My first British Airways First GLA-HKG
Aug 31, 2015, 9:17 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Glasgow
Programs: BA Exec Blue Card
Posts: 3
My first British Airways First GLA-HKG
Sorry I accidentally delete my original report.
BA F GLA-HKG BA 1489 & BA 27
This is my first ever trip report, please excuse my mistakes or if the report sounds boring.
I parents booked our family of four into First with two 2 4 1 AMEX vouchers. This was my first time flying First and I was extremely excited. They booked back in May 2015 and there were 5 seats available for redemption at the time. I was so excited and spent the whole time leading up to the trip reading about passengers’ comments/reports on Flyertalk. I have to admit, I was extremely worried that the service to HKG would be rubbish according to frequent reports and so went in with low expectations.
BA 1489 GLA-LHR
Our journey started at GLA airport and I thought the check-in agent couldn’t speak. She did not even say hello or used any manners at all. She just handed the passports and boarding passes to us without saying a single word. This was a disappointing start to the trip, however, I didn’t let this ruin the trip because we previously had great check-in agents at GLA.
We were greeted by a very friendly lounge agent and welcomed us to the lounge. The lounge has a nice interior, however I felt that the food options were lacking. There were mainly sandwiches, crisps and fruit. I suppose this is a domestic lounge, therefore it didn’t ruin the experience that much.
We were welcomed onboard by a very friendly team and they provided great service. One of the best domestic flights with BA.
Concorde Room
We initially went to the wrong side of the lounge thinking it was the Concorde Room but it was the Galleries First lounge. However, a very friendly lounge agent suggested we go to the Concorde Room as it was a nicer lounge. I really liked the interior of the lounge and it was a nice warm feeling. We did have a little nosy in the Galleries First lounge for a few minutes and immediately noticed the difference in interior and food options. The GF lounge was more basic than the Concorde Room. We went to the dining area and was served by a friendly waiter.
My parents are vegetarians and he admitted there weren’t many vegetarian options available. I felt sorry for him because he clearly seemed embarrassed but it wasn’t his fault. However, my parents in the end settled with just a salad sandwich and chips. My brother ate the club sandwich and I enjoyed the salmon salad and duck parfait.
After dinner, my mum went to have her Jet nail polish treatment at the spa. Whilst we sat in the balcony area and enjoyed our desserts. My parents decided to head over to the Cabanas which was pre-booked a few weeks ago. The Cabana was disappointing because the interior looked old and did not create a luxury feel (unlike CX cabanas).
The sofa was clearly worn out, I don’t understand why the airline does not change their seats at least. We were glad we didn’t have much time in the lounge because after a while there isn’t much to do.
BA 27 LHR-HKG
Whilst standing on the jet bridge waiting to board, I kept praying that the cabin crew would be great. We received a warm welcome by the CSD and was greeted by name. We were then escorted to our seats and were offered a drink. Sleeper suits and amenity kits were then distributed. I was under the impression that BA gives out slippers too but we didn’t receive any. Someone correct me if I’m wrong.
We were then handed the menus with the correct page opened already. My parents had the Chinese section opened already. We appreciated these tiny details that make a big difference. Before take off, after take off drinks were taken and the CSD personally welcomed each passenger in F.
After take off, the crew came round asking us if we knew how to use the seat. I forgot to mention earlier that the were WW crew. She then suggested we could dine together in the buddy seat and we did just that. We decided to eat immediately after take off. When the food was nearly ready, she came out to tell us so that we can sit down in the buddy seats.
I had the Wild mushroom and truffle mousse, side salad and baked cod with chervil creamed potatoes and raspberry delice. My brother had the sweetcorn soup and pork belly with taro and nectarine/blueberry crumble.
My brother initially ordered the ice cream but the crew member said the ice cream was out of shape. When it was delivered it was all melted.
We didn’t expect it to be that bad but the crew apologised and explained that it was too late in the flight for it to remain like normal ice cream. However, the crew changed the ice cream to a warm nectarine and blueberry crumble.
Throughout the dinner service the crew kept refilling our drinks automatically. They cleared the plates in a timely manner and brought out the following courses swiftly. I appreciated that they served each course in sync in order for the whole family to eat at the same time. I thoroughly enjoyed the great service from the crew and nothing was too much trouble. When the crew were clearing trays or serving meals/drinks, they would proactively have a conversation. I thought this was a nice touch and they didn’t just handed the dish over. Throughout the flight the crew addressed each passenger by name.
Some people may disagree but the service provided was perfect because the crew were non intrusive. They were extremely attentive during the meal service, however out with meal times, the crew would leave passengers to rest.
I just love the Speedmarque, if only I can have one of these for my bedroom.
