My First in First - Impressions
Jun 13, 2018, 2:11 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Italy
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Posts: 310
My First in First - Impressions
I'm a novice on here compared to many of you, however I thought I'd share my impressions on my first ever flight in BA First Class, from which I just stepped off (I'm writing from the BA Arrivals lounge).
I flew yesterday's BA28 from Hong Kong to Heathrow. Unfortunately, no space was available on BA32 and it's a pity as, from reading you, it seems like the experience on the A380 is far superior to the one on the 777. Anyway, let's start.
About myself, I fly around 100 times every year, mostly in economy but occasionally also in business class, especially on flights longer than 9 hours. I'm currently an elite level passenger for all 3 major alliances and I've experienced J on the following airlines before: Alitalia, British Airways, EVA Air, Saudia, Qatar and, only on short haul flights, Delta, Air France and KLM. I'd never flown 1st class before today though, on any airline.
The experience on the ground in HKG was of course superb, the lounges (The Pier, in particular) were top-class (but I also very much enjoyed the cabana at The Wing), although I was particularly disappointed by the fact that an airport of such importance and size does not offer a fast track lane at security nor immigration for its premium customers.
I found on the seat on the 777 very comfortable and spacious. I was sitting in 3K by the window. Loved every aspect of it however, if I need to make some effort and criticize something I'd say it lacked a bit in privacy and storage (apart from the wardrobe where you could hang your jacket, there wasn't really any more space to put your mobile phone, wallet etc.). I also found the console used to control lights and the seat not that easy to understand at first, overall though I'd give the seat a solid 8/10.
Bedding was quite good. Unfortunately I couldn't get much sleep as I found the plane quite noisy. Turbolence also didn't help. 8/10
Service on board was professional from start to finish. I often read critics on this board about the attitude of the crew. I must say I have not experienced this. I've always felt very welcome and pampered by Trevor, the cabin chief and the other flight attendants. I'd give them a 10/10.
Food was good. All choices were available (albeit the cabin wasn't exactly full). I loved the salmon with caviar as appetizer, as well as the prawn salad as main. The choice of wines was somewhat limited though, but again I'm used to QR so ... 7/10. I must say I had to make an effort to eat everything, after being very well fed in the HKG lounges.
Overall, I very much enjoyed the experience on board however, if I need to make a final remark, I find BA's 1st class to be only marginally better than QR's business class. It is however miles better than Club World. I'd definitely fly again in BA F however, considering the price tag, I still feel QR's J is a better value and I'd pick that were I to fly to a destination served by both airlines. Unfortunately, having never flown in other Fs before, I can't really compare BA's to the same class of service on other airlines.
A final note on the arrivals lounge. Good service, love the concorde breakfast room. Hard to schedule an appointment for a massage though even at 7 AM (first slot at 11.30 AM). I liked the cabana, relaxing even though not at the same level of the one in Cathay's lounge.
If interested, I can post pictures of the food served on board.
Thanks for your attention.
I flew yesterday's BA28 from Hong Kong to Heathrow. Unfortunately, no space was available on BA32 and it's a pity as, from reading you, it seems like the experience on the A380 is far superior to the one on the 777. Anyway, let's start.
About myself, I fly around 100 times every year, mostly in economy but occasionally also in business class, especially on flights longer than 9 hours. I'm currently an elite level passenger for all 3 major alliances and I've experienced J on the following airlines before: Alitalia, British Airways, EVA Air, Saudia, Qatar and, only on short haul flights, Delta, Air France and KLM. I'd never flown 1st class before today though, on any airline.
The experience on the ground in HKG was of course superb, the lounges (The Pier, in particular) were top-class (but I also very much enjoyed the cabana at The Wing), although I was particularly disappointed by the fact that an airport of such importance and size does not offer a fast track lane at security nor immigration for its premium customers.
I found on the seat on the 777 very comfortable and spacious. I was sitting in 3K by the window. Loved every aspect of it however, if I need to make some effort and criticize something I'd say it lacked a bit in privacy and storage (apart from the wardrobe where you could hang your jacket, there wasn't really any more space to put your mobile phone, wallet etc.). I also found the console used to control lights and the seat not that easy to understand at first, overall though I'd give the seat a solid 8/10.
Bedding was quite good. Unfortunately I couldn't get much sleep as I found the plane quite noisy. Turbolence also didn't help. 8/10
Service on board was professional from start to finish. I often read critics on this board about the attitude of the crew. I must say I have not experienced this. I've always felt very welcome and pampered by Trevor, the cabin chief and the other flight attendants. I'd give them a 10/10.
Food was good. All choices were available (albeit the cabin wasn't exactly full). I loved the salmon with caviar as appetizer, as well as the prawn salad as main. The choice of wines was somewhat limited though, but again I'm used to QR so ... 7/10. I must say I had to make an effort to eat everything, after being very well fed in the HKG lounges.
Overall, I very much enjoyed the experience on board however, if I need to make a final remark, I find BA's 1st class to be only marginally better than QR's business class. It is however miles better than Club World. I'd definitely fly again in BA F however, considering the price tag, I still feel QR's J is a better value and I'd pick that were I to fly to a destination served by both airlines. Unfortunately, having never flown in other Fs before, I can't really compare BA's to the same class of service on other airlines.
