What is BA First really like?
Apr 15, 2019, 4:59 am
#76
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: BOS
Programs: BA - Blue > Bronze > Silver > Bronze > Blue
Posts: 6,812
Thanks all.
On reflection we have found a cracking deal in Business from Europe, so will go for that. But appreciate the input from anyone, but as First is more than twice Business then it is no longer viable.
Just now got to decide on BA or AA as the price is the same for Business!
I ought to add that I will still be Gold going, but Silver on our return. So will get to use the first wing if we opt for BA going and then maybe AA (77W) coming back - we will only get the business lounge etc. in LAX on the way back so no Qantas Lounge this time. We can overnight in LHR on both the outbound and return so that makes things less rushed.
On reflection we have found a cracking deal in Business from Europe, so will go for that. But appreciate the input from anyone, but as First is more than twice Business then it is no longer viable.
Just now got to decide on BA or AA as the price is the same for Business!
I ought to add that I will still be Gold going, but Silver on our return. So will get to use the first wing if we opt for BA going and then maybe AA (77W) coming back - we will only get the business lounge etc. in LAX on the way back so no Qantas Lounge this time. We can overnight in LHR on both the outbound and return so that makes things less rushed.
Im more than happy to spend the extra 33% Avios, I wouldn’t pay an extra extra 1000 pounds though.
If youve found business for half or half the price flying F would be utterly daft in my eyes
Apr 15, 2019, 5:02 am
#77
Ambassador: Emirates Airlines
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Manchester, UK
Posts: 18,619
Interesting to read your review, thanks for sharing. I think most IFE's were built only by IT people and therefore UX is forgotten about or just not considered, luckily that is changing and new IFE systems are somewhat more intuitive and less technical lets say.
As for training, sometimes even training doesn't cover what you face on the job in reality. Yes, it may provide reassurance, awareness and more know-how but ultimately when you're faced with the on-the-job tasks it can be a very different experience and a little more nervy when faced with actual people (passengers in this case), like anything in life really!
As for training, sometimes even training doesn't cover what you face on the job in reality. Yes, it may provide reassurance, awareness and more know-how but ultimately when you're faced with the on-the-job tasks it can be a very different experience and a little more nervy when faced with actual people (passengers in this case), like anything in life really!
Apr 15, 2019, 5:10 am
#78
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: BOS
Programs: BA - Blue > Bronze > Silver > Bronze > Blue
Posts: 6,812
Other than when WT+ has to get out first due to the config (and business was held back to ensure F beat them out), I’ve never experienced it in 20 odd F segments and at least as many J where I’ve been held for F to leave the plane first)
Apr 15, 2019, 5:19 am
#79
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: London
Programs: BA GGLfL, WoH Lifetime Globalist, HH Diamond, SPG Gold
Posts: 711
Apr 15, 2019, 5:39 am
#80
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: LHR, LGW
Programs: BAEC
Posts: 3,444
The simple things like being shown to your seat are so easy to get right and keep consistent. It's not something that bothers me particularly, but I found it set the standard for the rest of the flight when the CSD would just point you in the general direction. They were obviously not arsed about getting that part right, so you knew that the more complex things would also not be up to standard.
Apr 15, 2019, 6:09 am
#82
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: London / Brighton
Programs: BAEC Gold / M-Life Gold / HH Diamond
Posts: 1,635
Presumably he had to find his own way, because one of the two members of crew at the door had left to escort his wife? That’s happened to me so many times when I’m the second person in short succession travelling First to get to the door, which isn’t the end of the world as I know there’s only so many crew members that can be stood by the entrance. What’s not acceptable IMHO is then not being given any clear guidance about how to get to his seat when the galley was temporarily blocked.
Apr 15, 2019, 6:12 am
#83
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Manchester but from Yorkshire better known as Gods country
Programs: BA Gold, , Sandals plat
Posts: 839
I always tell the crew at the door that I'm okay and that I know where my seat is. I do expect though to be acknowledged shortly after settling into my seat with a welcome drink. On my flight last week after 15 mins I had to go to the forward galley and ask for a drink.
