TR British Airways New 789 First
Jan 10, 2016, 3:21 am
#1
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TR British Airways New 789 First
Welcome to my first TR - would be grateful if this could remain on BAEC Forum for a short while mods 
A short background... I've always been a plane enthusiast, I managed to get a flight on the new BA A380 on the first testing flight back in August 2013 and subsequently flew it to LAX in it's first few days. I'd then booked a trip to NYC on the new Dreamliner shortly after it's BA launch - however this was abruptly cancelled (whilst sat in the lounge!) due to the "Polar Vortex" travel plans have not let me fly one since. Luckily the arrival of the 789 coincided with the KUL route and planets aligned!
BA0033 LHR to KUL G-ZBKC
I flew to KUL in Club and won't report much on that as this is not new to anyone; bagged seat 7A which was a lovely window seat with direct aisle access - however the divider screen would not work - the CSD discreetly informed me the plane was full, but there were several passengers on staff travel and she would swap me with one of them - without any fuss I was comfortably seated into 7K. The previous occupant had spilt their champagne on the foot stall so this was covered with a blanket!! Rest of the flight went quite quickly and landed at KUL half hour early.
beautiful wings and engine from seat 7K about 3 hours out of KUL
BA0034 KUL to LHR G-ZBKC (again!) seat 2K
Due to incoming flight was at KUL about five hours before departure. Not a problem as it's a nice airport, did a spot of shopping and then onto the Malaysian Airlines Golden Lounge. This is on the upper level of the satellite building. On entry was escorted right (not normally a good thing in aviation!) and the chap then explained this was the Platinum Lounge. Wow - very smart - and not another person at this point. Was offered dining room, but I said I'd leave it a while. Grabbed a shower and changed clothes. The washrooms were spotless and very well appointed. A huge step up on the offering at LHR. Didn't feel it appropriate to take photos in the washrooms!!
A handful of other people started to arrive and after a while I moved into the dining room
I only went for one course - the ribeye - and it was tasty and a good size. The lounge staff certainly aren't shy at topping up your champagne in the dining room or the main lounge area! Had to decline a few top ups - and wanted to save room for the LPGS!!
Headed off to the gate with 45 minutes go. Arrived at the gate to a long queue for bag screening... not very premium!! Just after the crew arrived also and they were ushered through a second screening area.. shame they didn't then stem the longer queue through both.
After a short hold the flight was boarded first by families with young children or those needing longer / assistance and shortly afterwards I was walking down the walkway
G-ZBKC taken from the gate area
Met at the door by the CSD and escorted to seat. I was the first First passenger on board and quickly took some snaps of the various seats before others boarded
1E & 1F with the divider down
Looking across to 2E & 2F. No luggage storage above central seats which confused people as they tried open something not there! The consequence of this means the side bins above the As and Ks are very full once hand luggage and bedding is in place
First observation are the aisles are narrow. As people had speculated, the seat layout is definitely more straight than angled. The high sides of the seats (suites) mean that you can't see anyone else's face unless you really try!
The Seat / Suite - 2K
Chose this seat after reading tips on the BA Forum, and had a choice of four so was pleased 2K was available. First noticed the shoulder reading light was hanging out! Had a fiddle trying to wedge it back in - no luck. Oh well, no drama.
No medium sleeper suits (annoying as first on) so had to make do with large. Was offered water or orange juice. Took the water and then suddenly remembered I should be drinking LPGS!!!! Got attention of the crew on my side when she passed and asked for champagne - she explained no alcohol served on this route until after take off - darn! I was being addressed by name frequently which is nice and not always done.
Menus were handed out (although photo'd from UK)
Few seat photos and observations
This is the divider between First and Club. A new thick decent curtain that overlaps itself. As I discovered, it is also kept together with several strong magnets - can become a serious trip issue after drinks / sleep if not paying attention - the bottom ones stuck well!
