chiefwiggumpi

So after a 1 1/2 hr journey from manhattan we arrived at JFK In one piece...just.

Go to check in at business class... 4 staff on duty at 18.30. This is going well...get to desk I ask about paid upgrade to f. The sarcastic reply about sir you can pay for a full price f ticket at 7000 dollars if you want to we don't sell upgrades here...hmm so im a bit miffed...ok thanks for your none help on that one.

Go to fast track security...25 mins later the sarcastic staff are like people it's simple follow orders put your shoes on the table...what are your stupid...now I'm getting peed off with the jumped up little sh@t. So I'm like how do you expect a pregnant women (mrs c) to move a case and bag up and take her shoes up an angle of 30 deg on your stupid little table that has no runners. Now I'm mad I'm like have some consideration. Get to galleries lounge. It's chaos. People on every seat. Ok we walk to elemis desk to get mrs c a nice head massage to help her stress. Get there guy who didn't have a clue. I asked what treatments are suitable for pregnant women. Reply I don't know laughed then said on your flight (3 hrs before take off) there's one space left! I'm like what your kidding its a joke so leave wouldn't trust guy or the staff anyway with a pregnant woman.

In lounge temp has got to be 30 plus deg. Mrs c is not well by now too much heat. So I go back to Lounge desk to ask why it is so hot in typical British polite style, only to be told by some female who is texting the whole time "it's been very warm". Yeah and....I said its 57 deg today so can you please put the air con on its so warm I'm sweating in here. She was like its down to the airports they put the a/c on in 2 months nothing to do with us the carried on the speaking to her colleague leaving me stood there. I'm like is it just me or is everyone here so rude?

All that said the pre flight dining food and staff is great.

So with 2 hrs to go I'm sat here not happy with BA is it just me or is it flying club world from JFK total rubbish?

darthlemsip

The paid upgrade thing happens a lot at US airports, you either get someone who knows about them, or someone that tells you they don't sell them. I had a small disagreement with someone who told me they have never sold them at DFW , despite the fact I had bought one there 2 weeks previously, and she told me I must have been thinking of my home airport...

As for JFK, sounds horrible, but have never experienced anything like that myself.

Assume you're on the 114? If you wave towards the Hilton on the far side past all the BA 747's, I'm sat in there looking back that way

HIDDY

The airport experience is a test of patience and stamina no matter which class you're flying in.
I personally don't know how some people can find flying nowadays at all attractive.My cattle have a smoother and more comfortable journey to the market.

chiefwiggumpi

172 actually.....I'm waving... I'm the one taking all my clothes off because of the heat.....

chiefwiggumpi

Very true....my point is after all my rambling.....is why bother paying for a business class experience when all you get is a rubbish attempt at customer service at best.....hey ho another glass of bubbles might ease the pain.....I'm not a frequent traveller to JFK but remember last April it was far far better.

DVT

Some might say the 7 hours on board is also what you're paying for, in addition to the 2 hours in the airport.

chiefwiggumpi

V true aswell. Just annoys me how the business experience at the airport isnt great to start with. I'm guess I'm mad as mrs c is pregnant and I'm very protective over her and bump not that staff care. As long as she is okay and happy I am aswell. I guess my other point is I've said it to everyone I've spoke to I'm like she can't lift that type thing and the staff don't say oh really is she okay do you need any help .....nowt god help its a girl and she starts to date in years to come......!

DWFI

It's a bit of typical New York attitude, unfortunately.
That being said, I think JFK (especially the F sections) are brilliant, and the CCR is unrivaled.

chiefwiggumpi

That's why I asked about upgrading. Oh we'll maybe next time....calmed down now after several glasses of Cabernet Sauvignon! I know all about the attitude my cousin lives here experienced it a lot!

Time for boarding....safe flying people^

squeeler

I think you must have a major bout of indigestion, or unrequited horn. JFK (IMHO, as always) is a delightful BA experience, as long as you have crampons and walking poles for security.

I hope your hangover is not too mendacious.

AJLondon

The BA JFK premium services staff (lounges, check-in and SS) are one of the best, if not the best, out of all BA stations IMHO. LHR included.

FlyingB1975

But flying may have a somewhat higher survival rate?

leftorupstairs

I totally agree. I think JFK is the best outstation that BA have and the ladies and guys that work their are a credit to BA. Sometimes I wish LHR was as friendly and helpful as JFK.

The terminal does at times feel like BA has outgrown it, but usually the security queues are not too bad (well if you're on the earlier flight of the evening). Last time I was escorted to the front of security, which never happens at LHR.

Mind you 1.5 hours to get to the airport from the city is not unusual. I have since stopped using taxi/cars on a Sunday evening as it takes for ever and use the LIRR which usually takes just over 30 minutes.

Behindthecurtain

Its an American Airport with TSA.....Of course it sucks! Love visiting the USA, but really dislike the TSA

EuropeanPete

If you think leaving JFK is bad, just wait until you get to arrive there...