paul.goffin

This was our second trip in F and again was to be our annual holiday, this time to flying to Miami then driving up to the Parks at Orlando. I had originally booked in CW flying to MCO, but when the BA 1/2 price redemption was announced back in Novemeber I cancelled and rebooked into F flying into MIA.

BA0209 LHR-MIA First 4E & 4F

We arrived via taxi to T5 and preceded to the First Check in area, we were greeted by 2 nice attendants who without asking escorted us to the next available check in agent. After reading a few recent reports I was expecting less than gracious service, but the agents were very friendly and we were processed very efficiently.

Then onto Security via the Fast Track, although it didn’t appear very fast with only 1 lane available. The queues appeared a similar length to non-fast track. It was the usual slow process, but I must say the BAA Lady manning the trays was really friendly and helpful. We even shared a joke, when I accidently assaulted my girlfriend when trying the remove the tray.

After security we were ushered into the sanctuary of the Concorde Room. We really enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the place and its one of the main benefits of flying F from LHR. We made our way straight to the dining room as we had both missed breakfast and were starving.
The service we experienced was certainly an improvement upon the last visit. We were served by a young lad who was excellent. He wasn’t over attentive but was always around if you needed something. Also the speed of the food was more prompt than last time, always a bonus allowing us to hit the champagne after lining our stomachs.

After Breakfast I popped to the Travelex office within the Southern Lounge Complex to collect some currency. I had to make two attempts, as the first time I had Emma’s passport instead of my own, oops.

Emma went for some retail therapy, but luckily she wasn’t ‘in the mood’ so my credit card escaped intact.

The CCR was really busy when we arrived around 10am but by 11 it was nearly empty again.
So we could enjoy our Champagne in peace and quiet, we both went for the Rose, but I’m unsure of the brand.

I saw Martin O’Neill (Aston Villa Manager, and ex Manger of my team Norwich) arrive in the CCR, but he was soon escorted to a Cabana so no chance of a cheeky autograph.

Our time was in the CCR was soon over and we made our way over to the B Terminal to board the plane. As usual we arrived too early and we had to wait about 15mins for boarding to commence.

As we approached the door, or boarding passes were taken and we were greeted by name and escorted to our seats by the CSD. The CSD appeared to know lots of facts about our previous trip in F last year, and it had me slightly confused, until he reminded me I had written a trip report on the subject and he is an active member of the Flyertalk BA Forum.
We shared a laugh about it, and he then explained the small differences in the F cabin since our last visit. These included a new stlye PJ’s, quilt, day wrap etc.

We settled into the seat and enjoyed another glass champagne (Pol Roger 99) accompanied with some macadamia nuts, I prefer cashews personally but I forced them down all the same While we awaited departure my drinks order was taken ready for after take-off and my champagne glass was topped up.
The cabin was full except 1K, but this didn’t take anything away from the experience with the 3 crew working very efficiently.

We were soon taxing around LHR which seemed like an age, but being so up front sitting on top of the front wheels you get a unique view as the plane lines up on the main runways.
After takeoff my G&T was promptly served, along with some delicious canapés. One appeared to be a miniature warm Yorkshire pudding filled with Beef & Horseradish yum yum; I could have eaten a whole plate of those.

Our orders for the main meal were taken, and we requested the food to be served in about an hour. The crew explained that it takes around 40mins and that would suit us.

The menu is copied from ‘Can I Help You’ thread on the main BA Forum.

Starters

* Shaun Hill’s English asparagus with pea and basil dressing
and shaved Pecorino
Loch Fyne smoked salmon with horseradish potato salad
and lemon dressing
Roast red pepper soup with basil crème fraîche

Fresh summer salad with choice of classic vinaigrette
or cherry and elderflower cream dressing
FORFortaleza, Brazil A LIMITED PERIOD WE ALSO HAVE ‘LIQUID GOLD’—OLIO EXTRA VERGINE
DI OLIVA FROM CASTELLO MONTE VIBIANO, A VERY SPECIAL OLIVE OIL
FROM HAND-PICKED OLIVES, PRESSED AT LOW TEMPERATURE AND BOTTLED
WITHIN SIX HOURS.