After the dinner service, they made our beds and asked us when we would like to be woken for breakfast. I loved the flat bed but I wished they provided a thin mattress topper to make the bed softer. I had a few hours sleep and it was time for breakfast. This was served around one hour before landing and we did not felt the service was rushed.
Before landing, the CSD came around thanking every passenger for flying with BA and asked if we enjoyed the flight. This was an extremely nice touch and shows that the CSD genuinely cared about passengers. I rarely read any comments on Flyertalk that the CSD thank customers.
Soon after 12 hours of flying, the flight was over. My family enjoyed the service and we were disappointed that the flight was over so soon. After the aircraft arrived at the gate, one of the crew asked if we had any hand luggage and took the luggage down for us. Again, we felt that this was a nice touch.
Even though I loved the fully flat bed during the flight. I felt the best part of the flight was the cabin crew. They were very friendly and nothing was too much trouble. During a conversation with the crew they mentioned that they loved serving families. However, I forgot why this was the case.
I am so glad that the service was great and now looking forward to the return flight. However, I am still worried that the crew will be the complete opposite of today’s flight. I am also looking forward to try the CX new pier lounge. Which I think we have access to due BA being a Oneworld partner.
Thanks everyone for reading and I hope my first trip report was satisfactory. Any questions please feel free to ask me.
BA F GLA-HKG BA 1489 & BA 27
This is my first ever trip report, please excuse my mistakes or if the report sounds boring.
I parents booked our family of four into First with two 2 4 1 AMEX vouchers. This was my first time flying First and I was extremely excited. They booked back in May 2015 and there were 5 seats available for redemption at the time. I was so excited and spent the whole time leading up to the trip reading about passengers’ comments/reports on Flyertalk. I have to admit, I was extremely worried that the service to HKG would be rubbish according to frequent reports and so went in with low expectations.
BA 1489 GLA-LHR
Our journey started at GLA airport and I thought the check-in agent couldn’t speak. She did not even say hello or used any manners at all. She just handed the passports and boarding passes to us without saying a single word. This was a disappointing start to the trip, however, I didn’t let this ruin the trip because we previously had great check-in agents at GLA.
We were greeted by a very friendly lounge agent and welcomed us to the lounge. The lounge has a nice interior, however I felt that the food options were lacking. There were mainly sandwiches, crisps and fruit. I suppose this is a domestic lounge, therefore it didn’t ruin the experience that much.
We were welcomed onboard by a very friendly team and they provided great service. One of the best domestic flights with BA.
Concorde Room
We initially went to the wrong side of the lounge thinking it was the Concorde Room but it was the Galleries First lounge. However, a very friendly lounge agent suggested we go to the Concorde Room as it was a nicer lounge. I really liked the interior of the lounge and it was a nice warm feeling. We did have a little nosy in the Galleries First lounge for a few minutes and immediately noticed the difference in interior and food options. The GF lounge was more basic than the Concorde Room. We went to the dining area and was served by a friendly waiter.
My parents are vegetarians and he admitted there weren’t many vegetarian options available. I felt sorry for him because he clearly seemed embarrassed but it wasn’t his fault. However, my parents in the end settled with just a salad sandwich and chips. My brother ate the club sandwich and I enjoyed the salmon salad and duck parfait.
After dinner, my mum went to have her Jet nail polish treatment at the spa. Whilst we sat in the balcony area and enjoyed our desserts. My parents decided to head over to the Cabanas which was pre-booked a few weeks ago. The Cabana was disappointing because the interior looked old and did not create a luxury feel (unlike CX cabanas).
The sofa was clearly worn out, I don’t understand why the airline does not change their seats at least. We were glad we didn’t have much time in the lounge because after a while there isn’t much to do.
BA 27 LHR-HKG
Whilst standing on the jet bridge waiting to board, I kept praying that the cabin crew would be great. We received a warm welcome by the CSD and was greeted by name. We were then escorted to our seats and were offered a drink. Sleeper suits and amenity kits were then distributed. I was under the impression that BA gives out slippers too but we didn’t receive any. Someone correct me if I’m wrong.
We were then handed the menus with the correct page opened already. My parents had the Chinese section opened already. We appreciated these tiny details that make a big difference. Before take off, after take off drinks were taken and the CSD personally welcomed each passenger in F.
After take off, the crew came round asking us if we knew how to use the seat. I forgot to mention earlier that the were WW crew. She then suggested we could dine together in the buddy seat and we did just that. We decided to eat immediately after take off. When the food was nearly ready, she came out to tell us so that we can sit down in the buddy seats.
