New First soft product: your experiences
May 20, 2019, 3:41 am
#437
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 7,464
Rather late to the party, I just completed SIN-LHR with the new F service last night on the A380.
I was under the impression that there were new duvets and pillows, but I (think!) I had the old ones - the duvet which is not long enough to cover me (I am 188cm). The pillow was poor - I prefer the CW White Company one. I did get the day blanket and pillow, which was good. Cabin temperature was mostly ok, but did get pretty warm (not roasting hot) during the night.
The crockery was updated and was a good improvement. The food for dinner was normal BA F fare with a side of some sad looking vegetables. Despite asking for the steak to endure minimal cooking time, it was definitely on the well done side, but not the nuclear grey you do get in CW. At least the crew tried what they could. A nice pot of tea was delivered for breakfast which I enjoyed, and I only had fruit and some bircher muesli for breakfast so cannot comment here.
Canapes at the beginning of the flight were a nice touch, but I could not work out what they were really. Sampled both of the BrewDog beers (Aircraft was vile, and Speedbird was ok). Didn't have any other alcohol other than a PDB of fizz - stuck to sparking water and tea otherwise.
CSD was chatty and personable - certainly one of the better ones and did come at the beginning and end of the flight to check if everything was to satisfaction. The standout was the very lovely gentleman who was serving my side of the cabin - he was excellent. Feedback submitted already regarding his approach and attitude towards his customers - if only he could be replicated across the fleets.
I was lucky enough to fly out to SEAA in LX F two weeks prior, and whilst the BA offering is not going to match the exclusivity and the subsequent price point of LX F, it was overall a good improvement on previous BA F iterations. For what I paid, I cannot really complain.
I was under the impression that there were new duvets and pillows, but I (think!) I had the old ones - the duvet which is not long enough to cover me (I am 188cm). The pillow was poor - I prefer the CW White Company one. I did get the day blanket and pillow, which was good. Cabin temperature was mostly ok, but did get pretty warm (not roasting hot) during the night.
The crockery was updated and was a good improvement. The food for dinner was normal BA F fare with a side of some sad looking vegetables. Despite asking for the steak to endure minimal cooking time, it was definitely on the well done side, but not the nuclear grey you do get in CW. At least the crew tried what they could. A nice pot of tea was delivered for breakfast which I enjoyed, and I only had fruit and some bircher muesli for breakfast so cannot comment here.
Canapes at the beginning of the flight were a nice touch, but I could not work out what they were really. Sampled both of the BrewDog beers (Aircraft was vile, and Speedbird was ok). Didn't have any other alcohol other than a PDB of fizz - stuck to sparking water and tea otherwise.
CSD was chatty and personable - certainly one of the better ones and did come at the beginning and end of the flight to check if everything was to satisfaction. The standout was the very lovely gentleman who was serving my side of the cabin - he was excellent. Feedback submitted already regarding his approach and attitude towards his customers - if only he could be replicated across the fleets.
I was lucky enough to fly out to SEAA in LX F two weeks prior, and whilst the BA offering is not going to match the exclusivity and the subsequent price point of LX F, it was overall a good improvement on previous BA F iterations. For what I paid, I cannot really complain.
May 20, 2019, 4:04 am
#438
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: LON
Programs: Mucci, BAEC, Eurostar
Posts: 3,293
Rather late to the party, I just completed SIN-LHR with the new F service last night on the A380.
I was under the impression that there were new duvets and pillows, but I (think!) I had the old ones - the duvet which is not long enough to cover me (I am 188cm). The pillow was poor - I prefer the CW White Company one. I did get the day blanket and pillow, which was good. Cabin temperature was mostly ok, but did get pretty warm (not roasting hot) during the night.
The crockery was updated and was a good improvement. The food for dinner was normal BA F fare with a side of some sad looking vegetables. Despite asking for the steak to endure minimal cooking time, it was definitely on the well done side, but not the nuclear grey you do get in CW. At least the crew tried what they could. A nice pot of tea was delivered for breakfast which I enjoyed, and I only had fruit and some bircher muesli for breakfast so cannot comment here.
