BA flight report: EDI-LHR-JFK
May 9, 2014, 1:41 am
#1
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Posts: 4,466
BA flight report: EDI-LHR-JFK
Now he tries to do a TR, where will the madness end?
With only a year's membership I really feel that I have gained a huge amount from FT and the BA board in particular. I'm afraid this is going to be another one of those trip reports from FIRST that aren't very reflective of how the majority of people (including me) travel most of the time.....but then again, I haven't heard of any FT meet-ups at a 'We are the 99%' rally...
I quite enjoyed writing this so hopefully somebody else will enjoy reading it!
This particular trip was brought to me by a meeting in NYC followed by another in LA and then a trip back to Manhattan to meet my wife who flew out for a quick anniversary celebration sans infants! The powers that be decided that I was worth it (and I decided I was worth an UUA) and so 2K was reserved on a 747 LHR-JFK. I know a lot of FTers can't wait to see the back of them but I simply love the jumbos and will miss them greatly when they retire. I like 2K as I can have my drink at my right hand and a view out of the window. I dare say I would feel differently if I had the option but to me 1A and K look a bit too close to be sitting with someone you aren't travelling with (although not nearly as bad as the CW 'doubles' where I have been seat shifted to before when travelling alone).
Short hop from EDI to LHR (I really like the new EDI lounge and they have done a good job on the décor, just a shame you can't see the runway and that it is further from the gates than the last one). Photos from a previous visit:
Arrived at A3 (I think) then made the trek from the north of T5 to the CCR. Was met with a smile and a welcome by a friendly staffer at the stand outside the white door and then on into the lounge. The first thing I did was drop my roll-on with the left luggage man- this is a great advantage if you have a few hours to kill and want to make the most of your F ticket by swanning around all the lounges / doing some shopping.
It was about 5pm and I had decided to have a full meal in the CCR before the flight so I could maximise sleep on the plane. There were 2 waitresses waiting at the entrance to the dining area and the lovely 'K' provided a choice of seats for me. There was one other person eating in the dining room at the time and he was over on the other side. I guessed that he was an op-up from CW on his way to BOS. The reason I got the hunch is that he telephoned about 12 people to tell them that he was sitting having dinner in the CCR as he had been given a free upgrade on his way to Boston.... anyway, it didn’t really bother me and I am a rare enough visitor here myself that I understand a fellow traveller's excitement when I see / HEAR it!
This was my first experience of the new menu and paying attention to some reasonable advice over on the CCR menu thread I decided to give the roast a miss and instead went for the pork belly as a main...with the roast as a starter...
The pork belly was well-textured although the roast was a little tough.
This was followed up with the treacle tart- which was absolutely perfect.
View from the CCR terrace
Next I did something that I have rarely done before- I WENT TO THE GALLERIES FIRST LOUNGE! The lady at the desk followed the usual pattern and told me that I could use the CCR but when I explained I was silver and wanted to have a look in GF her face sort of lit up a bit and she said 'Yes, it's much more relaxed in here'. GF seems huge- maybe larger than GC south? and was packed. I suppose almost everyone in there is Gold or Oneworld Emerald. I always imagine the FTers are the ones in comfy clothes with the uber-chic glasses and the plugged-in macbook pro! The hot buffet selection looked good, and I am a sucker for Thai curry so that would go down well if I am ever in there again. This particular set of flights has bolstered my TPs to higher than the usual number for this time of year, and there is a chance that I might make gold.
I took a photo of the little display they have between GF and the CCR:
Time was moving on and the gate for my flight was now showing as C. CWS published a good rule for the minimum time it will take to get to any gate at T5- of course I can't be expected to remember anything useful so I just headed off about 45mins early! I popped back into the CCR to pick up my bag (the lady on the desk recognised me so I didn't need to bother with BP again) and then down into the bowels of T5A to catch the tram.
Before you could say 'please wait for security check' I was ascending to the T5C concourse and found that the gate was already busy with almost every seat taken.
Not wanting to hover around as if I was trying to 'jump' a queue I decided to browse some of the magazines in WHSmith. Now there either weren't any pre-boarders or they forgot about them but after a couple of individual announcements for people to go to the desk (I never know what is going on here, I don't think they are upgrades because you either sort that out first or it happens when you try to board, no?) they started with priority boarding. As it happens this went quite well as the lady announcing it paused for about 20seconds after she had asked first class passengers to board and so I was able to walk entirely unimpeded and be first on the plane. DEEP JOY MY LIFE IS AT ITS HIGH POINT!! (apparently everyone else in F was an old-hand and seemed to waltz on about 5 mins before pushback, I would I were so nonchalant about it!).
