Betteronacamel

As a fairly frequent visitor to the Gulf I recently decided to forego the luxury of the ME3 and chance my arm back on BA for a quick trip down to AUH (BA72/73).

OK, the BA F(A) fare at just under GBP1700 helped matters plus this would be my first time on BA's 787-9 and also my first trip with BA's Mixed Fleet (MF) cabin crew. The main downside is the schedule as I prefer EY's lunchtime service on the return rather than BA's 01.50 departure. I will confess here that I have rather avoided flying with MF over recent years due to the mixed reviews and tales of youthful ineptitude from various correspondents. That and evidence of relentless cost cutting across BA's cabin services makes them a hard sell.

I will come straight out with the news that the four cabin crew and two CSMs (did I get that right?) were excellent. I would imagine that working the relatively small F cabin on the 789 is less stressful - obviously 2-8 is better than 3-14 or 3-17 - and I found the crew engaging and helpful. Escorted to seat both times, nice introductions from the CSM and very friendly and personable service throughout. Contrary to tales of red wine served in Champagne glasses, all the wines were properly served and poured at the table. I will say though that against a very good WW crew the MF delivery was arguably a little robotic - I think that is just a nuance where service delivery that appears to be polished and relaxed can be compared against service delivered 'by the book'. Perhaps the only mis-step was when I asked for chocolates after dinner on the return flight, I was presented with a selection of 'familiar favourites' harvested from the Club Kitchen. Honestly I didn't really mind and perhaps they don't load the good stuff for the return. But on the whole I would say a very well done and thanks for 2 enjoyable flights.

missdimeaner

Been on a few MF flights to ORD in J and they have been fine.
Having read a few less enthusiastic reviews of them, maybe I have just been lucky.
Mind you I've had some really awful AA flights back in the 'bad old days' but have recently had a few Y flights that were really good -the ability to improve is always available!

choosethedrew

Agree re a touch more robotic maybe but after my last WW to HKG I’ll take that every time if that’s the trade off for a consistent and energetic service.

Flexible preferences

My experience of MF out to ORD in April was not so good. Waited 20 mins for my PDB, no bedding, food poorly presented and wines poured in the galley. It wasn't all bad, but a long way from other F flights I have experienced with WW.

Freightman

Having just flown LHR/KUL which i think is MF i have to say I was happy with the service. Was taken to my seat and service (once we'd taken off) was faultless. I must have fallen asleep during a film (actually so dull that I can't remember the name) and woke up with a blanket over me.

Only down side was initial greeting. Got to seat but didn't get PDB (or menu, amenity kit etc.) until not long before doors closed.

PUCCI GALORE

I just flew to ORD with MF. I have nothing but praise. I thought that thet were excellent and far far superior to the AA crew on the return. Bright, aged,my, pleasant, and happy to engage. Nothing was too much trouble. I’ve been taking far too much notice of what is said here as my expectations were not high.

Flexible preferences

There are lots of subjective reports of individual experiences, so it is hard to build up an overall picture.

Tobias-UK

This is my typical experience with MF in First. Of course there will be times when the crew will be less than stellar but the vast majority of flights I've taken the crew have been very good to excellent. I flew out to Vegas this week and the crew were excellent - so much so that I handed out a Golden Ticket, and I only do that when the service has been outstanding.

PUCCI GALORE

I think that they have been very shabbily treated in terms of pay and conditions. OK they knew what that entailed when they took the job but you don’t realise how hard the work is on your body.

What’s more like it or not, they are the future. If these were anything to go by, I’m far from concerned.