In this post:
The ticket
I booked the ticket a long time ago as a BA Holidays deal to get the extra tier points. I will get a total of 1120 tier points from the trip, taking me nearly halfway to Gold Guest List on the reduced tier points. It was around the time when we were wondering if we would ever see decent airfares again.
There was a fare from Amsterdam for £1950, but the times were terrible. The next price up was £2100 for better timings. But when I looked at the price from London it was £2500, which I did not think was bad considering the option to get double tier points. So I bit the bullet and booked 6 nights accommodation with it. The original plan was to fly via Seattle, so I could try Alaskan business class, which I am yet to experience. Sadly it wasn’t to be as my flights were cancelled and there was no way to change onto Alaskan without an eight-hour layover.
Check-in
The First Wing HeathrowI arrived around two hours prior to my flight due to bad traffic so I was pleased to see no queue whatsoever at the First Wing. I was checked in by a lovely friendly agent and also noticed a fitting tribute to her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth, in the first wing.
Queen Elizabeth tributeThe First Wing is unique as it deposits you straight into the First lounge. You can access the First Wing when flying First or if you have a Gold card. Despite criticism of BA’s performance recently, it’s still an area where they perform well. Security was virtually empty and I was in the lounge within about 7 minutes of arriving in the terminal.
The lounge – Concorde Room
Concorde Room entranceI headed straight to the Concorde Room, which allows access for First class passengers and BA Gold Guest List cardholders. Sadly it’s a bit of a shadow of its former self, with no cabanas and no spa. Instead, there are now sleep pods available. Unfortunately, some things have stayed the same, though, and the toilets are still reminiscent of an NHS hospital loo!
Concorde Room dining areaI decided to head over to get some breakfast in the restaurant area as they would be serving lunch on the plane. I think breakfast is probably the meal that they do best in the CCR, as recent daytime menus have been disappointing.
The menu features a wide selection of everything from a full English to croissants. I am particularly partial to the maple bacon chop but couldn’t make up my mind between that and the California toast (basically avocado toast). So I went for both but with no eggs. I had a Bucks Fizz too, which I know is sacrilege considering they make it with Laurent Perrier Grand Siecle, but I needed to ease into the hard stuff!
California toastAll the food was tasty, and I particularly loved the subtle sweet glaze with the salty bacon.
A good cappuccino with BA’s signature Speedbird logo completed my breakfast.
One thing you may notice on the menu is the breakfast martinis which includes a Marmite option! Much as I love Marmite I was really not sure about a martini. One Twitter follower described it as having a “meaty aftertaste”. I don’t know about you TLFL readers, but I am not really looking for a meaty aftertaste in a drink, especially at breakfast! But full marks to the wonderful Concorde Room team for innovation. Sadly my favourite bartender Charlie was on leave but I suspect he may have had a hand in that crazy concoction!
Boarding British Airways A380 First class
As I was flying the A380, I headed to the gate around an hour and 10 before departure as they usually board them early. A380s depart from the C Gates at T5, which is the second stop on the shuttle. I was excited to see the A380 again as I had not flown on it since late 2019.
Empty boarding lanes with people waitingGroup 1 boarding was called around 50 minutes before the flight. In the meantime, I amused myself watching person after person go up to the gate to try and board despite the sign clearly saying “please take a seat”! I often wonder just how people are quite so oblivious to everything when they fly. These were not people in the first few boarding groups either. Given that the gate lanes were empty and everyone else was sitting waiting, you’d think that may have given them a clue!
As you board, there is a separate entrance for first class. Pre-Covid, you used to be shown to your seat in First (not that I need that) but judging by both flights, this has now gone. It could return once BA start to roster the full crew again which due to happen on the A380 and B777s from now.
I always abide by the adage that you can tell if it will be a good flight within the first two minutes of interacting with the crew. This started well with the friendly crew offering to take my photo as I was taking pictures of the iconic A380 stairs.
The cabin crew member serving me was friendly and keen to please. She also had a good sense of humour which I always enjoy with BA crew.
The service started with the offer of a welcome drink of champagne, juice or water. Unfortunately, despite BA saying that pre-Covid service has been restored, it has not 100% as there were no warm nuts. I was instead offered the Club Europe nuts, which I thought was a poor substitute. Especially, as I’m really not keen on the weird mix which seems to mainly be corn. As we were delayed for a short while, I was offered a top up too.
I was given the menu, and a washbag and asked if I wanted pyjamas (watch out for them in the next giveaway). It was also so nice to see the hot towels back – it’s such a little thing but always makes you feel better to clean yourself up after going through a busy airport.
The washbag design by Alice Temperley changes regularly and is different for men and women. The contents had changed a little since I last flew with BA too. It contained:
- Elemis Frangipani Monoi hand and nail balm
- Elemis Rehydrating Ginseng Facial wipe
- Elemis cleansing micellar wipe
- Elemis lip balm
- Elemis Pro-Collagen facial mist
- Elemis Deodorant
- Elemis Ultra Smart Pro-Collagen Serum
- Elemis Ultra Smart Pro-Collagen eye balm
- Eye mask
- Ear plugs
- Socks
- First branded pen
- Mirror
I found the collection impressive and have enjoyed using all the products. My only criticism would be the socks which were pretty much the same as Club, apart from the colour and felt very synthetic.
