Originally Posted by
elitetraveler
I think it's pretty hard to definitively separate the very top of the pyramid. I haven't flown GA F - but IMO F in AF, LH, LX, JL, NH, KE, EK and SQ are all very close with EY varying and CX/QR F certainly fairly close - although it has been awhile since flying F on QR - although their J might be in the same category. For the most part, it's splitting hairs - personal tastes on the menu being offered or a poorly heated meal. I will say on SQ I've noticed if you don't eat much of a dish it seems SOP to ask why, and make sure you don't want something else.
Originally Posted by
San Gottardo
Probably one of the wisest statements so far. As long as one doesn't include British Airways, AA or UA in this list then you are right that all of the above offer a great product, with no very clear winner across the board. A lot depends on personal tastes, how much importance one attaches to individual elements of the First product, individual "performance" on the day, etc.
I don't really agree. I think it might well be hard to choose, because many of those products are excellent and have different strengths and weaknesses, but it is actually very easy to differentiate. For instance, AF has an extremely comprehensive and high quality ground service at CDG for both O/D and transfers. By contrast, the ground services of JL are rubbish, there isn't even fast track security (admittedly Japanese security is so efficient anyway you hardly need it) and F lounge at both HND and NRT is rubbish. By contrast, there is no question of splitting hair when you compare the Salon they serve or their outstanding F food for both Japanese and European menus to the Champagne and (very good but not comparable) food you get on, say, LX.
Incidentally, I'm still puzzled so many people rate QR F very highly. I was really underwhelmed by it, maybe because their J is so good that I was expecting something brilliant?