Main

K Seared fillet steak with Choron sauce, matchstick chips,
watercress and herb-crusted field mushroom
Catch of the Day – Welsh rarebit-crusted cod
with clam chowder sauce
LOCH FYNE FISHERIES OFFERS A SELECTION OF WILD FISH FROM SUSTAINABLE
STOCKS. THEY SUPPLY US WITH THETeresina, PI, Brazil FRESHEST PRIME FISH DAILY.
* Poached corn-fed chicken with leek ribbons,
kale and pine nut broth
Classic Caesar salad with grilled tiger prawns
and brioche croûtons

Dessert

Baked Alaska with raspberry coulis
Chocolate dome with candied nuts and toffee sauce

Cheese Plate Fleur du Maquis – Also known as Brindamour, this cheese
is encrusted with dried herbs.
Traditional Normandy Camembert – An unpasteurised
cow’s milk cheese, Camembert features a creamy texture
with a full flavour.
Gevrik – Made in Cornwall, England, Gevrik is
an award-winning goat’s milk cheese with a soft texture
and a mild flavour.
St-Nectaire – This unpasteurised cheese features a soft,
supple texture and earthy, fruity flavour.

I went for the Salmon which was fantastic, and the Cod for main. The Cod was good but nothing special and a little dry. Emma also asked for the Salmon starter but without the Salmon, as she only wanted the horseradish potato salad this caused a little confusion and laughter with the crew. She then had the steak which she was very impressed with. We both had the Baked Alaska for dessert and it was superb, definitely the highlight of the meal.
By this time I had progressed to London Pride Ale.

Emma's Steak


The Cod


Baked Alaska
After the meal we settled down to watching the IFE which worked perfectly the complete flight. By this time all window blinds were closed and most people were asleep, after the morning intake of alcohol I was starting to feel its affects and dropped off to sleep for an hour. The cabin crew often passed through the cabin, so you could easily get a drink without getting up; by this time I was only drinking water.

With an estimated hour remaining of the flight, the crew started to offer afternoon tea. I was getting nervous that this would be rushed with such little time remaining. However it soon become apparent that we were delayed when the moving map showed us circling over the Bahamas. The captain came across the PA and announced the delay was due to heavy storms over Miami, and ATC had changed our routing various times changing the available runways in attempts to avoid the storm. He estimated another hour before we would be landing. As I sat there having Scones and clotted cream I could think of worse places to sit out a delay.

After tea we prepared for landing and the flight was nearly over. We landed at a very wet MIA and quickly taxied to a waiting gate. The WT+ passengers were held back while we left the aircraft, where I quickly thanked the CSD, who had really made the whole experience all the more enjoyable.

We quickly progressed though Immigration, which would have been even quicker if I hadn’t forgot to fill in the customs forms correctly, I blame the champagne. Then we had to wait for our luggage for nearly 20mins as apparently they couldn’t offload the plane due to the rain! However the priority labels appeared to work as both our makes appeared together very quickly.
But from the moment you leave the plan the First Experience was over. I know this is outside of BA’s control and is to be expected, but MIA must be the worst airport I have ever experienced. Trying to exit the luggage hall was horrendous. Finally we escaped the turmoil and were in a Taxi on the way to the hotel.

Overall another excellent experience with BA in F. The cabin might not be the most modern, and is starting to look worn in places but it still all works and is very comfortable. The most important thing for me is the service. The crew were always there when you needed them and nothing felt like it was too much trouble. They also appeared genuine and were able to share a joke and a laugh with us.

For us we had planned for this trip for nearly a year, and we had counted down the days and even hours in excitement. And the experience lived up to our expectations.

paul.goffin

BA0206 MIA-LHR 2A/K


When checking the cabin over the previous weeks, we identified our favourite seats (4E/F) were unavailable. Emma really likes the centre seats as they allow ease of conversation and she doesn’t have to look out of the windows on landing.
It allowed us to try some different seats in this case 2A/K and me the opportunity to enjoy a window seat for a change.
At T-24 I used online check in to find that the cabin was showing full with the exception of 3A and 5A.

After our previous experience with MIA we were not looking forward to returning to the airport.
However the departures’ process was far better than those we experienced during arrivals. Check-in was quiet, we used the Club desk as the single First Check-in desk was busy.

We proceeded directly to the security, this was a mistake as we were both hungry but there was a lack of food outlets after security and more were available in the check in area.
Security was deserted and the TSA agents seemed more interested in looking out for ‘hot women’ and ensuring they were directed to their own security lanes.

We made our way to the ‘Club America’ Lounge and shown to the ‘First Class’ room. The lounge was slightly better than I had expected, but still poor compared to the BA’s own Lounges I have previously experienced. All the soft drinks were served from large 2litre bottles which meant they were mostly flat. Initially there were only nuts and crisps, but later sandwiches and soup were served. Once the sandwiches were displayed passengers appeared from every direction and it was like feeding time at the zoo.

