We left the lounge at around 0145 and headed for Gate C34. Beware that some gates are quite a distance from the lounge, so don’t wait until ‘last call’ to make your way over.
Economy passengers were already boarding when we arrived, so we presumed that business class had gone ahead already. The staff at the desk told us to take our seats, but the whole process was quite confusing and chaotic.
Once ‘last call’ was signalled at 0157, we returned to the desk and they then seemed happy for us to board. We joined economy customers in the waiting area, but were then ushered onto a ‘business class’-branded bus. Economy passengers were barred from boarding our bus (which had just five passengers) and diverted to the more packed vehicle, which felt a little unfair.
It was a fairly long drive to the aircraft, and we passed by areas of construction works on the way – Phase B of the airport’s expansion started in early 2023 and aims to increase the airport’s capacity to more than 60 million passengers annually.
We were dropped right at the staircase to board the aircraft, and arrived to welcoming staff who introduced themselves and offered passengers a glass of water, Champagne (brut or rosé), orange juice or the airline’s signature lime and mint juice.
Menus were provided as soon as we boarded and orders taken shortly before take-off. Since it was early morning by the time we boarded, I decided to miss the meal and prioritise sleep. A refreshing Diptyque towel was offered to passengers, but there was no amenity kit for this short journey. Thankfully I had saved my socks and eye mask from the previous leg.
The flight took off 40 minutes late, at 0305, and the pilot announced that this was due to delayed passengers.