Anyone flown BMI recently?

[juliebro]

Has anyone flown with BMI & United from Manchester to MCO via Washington? If so, how was it? Food, IFE, seats etc?

Thanks

Julie

 

[amf]

Hi Julie....we did this run last Sept/Oct.

bmi transatlantic comes highly recommended if you read any of the frequent flyer sites. We originated in Glasgow so can't comment on MAN check in.

The planes are fairly new Airbus A330. In economy the seat pitch is a pretty decent 32", 38" in New Economy and recline to 160 degrees in The Biz. The same seats are used in New Economy and in Economy although the seat pitch is different. Very comfortable. Fortunately, we were upgraded to New Economy both ways.

Food is very good, for airline food. There is a choice of 3 entrees for the main meal, including a vegetarian option. You can have as much booze as you want....nowadays I cross the pond TT as I drive from MCO.

IFE....excellent. Choice of a dozen or so movies (unfortunately not screened on demand), plus various TV channels (comedy, kids, etc), and many Nintendo games.

At IAD you clear immigration and customs....collect bags and re check them straight afterwards. Then go upstairs and find your gate. Fortunately the arrival and departure flights use the same Concourse, but you may be in for a long walk as its very big. Obviously at MCO you're all set for a quick getaway.

Even though we flew on 3 planes each way, the journey was nicely broken up. It certainly was not at all tiring. I would happily go that route again....may even do so next year after we've tested VS (MAN - MCO) this summer.

 

[juliebro]

Thanks amf

How did you manage to get an upgrade?

Julie

 

[amf]

Originally posted by juliebro
How did you manage to get an upgrade?

Julie

Hi Julie.....a mixture of FF status (I have a gold card with bmi) and upgrade vouchers (gold card holders get these annualy). I would gladly give you some U/G vouchers but these need to be used in conjunction with the Gold Card at check in, sorry.

Alex

 

[juliebro]

Alex

We are FFs with US Airways - but don't fly enough to get silver/gold. We used our miles to get an upgrade on the return leg of our recent Easter visit - but can't get flights with US Air for next Easter on the dates we want.

I hear that US Air are now part of Star Alliance so at least we will earn miles with BMI.

Once you are used to Biz or First, it's hard to go back to cattle class!

Thanks

Julie

 

[amf]

Originally posted by juliebro
I hear that US Air are now part of Star Alliance so at least we will earn miles with BMI.

Once you are used to Biz or First, it's hard to go back to cattle class!

The prospect of flying with no Biz check in and no Exec Lounge access fills me with dread. Been about 700 flights since I last flew without one of these, let alone both Even the kids (10 and 7) are complaining about not being allowed into "the room where everything's free"

Yes, US joined *A last week. Have you considered using your US miles for flights with bmi or UA? If you are paying for your flights it might surprise you how many status miles you get - DW (who had no previous status with bmi) qualified for her Silver Card with bmi by virtue of the return flights GLA - MCO (admittedly with the addition of an unexpected 5,000 miles upgrade bonus).

If you go bmi you will not regret it, I promise you

Alex

 

[juliebro]

Have you considered using your US miles for flights with bmi or UA?

Would have dearly loved to - but haven't got enough left!

Never mind - DS (aged 15) needs a reality check. Having to rough it in economy will be good for him - he's too used to lounges and upgrades!

Julie

 

[amf]

Never mind, Julie.......the miles you earn this trip might just be enough to get your next one on a freebie

Alex