Canapes at the beginning of the flight were a nice touch, but I could not work out what they were really. Sampled both of the BrewDog beers (Aircraft was vile, and Speedbird was ok). Didn't have any other alcohol other than a PDB of fizz - stuck to sparking water and tea otherwise.
CSD was chatty and personable - certainly one of the better ones and did come at the beginning and end of the flight to check if everything was to satisfaction. The standout was the very lovely gentleman who was serving my side of the cabin - he was excellent. Feedback submitted already regarding his approach and attitude towards his customers - if only he could be replicated across the fleets.
I was lucky enough to fly out to SEAA in LX F two weeks prior, and whilst the BA offering is not going to match the exclusivity and the subsequent price point of LX F, it was overall a good improvement on previous BA F iterations. For what I paid, I cannot really complain.
I was under the impression that there were new duvets and pillows, but I (think!) I had the old ones - the duvet which is not long enough to cover me (I am 188cm). The pillow was poor - I prefer the CW White Company one. I did get the day blanket and pillow, which was good. Cabin temperature was mostly ok, but did get pretty warm (not roasting hot) during the night.
The crockery was updated and was a good improvement. The food for dinner was normal BA F fare with a side of some sad looking vegetables. Despite asking for the steak to endure minimal cooking time, it was definitely on the well done side, but not the nuclear grey you do get in CW. At least the crew tried what they could. A nice pot of tea was delivered for breakfast which I enjoyed, and I only had fruit and some bircher muesli for breakfast so cannot comment here.
Canapes at the beginning of the flight were a nice touch, but I could not work out what they were really. Sampled both of the BrewDog beers (Aircraft was vile, and Speedbird was ok). Didn't have any other alcohol other than a PDB of fizz - stuck to sparking water and tea otherwise.
CSD was chatty and personable - certainly one of the better ones and did come at the beginning and end of the flight to check if everything was to satisfaction. The standout was the very lovely gentleman who was serving my side of the cabin - he was excellent. Feedback submitted already regarding his approach and attitude towards his customers - if only he could be replicated across the fleets.
I was lucky enough to fly out to SEAA in LX F two weeks prior, and whilst the BA offering is not going to match the exclusivity and the subsequent price point of LX F, it was overall a good improvement on previous BA F iterations. For what I paid, I cannot really complain.
May 20, 2019, 5:26 am
#439
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: UK
Programs: Lemonia. Best Greek ever.
Posts: 2,274
The Training point is correct, I believe.
Both Training in the service standards and delivering the service, AND soft skills training, like their old PPF training from many years ago, which did upgrade service delivery.
(Putting People First. Done in mid 80s and repeated in 2000. Marshall attended the beginning or end of every course, to show staff "this is important")
However, Lord Marshall knew this -The idea, in a nutshell, is that companies can’t afford to have amismatch between what they promise in their advertising and whatcustomers experience in real life.
I am not sure that the current leadership understands that spin only works when the promise is delivered.
Marshall would not have allowed Tea without Tea.
Both Training in the service standards and delivering the service, AND soft skills training, like their old PPF training from many years ago, which did upgrade service delivery.
(Putting People First. Done in mid 80s and repeated in 2000. Marshall attended the beginning or end of every course, to show staff "this is important")
However, Lord Marshall knew this -The idea, in a nutshell, is that companies can’t afford to have amismatch between what they promise in their advertising and whatcustomers experience in real life.
I am not sure that the current leadership understands that spin only works when the promise is delivered.
Marshall would not have allowed Tea without Tea.
Jun 6, 2019, 4:43 am
#440
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: London
Posts: 10
Champagne Flutes and New Plates
Does anyone know if you can purchase the Champagne Flutes and New Plates available in First?
The flute is beautiful and I rather love the new plates too! I know the flutes are made by Dartington but can't seem to find much online from my limited searching...
The flute is beautiful and I rather love the new plates too! I know the flutes are made by Dartington but can't seem to find much online from my limited searching...
Jun 6, 2019, 12:13 pm
#441
Join Date: Dec 2017
Posts: 574
https://onemileatatime.com/wp-conten......-787-21.jpg
Surprised anyone is taking the new headphones, given they're just generic junk ones that a high end audio company agreed to put their name on.
Surprised anyone is taking the new headphones, given they're just generic junk ones that a high end audio company agreed to put their name on.
