The language of the British Airways forum: AMEX 2 for 1 redemptions, Tracking New First, Concorde Room, TP running, AA P-ups, Mixed Fleet crew, Eurofleet, Worldwide.
And so combine the buzzwords together into one quite simply epic itinerary.
With only 20 passengers aboard, and 3 crew, service was excellent. The views out the window were stunning whilst seconds were offered from the bar trolley.
Its always such a treat to walk through the hallowed Concorde Room ‘secret door’ amidst the hoardes of Club, Silver and Gold customers dismissed on the tour of World Duty Free as they unconventionally loop around to their lounge.
And at 11am, my time came. The door opened, we entered and the charming Concorde Room awaited.
We sat down at one of the bar tables, referred to the menu and ordered breakfast. The lady taking the order was charming, despite an odd sense of humour. I asked for a hot choclate, and was promised one with cream, sprinkles and marshmallows as well as the Eggs Benedict and orange juice. The food and juice was of a reasonable quality.
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A reasonable attempt at Eggs Benedict - the eggs well done, but the sauce overbearingly peppery and far too great in quantity.
The hot chocolate never came.
We went to the bar and asked for two lattes. Which never materialised.
So we went again and this time spoke to a lady who seemed to be in charge. They never materialised.
The third attempt at ordering coffee involved hailing down the lady apparently in charge as she passed, and asking her if they were coming. She apologised profusely and called over the delegated staff member who seemed to be given a stern talking to. On arrival, there were profuse apologies again.
I settled to watch the football on the TV in the lounge, and at one point was offered drinks proactively which was nice.
Afterwards I went for a treatment I had preordered through YouFirst, which was splendid.
The restaurant had a nice charming waiter who did remember everything we ordered and the quality of the food was much improved. Sadly they didn’t have the wine on the wine list, and the white wine delivered was distinctly warm.
A half-hearted attempt at photographing the menu:
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The Laverstoke Park Mozzarella:
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A rather tasty and well presented started. Much better than previous attempts at food in the Concorde Room.
And Beef and Noodles:
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The BA Gourmet Burger:
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An ever satisfying munch - the quality of bread improved and a dish I greatly enjoyed. A true guilty pleasure.
And Apple Tart:
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Despite the slightly odd presentation, a surprisingly tasty affair. Recommended.
Boarding was announced at T5B.
andset1191
Sep 3, 12, 3:20 pm
Boarding was at T5B, and I immediately spotted G-YMMK awaiting us. Boarding was slightly delayed, but priority boarding was expertly performed: an agent stood at the front of the fast track queue and checked eligibility, and everyone was allowed on before boarding for everyone else started. Superb.
And as a true FTer, I knew to expect New First. And my goodness I was impressed. The classy, elegant modern new first cabin is lit in blue during boarding. The cabin is more separated and private than before and the seat feels more comfortable. The legrest is no longer adjustable, but I didn’t find this a problem.
On board, and Boston is operated by a Mixed Fleet crew. The CSM asked me if I knew where to go, and the young blonde confirmed that my intention of turning left was indeed correct. (Note I found my own way and wasn’t shown)
I settled into my seat and was immediately greeted by the male cabin crew member serving my aisle. A charming, polite, entertaining and chatty member of crew. A true credit to BA. Amenity kits, pyjamas and pre-flight drinks were delivered and we were on our way.
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View out of 2K on the ground.
I felt rather lucky as the 17.40 Boston had been boarding and then they got everyone off again and it was delayed after our flight.
During the short delay on the ground the menus were delivered:
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I asked for the polenta, soup and beef initially, planning to order either or both of the chocolate mousse/ice cream sundae depending on my hunger level.
The crew member didn’t note it down in front of me, but instead disappeared into the galley to note it down. Sadly this approach resulted in my soup being forgotten. Additionally, only one drink was offered pre-dinner, and despite a request after every course for a refill on my part, this was only successful about half the time.
That said, the cabin crew were extremely pleasant. He commended me on my seat choice, told me about how he loved working a combination of short and longhaul. The sheer enthusiasm of the mixed fleet crew overshadowed their forgetfulness (despite my ever growing thirst...who only has a tiny glass of coke and water with a multi course meal?).
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A typically pleasant salmon amuse-bouche - it beats me why they don't include it on the menu.
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Service seemed slow...lots of time to enjoy the IFE. At least until my IFE went all fuzzy and required a reset for 20 minutes. Also - adverts before everything in First class - a bit cheap?
