Dubrovnik and Croatia's Spectacular Dalmatian Coast via Lufthansa First Class
Oct 1, 2020, 4:51 pm
#76
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.......Dubrovnik/Croatia is now firmly on my to-do list 
Oct 1, 2020, 4:52 pm
#77
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Join Date: Nov 2007
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BA Club Europe to London
Saturday morning and it's time to go home. BA is not my first, second or even third choice but today, from Split, it is the only practical, civilized time option and the only one with First Class. Depsite the "You can check in now for your flight to London" note on my app, another note says "Online check in is not available for this flight". But, of course.
Another beautiful morning in Split as we departed the hotel at 9am for our 30 minute drive to the airport.
And, this is as close as we could get as, unlike at Dubrovnik, the road to the terminal was closed to traffic. But, of course.
Inside, the are no airline specific counters. Just a general check in for all airlines.
As there weren't a lot of passengers checking in, we didn't have to wait long to check in and get our boarding passes.
There was no wait at security and we were thru into the terminal in a couple of minutes. Just inside security are stairs to the Business Lounge.
Which BA Business Class passengers can access.
I left Mrs. SFO777 downstairs while I went to check out if it was worth the climb. It wasn't so I took a few pics, a bottle of water and some snacks and headed back to the main terminal waiting area.
We sat for a while in the domestic part of the terminal...
Before heading to passport control and the larger international wing.
Split SPU to London LHR
BA
A319
11:30a-1:10p (sked)
11:30a-12:50p (actual)
Seats 1DF
Boarding was announced at around T-25 and we headed down the stairs to the tarmac.
At the top of the stairs, we were greeted by two crew members including our wonderful Customer Service Manager/Flight Attendant Lewis. To our bulkhead Economy seats which BA calls Club Europe Business Class. LOL.
OK, well that doesn't look like it was COVID-cleaned before we boarded.
The bulkhead seats are the only good "Business Class" seats on BA and most European airlines' short haul European flights.
Good-bye Croatia. Hope to see you again.
As for inflight food and beverage, BA has cut expenses by eliminating plated meals, glasses and real cutlery for passengers. Except for crew meals which continue to be plated, with real glasses and cutlery. Apparently, it is impossible to transmit COVID to crew members. LOL. Today's lunch. We had a choice of chicken caesar sandwich or the ominous sounding cheese and carmelized onion sandwich.
We both chose the chicken caesar which didn't taste very caesar-y. Indeed, it didn't have much taste of anything.
I had been forwarned about what to expect on board, so I came prepared with my own DIY package including plastic napkins, whiskey tumbler, disposable plates and cutlery. Didn't taste any better, but it definitely looked better after I plated it.
The Do&Co chocolate was tasty... with another G&T.
All in all, a pleasant flight primarily due to the outstanding and personable service from our CSM/FA Lewis.
Saturday morning and it's time to go home. BA is not my first, second or even third choice but today, from Split, it is the only practical, civilized time option and the only one with First Class. Depsite the "You can check in now for your flight to London" note on my app, another note says "Online check in is not available for this flight". But, of course.
Another beautiful morning in Split as we departed the hotel at 9am for our 30 minute drive to the airport.
And, this is as close as we could get as, unlike at Dubrovnik, the road to the terminal was closed to traffic. But, of course.
Inside, the are no airline specific counters. Just a general check in for all airlines.
As there weren't a lot of passengers checking in, we didn't have to wait long to check in and get our boarding passes.
There was no wait at security and we were thru into the terminal in a couple of minutes. Just inside security are stairs to the Business Lounge.
Which BA Business Class passengers can access.
I left Mrs. SFO777 downstairs while I went to check out if it was worth the climb. It wasn't so I took a few pics, a bottle of water and some snacks and headed back to the main terminal waiting area.
We sat for a while in the domestic part of the terminal...
Before heading to passport control and the larger international wing.
Split SPU to London LHR
BA
A319
11:30a-1:10p (sked)
11:30a-12:50p (actual)
Seats 1DF
Boarding was announced at around T-25 and we headed down the stairs to the tarmac.
At the top of the stairs, we were greeted by two crew members including our wonderful Customer Service Manager/Flight Attendant Lewis. To our bulkhead Economy seats which BA calls Club Europe Business Class. LOL.
OK, well that doesn't look like it was COVID-cleaned before we boarded.
The bulkhead seats are the only good "Business Class" seats on BA and most European airlines' short haul European flights.
