The Good, The Bad and The Ugly: Back in BA First after a 3 year absence
Jan 21, 2017, 4:29 pm
#1
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Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver • DEN-APA
Programs: AF Platinum, EK Gold, AA EXP, UA 1K, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 21,593
The Good, The Bad and The Ugly: Back in BA First after a 3 year absence
It's been three years since my last BA flight, a debacle that included an A380 cancellation, a replacement 744, hand written menu and surly CSM who threatened to have LAPD meet me at LAX.
But a BA connection from Air Malta was only practical way to get home to SoCal the same day. Not to mention, plenty of saver award seats that let me burn some of my stash of AA miles. So we are back, for better or worse for another go with BA. After a long bus ride from T4, our BA First boarding passes got us Fast Track access and a very nice BA agent to speed the process. Another 10 minutes and we were thru security and into the T5 concourse. Our first stop was Customs and the tax stamp for VAT refunds. After cashing in our VAT refund, we headed back upstairs to BA's Concorde Room.
Once an lovely lounge, this place is tired, shabby and sad, and badly in need of a extreme makeover.
Out on the terrace, airy and open with great views...
But some of the most shabby, dirty and downright disgusting furniture you will ever see.
Really?
Seriously??
Wow, simply wow.
Not a lot of power outlets so we were fortunate to find these.
We headed to the dining room for some lunch.
As bad as the decor and furniture were, the new menu looked pretty good.
OMG, that BA Burger is still on the menu.
The food was very good, indeed much better than our last visit. But the biggest surprise was the outstanding service especially from the wonderful Slywia.
A glass of the always excellent Laurent Perrier Grand Siecle.
What a terrific meal. Kudos to BA for at least getting the food and service part right.
And then there was the loo. OMG, couldn't even lock the door.
But a BA connection from Air Malta was only practical way to get home to SoCal the same day. Not to mention, plenty of saver award seats that let me burn some of my stash of AA miles. So we are back, for better or worse for another go with BA. After a long bus ride from T4, our BA First boarding passes got us Fast Track access and a very nice BA agent to speed the process. Another 10 minutes and we were thru security and into the T5 concourse. Our first stop was Customs and the tax stamp for VAT refunds. After cashing in our VAT refund, we headed back upstairs to BA's Concorde Room.
Once an lovely lounge, this place is tired, shabby and sad, and badly in need of a extreme makeover.
Out on the terrace, airy and open with great views...
But some of the most shabby, dirty and downright disgusting furniture you will ever see.
Really?
Seriously??
Wow, simply wow.
Not a lot of power outlets so we were fortunate to find these.
We headed to the dining room for some lunch.
As bad as the decor and furniture were, the new menu looked pretty good.
OMG, that BA Burger is still on the menu.
The food was very good, indeed much better than our last visit. But the biggest surprise was the outstanding service especially from the wonderful Slywia.
A glass of the always excellent Laurent Perrier Grand Siecle.
What a terrific meal. Kudos to BA for at least getting the food and service part right.
And then there was the loo. OMG, couldn't even lock the door.
Jan 21, 2017, 4:30 pm
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver • DEN-APA
Programs: AF Platinum, EK Gold, AA EXP, UA 1K, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 21,593
At around T-50, our PA came to get us and walk us to our waiting limo for the ride over to the B concourse. 
LOL, just kidding. Since this is BA, we headed out on our own for the escalators and the train.
Ha. Classic product placement for all BA pax to see. ^
More not so First Class BA First.
London-San Diego
BA 273
747-400
1:45p-5:55p
January 5, 2017
Departed 13/14
Seats 2A and 2K
We arrived at the gate area just as Priority Boarding was announced. Not that it matters with BA since, similar to three years ago, Priority Boarding included half the plane with the other half of the passengers clogging the lanes to the gate podium. Well done BA. LOL.
Gate 32 features a long, long, long jet bridge. Where are all the other passengers?
Ah, just around the corner. Apparently lots of Priority passengers today.
The first hint of First Class service appeared at the door, where a pleasant FA, on seeing our F boarding passes, personally escorted us to our seats 2A and 2K one of only 4 good seats in this cabin. We both prefer 2AK as it gives space and we can still communicate.
Unlike our last couple of BA flights, today's crew was terrifc. Both James and Charlotte were professional and friendly and delivered excellent service.
Today's menu.
Surprisingly serviceable bar and wine list, including Johnny Blue.
The menu options also looked nice and varied.
Since Mrs. SFO777 and I had just enjoyed a significant lunch in The Concorde Room, we waited some 4 hours for lunch.
The Roasted Pumpkin, sweet potato and ginger soup was delicious and a lovely presentation.
Nice fresh seasonal salad.