I had the Wild mushroom and truffle mousse, side salad and baked cod with chervil creamed potatoes and raspberry delice. My brother had the sweetcorn soup and pork belly with taro and nectarine/blueberry crumble.
My brother initially ordered the ice cream but the crew member said the ice cream was out of shape. When it was delivered it was all melted.
We didn’t expect it to be that bad but the crew apologised and explained that it was too late in the flight for it to remain like normal ice cream. However, the crew changed the ice cream to a warm nectarine and blueberry crumble.
Throughout the dinner service the crew kept refilling our drinks automatically. They cleared the plates in a timely manner and brought out the following courses swiftly. I appreciated that they served each course in sync in order for the whole family to eat at the same time. I thoroughly enjoyed the great service from the crew and nothing was too much trouble. When the crew were clearing trays or serving meals/drinks, they would proactively have a conversation. I thought this was a nice touch and they didn’t just handed the dish over. Throughout the flight the crew addressed each passenger by name.
Some people may disagree but the service provided was perfect because the crew were non intrusive. They were extremely attentive during the meal service, however out with meal times, the crew would leave passengers to rest.
I just love the Speedmarque, if only I can have one of these for my bedroom.
After the dinner service, they made our beds and asked us when we would like to be woken for breakfast. I loved the flat bed but I wished they provided a thin mattress topper to make the bed softer. I had a few hours sleep and it was time for breakfast. This was served around one hour before landing and we did not felt the service was rushed.
Before landing, the CSD came around thanking every passenger for flying with BA and asked if we enjoyed the flight. This was an extremely nice touch and shows that the CSD genuinely cared about passengers. I rarely read any comments on Flyertalk that the CSD thank customers.
Soon after 12 hours of flying, the flight was over. My family enjoyed the service and we were disappointed that the flight was over so soon. After the aircraft arrived at the gate, one of the crew asked if we had any hand luggage and took the luggage down for us. Again, we felt that this was a nice touch.
Even though I loved the fully flat bed during the flight. I felt the best part of the flight was the cabin crew. They were very friendly and nothing was too much trouble. During a conversation with the crew they mentioned that they loved serving families. However, I forgot why this was the case.
I am so glad that the service was great and now looking forward to the return flight. However, I am still worried that the crew will be the complete opposite of today’s flight. I am also looking forward to try the CX new pier lounge. Which I think we have access to due BA being a Oneworld partner.
Thanks everyone for reading and I hope my first trip report was satisfactory. Any questions please feel free to ask me.
Nice to read someone having a nice time.
Sep 2, 2015, 5:53 am
#11
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Iver
Programs: BA GOLD/OWE BA Amex Prem Plus Tesco Airmiles Qantas Bronze IHG SPG Eithad
Posts: 2,902
Slippers now are not given out automatically, you just need to ask for them, and they will be more than happy to oblige. Thanks for sharing first part of your TR, and that you enjoyed your First First, and the crew were very proactive. Agree the topper mattress is rather thin, certainly could be made thicker, QF ones are nice and thick. 
^
^
Sep 3, 2015, 3:14 pm
#14
Join Date: Dec 2014
Posts: 48
Slippers now are not given out automatically, you just need to ask for them, and they will be more than happy to oblige. Thanks for sharing first part of your TR, and that you enjoyed your First First, and the crew were very proactive. Agree the topper mattress is rather thin, certainly could be made thicker, QF ones are nice and thick. ^
^Having said that, I flew in CW this week and wasn't even offered an amenity kit (not that there's anything particularly worthwhile in there!).
Sep 5, 2015, 7:59 pm
#15
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,558
Excellent report.
I dread going into the Concorde Room at LHR. It is always too crowded and the dining area is cramped and stale - dreadful.
The one at JFK is brilliant - never crowded and the food puts that at LHR in the shade, as does the excellent service and friendly servers.
Years ago, the JFK lounge had a very interesting mobile of red, white, and blue hanging in the windows for the whole length of the lounge. You can still see what is left of it in the small private room that used to be the cigar room, and also at the check-in desk. I used to love that mobile, for some reason! I still wonder what they've done with the rest of it.
I have had to ask for slippers 4 times in the last 3 months in F with them.
I dread going into the Concorde Room at LHR. It is always too crowded and the dining area is cramped and stale - dreadful.
The one at JFK is brilliant - never crowded and the food puts that at LHR in the shade, as does the excellent service and friendly servers.
Years ago, the JFK lounge had a very interesting mobile of red, white, and blue hanging in the windows for the whole length of the lounge. You can still see what is left of it in the small private room that used to be the cigar room, and also at the check-in desk. I used to love that mobile, for some reason! I still wonder what they've done with the rest of it.
I have had to ask for slippers 4 times in the last 3 months in F with them.