark Jones

21 April 2005

LGW - Tenerife out in economy return in club. Overall a pleasant experience with efficient check in and excellent cabin crew. Used to have to fly this route with Iberia via Madrid but now GB airways offer more flights I can avoid the trauma of connecting in Madrid and dealing with Iberia staff and other Iberia passengers! Only gripe with flight was quality of food in economy and business wasn't great - business food looked and tasted like economy and was unceremoniously dumped onto plate from a plastic bowel. New IFE was basic but adequate - however couldnt see the screen from seat 6d on outbound leg. Have flown many sectors with GB airways now and they certainly deserve their franchise - staff always very helpful and have never suffered a major delay, flight crew also friendly and informative. Seating comfortable enough but don't make mistake of thinking short haul business will give you lie flat seats and multichannel IFE!

GB Airways - by Richard Street

21 April 2005

I recently used GB Airways to fly from London Gatwick to Lanzarote in economy class. I was travelling with my partner and we had checked-in for the flight on-line with no difficulty. On arrival at Gatwick we went to the bag drop and a British Airways lady Barked "HAVE YOU CHECKED IN? HAVE YOU CHECKED IN? at us across the concourse. I smiled and nodded - spotting what had happened, we were called up to the first class desk by the agent who apologised and arranged some better seats for us. On boarding a new Airbus321 we were advised that there would be a delay due to slot restrictions but we were kept informed. We were seated near the front with an empty seat between us, and leg room was fine here. The crew were good and the catering very good - a full hot dinner service on this four hour flight. Drinks were readily available, Tea / Coffee offered at least three times. Arrival was almost on time and our bags quickly appeared. Arriving at the airport for our return flight it was apparent that there was a problem but the Iberia staff gave us no information at all. The "on time" moved later and later until we were able to board two hours late. The Crew were amazing on this flight and told us that French Air traffic control were on-strike and we had been facing a seven hour delay at one stage. The flight was extended as we had to avoid french airspace, but I have nothing but praise for the crew who worked hard, again providing a hot meal and plenty of fluids. Arrival at Gatwick was well after midnight and it took British Airways ages to present the baggage. Overall, excellent flights let down by everyone except GB!

GB Airways - by Steve Ward

12 April 2005

VLC-LGW 27 March 05. Seat very uncomfortable, cabin crew refused to move me & very unhelpful generally, particularly the purser! Eventually I moved anyway. Food has been downgraded to BA Deli, which is a slice of Pizza. Choice of eat it or leave it. Service generally poor. Plane 1 hour late, but Captain poor in communicating why. Unusually poor flight for a normally good airline, hope it was a one -off & not becoming the norm.

GB Airways - by David Evans

22 March 2005

LGW-PFO on 3 March with BA (GBAir) in Club. Check in slick and helpful, lounge quiet though busy with the early morning business short-haulers. Lounge staff attentive and helpful. Flight OK, left late but arrived early. Extra pitch worth the cost when combined with a reasonable plated breakfast. Always book the A and C seats as extra lateral room useful. Staff more than helpful and attentive and very patient with demanding SAGA travellers!

GB Airways - by Ian Lee

14 March 2005

Excellent flights LGW - ACE and return. Punctual and very attentive FA's. Passable hot meals and free drinks in tourist. Aircraft and crew in BA livery with advantage of additional GB Airways in-flight magazine. Only negative was that IB check-in attendant at ACE claimed it 'impossible' to alter seat assignment from window to aisle despite being number 12 in check-in line and holding Silver BA Executive Card - not GB Airways fault!

GB Airways - by Bob Neilans

17 February 2005

LGW-Tenerife South Business return on 8th/15th February. Excellent morning flight outwards, regrettably 8 hour delay on return due to poor weather at Madeira causing backlog with aircraft ending up in the wrong place. Were well looked after by GB/BA/IBeria (Its BA in all but name) but you cannot get a relaxed sleep in European Business Seat - its about the same as Malaysia Economy long haul - overall a positive experience with GB Airways.

GB Airways - by Patrick Wegener

4 February 2005

LGW-PFO. Operated by GB Airways, although you wouldn't know it if you weren't told so. Plane and uniform livery was BA. Daily Mail newspapers on almost every seat on embarkation. Comfortable Airbus seats with 31" pitch in economy (I'm 6' tall and it's enough). Flight duration is 4 hours and 30 mins. No film or TV despite automatic TV screens. Stewardess told me "BA policy not to have visual entertainment on short haul flights." I don't regard over 4 hours to be short haul! Helios Airways which flys from LGW and LTN to Cyprus does show one film on this route, so very disappointed at BA for not, and please spare me the lame and embarassing excuse!