Jun 6, 2019, 3:52 pm
#442
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: NYC
Posts: 280
I was a little too hard on the headphones - I used them on my recent flight and found them to be acceptable. Not as good as Bose on Cathay or B&O on AA/SQ, or Grado on JetBlue, but serviceable and better than the Phitek stuff you'll see on other carriers or the crap Delta has had.
Lobster Tortelloni was fantastic, and the canapes were delicious as well. I'd avoid the beef ex-LHR though (the one I had going ex-SEA though was very good.) All in all really like the in-flight experience, even on the 747.
Sadly the ground experience at LHR was just not good by business class standards. 15 minute queue to check my bags. Hour-plus wait for the shower. No record of my cabana reservation (not that I really like them but would've helped with the hour wait for the shower.) Elemis Spa is a monument to disappointment and feels like an operation run out of an off-price shopping centre. CCR food is.. well, actually my food was pretty nice and enjoy the little booths. It feels like they tried to mimic the features of the Virgin Atlantic ground experience on paper but gave it half of the operating budget.
Lobster Tortelloni was fantastic, and the canapes were delicious as well. I'd avoid the beef ex-LHR though (the one I had going ex-SEA though was very good.) All in all really like the in-flight experience, even on the 747.
Sadly the ground experience at LHR was just not good by business class standards. 15 minute queue to check my bags. Hour-plus wait for the shower. No record of my cabana reservation (not that I really like them but would've helped with the hour wait for the shower.) Elemis Spa is a monument to disappointment and feels like an operation run out of an off-price shopping centre. CCR food is.. well, actually my food was pretty nice and enjoy the little booths. It feels like they tried to mimic the features of the Virgin Atlantic ground experience on paper but gave it half of the operating budget.
Jun 14, 2019, 8:33 am
#444
Join Date: Oct 1999
Location: New York
Posts: 7,347
I love the new First Class meal service
I have just flown my first BA first class flight, after the new changes.
I was very impressed with the first class catering. The new canapés were great and I like the variety.
I love the improved selection and the lobster Caesar salad is excellent.
I love how they served soup now - pouring the liquid over your soup bowl in front of you.
The only disappointment was the Apple Strudel, which was a bit powdery.
The new bedding is wonderful, despite the blanket is still on the short side. The amenity kit is fine to me, but I find it strange that there are no longer slippers.
However, I am not a fan of the new pajama. The old one wasn't that great to start from, but this new one still has the obviously low quality material. The cotton drawstring around the waste was replaced by a ribbon and that did not even survive the flight.
June 2019
British Airways First
BA 173 London Heathrow to New York John F Kennedy Airport
New Hot towel served in a plastic tray
Pre-takeoff beverage with warmed mixed nuts
New beverage coaster
Lunch
Warm bakery selection served with butter and first DNA certified extra virgin olive oil Vubia from Costello Monte Vibiano, Umbria
Canapés
Cured Scottish salmon with avocado cream, goat’s cheese with beetroot and crackers, British beef tataki with green beans and sesame mayonnaise
[Crackers are no longer crispy if you pre-placed them… replace it with bread… or something that won’t become soggy]
Starters
Melon salad
Feta cheese, olives, mint, pistachios
Burrata
fresh figs, rosemary, roasted black olives
Grilled South Coast Lobster
Caesar salad
Miso soup
Smoked tofu, braised pak choi
Seasonal mixed leaf salad
Spicy lemon vinaigrette or creamy honey mustard dressing
Mains
British free-range spring chicken
Pineapple curry, coriander rice
Baked North Atlantic Monkfish
mushy peas, tartar sauce
Seared fillet of veal
Taleggio polenta, herb jus
Handmade Mezzaluna
Ricotta, King Oyster mushrooms, panna sauce
Selection of Sides
Oven-roasted vegetables, rosemary potatoes, Brussels sprouts with bacon
Cheese
Quicke’s Vintage Cheddar
It has a rich and earthy flavor with notes of cellar and a fruity tang.
St. Endellion Brie
A luxury version of Cornish Brie made using double cream
Driftwood
A French-style cheese made from goat’s milk. This creamy-colored cheese’s taste becomes intense and oozy after maturation.