After a relaxing time in the lounge we proceeded to the gate. We arrived around 25mins before boarding commenced. I’m more used to travelling no-status Y and still have not yet become accustomed to arriving at the gate nearer to the time of departure.
The gate area was rather crowded in addition there was a small presentation taking place for the inaugural flight between Miami and Ternife which seemed a very strange routing.

Boarding commenced, although there was a fast track line set-up we still had to battle through the crowds that were waiting for their rows to be called for.
At the aircraft door we were greeted and the FA arranged for someone to escort us to our seats and greet us by name.

I packed our hand luggage away and settled myself in the seat. There was no amenity kit or pyjamas present on the seat. These were handed out just prior to closing the doors, and I felt a little rushed to change before the seat belt sign came on.

Prior to take off we were offered drinks and we both ordered the Champagne. I was rather thirsty so I managed to fit in 2 glasses before takeoff. However I noticed that a drinks order was not taken until after takeoff.

Unfortunately the direction of runways was changed at MIA just prior to takeoff to avoid a nearby thunderstorm. This resulted in a long line of aircraft waiting to take off and the end result was a 1 hour delay in departure. Once air borne and the drink order taken the menu’s were handed out along with some canapés, all very nice but not as good as the mini-yorkshire puddings we experienced on the out bound.

The CSD came around and introduced himself, he greeted us by name but this was rather lacking because he stood over me reading the manifest to check for my name before introducing himself. Surely it would be better to not use passengers names, or be a little more discreet in remembering their names.

As I have had to personally type out the menu’s I’ve simplified them
Starters;
Smoked Cured Salmon with salad of braised lotus root and edamame, served with wasabi crème fraiche

Vegetable en croute

Lobster Bisque

Fresh Salad

Main:
Thyme-scented Fillet of Beef with Mashed Potatoes

Sea Bass and Yakisoba Noodles in Green Tea Broth with baby bok-choy

Roast Chicken with honey & balsamic Glaze stuffed with hazelnut and date mouse served with white wine risotto

Smoked Chicken Breast with Tuscan Tomato salad.

Desert:
Mixed Berry Trifle Torte

Apple Crumble and Vanilla Ice cream
As we were sitting separately I asked that Emma’s seat (2A) was seat up for 2 people and I sat in the Buddy seat. I found it to be quite comfortable, once I had folded the seat down. It was nice to eat face to face even if the atmosphere was slightly soured by the synchronised snoring my Mr & Mrs 1A/1K.
I went for smoked salmon which was very nice even if I didn’t know what the salad was made of, it all tasted good. Emma went with the Vegetable en-croute and really enjoyed it.

For mains I went with the Beef, a very tasty dish but as I expected the beef was a little overdone and slightly dry.
Emma had the Roast Chicken which was ok but nothing outstanding, maybe as she didn’t like the hazelnut and date stuffing.

We both went for apple crumble for desert as its one of our favourite dessert dishes. It was superb and it was soon polished off.

After dinner I asked for both our beds to be made up and I tried to get some sleep. Although the meal was sitting heavy and it was a few hours before I could finally sleep. This wasn’t helped by the 3 people snoring in the cabin, it was very loud and almost constant. The time allowed me to watch ‘Gran Torino’ which was an excellent if slightly depressing film.
Finally I drifted off to sleep, after using the ear plugs to defeat the loud snoring. I slept for nearly 4 hours which is a personal best for me, and I really needed the sleep. I would be driving 3.5hrs home and after a night flight this is normally a hard slog with no sleep.

I awoke around 6am, an hour before landing. Some people were starting to have breakfast served. I just continued to relax in the bed and enjoyed the view out of the window. I was still full from the night time meal and thought I would get some food in the Arrivals Lounge.






I did partake in a good cup of tea and one of the smoothies which was really nice. The smoothies and some orange juice were left on the shelf in front of 4E/F, I presume these were for people to collect as they awoke.

I asked for some duty-frees just prior to the bar being closed and this was easily taken care of. I just passed them by BA Amex and lowly Blue BAEC Card and they brought me a carry bag full of the goodies. While they processed my credit card I went and changed out of my pj’s and into my casual clothes.

I settled down to wait for landing, we made a slow descent across the south coast of England. Then started to pass through the clouds, by this time the seat belt sign was on and the tv stowed away so I was soon disorientated unsure how far away we were from LHR. Then suddenly the centre of London appeared in the window and I was able to take a few photo’s. Then as Emma noticed Twickenham out of her window we were soon on the runway.








As we taxied I was glad to see us pass the construction of 5C and therefore miss the pleasure of the buses. We then pulled up on a stand at 5B, and the Jetty was quickly alongside.