Vanity cupboard
Decent size for tablets or laptops
Mirror well positioned also
Wardrobe fine for a couple of items of clothing - easily accessible
The much discussed "buddy seat" or not as it seems! My crew member confirmed it is not a buddy seat, and will not be used for First passengers to have a visitor or other F passenger join them. Underneath it is yet more decent storage space. It is immediately in front of the TV and wardrobe.
The screen - wow what an improvement over every other BA screen. Great size and fantastic HD quality
The remote for the TV works like a smart phone. Don't expect Apple quality but it does the job. I did however find the most commonly used button was the "back" button as when scrolling it is too easy to press a button rather than scrolling!
Once a programme is on the remote becomes an excellent controller - or mini map
Rather disappointing the instructions on how to use the seat had not yet been put on board the 789 - but good instructions on how to use the A380 F seat
The controls for the seat are pretty smart - the traditional dial that adjusts the seat recline is now multi purpose. You select whether you want to control reading lamp, table lamp or seat. The dial then works for the selected item. Very responsive and well located.
Unfortunately BA are not know for their regular "deep cleaning" and with the amount of storage spaces now there are plenty of areas to be missed... the storage here was pretty grimy already, although the pic doesn't show this well
New position of table shows the additional lying down space under the table area that is utilised in bed mode. The table itself hasn't changed from other aircraft I don't think, but did not sit still in place like other F tables as it's not on "rollers" but a swivel.
There has been discussion on the upgrading of headphones on the BA fleet - on my Club outbound I had newer style headphones but on thre return it was the old ones
Dinner
After a couple of glasses of champagne the food service started - full cabin but my choices were available no problem
Salmon amuse-bouche was fine
Soup - unfortunately was very cold. I had to call cabin crew to re-heat - which they immediately did and seemed horrified to have served this. Second time round was delicious. BA are very good at their soup in First
Next was the lobster - served with a mountain of sweet potato chips! I ate the lobster and a small amount of the chips. This was very tasty and good quality.
By this point no more room for solids! Had a Baileys and asked for the bed to be made up.. which is where things went a bit downhill
Sleep Mode - Not Flat Bed
The foot stall was not operational as it should have been - it slid forwards a bit then got stuck and did not have it's usual functionality. When the crew set the bed up the foot stall would not slide backwards all the way. This meant that when the bed was reclined to full it would meet the footstall early and force itself back a few notches therefore not a flat bed. Of course nothing could be done at this point, several crew had wrestled with the foot stall but no luck and no spare seats. I said I would make do, and slept on and off for about six hours. It's amazing that even the small angle off 180 did impact massively on my comfort - I am not a moaner and would never cause trouble on board - and anyway what could the crew do?
Woke up and watched TV for couple of hours before ordering breakfast
Fresh fruit, pastries and pancakes. Did not fancy cooked breakfast - it was pork free and also had eaten enough in past 24 hours. Pancakes were OK but the combi of citrus sauce and bananas was not my cup of tea.
The Cabin Service Director came to my seat after I'd eaten to discuss recline problem. She was very apologetic and explained she would like to compensate me, and gave me a couple of options. She did state this was her maximum on board and I could of course go my own way and deal with customer service on return. To keep things simple I accepted a small eVoucher - have no need for the additional Avios offered.
Landed pretty much on time in to LHR - then a delay to disembark as the Club World passengers sharing the front cabin departed first...
Final Thoughts
Having flown A380 F in Sept and 747 F couple of weeks before I can compare all three quite well. Perhaps it was the "new plane" smell or excitement of the new plane itself, but this really is a winner in my eyes. Definitely not the spacious feel of the A380 cabin but a more exclusive feeling with the 8 suites. All seats seem more forward facing rather than off set angles I suppose due to the slimmer cabin. Also aisles noticeably cramped. However none of this matters when comfortably seated. Storage everywhere, excellent entertainment system, good privacy. Travelling couples / companions can still socialise perfectly well in the E&F seats. Buddy dining / drinking however is a thing of the past.
The controls for seat and lighting are smart and a nice improvement. All feels very good quality. Reading and table lamps are well placed and it's great to have dim controls on both.
