With thanks to
krug for kicking this off originally.
Firstly,
this is a useful thread packed full of information. However, some key points:
- Ensure you use the First check in area (and get your Fast Track security stamp at LHR T4)
- Do make sure you visit both the First and Concorde Lounges in T4 (probably "last chance to see" the original CR as T5 opened in March 2008), and make full use of the Galleries First/Concorde Room in T5 (and if you’re a real geek, check out the other BA lounges too – you have carte blanche on access!)
- Just prior to the Lounge, go immediately to the Elemis Spa and book a treatment and enjoy a Steam Shower (better than a regular shower!), and ensure you get any nice freebie products on offer. DO NOT remove your underwear for treatments!
- Enjoy a Bacon Butty in the Lounge. Make sure you request the decent champagne (e.g. Belle Epoque) in the F/Concorde Lounge if it’s not out. If you are there in the afternoon, try the traditional British afternoon tea (instead or as well
)!
- In T5, enjoy pre-flight dining at the restaurant all day long.
- Get to the gate reasonably early so you can rest up in your seat and enjoy the pre-flight drinkies (especially if it’s a ‘quiet’ flight and BA don’t have a priority boarding line
). (Stupid) Customs regulations in theory prevent staff offering you anything except drinks where duty has been pre-paid (i.e. Champagne). However, in First, it doesn’t hurt to ask for something else you’d fancy from the bar (e.g. G&T) and they may be able to accommodate you (otherwise, it will definitely be like in CW where the official offering is Water/OJ/Champagne only)
- Don’t be afraid to (discreetly) tell the crew it’s your first First if it really is – invariably they will spoil you rotten if you get a good crew!
- If you’re male, request the shaving kit to go with your Anya Hindmarch BAg. The standard BAg is now unisex, but this is the remaining additional insert on offer.
- Assuming you’re on a 747, do visit the loo for the window while peeing experience (!)
- Consider using the buddy seat while you dine if travelling as a pair
- Immediately ask for a video from the selection (if your plane doesn’t have AVOD) to get ‘first dibs’ on what you want
- On current menus ex-LHR, the ‘Catch of the Day’ is invariably excellent ^
- Make sure you get the PJs even on a day flight - keep room in your carry on bag for the BAg, slippers and PJs!
- Do check the back to see if
www.newclubworld.com is installed on your flight for AVOD.
- If coming in to LHR make sure you make use of the Arrivals Lounge breakfast, shower and massage (note the Arrivals lounge closes at 2pm with breakfast disappearing from about midday).
- And finally, a little perspective - don't expect too much; it's ‘only’ a seat in a plane and cannot deliver the earth (well, hopefully not
), if that's your mindset you should leave very satisfied indeed ^