ollieg

Hi

We're flying first to Washington from T5 later this week, can you recommend how we make the absolute most of the experience?


Thanks so much,

Ollie

UKtravelbear

start with reading this post from the dashboard

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/briti...l#post13303132

lloydah

Just make sure you stay at the front of the mobile lounge when you arrive and let other pax pass you otherwise you'll be off last and spend the next two weeks queuing at security.
I have flown this route in F many times with no problems, time goes fast in the air. Just make good use of the facilities at LHR although I hear they have gone downhill of late. I only do this route on Air France now and wouldn't change back. Once you get real F service you notice the difference.

TravellerFrequently

Yes, good advice from UKtravelbear.

There are lots of useful threads to look at and you should have a look at the First thread.

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/briti...l#post13303132

See here for seating information if you have questions:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/briti...ies-first.html

ollieg

Thanks!

Prospero

Its always a good idea to chat with the crew as soon as you get settled in and don’t be afraid to tell them its your first time in BA First. This is a sure fire signal for them to take special care of you.

Dining is on demand and there will also be chocolates working there way around the cabin. If you want anything, just ask the crew.

Have a great flight

TravellerFrequently

Do spend some time enjoying the Concorde Room.

Have a great flight!

highpeaklad

Contact youfirst to book a spa treatment at LHR.

If connecting consider contacting youfirst to book a cabana. This is only really useful on your return journey.

Although it's dine on demand make sure you give your order then specify when you would like it. If you don't give your selection you may find there's no choice left when you want it.

Don't stress if you're not first to board/escorted to your seat/ don't get slippers. Life's too short, relax and enjoy it.

whitewatergirl

This ^

I was a long time lurker that learned a lot from these boards. I just had my first BA flight in First and let the crew know how excited I was. It was a wonderful flight and the crew really lovely.

EsherFlyer

My refinements to that would be:

Pre-flight

• Call YouFirst to book Elemis a few weeks before flying (although looks like you're past that window).
• CCR dining is mentioned there, but if possible get to T5 early enough to enjoy a meal but not spoil the one on the plane.

Onboard

• Ask for an extra pudding it you enjoyed the first.
• Keep an eye out for a tipple you may not often have, but can enjoy. Johnnie Walker Blue for me.
• Remind your travel party that they can take PJs with them. My children were disappointed to learn this after we'd left the aircraft

TravellerFrequently

Welcome to FT and the BA Board, whitewatergirl.

We look forward to seeing you here and reading of your experiences and thoughts.

Delighted to read that FT was useful and that you had a great F flight!

Nomad57

Me too, both on learning lots from this forum and telling the crew that it was my first First. If you've flown First a lot, you probably notice changes for the worst but for me it was a fantastic experience and a big part of that was the crew helping me make the most of it! Just watch out for the never empty glasses

windowontheAside

Remember that it is dine on demand - so don't let the cc determine when you should eat for their convenience. And ask for the chocolates if they don't make an appearance.

FT01

I cannot stress this enough. Be extremely assertive in maintaining your position, rude if need be. I'm not normally like that, but will be again if I ever have the misfortune of flying into IAD -
BA flight late by 2 hours. Landed behind a Turkish airlines flight, where the majority of passengers were being subject to, let's say, 'thorough' questioning from the "friendly" CBP officers - all 4 of them (even though there are 50 (fifty) desks).
After spending just under 3 hours in this line, my questioning lasted about 1 minute, lifting my hopes of making my connection again.
Then, after claiming my baggage and trying to exit quickly for said connection, this was interpreted as suspicious behaviour and I was directed for further screening by a school bully in a uniform, who wouldn't let me lean on a railing (after standing for 3 hours), put my hands in my pockets, give any more than a yes/no answer etc. Also threatened me with expulsion from the country after I gave an exasperated laugh as he leant over the table to try and square up to me. 4 hours 45 from landing until getting into rental car.
So I will never set foot in that airport again.

I'm sure you won't have my bad luck, so don't worry about it, but do make sure you stay at the front of the 1920s carriage or you will lose the first day of your trip.