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Tasty if tiny polenta starter.
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The beef looked better than it tasted - a rather bizarre flavour that I didn't really expect nor like.
The cabin crew member noted that I ate my beef extremely quickly, and immediately offered me a spare main course, and so I got to try the chicken too.
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Probably slightly better than the beef - but awfully dry in the middle. In a restaurant it simply wouldn't stand up to scrutiny. But restaurants aren't at 38,000 feet!
Both main courses were a little disappointing. The cabin crew started tidying away and joking asked "you surely won't want a dessert as well?"
I had been planning on ordering both the chocolate fondant and the ice cream sundae. I was embarrassed into just the fondant.
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A heavenly dessert - deliciously sweet to taste with more flavours throughout it than you can dream of. Superb.
To give an idea of timings:
Amuse bouche: 50 mins after takeoff
Starter: 1 hour
Beef: 1 hour 15
Chicken: 1 hour 50 (delayed to be cooked)
Dessert: 2 hours
I settled down in front of the IFE, enjoying stunning views out of the window. About an hour for landing, I prepared myself for the refreshment service.
I am not sure if this is a new service, or whether the crew simply couldn’t be bothered. Given the previous comments about my apparently never-ending appetite I couldn’t face up to asking.
About 45 minutes before landing, I was proactively offered a drink (which was a surprise...that said I'd been asking every half hour for the flight by visiting the galley). Seconds after it arrived another crew member from Club World appeared to offer me a questionnaire. I was the only passenger in First to get a questionnaire. I was possibly more positive than I should have been given the forgetfulness in terms of soup, drinks and the lack of refreshment service. But the crew were enthusiastic and charming which made good a lot of their faults.
Immigration had a half hour queue, but we were helped as the Mixed Fleet crew did a sterling job holding back the masses from Club World and behind. Indeed, the poor young girl kept being mogulled out the way and had to be stern with the Club World passengers.
By the time we were through, the bags were waiting and had been taken off the belt.
andset1191
Sep 3, 12, 3:21 pm
Part 2: A debut appearance on AAnother AAirline JFK-MCO
Originally I’d booked this on an instant upgrade fare, but with flight time changes to a refreshment service, I cancelled and booked in economy. After all, it’s only a 2 hour flight and I didn’t see 50 TPs being worth £300.
JFK Terminal 8 is very nice. I particularly liked the curbside check in, which was swift and efficient.
Priority AAccess was superb at security, and I was warmly welcomed at the AAdmirals Club in Concourse C. The AAngels were lovely welcoming me and offering a brief tour of the lounge. I was also offered four drink coupons for premium drinks.
The lounge had free wifi and was comfortable.
The flight, delayed by 30 minutes, was operated by an international 757 just in from Madrid.
At boarding, we fought past the masses to Priority AAccess, which was again superb. At the head of the line, the blunt but efficient lady couldn’t get our boarding passes to work - they all gave the wrong passenger name!
It then emerged that they’d been paging us and had new boarding passes for us….in First Class!!!!!
So my debut AAmerican experience ended in an upgrade! Superb!
On board was the international seat, AVOD, a drinks/nuts/cookie service. It was brilliant and the opposite from BA’s Club Europe - a superb seat, AVOD but less than stellar catering. But the cookies were fabulous!
I suppose it would be akin to getting a Club World 767 to Stockholm, but it was certainly brilliant.
The AVOD worked as soon as you sat in your seat and continued until you arrived on stand.
It was such a surprise too, between the four of us we are BA Silver, Silver, Bronze and Blue and yet that was enough to be OpUped. Thank you very much!
One criticism of AA is that when disembarking the 757 from door 2, it's a free for all as to who gets off first. Surely the First class passengers should get priority, yet apparently not.
Part 3: On AAnother AAirline MCO-MIA-LAX-MRY
Flight 1: MCO-MIA (757) Domestic First
I didn’t see a curbside check in at Orlando so proceeded to Priority AAccess which was very swift.
Sadly security was anything but - no priority lane in sight and a big queue which took about 20 minutes.
The free airport wifi offered the necessary entertainment. By the time we reached the gate boarding had begun. I used Priority AAccess and found my seat on the 757. This had the newer domestic first seats on board, which I found very uncomfortable with an annoying forward slanting recline.
This flight was memorable for a terrific member of the cabin crew - a middle aged man whose charm and enthusiasm was irresistible. A full bar selection was offered on the ground followed by seconds offered with “The bar is open until the bar is closed if you see what I’m saying.”