Harrogate Blue
A soft, creamy, blue-veined cheese delivering a mellow blue flavor with a hint of pepper.
Savory biscuits, spicy plum chutney
Dessert
DO & CO Lemon
Warm mini Apple Strudel
Vanilla sauce
{Not good at all… that is the most disappointing dish in the whole menu]
Vanilla ice cream
Raspberries, chocolate shards, strawberries, meringue drops
Chocolates by Lauden
Snacks
Enjoy a light bite at any time during your flight
Joe & Seph’s caramel and sea salt popcorn
A selection of British Kettle Chips
Seasonal cut fruit
Afternoon Tea
We invite you to experience our afternoon tea service, celebrating the Great British tradition of high tea, with a selection of sandwiches, delicious handmade pastries and sweet treats.
Sandwiches
Salmon with cream cheese on dark tramezzini, cucumber mint trio, roast beef with tartar sauce on brioche roll
Cold Cuts
Goat’s curd, prosciutto, melon, mint
Patisserie
A selection of fine patisserie featuring
Chocolate éclair
Strawberry Tart
Pistachio Macaron
Scones & Jam
Freshly baked plain or fruit scones with clotted cream and strawberry preserve
Champagnes & Sparkling Wine
Laurent-Perrier Grand Sičcle, Champagne, France
Gusbourne Limited Release Twenty Fifteen, Kent, England
Lanson Rosé NV, Champagne, France
White Wines
Chablis Grand Cru Bougros 2015, Burgundy, France
Pouilly-Fuissé 2015, Burgundy, France
Leyda Reserva, Sauvignon Blanc 2018, Wairau Valley, New Zealand
Rolland Galarreta 2017, D.O. Rueda, Spain
Red Wines
Chateau Cantemerle 2014, Bordeaux, France
Fleurie La Rčserva 2013, Villa Ponciago, Beaujolais, France
Medalla Real Syrah 2015, Mendoza, Argentina
Dessert Wines
Royal Tokaji 5 Puttonyos Aszú 2013, Tokaj, Hungary
Warre’s 2009, Colheita Tawny Port
113, 115, 173, 175, 177, 179, 183 120F014-ROT3 6/19
I was very impressed with the first class catering. The new canapés were great and I like the variety.
I love the improved selection and the lobster Caesar salad is excellent.
I love how they served soup now - pouring the liquid over your soup bowl in front of you.
The only disappointment was the Apple Strudel, which was a bit powdery.
The new bedding is wonderful, despite the blanket is still on the short side. The amenity kit is fine to me, but I find it strange that there are no longer slippers.
However, I am not a fan of the new pajama. The old one wasn't that great to start from, but this new one still has the obviously low quality material. The cotton drawstring around the waste was replaced by a ribbon and that did not even survive the flight.
June 2019
British Airways First
BA 173 London Heathrow to New York John F Kennedy Airport
New Hot towel served in a plastic tray
Pre-takeoff beverage with warmed mixed nuts
New beverage coaster
Lunch
Warm bakery selection served with butter and first DNA certified extra virgin olive oil Vubia from Costello Monte Vibiano, Umbria
Canapés
Cured Scottish salmon with avocado cream, goat’s cheese with beetroot and crackers, British beef tataki with green beans and sesame mayonnaise
[Crackers are no longer crispy if you pre-placed them… replace it with bread… or something that won’t become soggy]
Starters
Melon salad
Feta cheese, olives, mint, pistachios
Burrata
fresh figs, rosemary, roasted black olives
Grilled South Coast Lobster
Caesar salad
Miso soup
Smoked tofu, braised pak choi
Seasonal mixed leaf salad
Spicy lemon vinaigrette or creamy honey mustard dressing
Mains
British free-range spring chicken
Pineapple curry, coriander rice
Baked North Atlantic Monkfish
mushy peas, tartar sauce
Seared fillet of veal
Taleggio polenta, herb jus
Handmade Mezzaluna
Ricotta, King Oyster mushrooms, panna sauce
Selection of Sides
Oven-roasted vegetables, rosemary potatoes, Brussels sprouts with bacon
Cheese
Quicke’s Vintage Cheddar
It has a rich and earthy flavor with notes of cellar and a fruity tang.
