Originally Posted by
MikeBOS
I disagree; other than the Concorde lounge, which is significantly nicer than the First lounge at Heathrow, I found little on my recent BA F flight to justify any premium over Club Suites. The seat was worse (less privacy), service the same, food the same with some minor additions (a bad amuse bouche for example), amenity kit and sleep kit the same. I was using an AA SWU to upgrade so didn't think too much about it, but it is inconceivable to me that anyone would pay a premium for this (in either $$ or miles) unless they really value the improved lounge access.
As ever, value is a personal thing and club suites have certainly closed the gap and in some cases are more private (old 772 First for example). The older First seats also have the fold away screens, which is a bit annoying. Club Suites allows gate to gate watching, like most carriers. But the seats are much bigger in First, come with better bedding, and you should have had a significantly improved soft product over J. The menus are different (take a look at the threads on the BA forum) with better dishes in First and you get dine on demand option, though this is not well advertised. Wines are much better, and I've always had very attentive, and friendly service (but I may have been lucky - I'm not a regular). Add in the CCR and Chelsea and it's quite a decent step up on the ground (less so I guess if you're OWE or not flying from an airport/terminal with a proper first class lounge).
Is it a world leading First product? No. But it's a very nice way to cross the Atlantic and in my opinion, much better than Club. Exactly how much of a premium to pay above sits with each pax.