BMI (British Midland): First Impressions
Fed up with Air Transat’s/Thomas Cooke’s Toronto-Manchester (UK) service (described in a previous blog entry, Charter Flights, May 26, 08), I’ve been fortunate to be able to try a different Manchester-bound routing. Happening to be in Chicago last month, I flew BMI from there to Manchester, direct (and back). The results were positive: a more comfortable plane, friendlier crew, better baggage allowance and food, a nice variety of free magazines, personal entertainment systems in each seat, and less fuss at booking and check-in, also 20-minute early arrivals (both ways) with speedy baggage delivery.
The only disappointment was Chicago O’Hare’s International Terminal, where there are limited nutrition options once you go through security. (Bring your own food!) Toronto’s renovated Pearson can definitely set an example here (if you are up for paying the price). BMI doesn’t have a Toronto service, unfortunately.
Interesting to note: BMI crew stay at the Holiday Inn, Chicago Mart Plaza—another favorite of mine!
