david55

After my first FC flight recently on BA I reflected on how much I loved the experience.....except...... the arrival at LHR and my terminal transfer. From the moment I disembarked my international arrival flight to the time I found a bit of refuge in a FC lounge waiting to for my next flight, I was plunged into the chaos and unfamilarity (for me) of terminal transfer lines, security, busses among the masses. Essentially, as arrogant as this sounds, we lost all our FC "privilages", while transfering from one plane to another.

Has BA ever taken better care of its FC passengers during this part of the journey before, or has it always been a free-for-all classless march during transit.

BA1A

Not in my lifetime. BA are one of the worst airlines when it comes to the softer side of the First class product and just expect for you to fend for yourself, such as when they decide to use a coaching stand

HIDDY

You are having a good old moan today aren't you?

DrBernardo

Believe it or not, it used to be even more of a classless free-for-all! In the old days of T4 and the T1 flight connections centre, there wasn't even segregation at security - I used to regard the premium pax channel at the FCC as the height of consideration and luxury. Just goes to show - treat em mean, keep em keen!

The Saint

Agreed. BA offers virtually no differentiation on the ground between Y and F. The coaching arrangements are probably the best (worst) example. You have as much chance of being wedged into a coach and spending a 15 min journey to a remote stand under the sweaty armpit of a Sumo wrestler if you are in F or Y.

number_6

In the past some airlines tried to capitalize on this (as they could not match other elements of BA F service) and offer private car tarmac transfers for F pax. But that ended with the security changes in 2001. It was a very effective service in terms of avoiding lines and buses, saving a lot of time. LH does this now for all F pax at FRA and MUC. At LHR AA did this and so did UA when they had concierge service (no longer).

mktozd

This is a REAL hole in an otherwise top-end product. In 2003, I was with a group of colleagues and someone from special services met us to make the transfer, but I can not tell you why other than the number of full CW fares we represented.

virtualtroy

And observing other posts on here (albeit based mostly on speculation and the odd informed comment), in these cost-cutting times, BA's strategy is for very limited improvements to the soft product. Based on the research it carries out, I guess this doesn't come back as a major product differentiator, which I find a shame, and will likely make me more likely to choose revenue tix on carriers which do. But then that's just me and we live in an age driven by mere statistics.

The _Banking_Scot

Hi,

Although I gather from several posts here that the ground experience for F pax may be improved next year ( ie separate F Buses?) but do not know any firm timescales ( or will this be postponed?)

Regards

TBS

virtualtroy

It's still buses though, conceded an improvement over what's existing, but hardly an apppropriately premium experience.

Just to put it into perspective for a selection of key high yield routes, fully flexible F r/t (and yes, I know BA's cabin isn't rammed with 'em but does a good job of keeping up appearances, through various tactical responses - cf. pay full fare J, fly F and recent fabulous award miles offer):

LHRJFK GBP 7.6 to 8.6k
LHRGRU GBP 9.2 to 9.7k
LHRHKG from GBP 7.4 to 14.3k

(as a point aside, anyone involved in financial markets will be interested in the spreads on the above v. current economic conditions)

What would you expect for that? (Irrespective of whether you were paying out of your own pocket?)

vt

HIDDY

Well, instead of the sweaty armpit of a Sumo wrestler in my face. Perhaps a comfy seat on a bus looking into the eyes of Angelina Jolie would be a good start?

Joking aside I hope the ground F experience will improve despite the postponement of the new seat. I do hope the new CCR service has improved as it was nothing great when I was in the old one last.....and I don't just mean the waiting staff.The desk staff were a pretty miserable bunch with not much to do or say. A bit more interaction with the customers I thought would be a good thing.

OPebble

Sorry I disagree. Once I have got to the CCR after a "Welcome Mr Opebble - please come in" the last thing I want is being interrupted by staff enquiring as to my well being and do I want anything?

Leave me alone to relax! I am big enough to go get or ask if there's anything I want.

virtualtroy

Not a huge amount has changed on both counts. They've swapped out the stroppy Filipinos for minimum wage replacements with good intentions but poor experience. As for the desk staff, this could be hugely better from witin the existing pool.

The _Banking_Scot

Hi,

Last time I was in the Concorde room ( heading up to EDI after flying in from LAX in F) it took a few minutes to be served at the bar ( just a diet coke) and a little while to be served at the seats ( pot of tea) and the lounge did seem a little bit undermanned ( people waitng at the bar whilst the bar people were elsewhere in the lounge.

Sometimes you just want something quick to drink ( esp coming off a long haul) and the first lounge would be quicker for this.

For the top lounge, there could have been a few more staff for quicker service ( for example the Virgin Clubhoude had a large number of staff and I have never had to wait to be served ( YMMV of course) plus a selection of snacks and drinks in fridge cabinets for self service

Regards

TBS

HIDDY

Well you might have got a "Welcome Mr OPebble, come in and relax. Are you familiar with the facilities or have you visited before? If not, let me show you the facilities on offer but only if you wish. As you are travelling in First we recognise you are a valuable BA customer so if there is anything you want to know about your flight please let me know. I shall personally inform you when your flight is ready for boarding and shall escort you to the gate."

My experience should have been like the above but it was not.The desk staff were cold and not very welcoming at all and I would have appreciated someone coming over to us and enquiring if everything was okay.