A business flight to New York that clears US immigration in Ireland and provides in-flight connectivity? Not a pipedream but Atlantic-hopping execs' best-kept secret. Tina Nielsen climbed aboard
Most people questioned British Airways's sanity when it launched a premium all-business flight mid-recession two years ago. But the Club World service between London City and JFK airports won jet set execs over and is still thriving.
With just 32 seats that convert into fully flat beds, the Airbus A318 is especially tailored to the busy exec's needs. A quirk to the service is a brief stop at Ireland's Shannon airport where you'll clear US immigration while the plane is refuelled. Although this makes the journey a little longer, you'll arrive at JFK as domestic passengers and avoid those horrendously long queues.
London City – JFK
A big bonus of the service means you can check in as late as 15 minutes before take-off and
once on board spread out in a spacious seat with plenty of privacy. And you'll find service from three flight attendants personal and attentive.
During the short flight to Shannon I was served an appetiser of potted shrimps as the first part of lunch. I found the Shannon airport experience smooth and immigration checks were over in minutes.
Forty minutes after landing and I was in the air again, settling down for the seven-hour flight to New York and looking forward to a main course of grilled fillet steak with roast onion mayonnaise and chips, with cheesecake for dessert – all served with excellent wine. You can choose to have lunch later if you're in the middle of work.
Entertainment arrives on iPads, pre-loaded with films and TV shows. I loved the OnAir connectivity facility, which kicks in when the plane rises above 10,000ft and allows access to email, texts and the internet. This works really well for sending and receiving emails and keeping up with Twitter.
An hour and a half out of New York afternoon tea – delicious sandwiches, scones and cakes – is served. I landed at JFK, took a short walk through Terminal 7 to collect my luggage and was hailing a cab just 15 minutes after touchdown. Brilliant.
JFK – London City
My three days of meetings flew by and soon I was heading back to JFK for the flight home. A night flight is where comfort is so important – a good night's sleep means you're firing on all cylinders the next day. The flight home is all about convenience so you can relax and enjoy pre-flight dinner, served in the Club Terrace Lounge at JFK, which allows more time to sleep on board. And don't forget to visit the Elemis Travel Spa for complimentary treatment to aid relaxation on the journey home.
Boarding is swift and the plane is soon up in the air. A snack is served with a drink before passengers settle down to sleep or unwind watching a film on the iPad. Comfortable flat beds with quilted blankets and snug pillows make it easy to doze off – after all, you'll want to rest ahead of a busy day. About an hour and a half from landing breakfast is served, but if you prefer to sleep through the service, pick up a breakfast to go.
On arrival at London City there's an option of going to the four-star Radisson Edwardian – a 10-minute drive away in an executive car (book the service when you check in at JFK). Or perhaps you'll want to round off your luxury trip to New York by visiting the spa, using the business centre or enjoying a complimentary breakfast.
The height of luxury
If you're looking for somewhere to stay in NYC, the Ritz-Carlton Central Park offers old-world glamour and unrivalled views of the city's most famous green space. The building, formerly the St Moritz hotel, was gutted and refurbished in 2000 and reopened two years later as the Ritz-Carlton. We were spoilt with faultless customer service. Its 259 spacious, beautifully appointed rooms and suites feature sumptuous fittings, 400-thread count Egyptian bedding and flat-screen TVs. The hotel also boasts the first La Prairie spa in the US, a gym, a BLT Market restaurant overseen by celebrity chef Laurent Tourondel and a club lounge with concierge, free WiFi and food services through the day.
FACT FILE
Getting there BA Club World flies twice daily between London City and JFK. Prices start at £2,332.85. Check-in is open up to 15 minutes before departure.
www.ba.com or via WEXAS at www.iod.com/travel (020 7838 5989)
Where to stay Ritz-Carlton Central Park has 259 rooms and suites. Prices start
at $595 (£378) for a deluxe room and $1,745 for a suite with a partial view of Central Park. www.ritzcarlton.com