GB Airways - by David Maguire

4 February 2005

We flew B/C. from LGW to Las Palmas on an A320. The flight was not full only six people. The crew were great nothing seemed too much trouble, the early morning departure meant we were served a hot breakfast, not the greatest meal I've ever eaten. On our return the flight was on an A321 again the crew were great, BA (or in this case GB Airways) have really improved over last 12 months, the afternoon flight meant a lunch was served, this was excellent. The catering has also improved in recent months.

GB Airways - by Richard Street

30 January 2005

I recently travelled with GB Airways to Gibraltar from London Gatwick. My flight times had been altered by the airline for commercial reasons. This menat I had to pick up the bill for a nights hotel. Flight itself was fine; Easy check-in, New Airbus A320, flight on-time. Cabin crew were great, with no rationing of tea or other drinks, but the catering has been reduced from the previous hot meal to the British Airways All day deli... A small cheese and ham white roll served warm (YUK!) Muffin and Chocolate bar. Very poor, and not at all healthy. One of the crew members said that catering was to be reviewed in March, lets hope so!

GB Airways - by W Cobb

21 January 2005

LGW-GIB: No problems to Gibraltar. Fair service and a clean plane. The approach to Gibraltar was great - kind of like a carrier landing. The return to LGW was an experience. The plane did not arrive in Gibraltar due to a load shift in the cargo hold. They were unable to fly another plane into GIB for some unexplained reason - I am guessing that Spain, for ongoing political reasons, did not want another flight into GIB that day. Just being difficult. The BA staff was quite good, arranging for a buses to carry us to Malaga where they were going to fly in another plane. Of course, that plane had a flat tire upon arrival in Malaga and there was not a spare. They were loaned a tire from a Spanish airline, fixed the plane, and away we went - about 4-5 hours late. Spanish customs and immigration officials were quite surly. Probably because we all had come from Gibraltar. They were quite liberal with their hand searches - almost got stripped down - certainly got patted down.

GB Airways - by Chris Seal

15 December 2004

LGW – LPA Friday 10th December and returned Monday 13th December. Outbound was pretty uneventful although Peter Bruce’s comments about them being forced down the route of charging for on-line refreshments rings a bell as we were limited on the amount of alcohol we could have – this wasn’t just limited to us but everyone on the plane. It certainly seemed more of a cost concern than over-drinking. Return journey was more eventful as we had a medical emergency on board and we had to divert to Faro to allow the passenger to disembark and get medical treatment. Captain and crew were very professional and the captain made every effort to keep us to date with what was going on. A few fellow passengers were less than professional, concerned more about missed flights than the plight of the customer.

GB Airways - by David Morgan

4 October 2004

Travelled LGW-PMI on BA6978 25th September, returned on BA6979 2nd October. Both legs Business Class. Our pre-chosen seats were changed on the way out (from the two-seat side to the three-seat side) but no problem as the third seat was unoccupied. Spacious enough, comfortable enough, crew good (attentive, cheerful), food OK. Return uneventful. Only two fish dishes to choose from - crew apologetic. Captain entertaining on the radio, again cheerful and chatty crew. Overall a good experience. Travelled BC because of an offer on the BA website (£250). Expensive by comparison to Economy but I'm prepared to pay that for the extra room. I doubt, though, that I would pay the full BA fare for the difference it makes.

GB Airways - by Peter Bruce

21 September 2004

LGW / ALC - 09 Sept 2004 - good standard, from check-in (on-line) to disembarkation. BA6967 ALC / LGW - 19 Sept 2004 - an unpleasant experience. Confused and disorganised check-in. Passengers allowed to recline seats during boarding - making stowing of hand baggage difficult. Seat back pockets particularly unclean and full of debris. Allowing take-off with seats reclined (despite complaint to purser). "All day Deli" - indifferent low cost, easy to serve, snacks. Allowing landing with passenger seats fully reclined - Crew indifference. I flew this route with GB Airways following other positive comments on this forum. I have previously travelled with a competitor and have commented favourably on this site regarding that competitor’s service. Now that this competitor from Gatwick has introduced charges for refreshments and seems hell-bent on moving down market, is it possible that the GB Airways standard will also suffer?

GB Airways - by Ian Norris

15 September 2004

LGW-AGP-LGW. Outbound used the online check in/self service machines through the Exec. club which was good as the queues at Gatwick (even at 6am) were horrendous. Bit of a queue at the "fast" bag drop though but that's OK. On board the flight left and arrived on time, the food was OK (better than normal BA europe food I think, maybe because it's a "GB airways" flight). Return, arrived at the airport about 1pm for a 4.20pm flight. people already queuing for the flight but the checkin desk didn't actually open until 2hrs before so had to wait for about 1.5hours (no self service machines/bag drop off) - very poor indeed. Flight left late as well as they managed to board everyone then realise there was no water on board (quality!). Food OK on the way back but they didn't show the flight map as on the way down for some reason. Overall pretty good apart from the Malaga wait and would use again if going to AGP as the other airlines are charter (monarch, etc.) with the exception of BMI.

