First time in First
Aug 11, 2018, 6:42 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2018
Programs: AA PPro
Posts: 632
First time in First
Coming up soon I have my first flight in an international premium cabin, in First class in the nose of the 747. Any insider tips of what I can do the maximize the enjoyment and perks of this experience beyond what is shown on the BA website? I have already looked up what lounges I am eligible for in LHR T3 during my layover (this is a US departing flight) so I am good on that. In particular I had one simple question, I know the PJ's and obviously the amenities kit are mine to take home, I have collected my menus on past flights when offered (simple paper ones in premium economy), are the menus given in F on BA able to be kept, or are they collected and left on board? I have really enjoyed BA in the past in Y and Y+ so I am looking forward to it.
Aug 11, 2018, 6:46 am
#2
Join Date: Dec 2013
Programs: QRPC Platinum, KFEG
Posts: 999
747 will be memorable I hope you will have a great time.
The list compiled here is usually referenced:
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/28819911-post6.html
The list compiled here is usually referenced:
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/28819911-post6.html
Aug 11, 2018, 6:52 am
#3
Join Date: Nov 2004
Programs: BA GGL, LH FTL
Posts: 3,578
You can keep it all, though BA probably would like you to leave the bedding and anything firmly attached to the aircraft in its place. 
If you tell the crew that it is your first First, they will make it a memorable experience. I know that they did for my parents.
Other than that, don't overthink it and just enjoy. If you go in with too much of a checklist approach you won't focus on the "oh my, this is nice" bit. Much more important than if you have the slippers or not.
Enjoy!
If you tell the crew that it is your first First, they will make it a memorable experience. I know that they did for my parents.
Other than that, don't overthink it and just enjoy. If you go in with too much of a checklist approach you won't focus on the "oh my, this is nice" bit. Much more important than if you have the slippers or not.
Enjoy!
Aug 11, 2018, 6:56 am
#4
Join Date: Sep 2013
Programs: BAEC Gold, EK Skywards (enhanced Blue !), Oman Air Sindbad Gold
Posts: 6,398
I’m no ‘insider’ - but FWIW here’s my own personal tip, based on experience of their F class product : be very, very cautious in regarding any promotional material you might see published on BA’s own website as a definitive indicator of what you can expect to receive once onboard, in terms of catering or service.
Have a good trip ^
Aug 11, 2018, 6:57 am
#5
Join Date: Dec 2016
Programs: BAEC GGL/CR; Hilton Diamond; Mucci des Puccis
Posts: 5,602
I would say don't overeat or indulge to excess in the lounge before the outbound flight - obviously it's nice to have a glass of fizz and maybe a light meal. But you'll enjoy the service and the flight more if you're not stuffed and dehydrated.
On the way back - assuming a night flight which is the most usual thing - it's more or less the reverse. Eat well in the lounge and then have a glass of something before bedding down. That way you won't be too full to sleep.
On the way back - assuming a night flight which is the most usual thing - it's more or less the reverse. Eat well in the lounge and then have a glass of something before bedding down. That way you won't be too full to sleep.
Aug 11, 2018, 7:01 am
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2018
Programs: AA PPro
Posts: 632
AAtticus, Looking forward to reading through the referenced thread. Thanks!
Tehe, yea, thanks! I did actually read someone asking if they could keep the bedding when I searched on this. Don't worry, I am not looking to bring any tools with me to disassemble parts of the plane to take home with me 
I just don't want to put the FA's in an uncomfortable place asking to keep something I am not supposed to. I will make sure to mention to them that it is my first time "turning left".
I just don't want to put the FA's in an uncomfortable place asking to keep something I am not supposed to. I will make sure to mention to them that it is my first time "turning left".
Aug 11, 2018, 7:13 am
#7
Join Date: Nov 2004
Programs: BA GGL, LH FTL
Posts: 3,578
No harm in asking. In my younger years I had a sizable collection of airline blankets. Crew tended to be very generous with them, mostly giving me one in a plastic wrapper instead of having to take the "used" one from the flight. Once on Lufthansa, this resulted in a look that clearly said "crazy", but then they delivered a Y, J & F blanket so that I would have the full set.
