Sorry all for the delayed revert my own query! I ended up with an unexpectedly long stay at the CHU de Nantes. But all good now.

So here's some more details. The flight was BOM-ZRH, which departs at 1 am for context.

Check in

• There is a dedicated First desk (shared between LX and LH). When we got there, there were already two people ahead of us waiting to be checked in at the F desk.
• At the F desk itself, there were a couple of LHG employees overseeing what appeared to be repacking of several suitcases. Right there on the floor.
• And an LHG supervisor looking on doing absolutely nothing.
• It took nearly 40 minutes to be checked in. And that’s after one of the people ahead of us basically yelled at the LHG supervisors.
• When questioned, both the supervisor and the agent who finally checked us in at the Business desk had very vague unrelated responses.

On board

At first all seemed as one would expect. 6 of 8 seats taken. 2D and 2G were unoccupied, whilst my friend and I had 1K and 2K.

• After a few minutes, someone came in (from J or Y) to talk to the two elderly people seated in 1D/G. Followed by more people. And more people.
• Then small children (maybe grandchildren?) being brought by to say good night to the 1D/G folks.
• At one point a woman showed up to explain the safety regulations (life jacket / seat belt etc)!
• Then there was an inspection of the food that was going to be served. Three people from the back needed to have every item brought out and unwrapped right there in the middle of the cabin do determine if it was acceptable for 1D/G.

After a bit of respite for taxi and take off, the non-stop parade started again. And went on all night.

• No less than 15 different people, including small children - would keep coming and going between the back of the plane and First.
• Sit and talk loudly. Lights on. Videos on the phone with the volume turned up.
• More people came to feed the poor old dears. Then the intruders were served in First by the crew whilst they were sitting on the companion ottoman making a nuisance of themselves.

At some point I did fall asleep for about 2 hours out of exhaustion. But the commotion continued all night.

• When I woke up, there were people seated in 2D and 2G. They had even brought their carry-ons with them! At least they were quiet!
• Then people joined 1D/G and 2 D/G for pre-arrival breakfast. And were served by the crew.
• After landing again people showed up in the F cabin, all being allowed to exit through the F door, and delaying the actual F passengers in the process.

The elderly people weren’t the problem – they couldn’t be heard and were barely seen throughout the flight. Their friends and family on the other hand were a horror. All clearly indulged, enabled and encouraged by the ground staff and the cabin crew.

When we questioned the MdC his only response was sorry, but they’re a big group you know. What on earth?

I have honestly never experienced something like this ever, on any airline, on any route. Not even in J.