chriswiles

I flew from 10A to JFK in F in March and I didn't find boarding a pleasing experience, made worse by the fact I was originally told we were leaving from T5C and made my way to the B lounge (it was early morning, so only wanted breakfast, coffee and to check my laptop). Not only did I end up having to walk back to T5A, but the gate was right at the end of the section and it was a sunny day and it was sweltering standing in there.

They called Group 0 and two very well dressed New Yorker's got on the bus and I did chuckle as they looked ridiculous sat on there. Think of a very well dressed couple in their 60s, all in camel colours, lady with a fair few diamonds. And they were first to board and then had to wait for all the others to join them in Groups 1-4.

I agree with the others though: you rarely will get a bus solo to the plane. Heathrow doesn't run shuttle runs for individual flyers. The last bus is likely to wait as long as possible, which is another reason why I avoid the last bus. It's often wiser to get on the first as it does tend to leave within 10 minutes of boarding. Often much less.

rockflyertalk

I�ll be very interested to see what happens to F pricing both in cash and points when a new exclusive F cabin is live. This may lead to more changes in the ground experience to match the onboard experience, perhaps less shabby buses or a fleet of vehicles as most request on FT. Having room to accommodate 10 or so luxury saloons or 4x4s on the tarmac at LHR can�t be an easy thing to implement. Or maybe no change at all given its A380. Do all A380s go from C gates?

KARFA

Yes pretty much guaranteed for a T5C gate for an A380. There are some A380 gates on T5B, but they are very very rarely used. Also bussing for an A380 seems similarly rare.

Tiger_lily

Can�t be enough buses free at the same time for a 380

chriswiles

Actually, that reminds me. So when I said above we left from A10 after I was told T5C, it was the longest bus ride ever as it turned out the 777 was at T5C, but on a remote stand off T5C. Quite the bus journey!

Unless BA can allow boarding from the CCR, can't see how they'd run vehicles or unique buses from the gates. You'd have to assume all your F passengers are there at the same time as some like to arrive early to board first and others like to maximise their time in the lounge. Would be a right palaver trying to coordinate.

HarryHolden68

Not really. "Transport from the CCR for First passengers will be at xx:xx. If you will allow me to hold your passport, I will come and fetch you at that time. If you prefer to make your own way to the gate, please keep hold of your passport."

Tiger_lily

Simples. Keep hold of passengers passports, stick them in a pile or pigeon hole for each flight and just round everyone up when it�s time to go. A bit like FRA but with less subtlety

emworksintv

Worked for me when boarding from A10 a month back. Sat at the front on the single left-hand side seat, filmed the entire journey (not sure if that's allowed, actually!) and was the first person off - and hence the first person up the boarding steps. First time I've ever been the first person on-board (other than the crew).

KARFA

Er, we need to keep this �travel hack� between us