A Journey Abandoned: Recalling the Extraordinary Experience of Flying on Concorde

On a Friday in July 2003, one of my lifelong dreams came to fruition. I had the chance to fly on the legendary Concorde, a feat that was destined to remain just a dream without the hasty booking of a ticket weeks before its retirement.

Anticipation and Arrival

For three months, I lived in anticipation, checking the arrival and departure schedules, following news about the airline's operations, and reflecting on my early fascination with the aircraft's maiden flight in 1969, which I witnessed as a 13-year-old. The excitements and emotions were palpable as I arrived at Heathrow Terminal 4, ensuring I was well within the relaxed and beautiful Concorde Lounge, a space reserved for both business travelers and enthusiasts like myself.

Boarding and First Impressions

The moment I saw Concorde taxying into view, my heart raced. As we prepared to board, there was an overwhelming sense of awe. I was relieved to have an American businessman as my fellow passenger, someone who had travelled on the Concorde dozens of times, allowing me to enjoy the experience without interruption. The crew, both flight and cabin, were exemplary, and it was clear that they were among the best of British Airways.

The Flight Experience

Concorde's takeoff was nothing short of a spectacle. Reaching 250 mph, it flew faster than a normal airliner. As we approached Bristol, before crossing the Atlantic, we gradually moved to a supersonic speed, climbing to twice the usual altitude of a regular aircraft. Concorde accelerated to twice the speed of sound, reaching a dizzying 1320 mph. It was a journey of unparalleled excitement, and I seized every moment, from filming the journey to savouring a superb menu and enjoying a glass of wine. It was enchanting to see the United States for the first time through the window, with the flight concluding well ahead of schedule, basking in the magnificence of New York City's skyline, the Empire State Building towering in the distance.

A New World: New York City

Having been in New York City for only a day, I was struck by how friendly and outgoing the locals were, making me feel totally safe. The experience of New York was enriching, from the open-top bus tour to the subway station and the local bus guide, all of which left a lasting impression. Additionally, the care taken with my luggage by a kind porter, the stretch limo that awaited me, and the luxury of being chauffeured back to the airport completed my first American travel experience.

The Return and Farewells

Upon returning to London, there was a bittersweet nostalgia. Watching the last commercial Concorde flights, with three stacked aircraft on the tarmac, was a poignant reminder of what could have been. Qualified regrets are common after such experiences, but the memories of flying on Concorde remain vivid and unmatched. It was not just a flight, but a journey through time that informed my desire to cherish every moment that awaits.

Even now, reflecting on the experience, I am filled with immense gratitude. Farewell, Concorde, and thank you for the memories.