At the door the CSM greeted me saying: 'Nice to have you back crazy8534' and then passed me to one of the F CC who escorted me to my seat. Luggage stored overhead (another advantage of row 2 over 1 but then they get to use the wardrobe don't they?) and settled into my seat.
I was offered a set of pyjamas, and in the absence lard-a** size I selected Large. Everything was working perfectly and I couldn't see much wear and tear. I find the slightly increased seat width compared to CW to be very comfortable, although I can sleep in either. It is true that there isn't much in the way of personal storage in the 747 F seats, or at least not that I am aware of anyway. Lots of things look like they will open up and provide a big space but then don't, so I ended up putting my book, ipad etc in the cubby hole beneath the mini-wardrobe.
Obligatory leg-room shot:
Then the fun commenced as the other passengers came on. There were 8 in total. 3K arrived behind me, announced to the crew that she wanted her bed made up immediately after take-off and was not to be disturbed. Wondering if Madonna had been denied her usual seat, I looked behind and saw that she was quite heavily pregnant- perfectly understandable, she needs a good rest. But then the poor thing spent the whole time watching movies obviously unable to nod-off. When Mrs8534 was with child, he would wait until she was half asleep and then start kickboxing, so 3K had my utmost sympathy.
Next was 3A, who was quite plainly and in all seriousness already totally hammered. He asked for the Glenlivet and when the CC brought the first out he said 'Just keep 'em coming doll- 'till the captain restrains me!'. Oh crumbs, thought I, this is going to be an interesting flight. I was considering telling 3K that she could murder him and in all likelihood we could use her pregnancy to plead temporary insanity by reason of puerperal psychosis, when the CC handed Mr 3A a menu. 'Don't worry about that', he said 'I can't even read..'. Quick as a flash and without a second needed to consider her retort, the CC flicked back 'oohhh, still- you've done well for yourself- sitting in here!'. I kid you not, the whole cabin descended into uproar (even 3A in his blitzkrieged state could see the funny side). Not a peep from him did follow.
I had a delicious soup and then a tasty dessert whilst watching the first part of 'Sunshine on Leith' on the IFE. I watched the embers of the sunset through the window and reflected on the fact that this was a very grand way to travel. We are all of us extremely lucky.
Touched down about 20min ahead of schedule, the bridge was attached to L2 so the F cabin were some of the last premium passengers off. Nonetheless, immigration was well staffed and I only waited for one person in front of me before I was seen. Straight through and in the waiting car outside T7 in about 7mins (no checked luggage).
This is a bit OT now but Keens steakhouse in midtown was mentioned on another thread recently and I just couldn't resist posting a photo of the chateaubriand: (apologies for how dark the photo is- that restaurant is particularly dark and 'atmospheric' and I didn't want to use a flash!)
With only a year's membership I really feel that I have gained a huge amount from FT and the BA board in particular. I'm afraid this is going to be another one of those trip reports from FIRST that aren't very reflective of how the majority of people (including me) travel most of the time.....but then again, I haven't heard of any FT meet-ups at a 'We are the 99%' rally...
I quite enjoyed writing this so hopefully somebody else will enjoy reading it!
This particular trip was brought to me by a meeting in NYC followed by another in LA and then a trip back to Manhattan to meet my wife who flew out for a quick anniversary celebration sans infants! The powers that be decided that I was worth it (and I decided I was worth an UUA) and so 2K was reserved on a 747 LHR-JFK. I know a lot of FTers can't wait to see the back of them but I simply love the jumbos and will miss them greatly when they retire. I like 2K as I can have my drink at my right hand and a view out of the window. I dare say I would feel differently if I had the option but to me 1A and K look a bit too close to be sitting with someone you aren't travelling with (although not nearly as bad as the CW 'doubles' where I have been seat shifted to before when travelling alone).
Short hop from EDI to LHR (I really like the new EDI lounge and they have done a good job on the décor, just a shame you can't see the runway and that it is further from the gates than the last one). Photos from a previous visit:
Arrived at A3 (I think) then made the trek from the north of T5 to the CCR. Was met with a smile and a welcome by a friendly staffer at the stand outside the white door and then on into the lounge. The first thing I did was drop my roll-on with the left luggage man- this is a great advantage if you have a few hours to kill and want to make the most of your F ticket by swanning around all the lounges / doing some shopping.
