london hotels by hotels-london.co.uk

30 Oct 2007: Silverjet to New York - New Dawn of Business Travel

One of the first things you notice about Silverjet when you book is their 30 minute check in time. So, what no more arriving 2 or 3 hours before your flight to New York? Could this be true?

The next story I was being told was not having to line up to check in. Silverjet bring your ticket and passport back to you while relaxing in the Executive Lounge. Was this true?

The simple answer: Yes, yes and more yes. I decided I would put this to the test and arrive 30 minutes before the flight. As I entered their private terminal at Luton Airport we were greeted by name... perhaps that was because we were the last to be checked in, I'm not sure. However, check in took seconds as our bags were whisked away and we were even able to sit in the lounge and enjoy a coffee and pastry before boarding, past their private security. So far so good!

We were bused out to the plane which I was relieved to see was a big one! Actually a Boeing 767 for all you boffins out there. It's a great looking plane and it really does give you the feeling you are boarding a private jet. The cabin was a scurry of very cool flight attendants taking coats and delivering glasses of champagne to salivating guests. Very Sivilised, as their marketing tells you. The seats were really comfy and gave off that contemporary luxury feel it was intended to. Apparently the design inspiration came from the very HIP One Aldwych Hotel in London, which was also the venue where the concept came to fruition.

The service and food was fantastically good, especially considering you are 30,000 feet off the ground. I had the lamb which was delicious and I understand the Jelly was also special.

We settled back and relaxed after a couple of glasses of Merlot and watched a movie on the sophisticated entertainment system. I watched Die Hard 4.0 which was a mistake. Too much tension which tied me in knots and ruined my relaxed state. Completely self inflicted! I then nodded off for a bit before landing. The flat-beds are very comfortable although not completely flat. They are 6ft.3 but your toes end up under the seat in front - well mine did anyway. There was plenty of room, however if you are tall or have big feet I suggest requesting a front row seat like row 1. We had this on the return journey and it was great. Not that I'm particularly tall or have big feet.

Arrival in Newark didnt spoil us like Luton did, especially since you had to line up with everyone else at passport control. But on the way back (late again!!) the check in lounge was speedy and our tardiness was not a problem.

What a great experience. Definitely the way to fly. Prices run from £799 return with average prices around £1100 return - I think a bargain for the quality, service and the fact you have the plane all to your "business class " self. Back to Blog