Irish Daily Mirror

Travel test

- HANNAH REES

BY

WHAT: British Airways flight BA2157 in a World Traveller (economy) seat.

WHERE: Gatwick to St Kitts Robert L Bradshaw Internatio­nal Airport, fares from £506 return. britishair­ways.co.uk EXPERIENCE: My first flight with British Airways – and what a way to travel. It included an hourlong stop in Antigua, where the plane remains on the runway and you stay on board.

First stop was the self-serve check in desk at Gatwick.

Previous experience­s have led me to dread airport technology. But I was impressed – it took minutes.

The Boeing 777-236 (ER) was delightful. Having made use of the 23kg checked baggage allowance, I put my backpack into the spacious overhead compartmen­t. There was enough room in the seat storage for my phone, magazine and charger.

The seat was comfortabl­e and allowed me to stretch out. World Traveller passengers get a fleece blanket, pillow and headphones.

My main meal was a tasty Mediterran­ean chicken, tomato and basil orzo risoni which came with a bread roll, cheese, crackers, salad and salted caramel dessert.

I had a glass of Chardonnay and teas and coffees came after the meal. A barbecue chicken wrap and another drink was provided before our Antigua stop.

The star of the show was the in-flight entertainm­ent. After watching a safety demonstrat­ion – featuring Robert Peston and Kaya Scodelario – I flicked through the latest films, including The Flash, but opted for Dirty Dancing. You can also enjoy TV boxsets, games and audio.

The 10 hour flight flew by. QUIBBLES: Headphones and pillow were basic. I was thankful

I’d brought my own travel pillow. VERDICT: Attentive staff, and all you need for a relaxing flight.

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