Originally Posted by s0ssos

I realized that when flying first I want excellent service. My first first-class flight was on British Airways, so it was memorable (and I flew with a friend. Free companion flight). But having flown many other airlines in first now I realize what makes a good flight. Simply, the service. A proxy of which may be the ratio of flight attendants to passengers (I was talking to a flight attendant about the difference between first and business. She just commented that there were 6 seats in first. 47 in business). But the other thing is the quality of service.

I recently flew Japan Airlines in first. I was surprised to find the service wasn't spectacular, because I really like flying the Japanese airlines in economy (versus other airlines) because of their service. Some people would say it is because they are too subservient, but I don't think that is the right word. The sentiment is obtained by the fact they kneel down when talking to you, but the real issue is proactivity. They aren't proactive. They wouldn't be recommending which meal to choose (Western or Japanese), come and ask you if you want this or that.

On Cathay they know how to provide service in first. It is "just right". And they also make it a point to connect with the passenger. Who doesn't like having an attentive audience, someone actually listening and responding? I haven't flown Singapore in first yet so I cannot comment.

There are many posts on first-class in British. I think the general consensus is that it isn't as good as Cathay in first. And I find it interesting, because British culture actually is known to provide. Examples include high tea, butlers, people serving royalty. So why did the flight attendants in first (on my flight) come off as distant and cold, when they actually were (obviously) trying to be warm and friendly? And not caring, when their job is to care?

That is my conclusion why British Airways first is so hit or miss.