British Airways A380 First class Seat and Cabin
I have always loved First on the A380. It is beginning to look a little dated, but that’s not surprising given how old it is. The reason I love the A380 which I had almost forgotten about is the space and privacy that you get. They really do feel like your own private suite, even if there is no door.
The cabin still has 14 seats, unlike many other BA First cabins that now have 8 seats. I went for 2K as I like to sit on the right as I am right-handed. I recommend not choosing 1K, particularly on a night flight. While it is very private, it is also by the crew cupboard, and they will be in and out of it during the flight, which can disturb you if trying to rest.
I also particularly like the wardrobes, which means I rarely have to use the overhead bins. In the wardrobe, you can fit in most wheelie cabin bags as well as a smaller bag on the top shelf and hang your coat or clothes.
The British Airways A380 First class seat itself is very comfortable, although I wish they would have designed them with a separate leg rest as I find it hard to reach the footstool while sitting. Unlike the newer First, you can still do buddy dining where the other person joins you for a meal by sitting on the footstool.
As well as the wardrobe, there is a deep storage container next to the seat which is also where the charging and headset are placed.
As you can see from the photo above, the suites are very private and you can’t see anyone else from the window seats. The centre seats have a divider which can be raised or lowered.
The only thing I don’t like is that if you like to look out of the window, it feels like a long way from the seat and not at a great angle.
The seat controls were relatively simple with a dial to lower the seat and buttons to control the lights and window shades.
As it was a day flight, the crew did not offer to make up the bed, although I could have asked. I was given a day blanket, pillow and day pillow with the bedding rolled up in the wardrobe. I only had a short nap, so I didn’t bother to make the bed up. Even without the mattress topper, I found it very comfortable lying down as it is well padded.
British Airways A380 First class Food and drink
Prior to taking off, I was given the menu and was quite impressed with the selection. I was torn between a couple of choices. Pre-ordering is available on a small number of flights in First, according to You First. It didn’t seem to be an option on mine. However, you can request the menu in advance from You First. On both flights in First, they did not seem to run out of anything from what I could hear of orders being taken around me.
It started with the canapes and a drink of my choice. I had already had a couple of glasses of the champagne, so I thought I would try the Pouilly-Fuissé which was good but not excellent. It was a little subdued in flavour for me but overall had a good balance of creaminess versus acidity and a light touch of oak. 
Next, my table was laid up with a choice of olive oil and butter for the bread. A basket of bread with a decent choice of warm rolls was offered.
I had plumped for the twice-baked souffle in the end, although I was doubtful it would work in a plane oven, I was wrong. It arrived with the rich, creamy cheese sauce on the side. The morels gave a slight earth flavour to even out the unctuous cheese. It was not too heavy with a fluffiness still in evidence inside, and I would have happily licked the plate clean if I hadn’t been in public!
Next came the lamb shank, which was again well presented with the jug of sauce on the side. It was probably the largest lamb shank I have seen and way too much for me. I also loved the wonderfully creamy celeriac mousseline with it. I had a glass of the Willamette Valley Pinot Noir, which was excellent. Light in body but full of ripe cherry and red fruit flavour.
My only complaint was the side vegetables were rather dull with plain boiled potatoes, but they were cooked properly.
Having left quite a bit of lamb, I had room for the crepe Suzette I had been eyeing up. You will be pleased to know that the crew did not come and flambé it at my seat! It was very good with warm pancakes and a tasty orange and Grand Marnier sauce which was perfectly matched with some vanilla ice cream. I also tried the dessert wine which was excellent.
Despite having one or two drinks already, I couldn’t not have an XO Cognac after #brandy gate! She was rather generous with her pour, after which I needed a lie-down! I tried the espresso as well which is made with Nespresso style pods, but it tasted good.
British Airways A380 First class Afternoon tea
After such an enormous lunch, it was a struggle to manage the afternoon tea, but in the name of this article I soldiered on (the things I have to do for you, my TLFL readers..!!).
There was a choice of the standard afternoon tea or a roast beef Nicoise salad. I decided to stay traditional. I loved the cute little stand that the tea came on.
The tea was definitely more generous than you get in Club, and overall, I enjoyed it. I wasn’t keen on the very heavy smoke on the salmon, but that was a fairly minor issue. The scones were enormous and warmed. Of course, there were lashings of clotted cream and jam to accompany them.
British Airways A380 First class Service
I had many top-ups offered for drinks, and I can’t really fault the service (apart from having a headache from all the top-ups!). My only comment is that they could have been more proactive with offering water.
The Inflight Lead was very professional and visible and popped by my seat to give a GGL welcome which was nice. I have always found if the IFL(CSM) is good, then the crew are usually good.
I have heard that BA staff have been encouraged to Google their customers in First which I am not overly happy about. I have no idea if this affected the service for better or whether they had realised who I was but they didn’t mention it if they did. However, in my opinion, if it had I would have noticed it with other people being treated differently as I try to listen out to how others are served too. The IFL even remembered my name as I disembarked and thanked me as I left. This is how BA should be.
