1.
Date: 05 July 2014
Route: London Heathrow (LHR) T5 - Johannesburg O.R. Tambo (JNB) Terminal A
Flight: British Airways Flight BA0057
ETD: 21:20
ETA: 06 July at 09:05
Seat: 2A (First)
Aircraft: Boeing 777-200ER
Flight Time: 10hrs 46mins

Prior to Departure

I discovered whilst still in Dubrovnik, 72 hours prior to departure, that our scheduled 747-400 had been substituted for one of the Rolls-Royce powered 777-200ER (I learnt according to the seat map). I had mixed feelings about this as I had been looking forward to experiencing F in the nose of a magnificent 747 and had chosen it over the A380 outbound for this reason. On the other hand however, a 777 guaranteed NF and also ensured a larger ottoman for dining in-flight together. The same 747 to 777 substitution had also occurred on my mother and sister’s BA57 flight out the previous day. I think my mum was more disappointed than I was as she had been particularly looking forward to a nostalgic first class experience in the nose of the 747, experiencing it before they’re all retired. Alas, it was not to be this time. I’ve done the upper deck in Club, so at least that’s something.

Check-in

We arrived at T5 by taxi at 17:15 with a good four hours to spare before our flight to JNB. We then proceeded to the dedicated First check-in desks situated at the far southern end of the terminal. The terminal didn’t appear to be too busy, which was a good start. A friendly ground staff agent greeted us at the front desk of the First check-in enclosure and directed us to a free desk. The lady behind the desk was rather brusque and the not the brightest or most competent of staff. It didn’t leave us brimming with confidence for our baggage that she hadn’t heard of Windhoek, despite being a BA destination through Comair. The agent seemed rather stumped trying to check our bags all the way through to WDH via JNB, mainly because the flights were booked under two separate references. Eventually, after me scrabbling around for the WDH airport code for her (?!) and what felt like several minutes of furious typing at her computer, she’d apparently checked us through and our boarding passes were printed all the way through to WDH.

Luggage deposited and boarding passes in-hand, the two of us then proceeded through to South Security, which was a breeze. I always seem to be very lucky with (lack of) queueing and waiting at T5 security. Fast track seemed to do its job. The security checks did not seem to be noticeably more stringent than usual, despite this being a few days after the bomb plot foiling. After security we turned right and found ourselves at the hallowed doors.

The Concorde Room

A smiling CCR dragon greeted us and scanned our boarding passes and we were through. This was new territory to me, having only experienced the JFK CCR and the GCL/GFL at T5. My father knows it well, so I followed him across to the dining room where we were immediately seated and given menus. From what I’d gathered so far, the lounge appeared to be fairly quiet and there were just two other tables occupied in the restaurant. We were asked what we would like to drink and my father opted for a glass of red wine (can’t remember which) and I naturally opted for a glass of the lovely Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle.


Obligatory LPGS with passport and boarding pass

My father and I both opted for the ham hock terrine followed by the 'Concorde Roast’, which today was the lamb and came highly recommended by our pleasant and efficient Eastern European waitress. It arrived promptly, probably due to the minimal preparation time required.


Ham hock and pea terrine with piccalilli

We both agreed that the terrine was pleasant enough, with the fiery piccalilli going down very well and being a particularly welcome accompaniment. We took our time to enjoy the sedated atmosphere and no sooner had we put down the cutlery, our plates were whisked away and replaced with the roast lamb.


The Concorde roast lamb with minted new potatoes, mange tout and broad beans

We were greeted with a generous quantity of meat with just the right amount of accompanying buttered vegetables. The lamb was cooked pink and suited our tastes perfectly. It was melt in the mouth and a great main course dish that I’d expect to find in the likes of a high quality gastro pub. Well done BA.

We were very much pigged out after this main course but the friendly waitress persuaded us to have the chocolate tart for our pudding, which was also very nice and appeared to be of a good quality. Unfortunately, I didn’t get a picture of the pudding.

After an extended stay in the dining room of about 45 minutes, we managed to haul ourselves up and over to the terrace, where we were able to find two armchairs next to one another overlooking the apron. Copious quantities of LPGS was consumed. Today the service was fine but I think there should be more of a staff presence out on the balcony, as we did start to build up a slightly embarrassing collection of glasses (both on behalf of BA’s tardiness and our own rate of consumption…).


Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle on the CCR Terrace

My dad left for his 18:40 appointment at the Elemis spa. Meanwhile I had spotted our plane G-YMMN towards the North-Westerly side of the B Gates.


