So, here's how it went down.
Unable to OLCI. Called EC, they told me the flight was under airport control (eight hours out) and nothing could be done. I explained the potential problem, they "noted" my inbound on the record.
I was skeptical. I foresaw battles with intransigent CSRs about min check in time if I had to exit, retrieve bags and recheck. My UA flight was scheduled inbound at 330pm for a BA depature at 520pm. With OLCI operating, this would be no big deal, but without a BP, I feared the worst.
UA did interline my bag after I showed them my BA res. Sometimes this works, and sometimes it doesn't. Lucky for me, it did. Part of the credit for preempting the problem is therefore UA's.
We arrived at DEN - unhelpfully - slightly behind schedule. I moved from B to A terminal ASAP and heard an annoucement from the BA gate for all domestic US connecting pax to go to A27 to check in ^ This was sensible, helpful and efficient - not the BA of the past. I checked in and was told to wait for the scrum to die down. I did, and when I returned to the podium I experienced the next surprise.
Operational upgrade to CW. Don't ask me why. I have no explanation whatsoever for this development. Neither do you, I am sure
It means I've been opupped by all of the airlines I've flown with whom I have a FFP membership, at whatever level - except one. DL.
Next, I noted that our flight (on one of the creakiest 772s - YMMC) had a female commander. This is always a sign of creeping civilization in large organizations ^
[sentence snipped by moderator] Anyway, she greeted us and then told us she was handing off to FO for the flight. Whoever was in charge executed a nice landing at LHR next morning.
CW was very decent. Nothing to rave about. The back to front seating arrangement has its pluses and minuses which have been discussed before. The actual spaciousness of the pod area is no different than CO have on their lie-flats including their 752s. The seat I found very comfortable in its non-reclined position, but not so great when fully reclined. YMMC interior needs a tidyup as others have stated, but most airlines have some older equipment like this.
As for service, I commend one member of the crew:
Carolyn I ^
She served us politely, in a friendly and efficient - but not obsequious or unctuous - manner. This is what I define as great service in the J cabin.
The other crew did their jobs, minimally, and no more. I understand there's pending IA but still, if I'd been a paid CW customer I would have felt like some others who've posted here - adequate, but not impressive on the whole. CW customer's reasonable requests should not be made to feel like an imposition by any crew member.
We landed slightly behind sched at LHR. Then to the T5 Arrivals Lounge ^ This is not a Dilbertian facility. Their facilties are most welcome. The lounge dragons did not demur at my BP although it was stamped "invol upgrade due OS" (!). This annotation is applied just in case I wanted to turn in the BP for J-class EC mileage credit, I suppose. But I'm not a Euro-cheat who would do such a thing
Anyway, so far, so much better than expected.
Then the BA5 shuttle to Waterworld which was prompt, courteous, efficient, i.e. everything I have come to not expect from BA. After that, I had a great visit with the Heritage folks...more of which anon.
To Jim and Eileen ^
Back to T5. Galleries Lounge, again I say, ^ Decent hot food, now that was a surprise. Lucky for me the EDI gate was A7, so near the lounge. No compliance check stress. The EDI flight was on time, with decent service, and my bag arrived with me. It was delivered promptly on the carousel.
So, BA handled the stress of incoming domestic US pax connecting by preemptively announcing check in at gate A27 at DEN. The flights connected as scheduled, service was at least competent, facilities at T5 were good. If I had paid for the WT+ ticket I would feel at least I received good value for it.
More systemically, I can't be so easily bribed just because I received op-up, great though this always is.
Some of my concerns with BA and aspects of its notorious service remain. Particuarly, I fear its diabolic irop handing. This concern is not eased by recent postings on this board by BA regulars. All elite-tier customers find the true measure of the airline not when things go right, but when they inevitably go wrong. Bob Soukup and NW WP were the undoubted industry leaders in delivering amazing service, as I've explained before, the worse the problem, the better they helped us.
However, the facts of this trip speak for themselves. I do admit that this entire experience was in a number of ways better - some them much better - than I had expected. I will consider using 1W somewhat more extensively - not as a sub for my primary StarA flying, but possibly for my secondary alliance usage which currently goes to ST via my DL account. It is DL whose recent service delivery has become more Dilbertian and intolerable.
Anyway, my next BA flight is within 24 hrs. Snow is coming to EDI. Let's see how that works.