BMI- The Other British Airline

There is so much hype about the battle over the Atlantic between British Airways and Virgin-Atlantic, it is worthwhile to note there is another UK based airline that upstages them both! BMI British Midland International has daily long haul service to Manchester, England from Chicago, Washington-Dulles and Las Vegas. After experiencing their award winning Business Class service, my only disappointment was they don't offer flights from more US cities.

A member of the Star Alliance, they partner and code share with major players like United and Lufthansa. They operate spacious Airbus 330-200's on trans-Atlantic routes and have extensive domestic and European routes with good connections. The sleeper seats are not flat beds, but they have loads of leg room and were so comfy, I managed a good night's rest during my overnight flight from Dulles.

The in-flight Business Class service was phenomenal. I was greeted with a chilled flute of champagne and a warm welcome by an attractive flight attendant in a snappy BMI Blue uniform. Catering had run out of menus, but our onboard chef, Philip ( yes, every BMI Long Haul flight has a trained chef to personally prepare each Business Class meal white apron and all) offered each passenger a hand written menu he had prepared and copied before boarding the aircraft.

After cocktails, our meal started with a luscious Celery, Carrot and Apple Soup. This was followed with Grilled Prawns in Chinese pancakes, a bountiful mixed green salad with lime dressing and a perfectly prepared Grilled Chicken Breast wrapped in brochette over creamy linguini pasta. The Baked Risotto with Zucchini, tomato and melted Parmesan was as good as any in Italy. Table set up includes individual bread bowls for each guest with extra virgin olive oil or fresh creamery butter.

Along with a selection of Twining Teas, desserts included a Golden Apple and Raspberry Tart, fresh fruit with a cheese selection and a warm expresso brownie served with vanilla ice cream that was decadent! Each course was beautifully presented and the meal was served with the attention to detail one would find in a fine New York or London restaurant.

The wines available were delicious and well paired with the menu choices. Selections included white wines from New Zealand and Italy and a selection of red wines from France, Italy and California. I especially enjoyed the Chateau Moulin a Vent Pomerol from Bordeaux.

Before arrival in Manchester, Phillip whipped up a full breakfast with made to order eggs, toast, OJ and coffee.

Upon arrival, an invite to freshen up at the SAS Radisson Airport was extended to all Business Class guests. I took a shower at the Health Club, passed on using the gym or indoor pool, but did have time for a continental breakfast before my connecting BMI flight to Scotland... This is the "other" British Airline that is truly worth a try!

BMI Breakfast