Hi all,
This is my first post and I wanted to share my first experience of flying BA First from Moscow Domodedovo to LHR. I spent a long weekend in Moscow (forget the horror stories, I had a great time, not least by choosing to stay in an Executive Room at the Hilton, fabulous hotel, one of Stalin's Seven Sisters) and had used Avios to fly out Club World on BA0235 an A321 (fabulous experience, great crew and service).
Hilton Moscow is here:
One thing to remember, both outbound and return sectors, for some reason, did not offer Duty Free cigs or booze - found myself hitting the streets of Moscow late on my first night to look after my nicotine addiction.
I took advantage of the hotel's limo service to get to DMD and was very pleasantly surprised to find it took less than an hour - I did feel myself reaching for the brake a few times, but hey, that's Moscow driving for you!
Check-in for BA0232 was straight-forward, with my bag checked through to Glasgow. Maybe it's just me, but I couldn't find a fast-track for security or customs - but it was quite quiet. I got something of a look from the woman checking my passport, but flashed my trademark smile and was waved through. The BA Navigator Lounge was okay, plenty of room, decent wifi and lots of refreshments.
Lounge:
Look at this beautiful aircraft:
The 747 could be seen from the lounge and then seemed to meander around the runway. Our flight was slightly delayed, not sure why, but we were kept informed. I popped out of the lounge to pick up cigarettes - the staff in Duty Free seemed very non-plussed (perhaps the only poor service I received) and told me they didn't stock my brand. Asking at another outlet 30 metres away saw me able to use some of my Rubles and pick my Marlboros for a very, very reasonable price.
Boarding was by bus. I was surprised that I couldn't access the mini-bus for VIP travellers. There were about 6 people in First on the day I flew, so no idea who such VIPs might have been. Still, stepping on board made it all worthwhile.
I was greeted with champagne and a quick overview of the cabin, seat and services available. I appreciated the fact that BA's pyjamas are a medium that fit someone who is now moving towards a large when it comes to t-shirts!!!
I was in seat 2A, with no-one in front and no-one else really within my eyeline, apart from the guy in 1B. The amount of room, downstairs at the front of the aircraft was incredible. It did feel exclusive. We rumbled along the runway and were soon underway (nothing quite beats the 747 at take-off and I had three windows to look out off!). I have a video of take-off, but don't know how to post
As a proud Scot, I ordered a glass of the 18-year-old Glenlivet single malt, explaining that there should be the same amount of water as whisky. Let's just say I was surprised to see an almost full glass of whisky and water come back!! The amuse bouche was Royal Oscietra Caviar, served with warm blinis and vodka - never been a big fan of caviar, but this was superb.
The twice baked parmesan and gruyere souffle was to die for - amazed that they can produce a souffle at 37,000ft! I chose the fillet of Aberdeen Angus beef for my main, which was okay, if a little over-done although the veg was lovely. Key lime pie for dessert was incredible, I want more!
I settled back to enjoy the IFE, nice big screen and plenty of decent choices. The one thing which did spoil the flight somewhat was when a beer I ordered was brought to me and the poor cabin crew attendant dropped it all over my crotch. You know that way when a drink is dropped and there is one place where it will cause most embarrassment?? I'm sure some male readers will agree - well, yes, it was right across there. There were a lot of apologies and, being a Brit, I said it was okay and don't worry about it too much. I had to do the walk of shame - despite it not being my fault - to the toilet (rose in a vase, nice touch) to change into my BA pyjama bottoms. They were very comfortable, but putting my nice Hugo Boss trousers across the armrest of my seat to dry out was not so good. Accidents do happen, but, well, it's never happened to me on any other flight - sod's law it would happen on a flight I was so looking forward to!
At LHR I very much enjoyed the use of the Concorde Room as I waited for my connection back to GLA. I had my own private cabana and the bartenders were great fun when I left that. Again there was a delay with the flight, but the staff were fantastic in keeping me informed. LHR to GLA was the usual domestic bus trip, but as ever, with a lovely BA crew.
I loved my experience, despite the few hic-cups and have upgraded our flights home from the Caribbean to Club World - taking my mum away for her 65th birthday and she will never get to experience flying business, so an extra treat. Wish I could afford to upgrade us going there, but probably more important on the return leg and with lounge access on a 4-hour layover before getting back to Glasgow from Gatwick.
BA First experience was great - and no lasting damage to my trousers (or pride) ....
And thank goodness for these:
I'm taking my mum to Punta Cana in the Caribbean next month on a BA Holiday to celebrate her 65th birthday - it's a special trip and I enjoyed my experience so much, I shelled out a bit more to pay for us both to return on Club World. It's a significant amount more (when you've exhausted your Avios), but it's absolutely worth it. I learned this much from my first experience in Club World and BA First. Thanks!