Sky High Chronicles: Exploring Edinburgh to Palma with British Airways CityFlyer Club Europe
Discover the Seasonal BA Direct Flight from Edinburgh to Mallorca
I recently rediscovered the seasonal direct BA flight to Palma in Mallorca, one of Spain’s stunning Balearic Islands. This destination has always been on our travel list, especially with the new Virgin Limited Edition hotel, Son Bunyola, opening in June 2023.
Weekend Direct Flights to Exciting Destinations
While booking this flight, I learned that London City Airport closes for 24 hours over the weekend (from Saturday lunchtime to early afternoon on Sunday). This results in the aircraft being repurposed for weekend charter flights, affecting routes like Edinburgh to Palma.
Before the flight, I believed this was an excellent option for weekend getaways. British Airways offers direct flights to several beautiful destinations, including Florence in Italy, San Sebastian in Spain, Chambery in France, and Olbia in Sardinia.
Disappointing Outbound Experience to Palma
Unfortunately, the flight experience to Palma did not meet the usual BA Club Europe standards. The first leg of the journey was hugely disappointing, as detailed in my flight review. I hoped the return leg would be a better experience.
Thankfully, the return flight from Palma was much better. Despite a subpar airport experience at Palma, the CityFlyer crew provided excellent service, food, and overall experience on board. More details about this improved return journey can be found at the end of this review.
British Airways Embraer Aircraft on the runway at Edinburgh Airport
Fast Facts about British Airways CityFlyer
Website - https://www.britishairways.com/
Skytrax ranking - 4 Star
Instagram - @british_airways @oneworld
Flight - EDI - PMI BA2337
Scheduled time - 3hr 5mins
Actual time - 2hr 40mins
Aircraft - Embraer E190-SR (G-LCAH) 11 years old
Flew - May 2024
Stunning views in flight flying from Edinburgh to Palma
Index
Pre-Trip & Booking Guide for Palma de Mallorca
Departure / Check-In
Airport Lounge
The Boarding Experience on British Airways CityFlyer
The Flight
Welcome Aboard
The Seat
Food and Drink
In-Flight Entertainment (IFE)
On Board Wi-Fi
Our Arrival Experience
Key Highlights from The Private Traveller's Experience
The Private Traveller’s Top Tips for Enhanced Travel Experience
Would I fly CityFlyer with British Airways again?
Final Thoughts on Outbound Flight (EDI to PMI)
Premium Return Flight Experience: PMI to EDI
Pre-Trip & Booking Guide for Palma de Mallorca
Easy Booking Experience for Palma de Mallorca
Booking our trip to Palma de Mallorca was seamless. We aimed for a luxurious stay at two premier hotels:
Son Bunyola (a Virgin Limited Edition/Richard Branson property)
Finca Serena Mallorca, a Unicó Hotel
Finding Flights to Palma de Mallorca
Matching our flight with hotel availability was straightforward, thanks to the direct British Airways flight from Edinburgh to Palma. This connection made our travel planning exceptionally easy.
Why Choose These Hotels in Mallorca?
Son Bunyola: Known for its exclusive experience and stunning location, it's a top choice for luxury travellers.
Finca Serena Mallorca: Offers unparalleled tranquility and exquisite service, ideal for a relaxing retreat.
I will be writing hotel reviews of both properties after my trip, but I have already posted a ‘Travel Itineraries’ series post detailing why I chose these locations and what we plan to do on the trip itself.
Tips for Booking Your Mallorca Trip
Plan Ahead: Ensure your flights align with hotel availability.
Book Direct Flights: The direct BA flight from Edinburgh to Palma is highly convenient.
Choose Reputable Hotels: Staying at renowned hotels like Son Bunyola and Finca Serena guarantees a memorable experience.
For more information on booking your trip to Palma de Mallorca, check out our detailed travel guides and tips.
The short flight from Edinburgh to Palma afforded some spectacular views
Departure / Check-In: British Airways Overnight Bag Drop at Edinburgh Airport
Optimise Your Travel with British Airways’ Overnight Bag Drop Service at Edinburgh Airport
Planning an early morning flight can be stressful, but British Airways' overnight bag drop service at Edinburgh Airport offers a convenient solution. Previously known as Twilight Check-In, this service allows passengers to check in their luggage the night before their flight, between 4 PM and 8 PM, for any flight departing before noon the following day.
