BA First: London-Cape Town-London (w/pics)
#17
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 243
Wow. Detailed and interesting report. Glad you enjoyed the experience. BA FIRST cannot be beaten on most routes.
Not sure I warmed to the comments about "going down the back" or going "to the front of the line and telling the lady I was FIRST".... A piece of advice from a veteran traveller in F and C - a true F passenger takes the experience in his/her stride and would never go into Economy as there is simply no need. An upgrade or non-seasoned first class traveller makes a fuss at every opportunity.
Not sure I warmed to the comments about "going down the back" or going "to the front of the line and telling the lady I was FIRST".... A piece of advice from a veteran traveller in F and C - a true F passenger takes the experience in his/her stride and would never go into Economy as there is simply no need. An upgrade or non-seasoned first class traveller makes a fuss at every opportunity.
#18
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: New York, NY
Programs: BAEC Gold, Delta Platinum, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Gold, AMEX Platinum (US)
Posts: 18,485
Thanks for the kind comments Makes doing these reports worthwhile
In my defence it wasn't obvious where the line went and there were plenty of people being escorted to the front. We were stood in line for about 10mins without moving before thinking to ask the member of staff. I didn't emphasise the fact I was in First, just showed her my booking confirmation and asked if I was in the right line to check-in. As it happened I could have waited in the economy line for another 90mins when I didn't need to. Realistically if anyone had seen the carnage at CPT that morning I think most people in my position would have done a similar thing.
As for going for the walk down the back, it is purely for stretching my legs and no other reason. I tend to suffer from cramps badly if I sit in the same place for more than 2hrs or so. It is the same on car journeys and on the train, and it causes problems if we go to see a long movie!
Originally Posted by traveller5
Not sure I warmed to the comments about "going down the back" or going "to the front of the line and telling the lady I was FIRST".... A piece of advice from a veteran traveller in F and C - a true F passenger takes the experience in his/her stride and would never go into Economy as there is simply no need. An upgrade or non-seasoned first class traveller makes a fuss at every opportunity.
As for going for the walk down the back, it is purely for stretching my legs and no other reason. I tend to suffer from cramps badly if I sit in the same place for more than 2hrs or so. It is the same on car journeys and on the train, and it causes problems if we go to see a long movie!
Last edited by Fraser; Mar 8, 2006 at 5:05 pm
#19
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: East Ester, Alaska
Programs: Alaska Million Miler, United Million Miler, Wyndham Rewards Diamond, Choice Hotels Diamond
Posts: 12,140
A true F passenger takes the experience in his/her stride and would never go into Economy as there is simply no need.
#21
Join Date: Mar 2005
Programs: Mucci, BA-GGL, LH-Sen
Posts: 2,241
Originally Posted by Seat 2A
I love strolling back into steerage and passing out a few Macadamia nuts to the masses. Sometimes it's nice to even save a couple of canapes to bestow upon some lucky couple. Alms for the poor and all, you know...
#22
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: BRS
Programs: BA GLD
Posts: 1,927
Originally Posted by Seat 2A
I love strolling back into steerage and passing out a few Macadamia nuts to the masses. Sometimes it's nice to even save a couple of canapes to bestow upon some lucky couple. Alms for the poor and all, you know...
Wonderful report. Thanks for taking the time to write it, and for the detailed descriptions. I really must find a way to save enough AS miles for a BA First.
#23
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Brisbane (BNE), Australia, QF/VA Forums Meeting Organiser
Programs: VA Plat, QF Gold (97.4% LTG), QP Life, AA (66% LTG). HH Diamond. Amex Plat, Visa Plat
Posts: 6,519
Great to see you and Kirsten aboard again, Fraser and in the pointy end of the plane. Good to see the bear got in some photo's - he'd have been disappointed not having a memory of his flight with you both.
Now I just need to become as adept as you with the photo's and video for my TR's.
Now I just need to become as adept as you with the photo's and video for my TR's.
Last edited by QF WP; Apr 1, 2006 at 1:31 am Reason: correcting spelling
#26
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,885
Excellent, excellent report Fraser. My hat is off to you.
I second the "never go back into the depths of the plane" attitude. If you're travelling in First you should adopt the "Club World? Can there be such poverty?" approach and stay in the nose.
I second the "never go back into the depths of the plane" attitude. If you're travelling in First you should adopt the "Club World? Can there be such poverty?" approach and stay in the nose.
#27
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Cardiff, UK
Programs: BA GGL, Concorde Room card, KLM Silver, PC Platinum Ambassador, Marriott Platinum, UA Premier Silver
Posts: 5,278
Great report Fraser - as I said in one of my very first trip reports when I joined FT - you are in inspiration to us all with your trip reports - certainly set the benchmark for others to follow!
A few points:
1 - I wonder who those "friends of yours" in the Concorde room were who left the note?
2 - I can beat your 90minutes passing through CPT - how about 2 hours with the power on? (I can't say where as that would give the game away for point 1 )
Excellent stuff.
A few points:
1 - I wonder who those "friends of yours" in the Concorde room were who left the note?
2 - I can beat your 90minutes passing through CPT - how about 2 hours with the power on? (I can't say where as that would give the game away for point 1 )
Excellent stuff.
#30
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: New York, NY
Programs: BAEC Gold, Delta Platinum, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Gold, AMEX Platinum (US)
Posts: 18,485
And for those who thought the takeoff video from the seat perspective was of interest then have a look at the following. Taken by another Flyertalker who managed to video the takeoff of the return leg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-C0U7IyvYEo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-C0U7IyvYEo