A final note on the arrivals lounge. Good service, love the concorde breakfast room. Hard to schedule an appointment for a massage though even at 7 AM (first slot at 11.30 AM). I liked the cabana, relaxing even though not at the same level of the one in Cathay's lounge.
If interested, I can post pictures of the food served on board.
Thanks for your attention.
Jun 13, 2018, 2:41 am
#2
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: London / Brighton
Programs: BAEC Gold / M-Life Gold / HH Diamond
Posts: 1,634
Nice review 
and 100 flights a year is hardly "novice" 
There's a great thread for BA Food Pictures if you'd care to share them --> Post your BA Food Pictures here
and 100 flights a year is hardly "novice" There's a great thread for BA Food Pictures if you'd care to share them --> Post your BA Food Pictures here
Jun 13, 2018, 2:58 am
#3
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: London, UK
Programs: BAEC Silver, ITA Club Executive, Hilton Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 3,599
I absolutely don't mind these thread and it's not the reason why I'm asking, but wouldn't it be nice to have a thread for first First experiences?
There are many people who look for advice on how to maximise their First experiences, or to find out what to expect. A thread that contains a collection of first Firsts may be useful.
There are many people who look for advice on how to maximise their First experiences, or to find out what to expect. A thread that contains a collection of first Firsts may be useful.
Jun 13, 2018, 3:01 am
#4
Join Date: May 2016
Location: London
Programs: BA Gold, Accor Gold
Posts: 1,429
I absolutely don't mind these thread and it's not the reason why I'm asking, but wouldn't it be nice to have a thread for first First experiences?
There are many people who look for advice on how to maximise their First experiences, or to find out what to expect. A thread that contains a collection of first Firsts may be useful.
There are many people who look for advice on how to maximise their First experiences, or to find out what to expect. A thread that contains a collection of first Firsts may be useful.
Jun 13, 2018, 3:09 am
#7
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: London, UK
Programs: BAEC Silver, ITA Club Executive, Hilton Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 3,599
A final note on the arrivals lounge. Good service, love the concorde breakfast room. Hard to schedule an appointment for a massage though even at 7 AM (first slot at 11.30 AM). I liked the cabana, relaxing even though not at the same level of the one in Cathay's lounge.
Jun 13, 2018, 3:12 am
#8
Join Date: Sep 2013
Programs: BAEC Gold, EK Skywards (enhanced Blue !), Oman Air Sindbad Gold
Posts: 6,399
Good review ^
Any trip involving HKG brings the added bonus of access to some of the best available lounges worldwide.
Note what you say re lack of fast-track, although I do find that the general level of efficiency at HKG does tend to compensate a lot its absence.
I’m largely on the same wavelength as to your perception that there really is very little in it between BA F and QR J. I guess there will always be more of a feeling of inherent exclusivity with smaller cabin size, and you clearly had a very good crew providing top service - which is what should reasonably expect in any First class. Unfortunately I wasn’t quite so lucky on my last BA F flight, and whilst on the one hand there were no issues of major concern for me, nor do I believe there was enough differentiation in overall standards between the two products to convince me that the additional cost from QR J to BA F is justified on routes where both are available.
Any trip involving HKG brings the added bonus of access to some of the best available lounges worldwide.
Note what you say re lack of fast-track, although I do find that the general level of efficiency at HKG does tend to compensate a lot its absence.
I’m largely on the same wavelength as to your perception that there really is very little in it between BA F and QR J. I guess there will always be more of a feeling of inherent exclusivity with smaller cabin size, and you clearly had a very good crew providing top service - which is what should reasonably expect in any First class. Unfortunately I wasn’t quite so lucky on my last BA F flight, and whilst on the one hand there were no issues of major concern for me, nor do I believe there was enough differentiation in overall standards between the two products to convince me that the additional cost from QR J to BA F is justified on routes where both are available.
Jun 13, 2018, 3:18 am
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Italy
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Jun 13, 2018, 3:19 am
#10
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: London, UK
Programs: BAEC Silver, ITA Club Executive, Hilton Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 3,599
Jun 13, 2018, 3:21 am
#11
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Join Date: May 2011
Location: Italy
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Jun 13, 2018, 3:29 am
#13
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: London, UK
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Posts: 3,599
The annoying thing about the cabanas with infinity baths is that on multiple occasions it seemed to me that staff tend to discourage their use providing excuses. I'm sure that at other times they are genuinely occupied or being cleaned.
Last edited by ringingup; Jun 13, 2018 at 3:34 am
Jun 13, 2018, 3:35 am
#14
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Join Date: May 2011
Location: Italy
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Posts: 310
I don't think they are strictly reserved for arriving First passengers. I certainly used one of them, at least once, when arriving in CW. I remember it being discussed in the past, but I may be wrong.
The annoying thing about the cabanas with infinity baths is that on multiple occasions it seemed to me that staff tend to discourage their use providing excuses. I'm sure that at other times they are genuinely occupied or being cleaned.
The annoying thing about the cabanas with infinity baths is that on multiple occasions it seemed to me that staff tend to discourage their use providing excuses. I'm sure that at other times they are genuinely occupied or being cleaned.
Jun 13, 2018, 3:36 am
#15
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Join Date: May 2011
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