Just brilliant service. Drinks were noted on paper and brought immediately after take off. Again seconds were offered. Just superb service on a short 45 minute flight to Miami.
But for everything good about AA, they don’t bother holding back the main cabin when exiting a 757 from door two. They don’t say hello when you board and nor do they say goodbye when you leave.
Flight 2: MIA-LAX (767-300) Domestic First (International Business seat)
I took the AirTrain across and decided to visit the BA/IB lounge in the E pier even though my flight was departing from the D pier.
It was most definitely worth the trek. The massive lounge was empty with a terrific food spread. Every food and drink item was help yourself and we were warmly welcomed into the lounge.
The flight was on time, but on arrival at the gate the captain came out to announce that due to bad weather we were delayed indefinitely.
We paid a quick visit to the exceptionally busy AAdmirals club near the gate. It was typical AAdmirals club fayre with the most rude dragon on the desk. She screamed “I NEED TO SEE YOUR ID” and then proceeded to say nothing just slamming the boarding pass and passport on the desk. No drinks vouchers were offered. It seemed she resented our very presence.
20 minutes later it was announced boarding had commenced and we rushed aboard onto the 767.
Orange juice, water and champagne was brought out on the ground and we were soon airborne.
Menus were offered as was a preliminary drinks service with warm nuts. Samsungs and Bose headsets were offered out and the headsets especially were outstanding. Really truly brilliant inventions that silenced out all the noise of the 767.
For AA fans out there, you'll be pleased to hear FEBO was in operation.
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A decidedly delicious starter - sadly I dropped the menu down the side of my chair and forgot all about what the melon puree actually was. Salad was flavoursome. Really good effort for a starter on a domestic flight.
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Because I wasn't drinking alcohol they were bad at not topping up drinks. My first bite of this nearly burnt my tongue off it was so hot. Once I left it to cool off, it was fabulous in particular making the most of the sauce.
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All finished.
The ice cream sundae came round:
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Tasted SOOO much better than it looks. Fabulous. I don't know how they managed to keep the ice cream at the perfect consistency - absolutely superb.
A few notes on the AA cabin product:
* Bose headsets unbelievably good. One day if I'm rich I will buy my own!
* Samsung tablets worked brilliantly as IFE, although lacked a great place to store them
* AA model of snapping together two tables to make a big table is a bit footery
* Pillow and blanket superb - soooo soft and cabin temperature kept appropriate for their use
* I miss the moving map
* I don't appreciate being forced to close my window blind on a day flight - it wrecks my body clock unless I get daylight
Before landing a bizarre drink was offered that was meant to be refreshing. I found it disgusting.
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American Eagle was surprisingly painless, is a free soft drink affair, involves checking your carry on bag into the hold. On the Embraer prepare for your ears to bleed - it is unbelievably noisy (at least it was in 1A).
andset1191
Sep 3, 12, 3:36 pm
Part 3: Two brilliant pursers SFO-LHR-GLA (Worldwide/Eurofleet crews) 747 and A319
BA’s staff at SFO are invariably brilliant - such outstanding service.
Bizarrely in the lounge the “First” lounge is simply a room off the Terraces. I noted a number of apparently ineligible passengers who were enjoying the upgraded amenities. When I arrived (2 hours before flight) there were only 3 free seats.
Boarding is direct from the lounge which works well. Bizarrely they encourage First and Club to board at door 1 left (and yet Traveller Plus is at door 1 and Club at door 2).
Sadly they boarded more quickly than I thought and I didn't get the photos.
I walked straight on and was met with a member of the cabin crew whose welcome was colder than a plate of gazpacho. Fortunately she seemed to be the cook for First rather than serving passengers (she only came as far as my seat once).
On entering the old first cabin, the purser was on his knees hurriedly trying to clean up the place. It was in a shocking state the cabin - the side of my 1K was dusty, a pen was left from a previous occupant. A hot towel was offered and was used to do a bit of spring cleaning.
Oh well maybe the champagne will make it look cleaner...
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Just don't look up to the vents choking with dust:
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I did an experiment with my hot towel:
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The fittings were all broken, visible dust everywhere, windows that seemed that they hadn’t been cleaned in about 10 years.
Washbags and sleeper suits issued, we took off about an hour behind schedule.