It was about 5pm and I had decided to have a full meal in the CCR before the flight so I could maximise sleep on the plane. There were 2 waitresses waiting at the entrance to the dining area and the lovely 'K' provided a choice of seats for me. There was one other person eating in the dining room at the time and he was over on the other side. I guessed that he was an op-up from CW on his way to BOS. The reason I got the hunch is that he telephoned about 12 people to tell them that he was sitting having dinner in the CCR as he had been given a free upgrade on his way to Boston.... anyway, it didn’t really bother me and I am a rare enough visitor here myself that I understand a fellow traveller's excitement when I see / HEAR it!
This was my first experience of the new menu and paying attention to some reasonable advice over on the CCR menu thread I decided to give the roast a miss and instead went for the pork belly as a main...with the roast as a starter...
The pork belly was well-textured although the roast was a little tough.
This was followed up with the treacle tart- which was absolutely perfect.
View from the CCR terrace
Next I did something that I have rarely done before- I WENT TO THE GALLERIES FIRST LOUNGE! The lady at the desk followed the usual pattern and told me that I could use the CCR but when I explained I was silver and wanted to have a look in GF her face sort of lit up a bit and she said 'Yes, it's much more relaxed in here'. GF seems huge- maybe larger than GC south? and was packed. I suppose almost everyone in there is Gold or Oneworld Emerald. I always imagine the FTers are the ones in comfy clothes with the uber-chic glasses and the plugged-in macbook pro! The hot buffet selection looked good, and I am a sucker for Thai curry so that would go down well if I am ever in there again. This particular set of flights has bolstered my TPs to higher than the usual number for this time of year, and there is a chance that I might make gold.
I took a photo of the little display they have between GF and the CCR:
Time was moving on and the gate for my flight was now showing as C. CWS published a good rule for the minimum time it will take to get to any gate at T5- of course I can't be expected to remember anything useful so I just headed off about 45mins early! I popped back into the CCR to pick up my bag (the lady on the desk recognised me so I didn't need to bother with BP again) and then down into the bowels of T5A to catch the tram.
Before you could say 'please wait for security check' I was ascending to the T5C concourse and found that the gate was already busy with almost every seat taken.
Not wanting to hover around as if I was trying to 'jump' a queue I decided to browse some of the magazines in WHSmith. Now there either weren't any pre-boarders or they forgot about them but after a couple of individual announcements for people to go to the desk (I never know what is going on here, I don't think they are upgrades because you either sort that out first or it happens when you try to board, no?) they started with priority boarding. As it happens this went quite well as the lady announcing it paused for about 20seconds after she had asked first class passengers to board and so I was able to walk entirely unimpeded and be first on the plane. DEEP JOY MY LIFE IS AT ITS HIGH POINT!! (apparently everyone else in F was an old-hand and seemed to waltz on about 5 mins before pushback, I would I were so nonchalant about it!).
At the door the CSM greeted me saying: 'Nice to have you back crazy8534' and then passed me to one of the F CC who escorted me to my seat. Luggage stored overhead (another advantage of row 2 over 1 but then they get to use the wardrobe don't they?) and settled into my seat.
I was offered a set of pyjamas, and in the absence lard-a** size I selected Large. Everything was working perfectly and I couldn't see much wear and tear. I find the slightly increased seat width compared to CW to be very comfortable, although I can sleep in either. It is true that there isn't much in the way of personal storage in the 747 F seats, or at least not that I am aware of anyway. Lots of things look like they will open up and provide a big space but then don't, so I ended up putting my book, ipad etc in the cubby hole beneath the mini-wardrobe.
Obligatory leg-room shot:
Then the fun commenced as the other passengers came on. There were 8 in total. 3K arrived behind me, announced to the crew that she wanted her bed made up immediately after take-off and was not to be disturbed. Wondering if Madonna had been denied her usual seat, I looked behind and saw that she was quite heavily pregnant- perfectly understandable, she needs a good rest. But then the poor thing spent the whole time watching movies obviously unable to nod-off. When Mrs8534 was with child, he would wait until she was half asleep and then start kickboxing, so 3K had my utmost sympathy.
Next was 3A, who was quite plainly and in all seriousness already totally hammered. He asked for the Glenlivet and when the CC brought the first out he said 'Just keep 'em coming doll- 'till the captain restrains me!'. Oh crumbs, thought I, this is going to be an interesting flight. I was considering telling 3K that she could murder him and in all likelihood we could use her pregnancy to plead temporary insanity by reason of puerperal psychosis, when the CC handed Mr 3A a menu. 'Don't worry about that', he said 'I can't even read..'. Quick as a flash and without a second needed to consider her retort, the CC flicked back 'oohhh, still- you've done well for yourself- sitting in here!'. I kid you not, the whole cabin descended into uproar (even 3A in his blitzkrieged state could see the funny side). Not a peep from him did follow.
