Originally Posted by
LGS6753
My first transatlantic trip was LGW-JFK on a GK DC-10-10 in March 1978, a bit before Skytrain started, although the aircraft was painted in Skytrain colours. It was an ABC (Advanced Booking Charter), and we received with our tickets a voucher to allow us to stay in the (then) Statler Hilton Hotel in NYC for $30/night. Bargain! The flight was via Manchester both ways - unexpected by us and not very welcome.
The first official Laker Skytrain flight took of from London Gatwick to New York JFK on Monday 26 September 1977 with a departure time of 16.28. Douglas DC-10-10 G-AWWC "Eastern Belle" operated the inaugural flight.
A good few months before you took your Laker Airways ABC flight from LGW via MAN to New York JFK in March 1978.
Laker had finally obtained permission from all the relevant authorities for his long awaited low cost transatlantic Skytrain service in May 1977.