We arrived yesterday (Dec 26) at T5 in good time for the BA57 LHR/JNB - in F Class - with a connection (different tickets, PNRs linked) onto CPT. This threw the check-in lady off totally! After 10 minutes and four phone calls we were, bizarrely, directed to Reservations who managed this simple task in about one minute. Breezed through security and into a very quiet CCR. As usual, no walk-in massages available (we tried to book a few weeks back but no luck).

At around 2000 we headed over to C gates, via Starbucks, and were disappointed that the option of getting some snacks is no longer complimentary for BA customers ... Bit of a shame.

Boarding was reasonably organised, although we both walked onto the plane (Door 1) without anyone checking our BPs. As we sat down a crew member rushed over to us to verify we were on the right flight. We settled down into 1A and 1K. Pre-flight drinks offered in good time.

Shortly after take-off, the CSM came and introduced herself. All friendly and professional.

Hot towels, then asked what we would like to drink (why can't this happen on the ground like in the old days?), both chose The Foundry, a great South African red. The purser told me what an excellent choice this was, only to return 10 minutes later crestfallen and to inform us that had not been loaded. No issue, we went for the stand-in that was actually very nice.

Then the team took our orders, seemingly unaware we had pre-ordered, but - is this new? - did not write anything down. I am sure this is supposed to look impressive, but given they had to double check what we wanted twice - and we were in the first row - I don't think this is a smart use of time. In the old days, of course, they used to take food orders before take-off ...

The food took ages and ages to arrive. Had to ask for, rather than wait to be offered, top-ups of vino. Amuse bouche ok but not me memorable. Then my partner, in 1A, gets soup as I get salad. Then I get the beetroot starter while he gets salad (but have no knife or fork), then I get soup while he gets his scallop starter. All just very disorganised. My main course, the haddock, is a mistake: over cooked and in sauce that was way too rich. By this point we are more than two hours into the flight. I ask for a whisky and for my bed to be made-up. I change in the bathrooms and find my bed has not been made-up, so I start to do this myself as the pax behind me starts berating the purser for not clearing his main course away for 20 minutes(!). As I drift off to sleep, I hear the CSM attempting to soothe Mr 2K, who is asking if this is "real first class". The CSM is explaining it is the purser's first day(!).

The lights come on a full two hours before landing - totally unnecessary. Before turning in, I ask the purser to keep one of the hot smoked salmon with poached eggs. As I emerge from the bathroom he asks if I would like this now, I say that will be great. I return to my seat to see it had not been tidied up, so I do this myself. As I finish, the purser appears with the egg dish on a tray and puts it down in front of me, and says "enjoy your meal". I have to ask for a knife and fork, salt and pepper, juice and a coffee, and a yogurt too. I wait a while for it to be cleared away.

We land on time and disembark. The Special Services requested Meet & Assist is know where to be seen.

So whilst this was by no means a bad flight (indeed, BA55 that should have left before us is delayed overnight), but it was far short of what is supposed to be a premium, first class experience. As a very loyal BA customer, it pains me to say it, but Qatar and Qantas Air Canada (Dreamliner) and Alitalia (on their new A330s) are just streets ahead - in biz cl.

Anyone else feel this way?

1K