Aug 11, 2018, 7:14 am
#8
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2018
Programs: AA PPro
Posts: 632
I’m no ‘insider’ - but FWIW here’s my own personal tip, based on experience of their F class product : be very, very cautious in regarding any promotional material you might see published on BA’s own website as a definitive indicator of what you can expect to receive once onboard, in terms of catering or service.
Aug 11, 2018, 7:29 am
#10
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2018
Programs: AA PPro
Posts: 632
Last time I took BA206 MIA-LHR in Y+, back in 2012. To me that was great, getting a J entree, J FA's, using J lavs, full size newspapers in the morning, ect. Since we got a paid upgrade at check-in they released us the "mini row" 11JK so it was extra special (I understand a lot of this is going away with the 747 refresh as Y+ is being moved behind CW right in front of Y like most airlines).
Last edited by HiAperture; Aug 11, 2018 at 8:01 am
Aug 11, 2018, 7:42 am
#11
Join Date: Sep 2013
Programs: BAEC Gold, EK Skywards (enhanced Blue !), Oman Air Sindbad Gold
Posts: 6,398
Aug 11, 2018, 8:03 am
#13
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: London
Programs: HH Diamond, Marriott Titanium, BAEC Gold
Posts: 283
It would be polite to request anything you wish to take beyond the PJs and amenity kit. Seat choice is a big factor on the 747 for enjoyment. If you're by yourself 2A is great if you prefer to drink with you left hand and aren't a gold member, or 2K if you prefer to drink with your right. As a couple 2A/K or 1A/K are the better options.
Aug 11, 2018, 8:10 am
#14
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2018
Programs: AA PPro
Posts: 632
It would be polite to request anything you wish to take beyond the PJs and amenity kit. Seat choice is a big factor on the 747 for enjoyment. If you're by yourself 2A is great if you prefer to drink with you left hand and aren't a gold member, or 2K if you prefer to drink with your right. As a couple 2A/K or 1A/K are the better options.
Aug 24, 2018, 9:05 am
#15
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2018
Programs: AA PPro
Posts: 632
So BA You First was kind enough to send me my menu in advance since this in an exUSA flight. Any thoughts on the selections? I tend to be drawn to beef options, but have read poor comments on the beef in CW, does that extend to First? I am open to any of them if one is a particularly well regarded dish.
A couple more dumb questions, the cheese plate is in addition to the dessert and served after? Several posts recommend the Pudding Wine, but I can't seem to find any specific information on what that is and when to ask for it? I am assuming it is a dessert wine/digestif?
STARTERS
A couple more dumb questions, the cheese plate is in addition to the dessert and served after? Several posts recommend the Pudding Wine, but I can't seem to find any specific information on what that is and when to ask for it? I am assuming it is a dessert wine/digestif?
STARTERS
- Seared scallops with carrot and ginger purée, aubergine caviar and Espelette spiced courgette
- Artichoke, truffle and potato salad with quail egg and pickled mushroom
- Spiced butternut squash soup with roasted pumpkin seeds and a light curry oil
- Fresh salad leaves with your choice of creamy pesto dressing or balsamic vinaigrette
- Seared fillet of Midwestern grass-fed beef with mushroom ragoût, creamed potato, garlic confit and Bordelaise sauce
- Herb roasted monkfish with baby leeks, tagliatelle and lemon and ginger sauce
- Chicken and mushroom pie, roasted fingerling potatoes,roasted parsnips and chicken jus
- Orecchiette pasta with pea, tomato fricassée and Parmesan and rocket salad
- Main course salad featuring smoked salmon with poached hen’s egg, warm buttered new potatoes and Hollandaise sauce
- Belgian chocolate cheesecake with mascarpone cream
- Hot lemon pudding with lemon syrup
- Ice cream