New First soft product: your experiences
Apr 20, 2019, 7:26 am
#287
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: London
Programs: plenty - ggl, ccr, etc, etc.
Posts: 1,704
but wine can be a very personal taste.
if you want great in most kinds then fly JAL. Last flight with them in F had Cristal 2009, Salon 2007, or a vintage taitinger, plus a NV. 4 choices for just 8 pax, then another 12 red, while and sake options. On crewing, tHey had 3, and for meal service 4, crew serving 8 passengers. Superb all round and if JAL can do it with their cost base is nt it time BA accelerates removal of F to all but the few routes that justify it, and then crews up and adds the premium back line JAL?
(Beats me why anyone *pays* to fly BA F to Tokyo)
Apr 20, 2019, 11:02 am
#288
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Toronto
Programs: BA Exec Club - Demoted to Bronze and re-promoted to Silver alongside AC Elite 50K (gold) in 2022
Posts: 393
I flew first from Heathrow to Toronto last Sunday and experienced my inaugural "new" first experience. Flying on RAES for the second time in a fortnight, there are elements which remain the same (obviously). This included an old airframe though the cabin was clean at least. Inexperienced MF crew who were all over the place on boarding. We were both waived to our seats with no-one available to take us, with crew still in the front galley finishing a cup of tea. Being in twin middle seats, nothing was joined up despite me and Mr Mikey Mike Mike clearly being a couple and travelling together. All of the pre-board stuff came separately with the bubbly 10 mins apart. He got a menu before take off, I didn't. The best thing is the new style bag. I asked for the women's and it was far better - in look and contents than the men's bag which was strangely furry on the outside. We did the buddy dining and every course came at a different time including wines. With only 3 crew in first (with one in the galley), I understand that buddy dining needs co-ordination but sitting opposite each other puts us in a difficult position if the food arrives in relays - definitely not a first class experience.
I did like the new crockery and glassware but the food was very average, not very hot, and not very much of it. (bring on the new caterers) The wines were the biggest disappointment of the experience with some very average reds and whites where despite the attempt to talk them up in their description, were not first class wines by name or taste. I have no idea why BA think this new 6 quid a bottle average is going to pay off on the long term, but first world issues i guess.
The crew were sweet, friendly and more relaxed than some MF crew I've had in biz or first. The reality is, that the best service I've had in first and biz has been with LH crew who whilst occasionally cranky, provide a more joined up, professional and personalised service - especially when flying as a couple.
I do appreciate the effort BA are (finally) putting into all classes in terms of genuine enhancements (and tweaking) of service. On the Canadian routes, BA now is miles aheads of AC in everything other than the seating config.
I think the new BA First once bedded in will be a superior product but it will only shine if the people delivering up provide first class service. The irony of the first enhancements on a fleet of diminishing first availability which will get worse with the arrivals of the new A350 is not lost on me
I did like the new crockery and glassware but the food was very average, not very hot, and not very much of it. (bring on the new caterers) The wines were the biggest disappointment of the experience with some very average reds and whites where despite the attempt to talk them up in their description, were not first class wines by name or taste. I have no idea why BA think this new 6 quid a bottle average is going to pay off on the long term, but first world issues i guess.
The crew were sweet, friendly and more relaxed than some MF crew I've had in biz or first. The reality is, that the best service I've had in first and biz has been with LH crew who whilst occasionally cranky, provide a more joined up, professional and personalised service - especially when flying as a couple.
I do appreciate the effort BA are (finally) putting into all classes in terms of genuine enhancements (and tweaking) of service. On the Canadian routes, BA now is miles aheads of AC in everything other than the seating config.
I think the new BA First once bedded in will be a superior product but it will only shine if the people delivering up provide first class service. The irony of the first enhancements on a fleet of diminishing first availability which will get worse with the arrivals of the new A350 is not lost on me
Apr 20, 2019, 11:37 am
#289
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: Ayrshire
Programs: BA GGL/CCR, IHG Spire Ambassador, HH Diamond, Scandic Top Floor
Posts: 139
I flew first from Heathrow to Toronto last Sunday and experienced my inaugural "new" first experience. Flying on RAES for the second time in a fortnight, there are elements which remain the same (obviously). This included an old airframe though the cabin was clean at least. Inexperienced MF crew who were all over the place on boarding. We were both waived to our seats with no-one available to take us, with crew still in the front galley finishing a cup of tea. Being in twin middle seats, nothing was joined up despite me and Mr Mikey Mike Mike clearly being a couple and travelling together. All of the pre-board stuff came separately with the bubbly 10 mins apart. He got a menu before take off, I didn't. The best thing is the new style bag. I asked for the women's and it was far better - in look and contents than the men's bag which was strangely furry on the outside. We did the buddy dining and every course came at a different time including wines. With only 3 crew in first (with one in the galley), I understand that buddy dining needs co-ordination but sitting opposite each other puts us in a difficult position if the food arrives in relays - definitely not a first class experience.