Menus were offered out, and the CSD came round to say hello. I suggested to him that the best thing he could do to ensure a comfortable flight was to keep the cabin temperatures cool. He said he'd keep an eye on it, although to be honest the cabin was too warm for me.
The purser came around to offer food and drinks - he was a charming, warm crewmember and really outshone his colleagues. The menu was as follows:
One thing about this crew was the sheer efficiency of the drink top ups. Every course came with top ups. This was super service.
Indeed, this crew outshone AA, and moreover mixed fleet, by miles. I would add that nearly everything good about this flight came from the Purser in First. A class act.
All set for dinner:
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Another curious amuse bouche that was delicious, but I can't remember the contents. Breads were superb - warmed and in great variety, great flavour and apparently fresh.
I was hungry and ate half of this before photographing:
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Far better than AA's attempt at a similar starter. Delicious.
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Fairly bland affair - maybe the altitude makes it less tasty.
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Bland and unmemorable.
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Nothing short of revolting. The mash was a disaster - still bubbling hot in the middle yet crusty on the outside. Vegetables boiled for longer than 1960s British cuisine and with less flavour than a glass of Highland Spring and veal cooked for far too long.
I did try it though...
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Not as strong an attempt as AA. But still tasty.
Just as I enjoyed the ice cream sundae, it started to become a little bumpy and the seatbelt sign came on. I said to the fantastic purser “I would love the turndown service as soon as the seatbelt sign goes off again.”
He came back about five minutes later and said he was happy to do it as it wasn’t THAT bouncy at this precise moment. I fell asleep within a matter of moments and woke up once during the flight, when I took the opportunity to brush my teeth. I awoke with just over 90 minutes until landing and seconds later the lights came on in the cabin and I was offered breakfast from the menu.
I chose the full english, asked for the smoothie and also for a bacon roll from the bistro menu. The full English came first and was absolutely delicious - the sausage was perfectly cooked and it was a delight.
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Fabulous - real flavour in every item. An absolute dream. Best item was the sausage.
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Soft bread, flavoursome bacon and the relevant sauces provided. A classic done as well as possible at the end of a 10 hour flight. Superb.
Does anyone know what the diagram on the apparently "On-off" switch is for on this light? Seems to imply a dimmer function, but not one I could work out.
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The bacon roll came next: the bread soft and the bacon delicious. I commented on how good it was and was offered another by the superb purser, but I declined and asked for some more smoothie instead.
The superb purser took a couple of minutes to return, and return apologetically. “I’m terribly sorry, Sir. We have run out of the smoothie. I went back to Club World and have got you a glass of theirs.”
The flight landed onto T5B and flight connections was painless thanks to Fast Track (they were penning non eligible passengers at the bottom of the escalator).
I was allowed into the CCR without the raise of an eyebrow, and I sat down in the terrace. I decided that whilst I wouldn’t mind a diet coke, I wasn’t going to get up to order one. Instead I waited for someone to pass by who I would be able to ask.
After an hour I gave up and went to the bar.
I had another meal in the restaurant which was identical to the outbound flight, so not worthy of reporting. I watched Chelsea on the TV before boarding the delayed flight to Glasgow.
The purser was ex-Glasgow crew and a true star. I actually met a few friends on this flight and we were delayed by just over an hour due to thunder.
The bags made it promptly and I was home.
The trip of the lifetime was over.
stu1985
Sep 3, 12, 3:54 pm
Good so far. Nice pics.
That's a pity that the MF crew weren't pro-active at offering top ups of drinks. That really is a basic service standard which shouldn't be forgotten.
GodAtum
Sep 4, 12, 4:13 am
I cant beleive they didnt do a whole service of tea & patisserie before landing! That's disgraceful. Did you miss out on the chocolates as well?
Moomba
Sep 4, 12, 5:49 am
Nice report andsett1191.
The amuse-bouche was a duck spring roll with Hoi Sin sauce. The salmon one was Balik salmon with pickled cucumber.
You had much the same menus as my recent set of flights into and out of the US.
Wow it is a shame the MF crew were not so good in keeping you watered.
DeadManFlying
Sep 4, 12, 6:39 am
I agree with GodAtum that to miss out a whole part of the service is unacceptable and that while being enthusiastic and charming is a big plus in a crew this is not on. Also the crew are not your mother and its up to you what and how much you want to eat!
I think you should have spoken to them about it and I also hope that you sent in feedback on the CCR service or lack off as well, thinking that someone would come and serve you on the terrace and waiting an hour for this gave me my first laugh of the last couple of days!