St. Endellion Brie
A luxury version of Cornish Brie made using double cream
Driftwood
A French-style cheese made from goat’s milk. This creamy-colored cheese’s taste becomes intense and oozy after maturation.
Harrogate Blue
A soft, creamy, blue-veined cheese delivering a mellow blue flavor with a hint of pepper.
Savory biscuits, spicy plum chutney
Dessert
DO & CO Lemon
Warm mini Apple Strudel
Vanilla sauce
{Not good at all… that is the most disappointing dish in the whole menu]
Vanilla ice cream
Raspberries, chocolate shards, strawberries, meringue drops
Chocolates by Lauden
Snacks
Enjoy a light bite at any time during your flight
Joe & Seph’s caramel and sea salt popcorn
A selection of British Kettle Chips
Seasonal cut fruit
Afternoon Tea
We invite you to experience our afternoon tea service, celebrating the Great British tradition of high tea, with a selection of sandwiches, delicious handmade pastries and sweet treats.
Sandwiches
Salmon with cream cheese on dark tramezzini, cucumber mint trio, roast beef with tartar sauce on brioche roll
Cold Cuts
Goat’s curd, prosciutto, melon, mint
Patisserie
A selection of fine patisserie featuring
Chocolate éclair
Strawberry Tart
Pistachio Macaron
Scones & Jam
Freshly baked plain or fruit scones with clotted cream and strawberry preserve
Champagnes & Sparkling Wine
Laurent-Perrier Grand Sičcle, Champagne, France
Gusbourne Limited Release Twenty Fifteen, Kent, England
Lanson Rosé NV, Champagne, France
White Wines
Chablis Grand Cru Bougros 2015, Burgundy, France
Pouilly-Fuissé 2015, Burgundy, France
Leyda Reserva, Sauvignon Blanc 2018, Wairau Valley, New Zealand
Rolland Galarreta 2017, D.O. Rueda, Spain
Red Wines
Chateau Cantemerle 2014, Bordeaux, France
Fleurie La Rčserva 2013, Villa Ponciago, Beaujolais, France
Medalla Real Syrah 2015, Mendoza, Argentina
Dessert Wines
Royal Tokaji 5 Puttonyos Aszú 2013, Tokaj, Hungary
Warre’s 2009, Colheita Tawny Port
113, 115, 173, 175, 177, 179, 183 120F014-ROT3 6/19
Jun 14, 2019, 10:02 am
#447
Join Date: Apr 2015
Programs: Some
Posts: 5,252
I have just flown my first BA first class flight, after the new changes.
I was very impressed with the first class catering. The new canapés were great and I like the variety.
I love the improved selection and the lobster Caesar salad is excellent.
I love how they served soup now - pouring the liquid over your soup bowl in front of you.
The only disappointment was the Apple Strudel, which was a bit powdery.
The new bedding is wonderful, despite the blanket is still on the short side. The amenity kit is fine to me, but I find it strange that there are no longer slippers.
However, I am not a fan of the new pajama. The old one wasn't that great to start from, but this new one still has the obviously low quality material. The cotton drawstring around the waste was replaced by a ribbon and that did not even survive the flight.
I was very impressed with the first class catering. The new canapés were great and I like the variety.
I love the improved selection and the lobster Caesar salad is excellent.
I love how they served soup now - pouring the liquid over your soup bowl in front of you.
The only disappointment was the Apple Strudel, which was a bit powdery.
The new bedding is wonderful, despite the blanket is still on the short side. The amenity kit is fine to me, but I find it strange that there are no longer slippers.
However, I am not a fan of the new pajama. The old one wasn't that great to start from, but this new one still has the obviously low quality material. The cotton drawstring around the waste was replaced by a ribbon and that did not even survive the flight.
You spend a lot of the time flying CX, right? At the risk of rocking the boat a little here, CX F catering is a very low bar to beat to me. I find it pretty poor (basically it's caviar then a load of stuff you'd get in J on other carriers apart from the Kaiseki service to/from TYO) and would say BA F catering is better on average.
Jun 14, 2019, 10:18 am
#450
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 3,190
Thanks CIHY, but that's not really what I was asking. Some mains seem to automatically come with the vegetable side, and others do not. I was wondering what the logic was (if any) behind that.
rb211.