I did like the new crockery and glassware but the food was very average, not very hot, and not very much of it. (bring on the new caterers) The wines were the biggest disappointment of the experience with some very average reds and whites where despite the attempt to talk them up in their description, were not first class wines by name or taste. I have no idea why BA think this new 6 quid a bottle average is going to pay off on the long term, but first world issues i guess.
The crew were sweet, friendly and more relaxed than some MF crew I've had in biz or first. The reality is, that the best service I've had in first and biz has been with LH crew who whilst occasionally cranky, provide a more joined up, professional and personalised service - especially when flying as a couple.
I do appreciate the effort BA are (finally) putting into all classes in terms of genuine enhancements (and tweaking) of service. On the Canadian routes, BA now is miles aheads of AC in everything other than the seating config.
I think the new BA First once bedded in will be a superior product but it will only shine if the people delivering up provide first class service. The irony of the first enhancements on a fleet of diminishing first availability which will get worse with the arrivals of the new A350 is not lost on me
I did like the new crockery and glassware but the food was very average, not very hot, and not very much of it. (bring on the new caterers) The wines were the biggest disappointment of the experience with some very average reds and whites where despite the attempt to talk them up in their description, were not first class wines by name or taste. I have no idea why BA think this new 6 quid a bottle average is going to pay off on the long term, but first world issues i guess.
The crew were sweet, friendly and more relaxed than some MF crew I've had in biz or first. The reality is, that the best service I've had in first and biz has been with LH crew who whilst occasionally cranky, provide a more joined up, professional and personalised service - especially when flying as a couple.
I do appreciate the effort BA are (finally) putting into all classes in terms of genuine enhancements (and tweaking) of service. On the Canadian routes, BA now is miles aheads of AC in everything other than the seating config.
I think the new BA First once bedded in will be a superior product but it will only shine if the people delivering up provide first class service. The irony of the first enhancements on a fleet of diminishing first availability which will get worse with the arrivals of the new A350 is not lost on me
Which wine served in F can be bought for Ł6 ?
Thanks
DtB
Apr 20, 2019, 12:16 pm
#290
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Leeds, UK
Programs: Mucci, BAEC GGL/CCR, Hilton Diamond, IHG Diamond Ambassador, Stena Gold
Posts: 1,094
Apr 20, 2019, 1:03 pm
#291
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Toronto
Programs: BA Exec Club - Demoted to Bronze and re-promoted to Silver alongside AC Elite 50K (gold) in 2022
Posts: 393
I know it's an average across classes, and probably Biz is where wine lovers will be most underwhelmed! The Margaux was good to be fair, but the wines on comments in general still stand. At least in PE / Economy, BA offer a choice of reds and whites but no Rose
Apr 20, 2019, 2:28 pm
#292
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: Ayrshire
Programs: BA GGL/CCR, IHG Spire Ambassador, HH Diamond, Scandic Top Floor
Posts: 139
The Esk Valley wasn’t offered on my flight yesterday, I rather enjoyed the Chablis Grand Cru Bourgogne 2014 with the Loch Fyne Salmon, with the beef I had the Chateau Nenin 2006 Pomerol. I don’t know how much either of these wines cost but neither of them tasted like a Ł6 wine, not that I am any expert on wines or their cost.
Regards
DtB
Apr 20, 2019, 3:30 pm
#293
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: Germany
Programs: BA GGL, CCR - TK G
Posts: 809
it may taste great to you
but wine can be a very personal taste.
if you want great in most kinds then fly JAL. Last flight with them in F had Cristal 2009, Salon 2007, or a vintage taitinger, plus a NV. 4 choices for just 8 pax, then another 12 red, while and sake options. On crewing, tHey had 3, and for meal service 4, crew serving 8 passengers. Superb all round and if JAL can do it with their cost base is nt it time BA accelerates removal of F to all but the few routes that justify it, and then crews up and adds the premium back line JAL?
(Beats me why anyone *pays* to fly BA F to Tokyo)
But if you compare the price of wine in jal f with ba f... What about the price of the ticket?