Good-bye Croatia. Hope to see you again.
As for inflight food and beverage, BA has cut expenses by eliminating plated meals, glasses and real cutlery for passengers. Except for crew meals which continue to be plated, with real glasses and cutlery. Apparently, it is impossible to transmit COVID to crew members. LOL. Today's lunch. We had a choice of chicken caesar sandwich or the ominous sounding cheese and carmelized onion sandwich.
We both chose the chicken caesar which didn't taste very caesar-y. Indeed, it didn't have much taste of anything.
I had been forwarned about what to expect on board, so I came prepared with my own DIY package including plastic napkins, whiskey tumbler, disposable plates and cutlery. Didn't taste any better, but it definitely looked better after I plated it.
The Do&Co chocolate was tasty... with another G&T.
All in all, a pleasant flight primarily due to the outstanding and personable service from our CSM/FA Lewis.
Oct 1, 2020, 4:54 pm
#78
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver • DEN-APA
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Posts: 21,592
Fortunately, our T5 arrival gate was close to the T5 Flight Connections lane, where we followed Fast Track.
And our first miserable-BA-employee encounter of the day. She admonished passengers for not using the electronic gates with a not so friendly "don't stand in line, go use the electrronic gates". Of course, the electronic gattes weren't working so we all got a "Please see BA Agent" which made her even more of a rhymes-with-witch. She barked at a few more people before escorting some hapless passenger to parts unknown. Fortunately, her colleague was more pleasant, checked our reservation and re-issued our Split Airport boarding passes on BA stock.
Not much traffic on the way to security.
And naturally, more than half the carry-ons, including mine were being kicked out for futher inspection.
Fifteen minutes later, we were good to go... shopping. LOL.
And then to the BA Lounges and the current temporary Concorde Room, the old Galleries First Terrace, which looked like this last summer.
OK, much better than the Beach.
With lots of beverages displayed.
... including the good stuff. But don't even think about touching or trying to pour a drink for yourself lest you risk getting your wrist slapped.
All OK in concept but apparently someone forgot that it gets warm out here, even warmerr when the sun shines. I would estimate the terrace temp in the sun was pushing 30C, but well north of 25C even in the shade. Contrast that with a pleasant 21/22 inside. Then there was the unaccpetable power outlet situation. These were the only two outlets in the entire terrace. I borrowed a charger for my phone but had to leave my laptop inside to charge. More BA intelligence.
Food options presumably the same as inside.
On the other hand, Mrs. SFO777 ate the entire Loaded Nachos with chili and was so full that she hardly ate anything on the 11 hour flight to LAX.
All in all, The Concorde Terrace was fine, except for the warm temps and lack of power outlets. Nice to see BA didn't cut back the liquor offerings as LPGS and Johnny Blue were readily available. And unlike with Lufthansa at FRA, at least there was a First Class Lounge for us to use. At around T-60, we headed out for our far distance B42. Planning for the worst, we stopped at Gordon Ramsay Plane Food... just in case.
And our first miserable-BA-employee encounter of the day. She admonished passengers for not using the electronic gates with a not so friendly "don't stand in line, go use the electrronic gates". Of course, the electronic gattes weren't working so we all got a "Please see BA Agent" which made her even more of a rhymes-with-witch. She barked at a few more people before escorting some hapless passenger to parts unknown. Fortunately, her colleague was more pleasant, checked our reservation and re-issued our Split Airport boarding passes on BA stock.
Not much traffic on the way to security.
And naturally, more than half the carry-ons, including mine were being kicked out for futher inspection.
Fifteen minutes later, we were good to go... shopping. LOL.
And then to the BA Lounges and the current temporary Concorde Room, the old Galleries First Terrace, which looked like this last summer.
OK, much better than the Beach.
With lots of beverages displayed.
... including the good stuff. But don't even think about touching or trying to pour a drink for yourself lest you risk getting your wrist slapped.
All OK in concept but apparently someone forgot that it gets warm out here, even warmerr when the sun shines. I would estimate the terrace temp in the sun was pushing 30C, but well north of 25C even in the shade. Contrast that with a pleasant 21/22 inside. Then there was the unaccpetable power outlet situation. These were the only two outlets in the entire terrace. I borrowed a charger for my phone but had to leave my laptop inside to charge. More BA intelligence.
Food options presumably the same as inside.
