DEPARTURES
Reality check AME R ICAN AIR L INE S, PR E M IU M E CO NO M Y THE FLIGHT
Flight AA100 from
New York’s JFK Terminal E to London Heathrow Terminal 3, departing at 06.15
of fruit plate, yoghurt and croissant was served just under an hour before arrival. A bottle of water and
THE SEAT
and arriving at 06.50 (local times), and
comfort pack (with Casper blanket and
operated by a B777-300. I was flying in
lumber pillow, Cole Haan amenity kit,
American Airlines' Premium Economy.
and headset) were awaiting me in the
THE PRE-BOARDING
I was unable to
seat. I travelled in seat 16D which has
check-in online but the airline’s check-in
the extra leg room in front on the bulk
area at T3 was efficient and straight-
head. The seat was roomy and controls
forward and the queue through security
for the recline and foot rest were simple.
relative short. Boarding was at Gate 8
The screen was stowed within the seat
and was done in seat location groups to
but popped out easily and the IFE
ensure efficient loading.
system offered a comprehensive choice.
THE SERVICE
I had pre-ordered my
There was a small storage compartment
meal choice online and it was delivered
and fold-out tray stowed in the arm rest,
quickly – so quickly, in fact, that I was
plus a USB charging point.
half way through eating it before the
THE VERDICT
THE DETAILS
drinks service arrived! The meal was
and the Premium Economy seat was
excellent with a good-sized chicken
definitely comfortable and well-thought
portion served with a side salad and the
through. The meal quality was excellent
best bread roll I’ve had onboard, plus a
and the amenities supplied with the
good chocolate dessert, cheese and
seat were good quality and useful,
crackers. All was presented well with
especially the lumbar pillow. The staff
ceramic crockery and linen napkin. A
were efficient if a little brusque in their
second drinks service was offered after
service but overall the journey was a
trays had been cleared, and a breakfast
good experience.
American Airlines
operates up to four direct flights a day
The aircraft felt new
THE AMENITIES SUPPLIED WITH THE SEAT WERE GOOD QUALITY AND USEFUL
from London Heathrow to New York (JFK), and up to 10 a day when including the flights operated by joint business partner British Airways. Fares start from £270 in Basic Economy, £330 in the Main Cabin, £789 in Premium Economy, £1,593 in Flagship Business and £3,143 in Flagship First. aa.co.uk
Julie Baxter
STAYCIT Y APAR T HOT E L S, BIR M ING HAM THE APARTHOTEL
Staycity Aparthotels
consisted of a living area with flat
in Birmingham’s Newhall Square has
screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen
142 one-bedroom and 24 two-bedroom
with hob, microwave, cooking utensils
apartments that can accommodate up
and dishwasher, plus a dining area,
to six people. Situated in the city's
bedroom with king-size bed and
historical Jewellery Quarter, the
bathroom. I was particularly impressed
property is less than a 10-minute walk
with the powerful and roomy shower
from Birmingham city centre and New
and may have indulged for slightly
Street Train Station and a five-minute
longer than necessary as a result.
walk from the bars and restaurants of
Hairdryers were also provided in
bustling Broad Street.
the bedroom.
THE CHECK-IN
As the hotel is
THE FACILITIES
There is a fitness
situated in a busy area, street parking
centre on-site along with a café –
is not an option. There is limited space
breakfast is available at an additional
available in the on-site car park or,
cost. If you did want to cook your
alternatively, a 24-hour NCP car park is
own meals, there is a grocery shop
just next door. Both options cost £12
conveniently located next door to the
per night for the privilege. Once inside,
aparthotel. There is free wifi access
I received a warm and friendly
throughout the property.
welcome at the reception desk along
THE VERDICT
Perfect for a short stay
with what seemed a genuine interest in
in Birmingham for those that want to
how my journey had been. I was given
be self-sufficient. Staff were friendly
my room key and breakfast options
and helpful and made you feel very
and guided to the lift.
welcome upon arrival. The location
THE ROOM
My compact and
modern one-bedroom apartment
104
is within easy access of some of Birmingham’s main attractions.
THE DETAILS
88 Charlotte Street,
Birmingham, B3 1PW. Check-in is
PERFECT FOR A SHORT STAY AND THOSE THAT WANT TO BE SELFSUFFICIENT
from 3pm and check-out by 11am. Nightly rates start from £71 for a onebedroom apartment. Staycity has over 3,000 apartments across ten different cities in the UK, Ireland and France, and has recently launched sub-brand Wilde Aparthotels by Staycity. Tel: 0121 237 5600; see staycity.com
Jessica Pook
THEBUSINESSTRAVELMAG.COM
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