GB Airways - by Jonathan Fortunato

18 August 2004

I have used GB airways many times in the past. Most recently to and from Gibraltar from London Gatwick in July 2004.Their aircraft the Airbus A320/A321 are excellent and give a smooth ride, superb interior space and leg room. I much prefer these aircraft to the older Boeing 737-200/300/400s they used to operate. In flight service very good. I am told GB airways will be adding in flight entertainment (IFE) in the near future. Having flown with many different airlines British Airways franchise carrier GB airways gets my vote.

GB Airways - by David Knapp

10 August 2004

LGW to Paphos Cyprus - Journey out great lots of leg room meal was fine, child meal booked and this arrived at her seat. Service very good with complimentary drinks given out with extra to go with your meal. only downside was the lack of IFE with only the route showing up on the screen. Return leg delayed 2 1/2 hours due to technical fault with allocated plane and had to wait for replacement. Voucher given at check in for meal and drink which was much appreciated. Return flight just as good apart from no IFE again and as the flight was delayed in ended up being an overnight flight and there were no blankets or pillows for those who tried to sleep. Would definitely use again but would take a portable DVD player!

GB Airways - by David Johnson

6 August 2004

Flew LGW/Las Palmas with GB Airways, back by Iberia/BA via Madrid. GB Airways flight was much much better than the others. Comfortable seat, good polite service and decent meal.

GB Airways - by David Worcester

5 August 2004

Just recently flown LGW-PMI-LGW with GB and the service was superb in Club. Champagne offered frequently, a decent meal both ways and very attentive service. Nothing seemed too much trouble - my friend who has a bad back was offered pillows without asking.

GB Airways - by Christian Hodson

8 February 2004

GB Airways between London Gatwick and Marrakech last June. Having used British Airways regularly for both long and short haul flights I have to say I was prepared for the worst having had very sub-par flights with them. Outbound aircraft was an Airbus A320, which I personally prefer to the Boeing 737's as they seem to be far more comfortable, very clean and technologically are more advanced. 32" seat pitch in economy, leather seating and a half full flight made this a great flight. Service on the London Gatwick to Tangier sector of the flight was extremely attentive and friendly with an excellent beverage selection, and a tasty lunch of seafood pasta with a cheesecake desert - all complimentary. Only downside of the flight was the lack of IFE, although the Airshow was displayed at all times during the flight as we made our route over France and Southern Spain. Plenty of room to move around the cabin as the flight was not even half full. Quick turnaround in Tangier ( as we were the only arriving flight ) of just 30 minutes and then continuing on the 50 minute sector to Marrakech. No drink or meal service on this leg of the flight but the crew distributed cold water throughout. Arrived at Marrakech slightly behind schedule due to an aborted landing attempt in stormy weather, although the passengers were briefed professionally by the captain and flight crew, and after heading north a few miles until the storm had dissipated, finally made it down at dusk to a few sighs of relief !!! Return on board a brand spanking new Airbus A321, which again was less than half full even though a larger aircraft. Similar meal and drink service to the outbound ( think GB Airways must take on board the meals for the return sector in London ), but apart from that was again friendly, courteous service. Same route with a brief stop in Tangier and then back to London Gatwick - for yet another aborted landing, this time due to a departing aircraft which hadn't vacated the runway ! The second approach was made quickly as we must have been prioritised after missing the first approach. To summarise, I will definitely use GB Airways for future travel arrangements to Europe or North Africa. I think British Airways should take a leaf out of GB Airways book in professionalism of the cabin crew and also comfort of seats on board the aircraft. I find it hard to believe that one can be sat on a long haul flight from say London - Singapore on dated and cramped B747-400 aircraft with 31" seat pitch, yet fly on a 3 - 4 hour sector into Europe on a brand new aircraft with leather seats and more legroom.

GB Airways - by D Pimenta

2 January 2004

Travelled to Madeira recently. Excellent service, timing and in flight information. Very comfortable with ample legroom. Highly recommended.

GB Airways - by Tony Sheen

19 December 2003

I must agree with the other comments, British Airways should learn from its franchisee. The planes spanking new , punctuality was great and the service faultless, the seat pitch very respectable.

GB Airways - by Adrian wilson

8 December 2003

Used GB airways and found them to be first class in every department - the cabin crew were most helpful and the flight was excellent. When you travel as a family, to have a airline that makes you feel welcome is a real bonus.

GB Airways - by Bill Riley

8 October 2003

An excellent flight by a very efficient, friendly airline. Punctuality was good on both outbound and return legs and on both flights, food, service and information were of the highest order. I really could not fault the airline and only wish others were as good.