Streamlined Check-In Process
For travellers with early departures, such as a 6:50 AM flight, using the overnight bag drop can simplify your morning routine. After checking in online and obtaining your boarding pass, you can drop off your luggage the night before, ensuring a smoother departure the next day. This service is operated by Menzies Aviation on behalf of British Airways at Edinburgh.
Experience of the Service
Upon arrival at the airport pick-up area, I anticipated a quick process as I already had my boarding pass and passport ready. However, the check-in agent encountered several issues. The booking could not be located via my passport, requiring multiple scans of my boarding pass. There was confusion over my flight details, as the agent mistakenly thought I had a connecting flight through London Heathrow before my final destination in Palma.
Resolution and Delays
The agent's misunderstanding led to a prolonged check-in process, involving two supervisors and several attempts to correct the booking details. Eventually, after more than 20 minutes, I received my baggage receipt tags. Despite the initial concerns, my luggage was successfully tracked via Apple AirTags the next morning, confirming it was on board.
Navigating Security
Expecting a seamless experience through FastTrack, I was met with a substantial queue, exacerbated by numerous speedy boarders on EasyJet flights. Additionally, the new scanner that eliminates the need to remove toiletries and electronics was not operational, further slowing down the security process. The busy security area meant that the FastTrack service did not live up to its name on this occasion.
While the overnight bag drop service at Edinburgh Airport offers significant convenience for early morning flights, be prepared for potential delays and issues at check-in. Ensuring all your details are correct and using tracking devices like Apple AirTags can provide peace of mind regarding your luggage. Additionally, allow extra time for security, even with FastTrack, as high passenger volumes can affect wait times.
Optimise your travel experience by leveraging the British Airways overnight bag drop service, but always plan for potential hiccups to ensure a stress-free journey.
Snow capped mountains on route from Edinburgh to Palma with British Airways
Airport Lounge
When checking into the lounge, we were verified for our agreement to be seated in emergency exit rows. I had chosen the prime 2C/D seats on the Embraer flight, known for their ample legroom. We arrived at the lounge at approximately 5:30 AM for our 6:50 AM departure, with screens indicating that the boarding gate would be announced at 6 AM. Following a recent refresh, completed in January 2024, the lounge is now a comfortable space. Although the changes weren't extensive, the update was necessary as the previous furniture was not only outdated but also extremely worn out. The refresh was more of a necessary upgrade rather than a complete refurbishment. The lounge offers a decent selection of breakfast items, drinks, and snacks.
Read all about the CityFlyer experience here……
The Boarding Experience on British Airways CityFlyer
Seat Change Confusion
While checking the boarding gate for my CityFlyer flight to Palma on the BA app, I noticed my seat had changed from 2D to 5D. Curious, I approached the desk staff who confirmed that 2D was blocked and more information would be provided at the gate. Upon arrival at the gate, and after scanning my boarding pass, it was confirmed my new seat was indeed 5D. This was less than ideal as I was now in the back row of Club Europe, separated from 'Mrs' TPT who had an aisle seat at the front.
The staff suggested moving her to be adjacent to me in row 5. However, we preferred to keep our original seats. They then managed to move me back to the original 2C and 2D seats. The reason for the initial seat change remained unclear, especially since there appeared to be no issues with seat 2D once we boarded.
Efficient Boarding Process
Boarding was notably efficient, starting with Pre-Boarding, Group 0, and Group 1. We boarded well ahead of the scheduled departure time. The Captain informed us that due to heavy air traffic, there might be a slight delay during taxiing, which indeed occurred.
Key Points for Travellers:
Monitor Seat Changes: Keep an eye on your seat assignment via the airline app and verify any changes with staff.
Request Clarification: If changes occur, don't hesitate to ask for clarification and possible adjustments.
Efficient Boarding: Take advantage of the efficient boarding process by arriving early and being prepared for potential delays during taxiing.
