Is there still a thrill for a rare F ride across the Atlantic?
Dec 16, 2016, 9:02 am
#16
Join Date: Mar 2015
Programs: BA GGL
Posts: 2,447
Sadly the BA planes to Cyprus and Greece are shonky. Saying that, did have an efficient crew last time I went to LCA.
Anyway, if the OP has the time to get a Bloody Mary and an Elemis massage between flights (not simultaneously) it'll make up for any lacking! ^
Dec 16, 2016, 9:32 am
#19
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Las Vegas
Programs: BA Gold; Hilton Honors Diamond
Posts: 3,228
To answer the OP's question directly, I would say yes - without a doubt. I fly J a fair bit now compared to the past but very occasionally get to fly F and it really is a step up from Club World. My last two trips in F were LHR - DXB and LHR - EWR and both trips were fantastic. I hope your flights are equally as good.
Dec 16, 2016, 9:33 am
#20
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Bainbridge Island, WA
Posts: 8,965
Dec 16, 2016, 9:45 am
#22
FlyerTalk Evangelist, Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Somewhere between 0 and 13,000 metres high
Programs: AF/KL Life Plat, BA GGL+GfL, ALL Plat, Hilton Diam, Marriott Gold, blablablah, etc
Posts: 30,546
Dec 16, 2016, 9:47 am
#23
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 319
I have concluded that BA F is an upgraded business class rather a true First class product. Your experience will depend on how good the cabin crew are. I have had an excellent crew and some mediocre ones.
Personally I still prefer the Emirates, Etihad business product.
Personally I still prefer the Emirates, Etihad business product.
Dec 16, 2016, 9:53 am
#24
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Bainbridge Island, WA
Posts: 8,965
Dec 16, 2016, 10:21 am
#25
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: NYC
Posts: 27,239
That seems to be a common viewpoint here. In fact, some could argue that a 744 upper deck window in CW (with the extra storage/shelf) with a good crew can be a better overall experience than F with a bad crew (of course the food/drink won't be as good). Or certainly not worth any additional cost. But 777 J is kind of cramped, so if that's what they're using to SEA, I'm sure the differential is larger.
Dec 16, 2016, 10:39 am
#27
Join Date: May 2006
Programs: AMEX PP;BAEC Bronze;Tesco CC Preferred;
Posts: 219
Make sure to tell the cabin crew serving you after take-off that its your first First for 10 years, and that you would like to eat together. In our experience they make a special point of spoiling a couple dining together, and enjoy a chat ...
Dec 16, 2016, 3:20 pm
#28
Join Date: Dec 2015
Posts: 189
I was very happy with my first F flight on BA in June of this year. It was a day flight, I found the crew very attentive, and the food decent. Was it as nice as CX? No, but it wasn't the shambles others on the board describe. I am happy enough with the trip I booked another daytime F flight on BA. I think you two will have fun, and I wish you the same.
Dec 16, 2016, 3:26 pm
#29
FlyerTalk Evangelist, Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Somewhere between 0 and 13,000 metres high
Programs: AF/KL Life Plat, BA GGL+GfL, ALL Plat, Hilton Diam, Marriott Gold, blablablah, etc
Posts: 30,546
Dec 17, 2016, 6:53 am
#30
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: SYD
Programs: BAEC GGL, HH D, QFF, EB
Posts: 404
I did my first First earlier this year, yes it was better than CW and it helped that I had a good proactive crew. Others will give you all the p' & c'so. I wouldn'the pay full price for it but am prepared to use my avios to upgrade as struggle to use them. As everyone says the crew does make the difference, I didn't tell them it was my first time but when the CSD (I think I remember the title) came round to do her welcome she actually made mention of the fact together with a couple of other facts which showed that she was doing more than just reading from the Ipad.