Where Wanderlust Meets Aviation Obsession
There’s a running theme to our travels – my husband’s love affair with planes and the art of flying. When we plan a holiday, it’s not just about the destination; it’s the intricate choreography of flights, seats and lounges that sets the rhythm of our adventure.
Our journey to Canada was no exception. This a tale of Avios, afternoon tea, and airborne indulgence.
Becoming British Airways Enthusiasts
Our relationship with British Airways began with a memorable long-haul to New York back in 2007, where the travel bug bit us good and proper. Although world travel at a whim is the stuff of dreams, we set about making it a reality – albeit with a plan that was as strategic as it was hopeful. Our approach? Rack up Avios points and snag those precious companion vouchers with a British Airways AMEX, opening the door to Business Class adventures, one reward flight at a time.
Along the way, we even reached the coveted GOLD status with British Airways, though that’s a story for another post! For our Canadian getaway, we cashed in a companion voucher, a stash of Avios, and a bit of cash – proof that loyalty (and patience) really can pay off.
The Hunt for Reward Flights: Sleepless Nights and Savvy Strategies
Reward flights are like gold dust – released at unpredictable times and snapped up in moments. My husband subscribes to an alert service that sends out notifications when seats appear, but be warned: these alerts often come in the early hours, so you have to be on your toes to secure those coveted seats!
This trip saw us flying into and out of Toronto, despite an itinerary including both Toronto and Vancouver. The reason? Heathrow to Vancouver reward flights were nowhere to be found. Our workaround involved a connecting flight from Toronto to Vancouver, proving that flexibility and compromise are key ingredients in this strategy.
Seat Saga: The Perils and Perks of Flying Business
With reward flights secured, we originally booked 1A and 2A in the front cabin for our flight from London to Toronto – the holy grail for any traveller keen to beat the immigration queue. A seamless exit from the aircraft can mean the difference between breezing through customs or waiting with hundreds of fellow flyers.
But travel has a way of keeping you on your toes. Upon arriving at Manchester Airport, a notification pinged: our aircraft had changed, and by the time we reached bag drop, our seats had become 9E and 9F. Landing in Heathrow brought another twist, our seats had moved again to 16A and 17A, After a spirited chat with the BA lounge staff, we managed to reclaim front cabin seats, though on separate sides of the plan. First World problems, perhaps, but our obsession with seat numbers is that real.
BA Lounge at the B Gate: A Pre-Flight Feast
Arriving at the BA Lounge around 14:00, we were greeted by a spread ideal for grazing. There were sandwiches aplenty, scones with cream and jam and a selection of hot dishes.
My pick was the cheesy pasta and salad – simple, satisfying, and just the thing before a long flight.
The highlight, though, was the afternoon tea unveiled at 15:30: a delicious abundance of savoury pastries.
Business Class Dining: High Altitude Indulgence
Once airborne on the London to Toronto leg, the Business Class menu promised a culinary adventure. My pre-dinner ritual started with Aviation gin and slimline tonic – this has now become customary in my travel routine.
To start, I chose the roasted cauliflower soup with garlic and herb croutons, accompanied by bulgar and carrot salad, plus a zingy lemon labneh. The soup was delightfully sweet, though reminiscent of baby food in texture – not the best I’ve had, but certainly comforting. Bread rolls came in a trio, soft and fresh.
Wine pairing? J. Bouchon, Reserva Sauvignon Blanc. It leaned towards a Chardonnay with less citrus than expected, but made for a pleasant sip.
For dessert, I skipped the main and went straight for the chocolate pudding with a luscious chocolate sauce. The sponge was feather-light, the sauce rich – perhaps a tad too generous. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or dash of cream would have elevated it further.
Meanwhile, my husband opted for Beef Tataki, which he declared a success. Sadly, we didn’t get a chance to sample the second menu as no further food was offered before landing.
Touchdown in Toronto: Smooth Sailing Through Customs
Landing in Toronto rewarded us with a picture-perfect view and a lesson in efficient immigration. Compared to the maze-like systems at JFK and Heathrow, Toronto’s process was a breeze.
Baggage reclaim in Terminal 3 brought a dose of drama – bags circling once before being whisked away by staff and laid out for retrieval. I spent a nerve-wracking few moments wondering if our luggage would disappear, but all returned intact, save for one missing luggage tag. Relief all round!
When the Journey Is Half the Fun
Our trip to Toronto was shaped as much by the flights as by the destination. From chasing reward flights in the early hours to sampling afternoon tea at airport lounges, every detail added its own flavour to the trip. This is definitely not just about getting from A to B, but about having a sprinkle of adventure along the way.