Our Co-Founder Madeleine Hann recently flew from Delhi to Heathrow with British Airways, in their Club World (aka Business Class) cabin. Here’s how her experience went:
Many guests of Indian Excursions opt to fly with British Airways. For those from the UK, British Airways offers direct flights from Heathrow to both Delhi and Mumbai (most of our tours begin and end in Delhi, though Mumbai is a convenient port of exit for those exploring south India as well as Rajasthan). For our guests from the US, Heathrow is a convenient layover point as British Airways connects over 20 key US destinations to Heathrow; including Washington, Miami and Dallas.
In the skies, flying from Delhi to London Heathrow
British Airways is an airline I know well and, in my opinion, delivers what I want regularly – excellent service, good food and drink, and comfort. Our tours of Rajasthan don’t just begin when you land in Delhi – it all starts at the airport. For me, a long-haul flight is a special moment, code for ‘me time’ where I can catch up on movies and television, enjoy a drink or two and generally relax without interruptions.
Checking in at New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport was a breeze. As a Business Class passenger, I was met at the airport doors by a representative of British Airways and ushered past the queues through a dedicated entrance up to the check-in desk. Club World offers a generous free baggage allowance; passengers can check-in three bags weighing up to 23kg each, and carry a cabin-bag of up to 23kg with them on-board. Having checked-in online beforehand, I only needed to drop my bags off. The associate who served me was friendly and welcoming, handing me my invitation to the lounge and directing me on how to find it.
Going through security, I was able to take advantage of the dedicated Business/First lane. From getting out the car to clearing security must’ve only taken about 15 minutes in total.
After security, I made my way to the lounge, the ITC Green Lounge. Inside there was a buffet spread with a wide selection of hot and cold drinks and breakfast foods (I was boarding a morning flight), as well as a fully stocked bar area. All food and beverages in the Green Lounge are complimentary. In the lounge there are computers, televisions, magazines and newspapers to occupy guests.
Entrance to the ITC Green Lounge in Delhi airport’s T3
I was keen to pick up a few souvenirs at the airport before my flight. The lounge concierge offered to look after my cabin bag for me so that I could walk around the shops with ease. I was welcome to dip in and out of the lounge as I pleased, leaving my bag behind in safe hands. Delhi airport has a great range of shops; including duty-free, Mango, Pandora, Swarovski, Armani, Da Milano, Delhi Bazaar, Hugo Boss, The Body Shop, WH Smith and much more.
About 40 minutes before take-off, I made my way to the gate and sped straight through to the plane with priority boarding. When stepping into the aircraft, I was welcomed by name and ushered to my seat.
A view of the cabin in Club World on British Airways
Moments later, I was presented with a menu, wine list and Elemis amenity kit. The kit came in a drawstring bag and included moisturiser, hand cream, lip balm, toothbrush and toothpaste, eye mask, earplugs and a pen.
The amenity kit includes all you’ll need to freshen up during your long-haul flight
The Club World seats can be somewhat daunting at first, as there are so many different settings and buttons that all do different things. British Airways have created a handy leaflet to explain all this to their passengers.
My Club World seat
Helping you get the most out of your Club World seat
A guide to navigating your Club World seat is placed in your seat pocket
The seat can recline fully into a flatbed or can be positioned for working and eating, or lounging; there are also pre-set buttons to return to the take-off and landing position when needed. Being a day-time flight I didn’t sleep, though would have no problem doing so on an overnight flight – the seat was very comfortable and reclined flat. The pillow and blanket provided are of high quality, too. The configuration of seats in the Club World cabin meant I was closely facing the passenger next to me, though there’s a screen divider to offer complete privacy.
I was very well fed and watered throughout the flight. Before take-off, I was offered a glass of wine from the wine list (I went for the Chablis).
A range of complimentary red and white wines are available in-flight
A glass of wine before take-off
Shortly after, my order for lunch was taken. I opted to start with the ‘crab and prawn timbale with watermelon and basil dressing’, followed by a ‘chilled main course salad of hot-smoked salmon with cherry tomato, potatoes with mayonnaise, olives and a lemon and vinaigrette dressing’, and ‘praline mousse’ for dessert. Before landing, we were also served afternoon tea with a selection of cakes.
Menu with a choice of starter, main and dessert
My starter
My main course
My dessert
Afternoon tea before landing in London Heathrow
I also made use of the ‘Club Kitchen’. Passengers in Club World can mosey to the front of the cabin and help themselves to a wide range of drinks and snacks, including well-known brands of biscuits and crisps, chocolate, fresh fruit and sandwiches.
Overall, British Airways’ Club World makes flying a delightful and comfortable experience. It’s an ideal airline for travelling to Delhi from the US, UK and Europe, and will ensure that you arrive well-rested and ready to begin your journey through north India.
Indian Excursions do not offer international flights (nor travel insurance or tourist visa). We find that most guests prefer to arrange their own travel to and from India. However, once you’ve landed in Delhi, we’ll take care of all your arrangements leaving you to focusing on enjoying all India has to offer, as well as your fabulous hotels.
To begin planning your private, tailor-made tour with us, please get in touch.
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