The negatives to me were cleanliness - this aircraft had been in service 8 weeks and already showing a decline in cleaning standards. Passengers depart from the second door so First will always leave after the Club passengers. Noises all seem amplified due to the quiet cabin; of course this can be over come with headphones or ear plugs, but I certainly heard noises that you don't normally
Crew were excellent & professional for a very long sector.
I hope I have not dragged this on for too long... Please message for any questions or further info!
A short background... I've always been a plane enthusiast, I managed to get a flight on the new BA A380 on the first testing flight back in August 2013 and subsequently flew it to LAX in it's first few days. I'd then booked a trip to NYC on the new Dreamliner shortly after it's BA launch - however this was abruptly cancelled (whilst sat in the lounge!) due to the "Polar Vortex" travel plans have not let me fly one since. Luckily the arrival of the 789 coincided with the KUL route and planets aligned!
BA0033 LHR to KUL G-ZBKC
I flew to KUL in Club and won't report much on that as this is not new to anyone; bagged seat 7A which was a lovely window seat with direct aisle access - however the divider screen would not work - the CSD discreetly informed me the plane was full, but there were several passengers on staff travel and she would swap me with one of them - without any fuss I was comfortably seated into 7K. The previous occupant had spilt their champagne on the foot stall so this was covered with a blanket!! Rest of the flight went quite quickly and landed at KUL half hour early.
beautiful wings and engine from seat 7K about 3 hours out of KUL
BA0034 KUL to LHR G-ZBKC (again!) seat 2K
Due to incoming flight was at KUL about five hours before departure. Not a problem as it's a nice airport, did a spot of shopping and then onto the Malaysian Airlines Golden Lounge. This is on the upper level of the satellite building. On entry was escorted right (not normally a good thing in aviation!) and the chap then explained this was the Platinum Lounge. Wow - very smart - and not another person at this point. Was offered dining room, but I said I'd leave it a while. Grabbed a shower and changed clothes. The washrooms were spotless and very well appointed. A huge step up on the offering at LHR. Didn't feel it appropriate to take photos in the washrooms!!
A handful of other people started to arrive and after a while I moved into the dining room
I only went for one course - the ribeye - and it was tasty and a good size. The lounge staff certainly aren't shy at topping up your champagne in the dining room or the main lounge area! Had to decline a few top ups - and wanted to save room for the LPGS!!
Headed off to the gate with 45 minutes go. Arrived at the gate to a long queue for bag screening... not very premium!! Just after the crew arrived also and they were ushered through a second screening area.. shame they didn't then stem the longer queue through both.
After a short hold the flight was boarded first by families with young children or those needing longer / assistance and shortly afterwards I was walking down the walkway
G-ZBKC taken from the gate area
Met at the door by the CSD and escorted to seat. I was the first First passenger on board and quickly took some snaps of the various seats before others boarded
1E & 1F with the divider down
Looking across to 2E & 2F. No luggage storage above central seats which confused people as they tried open something not there! The consequence of this means the side bins above the As and Ks are very full once hand luggage and bedding is in place
First observation are the aisles are narrow. As people had speculated, the seat layout is definitely more straight than angled. The high sides of the seats (suites) mean that you can't see anyone else's face unless you really try!
The Seat / Suite - 2K
Chose this seat after reading tips on the BA Forum, and had a choice of four so was pleased 2K was available. First noticed the shoulder reading light was hanging out! Had a fiddle trying to wedge it back in - no luck. Oh well, no drama.
No medium sleeper suits (annoying as first on) so had to make do with large. Was offered water or orange juice. Took the water and then suddenly remembered I should be drinking LPGS!!!! Got attention of the crew on my side when she passed and asked for champagne - she explained no alcohol served on this route until after take off - darn! I was being addressed by name frequently which is nice and not always done.
Menus were handed out (although photo'd from UK)
Few seat photos and observations
This is the divider between First and Club. A new thick decent curtain that overlaps itself. As I discovered, it is also kept together with several strong magnets - can become a serious trip issue after drinks / sleep if not paying attention - the bottom ones stuck well!