As to filling in the questionnaire I have taken to telling the truth and the whole truth only why bother otherwise?
On a brighter note thanks for the very good trip report and photo's as always
Thanks for the report. I visit the CCR in a couple of weeks and my expectations are rather dashed given recent feedback .
ardboe
Sep 4, 12, 7:27 am
Great report and pics andset1191. It looks like who ever is in charge of service in the CCR needs a good kick up the backside.
Nicksta
Sep 4, 12, 7:31 am
This is a very well written and executed review - thanks for sharing. Further, I hope you do also share this directly with BA.
MarkLHR
Sep 4, 12, 7:32 am
Great report. Can't believe they give a sachet of sauce in F...cheap!
PotNoodle
Sep 4, 12, 8:27 am
Good work, a very interesting read.
The crew forgetting and missing things out were unprofessional, hopefully it was a one-off. The dirty aircraft was also inappropriate.
The majority of your trip looked great though and I hope you had a nice holiday.
mike&co
Sep 4, 12, 9:07 am
Hearing of too many reports of dirty aircraft, there is absolutely no excuse for this and hopefully, you will feed this back to BA together with the service issues at the CCR, again inexcusable. All that said, great report
corporate-wage-slave
Sep 4, 12, 1:34 pm
Thanks for the report, andsett1191. These are some of my regular routes too so it was interesting to see your experiences.
I certainly agree that the ice cream on AA is impressively done, the butterscotch sauce being the best, in my considered opinion.
For the benefit of anyone wondering: I've had the pleasure of meeting the young and charming andsett1191, and he shows no outwards signs of being a trencherman. I'm presuming he only eats when he goes flying and therefore needs to catch up a bit!
Johnnie W
Sep 4, 12, 2:11 pm
Does anyone know what the diagram on the apparently "On-off" switch is for on this light? Seems to imply a dimmer function, but not one I could work out.
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The first press brings up the light, and each subsequent press takes it down a notch dimmer until it is off again.
JW
Paint Horse
Sep 4, 12, 2:56 pm
If it was on the menu, then it would not be an amuse-bouche. :D
Chris C
Sep 5, 12, 12:50 am
Thanks for posting the report, I found it really interesting
Also thanks for a new word - footery - I can't wait to have an opportunity to use it :)
lighting
Sep 5, 12, 3:25 am
Hearing of too many reports of dirty aircraft, there is absolutely no excuse for this and hopefully, you will feed this back to BA together with the service issues at the CCR, again inexcusable. All that said, great report
Completely agree. That Old First cabin looked disgusting. The money they charge for First they should be offering refunds for cabins that are so appallingly maintained.
Perhaps Old First and New First should be different prices. They charge you for New First but should it transpire that you'll be flying in the old cabin they issue a % refund.
BA304
Sep 5, 12, 5:51 am
Loved the TR (as always) ^
Your experiences seem like a parody of BA.
rathin100
Sep 5, 12, 6:23 am
What a disgusting filthy cabin in F! I'm due to fly to NYC soon but it's CX for me now... BKK LHR is generally Old First and I don't want to spend 12+ hours in a slum and pay for the privilege... Thanks for the heads up
T8191
Sep 5, 12, 10:17 am
How sad that BA's deficiencies [cleanliness and service] get exposed yet again.
Especially for those travelling First, both in the air and on the ground.
But then you would expect me to say that, wouldn't you?
And the excuse is …. ?
malkie
Sep 5, 12, 10:27 am
Great to see the food perhaps taking an up-turn ^
Pity to see some of the age-old BA F issues still present, despite them being (apparently) common place :td:
I'm going a similar trip in two months time, and will write a report too. Hoping to NF both ways as I'm LHR-JFK return!
T8191
Sep 5, 12, 10:33 am
Hmmmm … we're slumming it in CW to IAD in 2 weeks. I wonder how that will compare? Camera will be fully charged, and tedious TR may follow depending on events ;)
At least we have the advantage of always flying the same route, in the same seats [unless they substitute a 777], so we have a consistent data set.
lukew
Sep 5, 12, 10:33 am
I did a recent BOS in F and similarly was not offered afternoon tea. I thought of actively asking for it but the MF crew had made such a pig's ear of the main meal service, I decided not to. BOS is one of my regular routes but will not be using BA again for the time being.
oneworld82
Sep 5, 12, 10:21 pm
Good report! I am eager to try BA Biz class soon (DXB-LHR-DFW) and - even though not as fancy as F - I already expect a great trip!