The Flight
The taking off view departing PMI - just a stunning coastline on such a clear day
Welcome Aboard
Upon boarding the aircraft, we were welcomed at the steps, and I was relieved to find that seat 2D was in good condition. However, the welcome was unremarkable, lacking any personal touch. Despite both being BA Gold members, there was no recognition of our loyalty at any point during the flight.
Additionally, I was disappointed to see that there was no charity collection for loose foreign coins on this flight, nor on the return flight. This absence detracted from the overall experience, especially as I had brought bags of coins specifically for this purpose.
Key Points:
Boarding Experience: Initial greeting at the aircraft steps.
Seat Condition: Seat 2D was in good condition.
Loyalty Recognition: No acknowledgment of BA Gold status throughout the flight.
Charity Collection: No opportunity to donate foreign coins on both outbound and return flights.
The Seat: A Detailed Look at Club Europe’s Seating on Embraer Aircraft
Excited to experience the new seating options in Club Europe? Here’s what you need to know about the current setup on Embraer aircraft, especially if you're flying to London City.
Seating Configuration
The Embraer aircraft features a consistent 2-2 seating arrangement throughout the cabin. The seats are upholstered in navy leather, offering a sleek appearance, but they come with minimal padding. Despite the aircraft's 11-year age, as tracked via FlightRadar24, it maintains a high standard of cleanliness.
Best Seats for Legroom
For those seeking extra legroom, row 2 (A/B) is the prime choice over row 1. This row provides significantly more leg space, enhancing comfort during your flight. However, the seats are relatively compact, lacking the extra elbow room that comes with a blocked middle seat.
Club Europe Cabin Layout
The Club Europe section consists of five rows in the 2-2 configuration, with only four rows on the C/D side. This section offers an upgraded experience compared to the 20 rows in the Euro Traveller class.
Conclusion
While the new seating in Club Europe is highly anticipated, the current setup on Embraer aircraft offers a decent level of comfort, especially if you choose the right seats. Stay tuned for more updates on the new seating as they become available.
British Airways Food and Drink Review: A Disappointing Experience
When it comes to in-flight dining, my recent British Airways (BA) flight stands out as the worst food experience I've ever had. This tops even a previous flight from the Seychelles, where, despite paying full fare for First Class, the food was almost nonexistent. On that flight, the entire meal service consisted of a small box containing a child's sandwich, an apple, and a miniature bottle of water. It felt more like a repatriation flight, especially as it was one of the last flights allowed to depart the islands during a COVID lockdown. Despite the context, the cost of the flight did not match the service provided.
On my most recent BA flight, there was no menu card. When I inquired about my pre-ordered vegetarian meal, the attendant informed me that there wasn't one available. The standard vegetarian option was highly unsatisfactory, featuring overboiled spinach, extremely overboiled carrots, a hash-brown-like item stuffed with sweetcorn (which I dislike), and an oily, overcooked ratatouille. The only redeeming aspects of the meal were a toffee Muller yogurt and a small fruit salad consisting of three pieces of melon and one piece of apple.
Overall, this British Airways flight offered an extremely poor dining experience, especially disappointing for vegetarians. For the price paid, the service and meal quality were far below expectations.
In-Flight Entertainment (IFE)
The in-flight entertainment (IFE) was notably absent on this flight. Despite the lack of IFE, the flight duration was short, and I managed to pass the time by writing this flight review.
On board Wi-Fi: Stay Connected While You Travel
No Wi-Fi either.
Our Arrival Experience
Despite a slightly delayed departure, our flight landed on time, ensuring a prompt arrival experience. De-planing was swift, although we experienced a short delay while waiting for the bus to depart after all passengers had boarded. Once aboard, the journey to the terminal was brief. However, upon arrival, we encountered some waiting time at the automated passport control gates, followed by another queue for passport stamping. Despite these minor delays, the process was manageable.
Upon exiting immigration, we embarked on a relatively lengthy walk to retrieve our luggage from carousel 16. Despite the distance and the unexpected mingling with departing passengers along the way, by the time we reached the carousel (which happened to be located almost at the furthest end), our luggage was already available, facilitating a smooth transition from arrival to baggage collection.