I had a delicious soup and then a tasty dessert whilst watching the first part of 'Sunshine on Leith' on the IFE. I watched the embers of the sunset through the window and reflected on the fact that this was a very grand way to travel. We are all of us extremely lucky.
Touched down about 20min ahead of schedule, the bridge was attached to L2 so the F cabin were some of the last premium passengers off. Nonetheless, immigration was well staffed and I only waited for one person in front of me before I was seen. Straight through and in the waiting car outside T7 in about 7mins (no checked luggage).
This is a bit OT now but Keens steakhouse in midtown was mentioned on another thread recently and I just couldn't resist posting a photo of the chateaubriand: (apologies for how dark the photo is- that restaurant is particularly dark and 'atmospheric' and I didn't want to use a flash!)
Last edited by crazy8534; May 9, 2014 at 4:28 am
May 9, 2014, 2:39 am
#3
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Thanks for the TR. This is of interest to me as I am taking my sister to NYC in F and back in CW in late August - although hopefuly we won't have too many passengers as interesting as on your flight in F!
Thanks also for the tip on Keens steakhouse. I had spotted it on tripadvisor and was wondering whether to go there with her.
Thanks also for the tip on Keens steakhouse. I had spotted it on tripadvisor and was wondering whether to go there with her.
May 9, 2014, 2:44 am
#4
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Nice TR - thanks for sharing.
A NY friend described Keens as "The best steak in New York, therefore the best in the US, therefore the best on earth"
Iceberg wedge with a side of bacon, then chateaubriand - meat-tastic!
A NY friend described Keens as "The best steak in New York, therefore the best in the US, therefore the best on earth"
Iceberg wedge with a side of bacon, then chateaubriand - meat-tastic!
May 9, 2014, 3:28 am
#6
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May 9, 2014, 4:13 am
#7
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Really enjoyed this TR thank you. I am toying with a UUA from CW to F myself on a JFK - LHR and wasn't sure if I could justify the avios for a night flight, but reading this made me think why the hell not! Usually buy WT+ and UUA to Club so while I've got a J ticket and there is availability I think its worth a go
May 9, 2014, 4:18 am
#8
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Thanks for the kind comments. I had fully expected this to have slipped to page 7 by now with 0 views and 0 replies!
Haha- yes, I wear these at old school reunions so everyone believes me when I say I am a space-cowboy-astronaut-brain-surgeon-billionaire...!
Hope you have a great time, Keens is very nice- just remember to book (or have Quintessentially do it for you!)
Yes, sadly we were unable to finish it all although I made a commendable effort. 
Thanks, there's nothing more like the sharp end of big egos than the nose cone of a 747!
Bit of a bummer, and when I 64K'd it back from JFK of course the airbridge was on L1 that time! (as it should be )
Haha- yes, I wear these at old school reunions so everyone believes me when I say I am a space-cowboy-astronaut-brain-surgeon-billionaire...!Thanks for the TR. This is of interest to me as I am taking my sister to NYC in F and back in CW in late August - although hopefuly we won't have too many passengers as interesting as on your flight in F!
Thanks also for the tip on Keens steakhouse. I had spotted it on tripadvisor and was wondering whether to go there with her.
Thanks also for the tip on Keens steakhouse. I had spotted it on tripadvisor and was wondering whether to go there with her.
)
May 9, 2014, 4:18 am
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May 9, 2014, 4:21 am
#11
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Really enjoyed this TR thank you. I am toying with a UUA from CW to F myself on a JFK - LHR and wasn't sure if I could justify the avios for a night flight, but reading this made me think why the hell not! Usually buy WT+ and UUA to Club so while I've got a J ticket and there is availability I think its worth a go
May 9, 2014, 4:21 am
#12
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May 9, 2014, 4:27 am
#13
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Yes a nice report, I really like the soup-and-sunset photo. I don't go for First except on upgrades, of which I get a goodly share, but on that service, to NYC in that direction, in a good window seat, it's a great way to travel. Maybe some of the earlier services are even better for the seeing bits of Greenland and the more isolated parts of Canada. Just don't fall asleep if you can avoid it!
May 9, 2014, 4:30 am
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May 9, 2014, 4:43 am
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it would be my first FiRST so I would want to make the most of it. I am going the other way back into LHR so maybe just a bed on the UD will do. Saying that I think I will go for it and an extra day off work to recover. Its the 112 so the first flight out on the evening and I'm not sure how I will feel trying to get to sleep at 7pm anyways.