Across the CCR Terrace

My dad returned saying he felt like he’d just come off the rugby pitch and DO NOT ask for a pressure of 9/10. He did maintain that he felt great afterwards though, I think he had found the encounter a slightly traumatic experience!

Anyway, I proceeded out of the main lounge entrance and across to the Elemis spa for my 19:00 appointment. After filling out the form, I was invited into the booth where the very same lady who had just pummelled my dad set upon giving me a very firm but pleasurable 7/10 pressured massage. I asked her to focus upon the back and shoulders. The masseuse was very friendly and she asked if the man before had been my dad, where upon learning this she launched into a stream of profuse apologies! I reassured her that he felt like a much younger man post-massage. I think she was worried he was going to complain or report her for assault! The 20 minutes were over very quickly and I thanked the masseuse. I left feeling very loose and sprightly, which is exactly what I'd wanted and expected from the massage.

I then made a quick trip downstairs to Paul Smith, as I’d ripped a pair of shorts in Dubrovnik a couple of days beforehand and also needed a new pair of flip flops for holiday.

Shorts and flip flops in tow, I returned to the CCR and met with my dad who had managed to polish off several more glasses of LPGS in my absence. I joined him for a last couple of drinks on the terrace before we made a move for the B Gates.

Boarding

We left for the gates at 20:40, forty minutes prior to scheduled departure. We took the transit train, which was busy by this time and then used the lifts once we’d arrived at Terminal 5B, bypassing the hordes using the escalators. When we arrived at the gate, boarding was already in full swing. Thankfully, there was no queue for priority boarding and we were able to glide swiftly through and on to the jetty, where there was a couple of minutes wait before we reached the aircraft door. Boarding was through only one jetty at door 2L, which I imagine is the norm with the 777.

Onboard

I was greeted at the door by a smiling member of crew who checked my boarding pass and upon seeing I was travelling in First, handed me over to her colleague who said “Welcome to First Mr BAwjh93, please follow me to your seat”. We turned left as she escorted my father and I through the cabin to our seats 1A and 2A. My father had reserved 1A on the 747 with the intention of allowing me to sit there and this had been upheld for the 777 substitution as well. A friendly male crew member brought me my amenity kit, along with slippers, eye mask and pyjamas. This was a good start, having not had to be prompted for the latter items. He then asked if I’d like a glass of champagne, orange juice or water and of course went with the first option having gone an excruciating half an hour without LPGS.

As I settled into the seat and put my various possessions in the cubby holes, it was apparent that there is a severe lack of storage, which is an issue BA need to address with the updated First cabin that they are set to introduce next year on the 787-9s. However, 1A does have the full length of the footwell in the little side cupboard which is about 5 times as much as the seats behind have, so I was luckily able to shove most of my inflight things into there. All but one of the 14 seats were taken. The male crew member returned quickly with my champagne which I quaffed probably a little too quickly. I was only too happy to accept a prompt refill. They’re probably not very used to students getting bang for their buck, well dad’s buck… that makes me sound like some awful rah.


Settled in with yet another glass of LPGS


Soaking up First Class


Leg room shot


Dad wondering what the fuss is about

The menus were handed out and an order was taken for a drink for once we were air born. I opted for a spicy Bloody Mary. My order for dinner was also taken, where I also informed the crew that my father and I would be dining together at his seat 2A. We pushed back a little behind schedule and had a fairly brisk taxi down to runway 27R. The take off with those big Rolls-Royce Trent engines was powerful but effortless. Soon afterwards, the crew swung into action and as the ascent began to slow, my Bloody Mary arrived accompanied by the wonderfully tasty warm nuts.


Bloody Mary with warm nuts

The Bloody Mary was just how I like it, fiery and smooth. It went down like a treat. I joined my dad opposite him at 2A on the ottoman. The crew promptly laid the table for dinner. It didn’t feel as cramped as I was expecting but I think it would’ve been too much of a squeeze on the 747. We utilised the side of the suite to alleviate some space on the table. JNB is operated by the WW fleet, albeit aboard the A380 where it is MF. The crew were stellar in every respect: professional, charming, efficient and attentive. They were also a good humoured bunch, who were happy to engage in some friendly banter. The Purser in First was the faultless Carolyn who provided flawless service throughout the 11 hour flight. We were very lucky to have her operating the A/E side of the aircraft. No request would’ve been too much for Carolyn and she anticipated every want or need proactively before we’d even had the chance to think of it ourselves. Glasses were consistently kept topped up with frequent checks and drink rounds. The service felt in no way rushed but was progressing efficiently and at a perfect pace. It was evident this was a highly experienced crew and they were the cream of the crop.

