Originally Posted by TravellerFrequently (Post 28095845)

I did manage to attend one of the GGL events before Christmas at Fortnum and Mason, as a guest of a GGLer.

There seemed to be quite a bit of 'robust' feedback provided to Troy and his fellow senior managers, across a range of subjects, many touched above.

We were asked to put our comments in writing and send to a staffer, which my friend and I did.

(Perhaps why I was not asked again!)

Originally Posted by sts603 (Post 28095650)

(1) They wish they could make the investment in product faster

(2) They realize that the fleet seems old vs. the US and ME carriers but it will take time

(3) There is no decision if/when to update the CW seat and it is clear they were trying to spin the focus to soft product improvements (and lounge improvements)

(4) They are proud of the LGW and BOS openings are pumped up renovations coming to JFK and SFO. Not sure if it was previously announced but the JFK Gold lounge will get pre-flight dining. A rather angry man piped up about lounges in JNB, DEL and the rest of the world. Troy said they did have a five year plan to go through every lounge but was relatively clear that high-revenue, high-frequency destinations were a higher priority.

(5) There was much said by the audience about the mess of the current boarding process. It appears to be something they are looking at - especially whether procedures are followed. That said there are "pros/cons" to U.S.-style zone boarding so that remained under consideration.

(6) The audience (which are generally not frequent Y flyers) didn't attack the fundamental principle of M&S but they did attack the fact nothing was free for GGL and how awful it was to send CSDs to do greetings and offer to help and then deny a request for water. Comparison to AA were pointed out.

(7) The soft product investment in CW is coming which will include new food presentation, duvet/pillow, and an attempt at 5 uninterrupted hours of sleep (Vs 2.5 hours now on JFK-LHR flights).

Originally Posted by sts603 (Post 28095650)

I attended my first GGL event at Fortnum and Mason last night.

.....

I think they were genuinely interested in feedback

Originally Posted by Raffles (Post 28095895)

Bless 'em, the youngsters. You'll learn :-)

Here is a good test. Ask when they last flew another airline in J or F. The most senior IAG person I know (senior enough to get his photo in the accounts) has never flown Qatar for example. They genuinely have no idea what is happening elsewhere.

Originally Posted by MPH1980 (Post 28095901)

I did ask one of them exactly this and he said 'never' and expressed frustration before I could that the budget isn't there to let them.

Originally Posted by Krisz (Post 28095935)

That just sad and show how passionate about their job... What if one would use it's own money for a holiday flight? Business class one way economy return so you would know what others are offering and doing. Wouldn't cost that much.

Originally Posted by TravellerFrequently (Post 28095838)

Regretfully the OH and I (both GGL/CCR) are unable to attend the next two (or the recent one) events as we have not been invited!:(

Originally Posted by Raffles (Post 28095895)

Bless 'em, the youngsters. You'll learn :-)

Here is a good test. Ask when they last flew another airline in J or F. The most senior IAG person I know (senior enough to get his photo in the accounts) has never flown Qatar for example. They genuinely have no practical experience of what is happening elsewhere.

Originally Posted by hugolover (Post 28095960)

Even IB would count.

Originally Posted by sts603 (Post 28095650)

... (3) There is no decision if/when to update the CW seat and it is clear they were trying to spin the focus to soft product improvements (and lounge improvements)...

Originally Posted by Tobias-UK (Post 28096014)

Unless the 'future of Club World' [...] is a reference the soft product?

Originally Posted by Tobias-UK (Post 28096014)

This appears a little confusing. In the invitation I received to the big launch event on Wednesday week, it states "We will be flying on a VIP charter from London Gatwick to London Heathrow where we will unveil our new First and Club lounges at Gatwick’s South Terminal, reveal the future of Club World and officially open The First Wing in our home at Terminal 5."

I appreciate this could be BA speak, but what appears to have been said at the GGL event sounds a little off-kilter. Unless the 'future of Club World' hasn't been decided and is a reference the soft product? I suppose we'll know for sure next week.