For my main, I had originally ordered the Vegetable kerelan curry. About 90 minutes earlier, our FA Charlotte apologized that they had accidentally heated my main and it would not be very good a couple hours later. She offered a chicken curry instead. I gladly accepted as I would have preferred a meat dish anyway. Not sure if this was a Business Class meal, but it was quite good paired with the original on the menu fried cauliflower and steamed rice.
Dessert was very good.
All in all, a pleasant meal with good champage and wine. Except for the seat which became more uncomfortable as the flight wore on, and a BA Gold member and his wife in 1AK, with a daughter in Business or Economy that routinely visited, it was a reasonably pleasant flight. I had my Bose headsets on so I didn't hear much and opened my closet door to at least cut off the view, so I was able to pretty much ignore them.
Mrs. SFO777 had the same idea and I propped her closet door open with her bag to give her some privacy. Although unbeknownced to me, she'd had enough at one point when the rest of the cabin was sleeping that she took it upon herself to tell them to STFU or something similar. LOL. That seemed to work as the daughter went back to her seat never to be seen again and 1AK were quiet the rest of the way, apologizing profusely on numerous occasions.
Great scenery about a 90 minutes out.
Salt Lake City International (SLC).
We arrived on time despite rain and low ceiling in San Diego. All in all, a very pleasant flight with an excellent crew, one which exceeded my expectations. No one is going to confuse BA First with proper international First Class like AF, LX or even LH. 14 passengers in the nose of a 747 is not First Class. Nevertheless, I would probably fly them again if the schedule and price were right.
For an HD version of this report please visit SFO777.com
• The BA Concorde Room at LHR T5
• BA First London-San Diego
LOL, just kidding. Since this is BA, we headed out on our own for the escalators and the train.Ha. Classic product placement for all BA pax to see. ^
More not so First Class BA First.
London-San Diego
BA 273
747-400
1:45p-5:55p
January 5, 2017
Departed 13/14
Seats 2A and 2K
We arrived at the gate area just as Priority Boarding was announced. Not that it matters with BA since, similar to three years ago, Priority Boarding included half the plane with the other half of the passengers clogging the lanes to the gate podium. Well done BA. LOL.
Gate 32 features a long, long, long jet bridge. Where are all the other passengers?
Ah, just around the corner. Apparently lots of Priority passengers today.
The first hint of First Class service appeared at the door, where a pleasant FA, on seeing our F boarding passes, personally escorted us to our seats 2A and 2K one of only 4 good seats in this cabin. We both prefer 2AK as it gives space and we can still communicate.
Unlike our last couple of BA flights, today's crew was terrifc. Both James and Charlotte were professional and friendly and delivered excellent service.
Today's menu.
Surprisingly serviceable bar and wine list, including Johnny Blue.
The menu options also looked nice and varied.
Since Mrs. SFO777 and I had just enjoyed a significant lunch in The Concorde Room, we waited some 4 hours for lunch.
The Roasted Pumpkin, sweet potato and ginger soup was delicious and a lovely presentation.
Nice fresh seasonal salad.
For my main, I had originally ordered the Vegetable kerelan curry. About 90 minutes earlier, our FA Charlotte apologized that they had accidentally heated my main and it would not be very good a couple hours later. She offered a chicken curry instead. I gladly accepted as I would have preferred a meat dish anyway. Not sure if this was a Business Class meal, but it was quite good paired with the original on the menu fried cauliflower and steamed rice.
Dessert was very good.
All in all, a pleasant meal with good champage and wine. Except for the seat which became more uncomfortable as the flight wore on, and a BA Gold member and his wife in 1AK, with a daughter in Business or Economy that routinely visited, it was a reasonably pleasant flight. I had my Bose headsets on so I didn't hear much and opened my closet door to at least cut off the view, so I was able to pretty much ignore them.
Mrs. SFO777 had the same idea and I propped her closet door open with her bag to give her some privacy. Although unbeknownced to me, she'd had enough at one point when the rest of the cabin was sleeping that she took it upon herself to tell them to STFU or something similar. LOL. That seemed to work as the daughter went back to her seat never to be seen again and 1AK were quiet the rest of the way, apologizing profusely on numerous occasions.
Great scenery about a 90 minutes out.
Salt Lake City International (SLC).
We arrived on time despite rain and low ceiling in San Diego. All in all, a very pleasant flight with an excellent crew, one which exceeded my expectations. No one is going to confuse BA First with proper international First Class like AF, LX or even LH. 14 passengers in the nose of a 747 is not First Class. Nevertheless, I would probably fly them again if the schedule and price were right.