Petrus
Sep 6, 12, 3:48 am
The state of that Old First cabin is shameful. I would complain loudly. The fact that simply wiping an area with a wet cloth, resulting in it looking fairly new again says it all. Lazy, if any cleaning.
Nice report otherwise.
mkjr
Sep 6, 12, 8:14 am
Great writing and great TR.
You have been very objective in your review and I would have been less so. I think BA ought to really consider your review carefully. I would not be rushing out to fly BA F, that is for sure.
WoW…the Eggs Benedict looks pitiful. The level of care put into that is almost non existent. Level of pride in the same by staff who prepared it = zero.
Also, forgotten soup in BA F??
Amazing how you managed to do more cleaning on that panel than I suspect has been done in a few weeks with one hotel towel. I wonder if they were mortified when they saw you doing it. I would have asked for a few more and done some cleaning on my own...perhaps they would have gotten the message.
New F does look very nice.
I am surprised how much CX J looks like the same...…some of these photos would suggest they might have had a look at BA F when coming up with their J…
Thank you to everyone who commented on the report!
Good so far. Nice pics.
That's a pity that the MF crew weren't pro-active at offering top ups of drinks. That really is a basic service standard which shouldn't be forgotten.
Thanks for the comment, stu1985 - I tend to agree with you that offering drinks should be automatic when bringing food. The return crew were much better at this.
I cant beleive they didnt do a whole service of tea & patisserie before landing! That's disgraceful. Did you miss out on the chocolates as well?
I wasn't entirely sure, GodAtum, whether missing the service out was a new service standard. But since it hadn't been covered on FT I suspected not. And yes there were no chocolates in sight. Which was a real shame too.
Wow it is a shame the MF crew were not so good in keeping you watered.
Thanks for your comments Mr Moderator. I agree it was a shame but not the end of the world. Then again it is a simple standard. Also, thanks for reminding me what the amuse bouches were - did you enjoy the food more or less than I did (given the similar menus?).
I agree with GodAtum that to miss out a whole part of the service is unacceptable and that while being enthusiastic and charming is a big plus in a crew this is not on
...
As to filling in the questionnaire I have taken to telling the truth and the whole truth only why bother otherwise?
Thanks for commenting, DeadManFlying - I think I just felt that the pleasantness of the crew did make up for a lot of their shortcomings. When filling in the questionnaire, I was thinking along the lines of giving "Agree" rather than "Neither agree or disagree" for the Likert scale options - of course when Mr Analyst goes through it they will find the a high proportion "agree"d or "strongly agree"d with the items.
I think it goes to show that being pleasant gets you a long way in life - I certainly am trying to leaf out of that book myself!
Thanks for the report. I visit the CCR in a couple of weeks and my expectations are rather dashed given recent feedback .
Do let us know how you find it, stevie - I suspect you'll love the decor of the place but find the service patchy. It is so so close to being a brilliant flagship BA lounge in their home. Sadly service does let them down, although reports on here suggest this could improve next year after 5 years of Terminal 5.
Great report and pics andset1191. It looks like who ever is in charge of service in the CCR needs a good kick up the backside.
I tend to agree, ardboe - I guess feedback to BA (including from me which I have submitted via customer relations) will hopefully filter down to an improved product.
This is a very well written and executed review - thanks for sharing. Further, I hope you do also share this directly with BA.
Nicksta I am glad you liked the report - I haven't shared the report directly but have contacted customer relations with a couple of short constructive comments for them to consider on the basis of my experiences.
Great report. Can't believe they give a sachet of sauce in F...cheap!
I can't say I was too bothered, MarkLHR - a sachet of sauce is better than no sauce at all :D
Good work, a very interesting read.
The crew forgetting and missing things out were unprofessional, hopefully it was a one-off. The dirty aircraft was also inappropriate.
The majority of your trip looked great though and I hope you had a nice holiday.
A very astute summary, PotNoodle. I had a terrific holiday, and the patchy service from British Airways didn't detract from an incredible trip in First Class. For which I'm incredibly grateful!
Hearing of too many reports of dirty aircraft, there is absolutely no excuse for this and hopefully, you will feed this back to BA together with the service issues at the CCR, again inexcusable. All that said, great report
I have contacted BA and have mentioned the state of the aircraft - I should add that New First was in a great state, but Old First really has gone to wrack and ruin. As you'll see the control pad could be cleaned with a wet cloth, which does suggest that I'm the first person to try that approach in a long while!