Apr 15, 2019, 11:30 am
#84
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: MAN DXB ✈️
Programs: Skywards Gold
Posts: 6,831
I am fortunate enough to travel regularly in BA F. I agree with many of the negative comments above; BA F is NOT the best F product in the world.
HOWEVER, I love it. The ground experience is excellent, the seats/beds are very comfortable, and the food is usually pretty good. The alcohol selection is fantastic, and 99% of the time the service is superb. I love the understated British elegance that is the essence of BA F. Yes, sometimes they could do better, but if you have the money there is no better way to fly. :-)
HOWEVER, I love it. The ground experience is excellent, the seats/beds are very comfortable, and the food is usually pretty good. The alcohol selection is fantastic, and 99% of the time the service is superb. I love the understated British elegance that is the essence of BA F. Yes, sometimes they could do better, but if you have the money there is no better way to fly. :-)
Apr 15, 2019, 12:42 pm
#85
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: LHR, LGW
Programs: BAEC
Posts: 3,444
Yes, whilst the staff member was busy in galley and possibly a little dismissive, that member of staff could have had a very stressful morning (reasons we may never know) and then tasks at hand may have been a little chaotic too prepping an aircraft for 9+ hr flight, even the most composed of people can have their moments, it’s life. I’m not excusing as such but overall the outcome of being shown to their seats was achieved as the crew member returned to escort the OP also. I always find patience and empathy go a long way with service personnel.
Apr 15, 2019, 1:21 pm
#86
Join Date: Mar 2019
Programs: BA GGL/CCR, Virgin Gold
Posts: 18
I must confess I really like BA First, and think it's an on-the-whole worth it upgrade from Club as there is (in my opinion) a big gap between them.
The ground product only really makes any difference from LHR T5 or JFK. At T5, it's a big difference as you get to use the CCR which I personally think is lovely. At other airports (in my experience) there's no difference as you're in the same lounge as everyone else.
The hard product is quite variable between planes. On an older 747, the seats and cabin do look a little dated and stuff can rattle a bit. The tech isn't as good as you'd find on a newer plane (perhaps obviously). On newer planes (380, 787) then the cabin is I think really nice. As has been rightly pointed out, it's not a full cabin with a door, but it's an elegant (and huge) seat. On any of them, you're getting a great nights sleep (just based on the size of the bed). Personally (and again, somewhat variable dependant on the vintage of the plane), I really like the "feel" of BAs First cabins - it's elegant and understated and warm.
The soft product is, I think, really good. Several people have called out the crew. I agree - and think this is BA's magic sauce. I personally have never had anything less than a great experience from F crew. They're super attentive, without it seeming contrived. Friendly, usually chatty if you want them to be (I am normally travelling with work, so a bit of company is quite nice after a week away).
On the wine's and food. I haven't spent much time travelling in other airlines F cabins, in fact I've only taken one F flight on a non-BA plane which was with Emirates. On Emirates you undoubtedly get better wine, caviar, (somewhat) posher champagne. And a sliding door cabin with two TVs and a mini-bar. On paper it's all a lot better than BA First. But actually I prefer BA. The food is, compared with the rest of the BA plane or in fact the (what I would perceive as) normal Economy/Premium/Biz experience, a big step up. It's usually, in my experience at least, really delicious and unlimited - served when you want it. More so however, I think what you're paying for is the ritual and experience of it. In First, getting your meal feels like an event. In CW, it feels like getting a meal (which is fair enough!).
That I think summarises how I perceive the difference. CW you get a flat bed, reasonable quality food and generally very good service. But it doesn't feel like luxury. It still feels like a mode of transport. Where as First feels like an event.. an experience.
I am sure there are lots of airlines who do even better First experiences, but I like what I get from BA.
Finally, on the "value" side. For the experience, I think it is worth it going F if you have the opportunity. But it depends on the cost (of course). If it was a list price, last minute ticket - 6k for CW and 10k for F, there's no way I'd pay. But if it was a smaller differential, an upgrade offer or using points/voucher, then for me, it is worth it.
The ground product only really makes any difference from LHR T5 or JFK. At T5, it's a big difference as you get to use the CCR which I personally think is lovely. At other airports (in my experience) there's no difference as you're in the same lounge as everyone else.