For an HD version of this report please visit SFO777.com
• The BA Concorde Room at LHR T5
• BA First London-San Diego
Last edited by SFO777; Jan 21, 2017 at 5:21 pm
Jan 21, 2017, 5:06 pm
#3
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Taif, KSA
Programs: BA GGL, HH Diamond
Posts: 1,903
The CCR staff member who served you is also my favourite. She greets me each time with all her love through a disguise of contempt and hatred! At times I guess it can look to other passengers as though she genuinely hates me.....maybe she actually does?
Jan 21, 2017, 5:06 pm
#4
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Orchard Co. NI
Programs: BAEC
Posts: 607
Been checking in every day on the TR board to read about Mr & Mrs SFO777's return to BA after so many calamitous flights!
All being well in the world, I'd say that's a result! (grotty CCR chairs aside!)
All being well in the world, I'd say that's a result! (grotty CCR chairs aside!)
Jan 21, 2017, 5:21 pm
#5
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,663
I'm glad you and your wife enjoyed your BA flight. Well done that crew. I do hope we'll see you on a BA flight again soon..
Jan 21, 2017, 6:11 pm
#6
Join Date: May 2010
Location: UK
Posts: 5,380
Nice pics and interesting TR ^
Good to see you enjoyed your very pleasant flight in 'not First Class' and that there may be some circumstances when you may return to fly BA again.
Good to see you enjoyed your very pleasant flight in 'not First Class' and that there may be some circumstances when you may return to fly BA again.
Jan 21, 2017, 6:40 pm
#7
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: London
Programs: BA GGLfL, WoH Lifetime Globalist, HH Diamond, SPG Gold
Posts: 711
Sylwia is delightful, as indeed are many of the other waitstaff in the CCR. The furnishings in the CCR could at best be described as 'shabby chic'; the sort one might find in a British stately home. In reality, they are worn and dirty. As mentioned in another thread are due to be replaced in the next few months. Doc. Copper
Jan 21, 2017, 7:59 pm
#8
Join Date: May 2014
Location: CMH, HNL
Programs: UA, HA
Posts: 583
SFO777 thanks for another fun and informative TR. ^
The spaces all look so good in BA advertising, it's refreshing to hear how the seats feel 6hrs in.
The spaces all look so good in BA advertising, it's refreshing to hear how the seats feel 6hrs in.
Jan 21, 2017, 10:23 pm
#9
Suspended
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,992
It's been three years since my last BA flight, a debacle that included an A380 cancellation, a replacement 744, hand written menu and surly CSM who threatened to have LAPD meet me at LAX.
Jan 22, 2017, 12:42 am
#10
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Bristol
Programs: BA GGL, UA Plat, DL Plat, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 2,380
Jan 22, 2017, 1:19 am
#11
Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club, easyJet and Ryanair
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: UK/Las Vegas
Programs: BA Gold (GGL/CCR)
Posts: 15,914
I got a big hug yesterday
Jan 22, 2017, 1:48 am
#12
Moderator: British Airways Executive Club, Iberia Airlines, Airport Lounges and Environmentally Friendly Travel
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: London, UK
Posts: 22,210
Jan 22, 2017, 1:50 am
#13
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Helvetia
Programs: AS; BA Silver; UA; HH Diamond; Sprüngli Connaisseur
Posts: 2,911
Great report on your BA F trip. Glad it went way better than the last time. You ought to patent the door thing. 
Jan 22, 2017, 2:03 am
#14
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: London
Programs: BA Silver. London Cycling Campaign. TfL Oyster
Posts: 716
What a well documented TR! Interesting viewing and reading. Now, all that's missing is an in situ selfie!
Jan 22, 2017, 2:06 am
#15
Join Date: Mar 2012
Programs: British Airways GCH
Posts: 75
Thanks for the trip report SFO777, posting it in the BA forum should get some heated discussion going (and an increase in traffic to your flashy website!). I love the quality of your pictures and always light hearted banter (I do hope you are joking with some of your comments ).
One point from my perspective is that we all come across people who annoy us when we travel but I do hope your wife didn't tell the family in 1A/1K to 'stfu'. If being disturbed by other passengers I'd ask the cabin crew for help. It reduces the chance making one party feeling rotten and the other having to be directly confrontational. Just my thoughts but I'm usually wrong.
Looking forward to reading the next SFO777 travel extravaganza.
YF
).One point from my perspective is that we all come across people who annoy us when we travel but I do hope your wife didn't tell the family in 1A/1K to 'stfu'. If being disturbed by other passengers I'd ask the cabin crew for help. It reduces the chance making one party feeling rotten and the other having to be directly confrontational. Just my thoughts but I'm usually wrong.
Looking forward to reading the next SFO777 travel extravaganza.
YF