On the other hand, Mrs. SFO777 ate the entire Loaded Nachos with chili and was so full that she hardly ate anything on the 11 hour flight to LAX.
All in all, The Concorde Terrace was fine, except for the warm temps and lack of power outlets. Nice to see BA didn't cut back the liquor offerings as LPGS and Johnny Blue were readily available. And unlike with Lufthansa at FRA, at least there was a First Class Lounge for us to use. At around T-60, we headed out for our far distance B42. Planning for the worst, we stopped at Gordon Ramsay Plane Food... just in case.
Oct 1, 2020, 4:56 pm
#79
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Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver • DEN-APA
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Posts: 21,592
BA "First Class" LOL to LAX
London LHR to Los Angeles LAX
British Airways BA269
B787
4:15pm-7:20pm
September 19, 2020
Seats 1K and 2K
After the train ride, the elevator and the long trek to B42, the furthest possible gate location in the B concourse, we were boarded. Gate agent was a comedian saying 'just head down the esclator and from there, it's only a mile or so walk ". LOL. And not that far wrong.
On board, nice enough... if one is flying Business Class. Not very First Class though.
Unlike our excellent and personable CSM/FA Lewis on SPU-LHR, our two cabin crew members today were disintereste and just going thru the motions. No personality, warmth or interest. Passed out PJs...
... and amenity kit...
... which actually had more usable items than LH.
But that's where it ended. Our Predeparture Beverage, handed out with no offer of anything else. LOL.
A far cry from real First Class and last week's Lufthansa First COVID service on LAX-FRA.
Lufthansa First Class pre-departure beverage set-up.
... and service.
And away we go.
Once in the air, world famous BA COVID First Class begins. LOL. I asked for a Gin & Tonic and got a Gin & Light Tonic, because they are just the same anyway right? And it was poured in the galley, apparently against BA COVID service protocol.
Just like Lufthansa First. LOL.
At this point, I went to my DIY kit and at least tried to make BA look at least Premium Economy.
More of the same on round two although our FA make sure to bring a proper G&T. And also, a bottle of BA First cheap Class champagne with lovely BA flute, again poured in the galley.
Showtime, BA First COVID style. So far, so good.
The BA First Class Meal Box...
Uh-huh. Nicely packaged though. LOL.
And of course, just like Lufthansa First Class COVID meal service. Amazing that German cabin crews are immune to COVID which preparing and service meals.
Back to reality and BA, I brought out my DIY kit to at least make it a little more attractive and palatable.
The salad was fresh and tasty.
And the tuna tartare was quite good.
For the hot main, we had a choice of chicken curry or pasta, staples of pre-COVID BA Economy or Premium Economy meal service.
Looked better on my DIY plates. I like curry so it was fine especially with another round of Gin & Real Tonic. Just not very First Class.
Meanwhile over in proper First Class on a real airline...
Germans can also pour real wine at your seat without contracting COVID. OMG.
And a surprising cheese and dessert trio.
My second Do&Co mousse of the day... with another G&T.
Alas, our Gordon Ramsay Buffalo Fried Chicken sandwich which wound up being the culinary highlight of the flight.
Before going to sleep, I made the rounds of the other cabins. Maybe 12 pax in Business, 10 in Premium Economy and another 15 or so in Economy, where seemingly everyone gets lie flat seating today. LOL.
One of our FAs made our beds and we pretty much slept the rest of the flight.
Good or bad, BA made sense for us today as was the only same day combo back to LAX that didn't involve a 4am wake up call. Even pre-Covid, BA ranks near the bottom of international First Class ranking. BA's First Class COVID service is pathetic. The BA cut backs have nothing to do with COVID health rules. If they did, then I wouldn't have seen properly plated hot meals being prepped in the galley for cabin staff. It is nothing more than BA cutting costs under the guise of COVID.
Downstairs, LAX's massive CBP facility was deserted. We were the only arrival at that time. Needless to say, we were outside in just a few minutes. And back home in The OC an hour later. What a wonderful trip with lots of memories of beautiful Croatia. Thanks for following along.
For more pics and an HD version of this report, please visit SFO777.com...