The hard product is quite variable between planes. On an older 747, the seats and cabin do look a little dated and stuff can rattle a bit. The tech isn't as good as you'd find on a newer plane (perhaps obviously). On newer planes (380, 787) then the cabin is I think really nice. As has been rightly pointed out, it's not a full cabin with a door, but it's an elegant (and huge) seat. On any of them, you're getting a great nights sleep (just based on the size of the bed). Personally (and again, somewhat variable dependant on the vintage of the plane), I really like the "feel" of BAs First cabins - it's elegant and understated and warm.
The soft product is, I think, really good. Several people have called out the crew. I agree - and think this is BA's magic sauce. I personally have never had anything less than a great experience from F crew. They're super attentive, without it seeming contrived. Friendly, usually chatty if you want them to be (I am normally travelling with work, so a bit of company is quite nice after a week away).
On the wine's and food. I haven't spent much time travelling in other airlines F cabins, in fact I've only taken one F flight on a non-BA plane which was with Emirates. On Emirates you undoubtedly get better wine, caviar, (somewhat) posher champagne. And a sliding door cabin with two TVs and a mini-bar. On paper it's all a lot better than BA First. But actually I prefer BA. The food is, compared with the rest of the BA plane or in fact the (what I would perceive as) normal Economy/Premium/Biz experience, a big step up. It's usually, in my experience at least, really delicious and unlimited - served when you want it. More so however, I think what you're paying for is the ritual and experience of it. In First, getting your meal feels like an event. In CW, it feels like getting a meal (which is fair enough!).
That I think summarises how I perceive the difference. CW you get a flat bed, reasonable quality food and generally very good service. But it doesn't feel like luxury. It still feels like a mode of transport. Where as First feels like an event.. an experience.
I am sure there are lots of airlines who do even better First experiences, but I like what I get from BA.
Finally, on the "value" side. For the experience, I think it is worth it going F if you have the opportunity. But it depends on the cost (of course). If it was a list price, last minute ticket - 6k for CW and 10k for F, there's no way I'd pay. But if it was a smaller differential, an upgrade offer or using points/voucher, then for me, it is worth it.
Apr 29, 2019, 4:12 am
#87
Join Date: May 2009
Location: DFW
Programs: AA 1MM
Posts: 185
I am looking to book my first flight with BA in F, however 1A & 1K are blocked on EF when I look at the 747 for both ORD/MIA-LHR on all the dates in July I have looked at. Does BA save seats for BA or OW elite members? I am AA PLT, will that give me access?
Apr 29, 2019, 4:15 am
#88
Fontaine d'honneur du Flyertalk
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Morbihan, France
Programs: Reine des Muccis de Pucci; Foreign Elitist (according to others)
Posts: 19,180
Apr 29, 2019, 4:35 am
#89
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: London, UK
Programs: BA GGL, HHonors Diamond
Posts: 910
Whether 1A/1K on 747 are desirable is debatable anyway. I've been very happy in row 2,3 and 4 also.
Apr 29, 2019, 5:05 am
#90
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Plymouth, UK
Programs: BAEC Gold
Posts: 1,159
I first flew F a couple of years ago when a irresistible POUG came up and I thought I'd give it a try.
My opinion was that F is most certainly better in most respects than CW but that unless it was not a great deal more than CW it wasn't so much better that I'd spend a lot of money on it.
It certainly did make me feel special though and if money were no object than yes, IMO it is better and I'd fly F all the time. But for me, the normal price of F vs CW make it not good value for money. The CW product is pretty good enough for me and I haven't flown F since. I would fly F again but only if the price was right and as a bit of a treat.
My opinion was that F is most certainly better in most respects than CW but that unless it was not a great deal more than CW it wasn't so much better that I'd spend a lot of money on it.
It certainly did make me feel special though and if money were no object than yes, IMO it is better and I'd fly F all the time. But for me, the normal price of F vs CW make it not good value for money. The CW product is pretty good enough for me and I haven't flown F since. I would fly F again but only if the price was right and as a bit of a treat.