PaulST

Would it say that it's my first First? Hopefully not that it's an award ticket!

corporate-wage-slave

The iPad should pick it up (not reliably so), it also picks up that it's a redemption ticket, but that makes little difference, redemptions in First are not exactly unusual and the onboard crew always regard it as "as good as" a revenue ticket. If it was a full revenue ticket your ground experience may be slightly better, but probably won't be.

However from all the posts I've read here about this, I would urge you to mention it specifically to the crew member of your section that it is your first First, since there is a massive difference in approach to someone who is a regular in First: these passengers typically don't want to be disturbed too often.

PaulST

Riteo thanks. I'll be sure to post up a (video) trip report.

Soupey202

Haven't managed a first First yet (hoping for 2017) but in our first CW the crew did make a point of acknowledging it, obviously from the iPad.

Drlucy

Just go and enjoy the Concorde Room for what it is - by far the nicest of the lounges at Terminal 5, but it's not perfect. I've always really enjoyed visiting it as not a major fan of the other BA lounges at T5 as they are very crowded most of the time.

Sitting at the bar is good for people watching - I've have sat opposite a few celebs (Liam Neeson being one of them) in there the few times I've been in there - and the bar guys are usually very friendly - you get the occasional good cocktail maker too! If you've got time to kill go and have a sit down meal in there - you will be served (and staff have always been very polite in my experience), rather than having to select from a buffet.

The Elemis Spa is quite nice for treatments (yes I am female but I've seen lots of men there too...), and the nice thing with First is that you can book a treatment and a time slot up to 4 weeks in advance - everyone else has to take pot luck on the day so if you fancy something there, it's worth booking something...and I would call them rather than filling in the form on the website to do so if you're considering it.

LBP2

Flew my first First on Friday night, unfortunately PHL to LHR so missed out on the CCR. Did enjoy the First lounge at PHL tho, and the numerous walks of shame out of the First dining area for quite a few GCHs allowed on the First side but only to the CW food. They are ruthless in their evictions
Not sure if it's the introvert in me, but I found the onboard experience a bit much - yes a bigger personal space and nicer seat than CW but I am never that comfortable being over-waited on and found it a bit uncomfortable. I know it's part of the service but I am perfectly capable of turning the dial and making the seat go flat myself. I can see how it could appeal tho. I'm sure it being a night flight didn't enhance the experience as it was mostly slept through.
Although counting myself extremely lucky to have had the experience, not sure I'd rush for it again unless it was another First-cheaper-than-CW ticket!

Gorcat

I've got my first First on the 1st June with the return on the 7th June:

12.10 GLA-LHR
17.15 LHR-YVR (BA85)

I paid for J in the recent sale and used avios to ugrade to F both ways.
2K on the outward and 3K on the return

I'm looking forward to the experience, but not looking forward to the tranfers between T5 & T3, and also missing out on the CCR

Am I allowed to use the CCR on the return journey, when I transfer from T3 to T5 for my flight to GLA?

Also, there may be someone else on the outward flight that I know (they're wouldn't be in F) so would I be allowed to guest them into Galleries First at T3?

Cymro

Yes, but keep hold of your boarding pass just in case.

Yes, or for that matter anyone on any OneWorld flight from T3.

Nimrod1965

www.vancouversoaring.com ^

PaulST

Thanks for the tips.

Another rookie question, but how do I actually raise the fact that it's my first time in First class? "Here's your seat Mr Stewart" "Ah thank you, it's my first First flight with BA you know"??

xenole

Taking photos of everything, playing with everything and having a huge grin all the time usually gives it away

Tiffywren

My first time in CW when I was welcomed on board I just said "Thank you, it's my first time in Club and I'm so excited about it!" The CC were lovely and really looked after me so I'll be taking the same approach for my first First

stevie

Flew F to HKG recently for first time in a while.
My take:
Saturday evening made security a breeze
CCR - sat down for food. Starter was good, the steak like something I would expect to get in a chain restaurant. White wine and water with starter, request for wine list for main course forgotten about, and wait staff arguing amongst each other dictated that I did not bother. Sat outside on balcony but after 20 mins left and sat at bar as there was no service. Meh especially when I compare to Wing, foot wise, service wise.
Flight - Very friendly crew, IFE good, seat fine. No complaints.

I never pay for F, either upgrade or in this case BA Upgraded me buying R class return. So really am happy.

Have to say on return from PEK, first time in UD in a couple of years, I would rate UD and F very closely. That is another argument.

paul4040

As I mentioned upthread, when CC greet you they should mention it's your first First. If they don't, just ask them to show you the seat features. If they don't twig it by then, drop it in.