• Off to Croatia
• Lufthansa 747-8 First Class to Frankfurt
• The Special Hell that is Frankfurt
• Lufthansa Euro-fraud Business Class to Dubrovnik
• Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik
• Historic Dubrovnik
• Picturesque Cavtat
• Croatia Wine Tasting
• Villa Korta Katarina
• Korcula
• Orebic to Split including Ferry
• Hotel Park - Split
• Split
• British Airways Club Europe Split-London
• BA Concorde Terrace LHR
• British Airways pathetic Covid-era "First Class" to LAX
London LHR to Los Angeles LAX
British Airways BA269
B787
4:15pm-7:20pm
September 19, 2020
Seats 1K and 2K
After the train ride, the elevator and the long trek to B42, the furthest possible gate location in the B concourse, we were boarded. Gate agent was a comedian saying 'just head down the esclator and from there, it's only a mile or so walk ". LOL. And not that far wrong.
On board, nice enough... if one is flying Business Class. Not very First Class though.
Unlike our excellent and personable CSM/FA Lewis on SPU-LHR, our two cabin crew members today were disintereste and just going thru the motions. No personality, warmth or interest. Passed out PJs...
... and amenity kit...
... which actually had more usable items than LH.
But that's where it ended. Our Predeparture Beverage, handed out with no offer of anything else. LOL.
A far cry from real First Class and last week's Lufthansa First COVID service on LAX-FRA.
Lufthansa First Class pre-departure beverage set-up.
... and service.
And away we go.
Once in the air, world famous BA COVID First Class begins. LOL. I asked for a Gin & Tonic and got a Gin & Light Tonic, because they are just the same anyway right? And it was poured in the galley, apparently against BA COVID service protocol.
Just like Lufthansa First. LOL.
At this point, I went to my DIY kit and at least tried to make BA look at least Premium Economy.
More of the same on round two although our FA make sure to bring a proper G&T. And also, a bottle of BA First cheap Class champagne with lovely BA flute, again poured in the galley.
Showtime, BA First COVID style. So far, so good.
The BA First Class Meal Box...
Uh-huh. Nicely packaged though. LOL.
And of course, just like Lufthansa First Class COVID meal service. Amazing that German cabin crews are immune to COVID which preparing and service meals.
Back to reality and BA, I brought out my DIY kit to at least make it a little more attractive and palatable.
The salad was fresh and tasty.
And the tuna tartare was quite good.
For the hot main, we had a choice of chicken curry or pasta, staples of pre-COVID BA Economy or Premium Economy meal service.
Looked better on my DIY plates. I like curry so it was fine especially with another round of Gin & Real Tonic. Just not very First Class.
Meanwhile over in proper First Class on a real airline...
Germans can also pour real wine at your seat without contracting COVID. OMG.
And a surprising cheese and dessert trio.
My second Do&Co mousse of the day... with another G&T.
Alas, our Gordon Ramsay Buffalo Fried Chicken sandwich which wound up being the culinary highlight of the flight.
Before going to sleep, I made the rounds of the other cabins. Maybe 12 pax in Business, 10 in Premium Economy and another 15 or so in Economy, where seemingly everyone gets lie flat seating today. LOL.
One of our FAs made our beds and we pretty much slept the rest of the flight.
Good or bad, BA made sense for us today as was the only same day combo back to LAX that didn't involve a 4am wake up call. Even pre-Covid, BA ranks near the bottom of international First Class ranking. BA's First Class COVID service is pathetic. The BA cut backs have nothing to do with COVID health rules. If they did, then I wouldn't have seen properly plated hot meals being prepped in the galley for cabin staff. It is nothing more than BA cutting costs under the guise of COVID.
Downstairs, LAX's massive CBP facility was deserted. We were the only arrival at that time. Needless to say, we were outside in just a few minutes. And back home in The OC an hour later. What a wonderful trip with lots of memories of beautiful Croatia. Thanks for following along.
For more pics and an HD version of this report, please visit SFO777.com...
• Off to Croatia
• Lufthansa 747-8 First Class to Frankfurt
• The Special Hell that is Frankfurt
• Lufthansa Euro-fraud Business Class to Dubrovnik
• Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik
• Historic Dubrovnik
• Picturesque Cavtat
• Croatia Wine Tasting
• Villa Korta Katarina
• Korcula
• Orebic to Split including Ferry
• Hotel Park - Split
• Split
• British Airways Club Europe Split-London
• BA Concorde Terrace LHR
• British Airways pathetic Covid-era "First Class" to LAX
Oct 1, 2020, 7:53 pm
#80
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Germany
Posts: 3,781
Thanks for an amazing trip report at a time when many of us can only dream of intercont travel!