Vanity cupboard
Decent size for tablets or laptops
Mirror well positioned also
Wardrobe fine for a couple of items of clothing - easily accessible
The much discussed "buddy seat" or not as it seems! My crew member confirmed it is not a buddy seat, and will not be used for First passengers to have a visitor or other F passenger join them. Underneath it is yet more decent storage space. It is immediately in front of the TV and wardrobe.
The screen - wow what an improvement over every other BA screen. Great size and fantastic HD quality
The remote for the TV works like a smart phone. Don't expect Apple quality but it does the job. I did however find the most commonly used button was the "back" button as when scrolling it is too easy to press a button rather than scrolling!
Once a programme is on the remote becomes an excellent controller - or mini map
Rather disappointing the instructions on how to use the seat had not yet been put on board the 789 - but good instructions on how to use the A380 F seat
The controls for the seat are pretty smart - the traditional dial that adjusts the seat recline is now multi purpose. You select whether you want to control reading lamp, table lamp or seat. The dial then works for the selected item. Very responsive and well located.
Unfortunately BA are not know for their regular "deep cleaning" and with the amount of storage spaces now there are plenty of areas to be missed... the storage here was pretty grimy already, although the pic doesn't show this well
New position of table shows the additional lying down space under the table area that is utilised in bed mode. The table itself hasn't changed from other aircraft I don't think, but did not sit still in place like other F tables as it's not on "rollers" but a swivel.
There has been discussion on the upgrading of headphones on the BA fleet - on my Club outbound I had newer style headphones but on thre return it was the old ones
Dinner
After a couple of glasses of champagne the food service started - full cabin but my choices were available no problem
Salmon amuse-bouche was fine
Soup - unfortunately was very cold. I had to call cabin crew to re-heat - which they immediately did and seemed horrified to have served this. Second time round was delicious. BA are very good at their soup in First
Next was the lobster - served with a mountain of sweet potato chips! I ate the lobster and a small amount of the chips. This was very tasty and good quality.
By this point no more room for solids! Had a Baileys and asked for the bed to be made up.. which is where things went a bit downhill
Sleep Mode - Not Flat Bed
The foot stall was not operational as it should have been - it slid forwards a bit then got stuck and did not have it's usual functionality. When the crew set the bed up the foot stall would not slide backwards all the way. This meant that when the bed was reclined to full it would meet the footstall early and force itself back a few notches therefore not a flat bed. Of course nothing could be done at this point, several crew had wrestled with the foot stall but no luck and no spare seats. I said I would make do, and slept on and off for about six hours. It's amazing that even the small angle off 180 did impact massively on my comfort - I am not a moaner and would never cause trouble on board - and anyway what could the crew do?
Woke up and watched TV for couple of hours before ordering breakfast
Fresh fruit, pastries and pancakes. Did not fancy cooked breakfast - it was pork free and also had eaten enough in past 24 hours. Pancakes were OK but the combi of citrus sauce and bananas was not my cup of tea.
The Cabin Service Director came to my seat after I'd eaten to discuss recline problem. She was very apologetic and explained she would like to compensate me, and gave me a couple of options. She did state this was her maximum on board and I could of course go my own way and deal with customer service on return. To keep things simple I accepted a small eVoucher - have no need for the additional Avios offered.
Landed pretty much on time in to LHR - then a delay to disembark as the Club World passengers sharing the front cabin departed first...
Final Thoughts
Having flown A380 F in Sept and 747 F couple of weeks before I can compare all three quite well. Perhaps it was the "new plane" smell or excitement of the new plane itself, but this really is a winner in my eyes. Definitely not the spacious feel of the A380 cabin but a more exclusive feeling with the 8 suites. All seats seem more forward facing rather than off set angles I suppose due to the slimmer cabin. Also aisles noticeably cramped. However none of this matters when comfortably seated. Storage everywhere, excellent entertainment system, good privacy. Travelling couples / companions can still socialise perfectly well in the E&F seats. Buddy dining / drinking however is a thing of the past.