I'm. Pretty sure I can take a couple of bottles of that nice champagne on board myself for the difference to jal? Not saying I don't enjoy premium wines and champagne . I love to have the choice between Krug and dom on Sq..
I guess it is good that you point out why there are different first products .
Apr 21, 2019, 1:57 am
#294
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Tokyo
Programs: BA Gold, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 194
it may taste great to you
but wine can be a very personal taste.
if you want great in most kinds then fly JAL. Last flight with them in F had Cristal 2009, Salon 2007, or a vintage taitinger, plus a NV. 4 choices for just 8 pax, then another 12 red, while and sake options. On crewing, tHey had 3, and for meal service 4, crew serving 8 passengers. Superb all round and if JAL can do it with their cost base is nt it time BA accelerates removal of F to all but the few routes that justify it, and then crews up and adds the premium back line JAL?
(Beats me why anyone *pays* to fly BA F to Tokyo)
I love JL F but it is cheaper to buy Cristal from Enoteca when you get to Tokyo.
Apr 21, 2019, 10:49 am
#295
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: vie
Programs: BAEC GfL;LH M&M FQTV ; SPG Gold ; A-Club Gold;HHonnors Diamond
Posts: 171
First Wine Query
Thanks Gastrocnemius,
The Esk Valley wasn’t offered on my flight yesterday, I rather enjoyed the Chablis Grand Cru Bourgogne 2014 with the Loch Fyne Salmon, with the beef I had the Chateau Nenin 2006 Pomerol. I don’t know how much either of these wines cost but neither of them tasted like a Ł6 wine, not that I am any expert on wines or their cost.
Regards
DtB
Only problem there are 3 different ones: „ Chapitre“,“La Perche“,“La Pucelle“ and I don‘t remember which one I drank.The wine menu doesn‘t tell.
So I kindly ask for somebody flying these days to have a look for me and give it a try and post also your remarks about this burgundy here, I think it is a nice wine for this price.
many thanks,
happy Easter
ettrich
Apr 21, 2019, 11:24 am
#296
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2002
Programs: Mucci des Hommes Magiques et Magnifiques
Posts: 19,107
on my recent LHR-GRU First flight I had a glass of Rully Blanc 1er Cru, Domaine BelleVille,2014/2015.I really enjoyed it and would like to purchase 1or 2 boxes.The list price is around Euro 25-27 per bottle.
Only problem there are 3 different ones: „ Chapitre“,“La Perche“,“La Pucelle“ and I don‘t remember which one I drank.The wine menu doesn‘t tell.
So I kindly ask for somebody flying these days to have a look for me and give it a try and post also your remarks about this burgundy here, I think it is a nice wine for this price.
many thanks,
happy Easter
ettrich
Apr 21, 2019, 8:44 pm
#297
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: London UK
Programs: BAEC Silver,, Oman Air Gold
Posts: 747
on my recent LHR-GRU First flight I had a glass of Rully Blanc 1er Cru, Domaine BelleVille,2014/2015.I really enjoyed it and would like to purchase 1or 2 boxes.The list price is around Euro 25-27 per bottle.
Only problem there are 3 different ones: „ Chapitre“,“La Perche“,“La Pucelle“ and I don‘t remember which one I drank.The wine menu doesn‘t tell.
So I kindly ask for somebody flying these days to have a look for me and give it a try and post also your remarks about this burgundy here, I think it is a nice wine for this price.
many thanks,
happy Easter
ettrich
Apr 22, 2019, 4:18 am
#299
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Tokyo
Programs: Bonvoy LT Titanium ANA Diamond
Posts: 763
Apr 22, 2019, 5:19 am
#300
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: UK
Programs: BA, U2+, SK, AF/KL, IHG, Hilton, others gathering dust...
Posts: 2,552
I rather enjoyed the Chablis Grand Cru Bourgogne 2014 with the Loch Fyne Salmon, with the beef I had the Chateau Nenin 2006 Pomerol. I don’t know how much either of these wines cost but neither of them tasted like a Ł6 wine, not that I am any expert on wines or their cost.
Haven’t personally seen any Pomerol recently. Either by design or coincidence, nearly all the claret options on my BA F flights in the last year have been Saint-Émilion of some kind (I suppose they are at least neighbours). I’ve only done one F flight since the new service came in, and I did notice that the red list had been increased from 3 to 4 wines, 2 of them being Bordeaux (both Saint-Émilion
). This was just as well, since one of them had not been loaded...however the one I had (Bellefont-Belcier 2011) was reasonably good, as was the Chassagne-Montrachet.Last edited by Oaxaca; Apr 22, 2019 at 5:25 am