So did you get real glass glasses from BA at the end, or was this glass part of your DIY kit too? Kudos for bringing your own plates aboard - must be a first for you
Quite shocking BA still uses tablecloth during COVID days, after all, the FA is in danger of getting infected while putting the tablecloth on the table. I guess bean counters missed that somehow
So did you get real glass glasses from BA at the end, or was this glass part of your DIY kit too? Kudos for bringing your own plates aboard - must be a first for you
Quite shocking BA still uses tablecloth during COVID days, after all, the FA is in danger of getting infected while putting the tablecloth on the table. I guess bean counters missed that somehow
Oct 1, 2020, 9:54 pm
#81
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver • DEN-APA
Programs: AF Platinum, EK Gold, AA EXP, UA 1K, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 21,592
Thanks for an amazing trip report at a time when many of us can only dream of intercont travel!
So did you get real glass glasses from BA at the end, or was this glass part of your DIY kit too? Kudos for bringing your own plates aboard - must be a first for you
Quite shocking BA still uses tablecloth during COVID days, after all, the FA is in danger of getting infected while putting the tablecloth on the table. I guess bean counters missed that somehow
So did you get real glass glasses from BA at the end, or was this glass part of your DIY kit too? Kudos for bringing your own plates aboard - must be a first for you
Quite shocking BA still uses tablecloth during COVID days, after all, the FA is in danger of getting infected while putting the tablecloth on the table. I guess bean counters missed that somehow
Oct 7, 2020, 1:08 am
#82
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 191
Looks lovely. I Will put it on the list. My sister and I usually take a trip each year and were scheduled to attend the Passion Play this past summer. Obviously canceled, along with Pagent of the Masters. 
I've been considering some of the Miraval Resorts, but Croatia looks lovely. I was in Slovenia at the end of January with one of my sons, and you should put it on your list...spectacular scenery, great food, lovely people and low tourism (ha).
I've been considering some of the Miraval Resorts, but Croatia looks lovely. I was in Slovenia at the end of January with one of my sons, and you should put it on your list...spectacular scenery, great food, lovely people and low tourism (ha).
Oct 12, 2020, 8:43 am
#85
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Austin, TX
Programs: BAEC Gold, HHonors Diamond, Marriott Titanium, UA Gold (*G), DL Silver, Makers Mark Ambassador
Posts: 4,632
Oct 12, 2020, 9:22 am
#86
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver • DEN-APA
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Posts: 21,592
Looks lovely. I Will put it on the list. My sister and I usually take a trip each year and were scheduled to attend the Passion Play this past summer. Obviously canceled, along with Pagent of the Masters. I've been considering some of the Miraval Resorts, but Croatia looks lovely. I was in Slovenia at the end of January with one of my sons, and you should put it on your list...spectacular scenery, great food, lovely people and low tourism (ha).
I've been considering some of the Miraval Resorts, but Croatia looks lovely. I was in Slovenia at the end of January with one of my sons, and you should put it on your list...spectacular scenery, great food, lovely people and low tourism (ha).
Oct 31, 2020, 7:54 am
#88
FlyerTalk Evangelist
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Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver • DEN-APA
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Posts: 21,592
Nov 14, 2020, 11:01 am
#89
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: MCO, DCA, IAD
Programs: UA GS 1MM, Marriott Ambassador & Lifetime Titanium, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 2,134
Great report!! Thank you for all the detailed info. After ready your report we decided on spending a week in Croatia since it's one of the few countries Americans can currently visit. We were able to go to some of the restaurants you mentioned in Split and Dubrovnik and also stayed at the Excelsior (I think in the veery same room). But the highlight of the trip was Julija. We booked her for 3 days and she was just amazing. We had a wonderful time visiting Dubrovnik and the surrounding areas with her. So thank you for the great recommendation!
Nov 15, 2020, 7:23 am
#90
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver • DEN-APA
Programs: AF Platinum, EK Gold, AA EXP, UA 1K, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 21,592
Great report!! Thank you for all the detailed info. After ready your report we decided on spending a week in Croatia since it's one of the few countries Americans can currently visit. We were able to go to some of the restaurants you mentioned in Split and Dubrovnik and also stayed at the Excelsior (I think in the veery same room). But the highlight of the trip was Julija. We booked her for 3 days and she was just amazing. We had a wonderful time visiting Dubrovnik and the surrounding areas with her. So thank you for the great recommendation!