The dinner service began with an amuse bouche of cucumber and feta cheese. This was totally underwhelming and bland, in my opinion. My only criticism of an otherwise flawless service. I didn’t get a picture of it. Next please.

We progressed on to the trout timbale which was tasty and not too fishy. I had decided to stick with LPGS for the duration of the dinner. You can’t go wrong.


Sea trout timbale with tomato, fennel and orange salad


And again

For our main course we had both chosen the duck, which judged by appearances sake looked rather unappetising. I think my iPhone’s camera does it no justice what so ever as well. The skin looked very burnt, but it turned out to be just crisp, exactly how it should be. The meat itself was pinkish, verging on well done but BA catering wouldn’t be BA if they didn’t overcook every cut of meat, so brownie points for upholding British reputation in my books. The sauce was earthy and not overpowering, with the vegetable accompaniments complimenting it well. What had on first appearances looked almost inedible, in fact turned out to be a solid main course dish.


Breast of Gressingham duck with English summer truffle and tarragon sauce, wild mushrooms and Savoy cabbage

Our plates were cleared and after a short interval and yet more LPGS, dessert arrived. I’d opted for the summer pudding with mascarpone, where as my dad had gone ice cream. The pudding was the perfect finish to supper, being just the right size and not too heavy. Carolyn had naturally preempted pudding wine, which went down very well with the both of us.


Summer pudding with mascarpone cream

We then requested coffees to conclude what had been an outstanding meal service overall. By this point we were about three hours into our flight and somewhere over the Southern Mediterranean / North Africa. I was absolutely exhausted, having had a busy few days previously and watching a film had never been on the cards for me. (Not to mention being absolutely plastered on expensive booze). I let Carolyn know I wanted my bed made up and I stumbled my way towards the loos to change into my PJs.

I returned to find my bed turned down and ready for a heavy night's slumber. No sooner had my head hit the pillow, I was out cold.

I awoke 5 and a half hours later, about 1 hour 45 minutes before landing at Joburg. In what was proving to be typical fashion, the heroic Carolyn had also preempted the enormous hangover that my hedonistic behaviour had caused, with her having left me a cold ginger ale and bottle of water to wake up to. Wonderful woman! Carolyn quickly arrived and asked if I’d like a smoothie to start me off for the morning and I readily accepted. I declined the offer of a starter and went straight to that well know hangover cure, ordering the Full English Breakfast.

In the meantime, I went and changed out of my pyjamas and had a quick freshen up. I returned to an uprighted seat with all the bed linen having been taken care of, as it should be. Carolyn showed up with my smoothie and asked if I’d like any tea or coffee, and I went with the former. It was at this point that my dad decided to join me in 1A for breakfast. The table was laid and we proceeded to tuck in.


Breakfast


Bright and sunny morning

The seatbelt signs were switched on as we hit some moderate turbulence. The Captain announced over the PA that we were to begin an earlier descent than intended to try and avoid the bumps. I was being driven into a mad frenzy at the smell of cooking bacon and fortunately before too long, my Full English arrived. It looked incredible. And it was. The eggs were cooked to perfection, no mean feat at 33,000ft. The bacon and sausage was also of high quality.


Full English Breakfast, note the spilled tea from the turbulence

Unfortunately, there were no more tea pot top ups because the hot drinks service had been suspended owing to the turbulence.


Worse for wear

We managed to find some more settled air and the seat belt signs went off once again, allowing the hot drinks service to resume. Intuitive Carolyn brought me a big mug just in case we had some more turbulence.


Moving map, just outside of Joburg and my big mug of tea

About 25 minutes prior to arrival, everything was cleared away and stowed for landing.


Joburg from afar

Being seated so far from the windows, it was quite difficult to get a great view without leaning uncomfortably far forward. Never mind. First world problems.

Arrival

We touched down very smoothly and ahead of scheduled. After what felt like a very long taxi, we finally arrived and I was surprised to find ourselves situated at a remote stand. After attempting to put the sole pair of stairs on to door 2L they gave up and decided to attach them to 1L, which was fine by me as I was the very first off the plane. Not that it mattered as we were put on to a bus, along with the rest of First and Club World.

Conclusion

In all respects this was such a wonderful first experience of first class long haul travel. I can only compare it to previous Club and Business Class travel, which it obviously trumps in every measure and respect. The crew really made this flight special though. Carolyn was rightly commended for her hard work both in person and with a coveted Golden Ticket. My dad who frequently travels in First to the States on business also felt that the crew really went the extra mile and provided flawless service throughout. Well done BA.

To be continued...