We collected our belongings and were the first off the aircraft as the crew held back the WT+ masses. We thanked the crew and made our way through T5.
We soon arrived at passport control, and found it rather confusing. We followed the signs for fast-track which where towards the middle of the hall next to the Iris channel. A BA rep checked our boarding cards to ensure we were eligible and we walked up to the counter. Emma and I went to separate Channels, both of which had no one waiting. However the official dealing with Emma said she was in the wrong channel as we had UK passports and this channel was for non-EU passengers only. The official then suggested we had sneaked past the BA rep ? The official dealing with me almost laughed at the situation and waved us both through.
I’m sure I have used this fast-track channel before so I’m still confused if we were in the wrong place.

At the baggage hall, we waited under a few mins for the cases to arrive and ours were one of the first batch, and more surprising all 3 were one after the other.

At the arrivals lounge we showed our boarding passes to a young lady who didn’t even ask for them or mutter a thank-you, the first words she said after a few furious key taps were ‘did we want to use the Concorde dining room’. We said yes and were given a voucher to access the dining room. We left our luggage with a friendly and helpful attendant and progressed to the shower complex.
We did ask for ‘Infinity bathroom’ and were told they were available but take 15mins to run the bath. We weren’t in a rush but needed the refreshment so went with the standard showers.
The showers are still rather disappointing IMO, as they only provide sufficient pressure when selected on Cold, once you select warmer water the pressure drops to little more than a dribble.
However it was still good to get a shower and wake-up, the radio’s in both cubicles were working but 4 of the channels were set to Radio2 which wasn’t a problem as I enjoy Radio2.

After the shower and me nearly falling asleep in the chairs outside, I mean how long does it take a woman to have a shower?

As we passed through the main dining room I was surprised how busy it was, especially for a Sunday morning. When I passed the computer stations near the spa, I noted how all were being used.

So with our little voucher we entered the Concorde Dining Room for breakfast. It was nice and quiet compared to the main dining area. The service was prompt but I was rather surprised when the waitress asked if I wanted my Bacon Sandwich hot or cold
I only went for the Bacon Sandwich and more tea, where as Emma went for fresh waffles. We both enjoyed the food and the relaxing atmosphere but I wanted to get going so although the service was quick it may have been better just to help ourselves to the buffet dining.

We collected our Luggage from the friendly attendant and we soon on our way back to hotel to collect the car. Holiday over

Overall an enjoyable BA First experience. However it wasn’t as good as the outbound for a number of reasons for example the lounger experience at MIA can’t be compared to LHR T5, and with the night flight the F experience feels wasted as we just wanted to sleep.

Hope you enjoyed the read.

gba

Great report, I'm looking forward to the return! My first first is a couple months away and I'm glad to see a positive review given the mixed opinions on the BA board.

Seat 2A

Thanks, Paul. That Baked Alaska looked delicious!

Enjoy Florida and have a great flight back home. I look forward to your report!

Can I help you

I really enjoyed meeting you both on your flight to Miami, you were a pleasure to look after. I really do hope you enjoy your time in Florida and your flight home.
CIHY

BA1A

Very good trip report. Can I just point out though that you were not "starving" in the CCR, merely hungry. People in the third world are genuinely starving and I hate to hear the term misused.

You were also very lucky to have such a brilliant CSD on board

710 77345

Sorry, but I am as offended by the comment you made as you are by Paul's. If you're affected by hunger, you're starving. It's perfectly possible to that ravenous and be well off, so I'm sure he was indeed "starving".

I quite agree that there's many other people in this world who are more starving, but it's clear he wasn't claiming to be the most hungry person in the whole wide world.

Thanks for the good report and pictures Paul - glad you had such a great trip.

camsean

Thanks for the trip report. I hope the return leg goes as smoothly.



Oh Please!
I would think that a person of your sensitivities would avoid making meaningless generalisations about the 'third world' and be aware that words are given meaning by their context.

PresRDC

Wow, is the first time we've had a crewmember FTer actually working the flight of a fellow FTer?

Bar Operator

I can confirm that not to be true!

I had a very brief chat with someone from FT on a BA MEX-LHR flight I operated late last year.

rgds

p.s. lest I forget, many thanks for the trip report!

Can I help you

And this was my third trip with a FTer.

paul.goffin

Post updated with Return Flight details.

Sorry for the delays, but after flying home I went to Glastonbury for music festival.

It was a bit of contrast between the First Class Cabin and a Tent

chanp

Great report and pics. Good to see a FA read TR's here .

fatmac70

Great trip report.

RTW4

Great report.. I have not used the BA arrivals feature .. I usually go right to my hotel after arriving from LAX ... Also, I think that BA is changing the menu a bit ( great IMHO )...... Thanks again...