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Scorchio!
The wall of heat hit us as we stepped on the plane. Yes, as we stepped ON the plane. The air conditioning unit on our 11 hour flight to Bangkok had failed. The pilot made a special appearance in the lounge before we boarded to announce that there would be a delay; they would load all the bags and refreshments he said, before asking passengers to take their seats at the last possible moment, making us endure the heat for as little time as possible. The air con would work once the engines were switched on, he said. When prompted, we boarded speedily. The usual dash to get to our seats in time to find a space in the over head lockers for our hand luggage was crazier than ever. The cabin crew, having prepped the plane in the tropical heat, did their best to get the doors shut as quickly as possible, beads of sweat running down their faces. One unruly BA cabin crew member had even removed his tie, which is probably a sackable offence.
Despite the sweltering heat , the crew coped admirably. Cold drinks with ice were served very efficiently as we climbed, and as promised, the cabin temperature slowly fell to a level at which a dog shut in a car would expect to live. Order was resumed, soggy roast beef and yorkshire pudding was served, and we went to sleep. Though it was a little unpleasant for a while, we think BA should consider mainstreaming the disabling of the air con on their flights more often. Everyone took their seats quickly and quietly, we all got drinks immediately, it made us sleepy for the night flight, and it prepared us very well for the heat in Thailand...
Joss
- comments
Andrew Next time try a De Havilland Rapide, just open a window for air-con. I've flown in one in the rain . . . trouble is the water comes in as well as fresh air! Dadx http://www.airplane-pictures.net/image113390.html
Judy Thanks for the updates - really enjoying them. Can't wait to hear about the elephants!!
Alex Hurrah for your blog! Missing you already (and salute you for coping so admirably with boiling flight!) xxxx