The controls for seat and lighting are smart and a nice improvement. All feels very good quality. Reading and table lamps are well placed and it's great to have dim controls on both.
The negatives to me were cleanliness - this aircraft had been in service 8 weeks and already showing a decline in cleaning standards. Passengers depart from the second door so First will always leave after the Club passengers. Noises all seem amplified due to the quiet cabin; of course this can be over come with headphones or ear plugs, but I certainly heard noises that you don't normally
Crew were excellent & professional for a very long sector.
I hope I have not dragged this on for too long... Please message for any questions or further info!
Last edited by mikeyfly; Oct 4, 2016 at 6:25 am
Jan 10, 2016, 4:06 am
#5
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Very interesting TR, thanks for sharing. Did you really do a back to back at KUL or did I misunderstand? That's a lot of flying!
The cabin design looks very smart and classy! Shame about the seat, that really should've been checked at KUL. Did they offer you cash or a future upgrade to F? Assuming I hadn't paid mega bucks a future upgrade would be reasonable compensation.
The cabin design looks very smart and classy! Shame about the seat, that really should've been checked at KUL. Did they offer you cash or a future upgrade to F? Assuming I hadn't paid mega bucks a future upgrade would be reasonable compensation.
Jan 10, 2016, 4:13 am
#6
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Great flight report mikeyfly, and thank you for sharing your experience. It is a pity you weren’t able to enjoy the full functionality of the suite. Can I ask you a question about the IFE screen. From your photographs it appears that that the screen is mounted at a slight angle and does not directly face the seat. Is this true, and if so, did it bother you in any way?
Jan 10, 2016, 4:13 am
#7
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Thanks Otto. No I did not! Was six days between BA33 & BA34!
In hindsight the offer I accepted was probably not good enough and I should've escalated to Customer Services. I took £70 eVoucher
In hindsight the offer I accepted was probably not good enough and I should've escalated to Customer Services. I took £70 eVoucher
Jan 10, 2016, 4:17 am
#8
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Prospero, I can't recall if it was angled or not - but sitting upright for breakfast and slouched when relaxing it always seemed fine. It certainly did not bother me at all. The actual surround of the TV was surprisingly plastic-y and hollow. I guess for weight saving it wouldn't be anything else though
Jan 10, 2016, 4:18 am
#10
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Jan 10, 2016, 5:06 am
#12
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I was offered 100k Avios or £500 voucher for a similar seat issue on a 744 in a revenue fare seated in F out of LAS 3 years ago. It almost but not quite fully reclined.
Jan 10, 2016, 7:24 am
#13
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Thank you very much for the informative report mikeyfly, truly appreciated and finally the first photos of F on the 787-900 ^ Have my first flight on this type coming up in April.
Really like the design of this First Class cabin, well done to BA for this and in line with the other aircrafts; just more advanced!
Certainly a pity that your bed didn't go fully flat - espcially on such a long flight. The quality of sleep based on the space and bedding is IMHO in BA F way better than in CW and my main (personal) reason for choosing F. I've no problem in getting 8-9h uninterrupted sleep on such a flight to/from Asia. So would have been quite disappointed with this flight. And yes, therefore wouldn't have accepted the £70 eVoucher.
Really like the design of this First Class cabin, well done to BA for this and in line with the other aircrafts; just more advanced!
Certainly a pity that your bed didn't go fully flat - espcially on such a long flight. The quality of sleep based on the space and bedding is IMHO in BA F way better than in CW and my main (personal) reason for choosing F. I've no problem in getting 8-9h uninterrupted sleep on such a flight to/from Asia. So would have been quite disappointed with this flight. And yes, therefore wouldn't have accepted the £70 eVoucher.
Jan 10, 2016, 7:53 am
#15
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Excellent thoughtful TR. Could you detect any negatives to wife and me being in 1A and 1K (we both wanted windows, having enjoyed window seats on United 787-9 Business class). We can switch to Row 2 in March from Austin to LHR, but wanted to know if you could see any downside to the bulkhead window seats!