I'm glad you liked the report.
I certainly agree that the ice cream on AA is impressively done, the butterscotch sauce being the best, in my considered opinion.
For the benefit of anyone wondering: I've had the pleasure of meeting the young and charming andsett1191, and he shows no outwards signs of being a trencherman. I'm presuming he only eats when he goes flying and therefore needs to catch up a bit!
The AA sundae is really well done - I think I went for hot fudge. They rattled through the options so I just told them to choose what they thought was best without any nuts!
And I'm glad of your observations - my BMI is 22 for anyone wondering!
The first press brings up the light, and each subsequent press takes it down a notch dimmer until it is off again.
I thought as much, Johnnie W. Needless to say, this didn't work for me....
If it was on the menu, then it would not be an amuse-bouche.
Paint Horse - you are of course correct. That said, the crew are never great at explaining what it is just with the noise of the cabin and the fact they have 12-14 passengers to serve.
Thanks for posting the report, I found it really interesting
Also thanks for a new word - footery - I can't wait to have an opportunity to use it
Chris C I'm glad you found it interesting - and yes I get mocked for my made up words on the BA forum a fair bit :D
Completely agree. That Old First cabin looked disgusting. The money they charge for First they should be offering refunds for cabins that are so appallingly maintained.
I think you're dreaming with getting a discount for Old First, lighting. That said, I do agree that it really needs a clean and that BA should be putting photos like these to OCS.
Your experiences seem like a parody of BA.
I thought the same - although Mixed Fleet missing out the patisserie service completely surprised me!
What a disgusting filthy cabin in F! I'm due to fly to NYC soon but it's CX for me now... BKK LHR is generally Old First and I don't want to spend 12+ hours in a slum and pay for the privilege... Thanks for the heads up
I have never flown CX - I am, of course, an extremely grateful benefit of the AMEX companion ticket.
How sad that BA's deficiencies [cleanliness and service] get exposed yet again.
Especially for those travelling First, both in the air and on the ground.
In fairness, we have constantly demanded consistency on this forum. Now at least, BA is consistently deficient in CCR service and onboard cleanliness!
Great to see the food perhaps taking an up-turn
Pity to see some of the age-old BA F issues still present, despite them being (apparently) common place
I'm going a similar trip in two months time, and will write a report too. Hoping to NF both ways as I'm LHR-JFK return!
You'll have NF and a worldwide crew. Based on my experiences the on board experience ought to be perfect!
I did a recent BOS in F and similarly was not offered afternoon tea. I thought of actively asking for it but the MF crew had made such a pig's ear of the main meal service, I decided not to. BOS is one of my regular routes but will not be using BA again for the time being.
I wonder if someone has made a conscious decision not to offer it as standard.
I doubt it!
Good report! I am eager to try BA Biz class soon (DXB-LHR-DFW) and - even though not as fancy as F - I already expect a great trip!
Club World is an excellent product, and whilst I haven't enjoyed the pleasures for a few years, I'm sure you'll love it! You might like to read about the catering trial on DXB flights on the BA forum at the moment.
The state of that Old First cabin is shameful. I would complain loudly. The fact that simply wiping an area with a wet cloth, resulting in it looking fairly new again says it all. Lazy, if any cleaning.
I have sent BA a short message of "constructive comments", on which cabin condition is one. As for using the word shameful, to be honest for international first class, it probably is.
WoW…the Eggs Benedict looks pitiful. The level of care put into that is almost non existent. Level of pride in the same by staff who prepared it = zero.
Also, forgotten soup in BA F??
Amazing how you managed to do more cleaning on that panel than I suspect has been done in a few weeks with one hotel towel. I wonder if they were mortified when they saw you doing it. I would have asked for a few more and done some cleaning on my own...perhaps they would have gotten the message.
New F does look very nice.
I am surprised how much CX J looks like the same...…some of these photos would suggest they might have had a look at BA F when coming up with their J…
I agree with your comments. I actually got caught photographing the condition of the cabin, but not cleaning the panel. And yes, the crew member who caught me looked absolutely mortified.
As for your comments about CX J, it was an observation made before on this forum - I don't know the specs but it is a sad state of affairs if the product is as similar as your photos suggest.
Awesome trip report!!!!
thanks for commenting I am glad you thought so!
at240
Sep 8, 12, 7:03 am
Thanks for the captivating report.
