With thanks to
Halo for kicking this off originally.
Before you fly
- Pick your plane carefully (if you can), as the ambience will vary from plane to plane. Generally FTers prefer 747s and even 767s to 777s, not least because the 777s have more likelihood of having the older Club World lie flat seats rather than the newer "Next Generation Club World" seats launched in 2007 to which the website below links. 747s and 767s are believed by most FTers to have a better cabin layout than the 777s.
- Pick your seat carefully (if you can), as some of the seats face backwards, which some people love and some people hate. Further, some people find the seats next to the window rather claustrophobic (see above).
- On 747's go for the more select upper deck cabin, unless you are travelling with young children when you might prefer the lower cabin (allegedly).
At the Airport
- Ensure you use the Club World check in area (Zone R at LHR T1), and get your Fast Track security stamp if applicable (ex-LHR T4 your Boarding Pass is sufficient to get you Fast track access, but a sticker doesn’t hurt). If you have a BA Gold Card[/b]one[/b]world Emerald you can check in at the First Desk of course, still.
- Do make sure you visit the Lounge(s), and where available the Spa. Spas are located at LHR T1 and T4, and JFK T7. Lounge locations can be checked
here. At LHR T4 in addition to the main Lounges by Gate 10, there is a Lounge at Gate 1 which many FTers seem to prefer to the normal Terraces because inter alia it has an excellent Chef's Theatre food service, where you can get freshly prepared hot food. If you have a BA Gold Card/
oneworld Emerald you can access the First Lounge as normal.
- Where there are Spas go immediately and book a free treatment. You do not need to remove your underwear for any of the Spa Treatments!
Be warned though that treatments are not pre-bookable, it’s first come first served, and your chances of getting a treatment are pretty hit and miss if you don’t allow a good few hours. Best to try for one but not to expect one - then you could be pleasantly surprised.
- If you are on a Sleeper Service you will be expected to dine in the Lounges. Pre-flight Supper replaces the main meal service on board. Due to late departure times, there is no Pre-flight Supper available from the Middle East. All special meals on North American services are catered for through the selection on offer in Pre-flight Supper, with the exception of kosher meals. If you have ordered a kosher meal please mention this to your host in the Terraces Lounge.
- Champagne is available on request by the glass in the Terraces/Galleries at LHR/LGW from the attendants
On Board Your Flight
- Sit back, relax and enjoy your glass of pre-flight Champagne/Water/OJ after boarding. You’re in CW. Feel suitably smug
- In CW you get a Elemis amenity bag but no PJs (if you care about them).
- The area around your floor must be TOTALLY clear due to safety regulations – no shoes, pillows, blankets, papers, etc. It will really help the crew if you put everything in the overhead locker in advance (or in NCW, as much as you can fit in the little ‘laptop’ drawer), or on the Upper Deck, in the side bins
- Speaking of the Upper Deck, remember not to leave anything on top of the side bins (e.g. papers) for take-off or landing…or you can watch them slide up/down the bins to someone else…you may as well put a sign that says ‘CW Newbie’ on your forehead
- Although an in-flight menu may give you a choice of dessert OR cheese, a polite request for both (if you want them both) with often be met with "I'll see if we have enough", normally followed by production of both ^
- After dinner drinks - port, liquers etc - are available on request
- Treat IFE with trepidation - particularly if it is AVOD. If it works, it works really well. If it doesn't, ensure you have something else to amuse you, or more importantly any children you might be travelling with. There are some teething problems with AVOD on the 747 which are currently being ironed out.
- When using your CW for one of its primary selling points – the flat bed – remember the footrest is adjustable. In both CW variants do NOT ‘yank’ at it, use the little button/lever thing in the cutout near the top (New Club World) or on the back (Club World) to switch it in to ‘move’ mode – it can then be raised to sit ‘flush’ with the flat seat, creating a full length flat bed.
- Before landing, look for the button with a plane icon on it on your seat controls and use it – your seat must be in the set position for take-off/landing. It’ll help the crew if you do this yourself in advance.
Upon Your Return to the UK
- If coming in to LHR make sure you make use of the Arrivals Lounge breakfast, shower and massage. The Arrivals lounges at LHR close at 2pm, breakfast finishes at midday. You can get a clothes-on massage and have clothes pressed whilst you take a shower.
Overall
Don't expect too much and if that's your mindset you should leave very satisfied indeed ^
Links
You can find more details on the Club World service from BA's Club World website
here.