Palma from the ascending aircraft from Mallorca’s main airport, PMI en route to Edinburgh
Key Highlights from The Private Traveller's Experience:
Discover the key highlights from The Private Traveller's recent journey:
Direct Flight from Edinburgh to Palma: Enjoy the convenience of a direct flight, eliminating the need for layovers or connecting flights.
Outstanding Service from Cabin Service Manager David: Despite initial shortcomings on the outbound flight, the return flight experience was significantly improved, thanks to the exceptional service provided by David, the Cabin Service Manager.
Overall Balanced Experience: While there were initial setbacks, such as the lack of additional positives on the outbound journey, the exceptional service on the return journey balanced out the overall experience to be satisfactory.
Experience seamless travel from Edinburgh to Palma with convenient direct flights and exceptional service, ensuring a balanced and enjoyable journey.
The Private Traveller’s Top Tips for Enhanced Travel Experience
During my recent journey, I encountered a few areas for improvement worth sharing:
Check-In Efficiency: Despite the promise of a seamless process for early morning flights, the night-before bag check-in experience fell short of expectations. It felt non-premium and raised concerns about the efficiency of baggage handling.
Seat Changes: My seat was inexplicably changed without explanation. However, upon request, it was promptly reverted back to my preference.
Seating Comfort: The seating arrangements lacked comfort, and I hope the introduction of new seating options will address this issue, particularly with improved padding.
In-flight Dining: The quality of food served during the outbound journey was disappointing, arguably the worst I've experienced on any BA flight. Fortunately, the return flight provided a significantly improved dining experience.
On-board Service: The service on board was lackluster, requiring me to request for basic actions such as tray removal, as they were not observed by the crew.
Vegetarian Meal Options: Despite vegetarian meal options being indicated during booking, no specific meals were provided. It seems there may be an assumption that standard vegetarian choices eliminate the need for pre-reservation.
Would I fly British Airways & CityFlyer again? Absolutely
Yes, of course! Despite encountering some challenges with the check-in process and unnecessary seat change hassles (which fortunately didn't materialize), I would still choose to fly with British Airways & CityFlyer again.
Improvements in the food quality would further enhance the overall flight experience. Over the last few years, British Airways has notably elevated its standards, particularly on short-haul and domestic routes. With continued improvements, the flight experience could be significantly enhanced.
Another Embraer CityFlyer aircraft on the runway at Palma International Airport
Final Thoughts on Outbound Flight (EDI to PMI)
In summary, my experience on this flight was disappointing and fell short of expectations. I had anticipated a level of service similar to that of the London City experience, albeit on a longer flight to a sunny destination. Unfortunately, the reality did not meet these expectations. Several aspects of the journey, including check-in, seat change during boarding, food quality, and staff service, left much to be desired.
Premium Return Flight Experience: PMI to EDI
Our return flight from PMI to EDI exceeded our expectations, offering a stark contrast to our outbound journey. Two standout factors made this return flight exceptional: the culinary offerings and the exemplary service provided by our Cabin Service Manager, David.
Returning the Avis electric hire car was a breeze, and check-in at the airport was seamless, with a dedicated premium queue available. While the fast-track premium entry into the security area at Palma airport was bustling, we navigated through efficiently, proceeding to the Passport Control area. Following the guidance of our check-in agent, we made our way to the VIP lounge near gate A22, where we enjoyed complimentary amenities while awaiting our slightly delayed flight.
Despite a minor delay in boarding, the process was swift and hassle-free. Unlike our arrival, we boarded via an air-bridge, adding to the convenience. Onboard, the experience was notably improved. David, our attentive crew member, ensured a smooth and enjoyable journey, highlighting the significant impact of exceptional service.
The in-flight dining experience, while lacking a pre-booked vegetarian option, offered a satisfying selection including halloumi, stuffed vine leaves, houmous, and pomegranate seeds, accompanied by a delightful dessert of Tropical Mousse.
In summary, our return flight was a remarkable contrast to the outbound leg, emphasizing the importance of attentive service and quality amenities in enhancing the overall travel experience.
I recently rediscovered the seasonal direct BA flight to Palma in Mallorca, one of Spain’s stunning Balearic Islands. This destination has always been on our travel list, especially with the new Virgin Limited Edition hotel, Son Bunyola, opening in June 2023.