You are being very measured and diplomatic in your observations -- perhaps too much so. The poor service in the CCR and on the outbound flight may not ruin a holiday, but they are completely contrary to what a first-class product should be. To skip an entire service routine is astonishing!
As for the dirty inbound cabin -- your before and after picture of the controls just speaks volumes. It is disgraceful.
All of the main issues you detail have been covered in some depth on the BA board for quite a long time now (CCR service, MF service, cabin cleanliness). It feels as though there is a definite trend.
This is such a shame, because the New First product in other ways is really great.
Thanks for your comments Mr Moderator. I agree it was a shame but not the end of the world. Then again it is a simple standard. Also, thanks for reminding me what the amuse bouches were - did you enjoy the food more or less than I did (given the similar menus?).
I loved the dessert as you did and the polenta was a tasty starter. The only main I chose in common with you was the Braised British beef with grain mustard and horseradish mashed potatoes and confit of carrot and hispi cabbage. I liked the beef but the mash was a little bizarre; I am not that fond of horseradish though.
SFore
Sep 8, 12, 1:05 pm
Great TR! I am doing my first BA F experience in Nov ORD-LHR-AUH//DXB-LHR-JFK and can't wait...I'm hoping that I get 3/4 NF, the OF looks very dated and dirty!
delseyd
Sep 8, 12, 1:39 pm
Really enjoyable trip report. A number of areas there that BA should be embarrassed about. You read so many comments about unclean aircraft cabins. I hope you sent BA the photos!
GDOCA
Sep 8, 12, 11:51 pm
One of the most balanced and well executed reports I have read in a long time. Content was rather familiar though:
Slow CCR service and passable food
Filthy cabins
Lacklustre MF service
Yep, that sums up the BA F "experience" very well! A big no-no to comment on how much someone is eating, classic way to embarass anyone. There are some very, very good aspects to flying BA, but unfortunately they just cannot seem to get the basics right lately, namely cabin cleanliness and food service.
crazyarmadillo
Sep 12, 12, 8:06 am
i was once told 'jokingly' by a VS crew member that I was a 'liitle piggie' after ordering two mains on a 10 hour flight in UC.
It has affected me ever since and hardly ever ask for anything now.... :(
BA should know better ! Drinks service - quite staggering..... my last F flight they couldn't stop topping up - again the inconsistencies in crew - some are fantastic, some not - maybe discounts should be offered on how experienced the crew are!
eightblack
Sep 13, 12, 12:27 am
A very, very good trip report. And one which interests me a lot as I am flying BA F from LHR to ORD mid October, and then LAX-LHR a week later. This will be my first time on BA metal in maybe 10+ years.
I'll be waving my arms if it takes the crew more than 2 mins to bring me a drink. The last thing I want to be is up and down like a brides nightie for the whole bloomin' trip...
I think you were way too polite. When you are as old as me, you dont care who you offend...:)
Excellent work. Bravo.
mkjr
Sep 13, 12, 6:59 am
A very, very good trip report. And one which interests me a lot as I am flying BA F from LHR to ORD mid October, and then LAX-LHR a week later. This will be my first time on BA metal in maybe 10+ years.
I'll be waving my arms if it takes the crew more than 2 mins to bring me a drink. The last thing I want to be is up and down like a brides nightie for the whole bloomin' trip...
I think you were way too polite. When you are as old as me, you dont care who you offend...:)
Excellent work. Bravo.
just do not wave them too hard since this BA crew might have played a security card on you....i agree, no one should ever be ashamed of pressing the crew button and if nothing in a few minutes, turing it off and pressing it again and again....especially in F and J...and even in Y although in Y, I never seem to have an issue, ironically...
andset1191
Sep 30, 12, 6:17 am
A big no-no to comment on how much someone is eating, classic way to embarass anyone. There are some very, very good aspects to flying BA, but unfortunately they just cannot seem to get the basics right lately, namely cabin cleanliness and food service.
I think that sums up things very nicely!
A very, very good trip report. And one which interests me a lot as I am flying BA F from LHR to ORD mid October, and then LAX-LHR a week later. This will be my first time on BA metal in maybe 10+ years.
Will be interesting to hear about your experiences of mixed fleet.
I think you were way too polite. When you are as old as me, you dont care who you offend...
I'm a lucky sod to be flying in First, being anything other than uber-polite would be downright shocking.