British Airways A380 First class Entertainment and Wifi
As a first class passenger, you get free Wifi for the whole journey, which sounds great. However, having used it twice I’d guess that it’s the cheaper of the two options as I found it very slow and pretty useful for anything other than messaging and social media.
You get given a pair of BA Meridian Noise cancelling headphones. These are definitely a step up from the Club ones, and I find them comfortable if a little on the heavy side.
The screen definitely felt quite old now compared to the newer Club Suites. They are a little small and lower definition than I have been used to flying the Club Suites recently. But it was still perfectly useable. The remote is one of the old-fashioned ones, but it worked well.
I was impressed with the range of new films, and I struggled to pick one as there were quite a few I wanted to see. I went for the Top Gun film (yes I know I should see it in the cinema) which I loved. I also watched a terribly trite romantic comedy “Marry me” which I am ashamed to say I quite enjoyed (that may have been the large Cognac!).
Conclusion
While I have been loving the new Club Suites, I can’t say I have been enjoying the Club World service since Covid, so this felt like an absolute treat and well worth the extra Avios if you are doing a redemption.
The crew were pretty much perfect – friendly, attentive and fun but professional. I was particularly impressed with the food which was very much restaurant standard and I would very happily pay for it. The wines were decent and typical of BA First, nowhere near Emirates fine wines but perfectly acceptable.
The A380 first is beginning to look a little old now, but I do actually prefer the older seats in terms of space and the ability to do buddy dining to the new ones. However, it would be good if perhaps BA considers new TV screens if they decide to refurbish the A380s with Club Suites since they would have to replace the ones in Club anyway.
65 comments
I find it strange that the sleep pods in the Heathrow first lounge “Forty Winks” have loud muzak playing so impossible to get any rest. I have checked every time I visit but it is still on and I have never seen anyone every using the pods
I know one person that likes them but I find it pretty pointless personally. I can’t sleep on my back so the best I can do is just lie there for a bit. I’d rather have some massage chairs personally!
‘Favourite braman’……really!!!!
Whoops! ????
Great concise review, Michele. Looking forward to my A380 in First to Chigago in March 2023. It will be good to compare it to the 747 and 777. CW on the upper deck of the A380 was always very good (largest toilets in the world!) so I know this won’t disappoint, even if it does look a tad tired. I understand the First lounge at Chigago is a total disappointment, but aren’t strides to remodel the terminal and facilities in the pipeline, or already underway?
This year in March I tried the 787-10 on ORD route. That was quite great (except on inbound the seat was broken). These were almost the newest seats in first (without the door). The lounge in Chicago is for business/first and very basic.
I know the socks aren’t great, but you get those nice slippers as well which match the PJs.
I didn’t get slippers on this one but did on the night flight back. I used to always take my own socks but keep forgetting !
Great review; lively, informative and a good read. Thank you.
Let’s hope they do not google me haha!
Does being nasty about others make you feel good?
I do not see the need to be disrespectful of others
by commenting about some trying to board when boarding
was not ready.
Wow if that’s your idea of “nasty” I’m guessing you haven’t spent much time on the internet! For me it’s a general observation that people just often expect to be spoon fed everything without making an effort to check things themselves. The poor gate staff were continuously dealing with people going up to board when it clearly said to wait. All that does is delay the flight for everyone else if they keep getting disturbed.
Loved your response. I have always said that people’s brains are sucked out at the Terminal entrance, and that’s since my flight crew days back in the 70’s on the Comet!!
Enjoyed reading your article, BA’s First I still find beaten by several airlines Business.
I too amuse myself watching people failing to read instruction and attempting to board. It’s not disrespectful to mention this in a review, observations from the author are relevant. It’s disrespectful of passengers to fail to follow basic instructions.
Very sad.
Nah this is just limey BS, the British get their knickers in a twist whenever the queue isn’t 100% perfect. Just look at what’s happened with Phil and Holly gate. People need to get a life and just relax when people don’t queue perfectly.
I do love the A380 and am delighted that it is back but my wife and I have to wait also until March 23 before our F experience in it returns – also on the DFW route! For solo flying 1A is superb as you are in the door sitting down and no one can see you at all! You do not sit next to, or across the aisle from 2E – just be aware if travelling as a couple.
Buddy dining is a great idea, but in 1A (and I presume, K) the foot stool / buddy seat is slightly skewed so that the buddy sits at an angle to the table which can become a little uncomfortable after a while.
Excellent, rounded review Michelle. I flew First on the superb A380 to ORD return in July and it was wonderful. You mention the amenity bag being Liberty, but they’re Alice Temperley, as are the Jim-Jams and slippers. Also, I was definitely escorted to my suite.
Michele: i enjoyed this article. Informative and balanced comments. Makes me dream of travelling again soon — which is kinda the whole point! thank you,
Nespresso machines in the gallery? If that’s really what they have then I’ll be taking my preferred pods on board so I can get a decent cup of coffee!
It’s not Nespresso coffee…its Union.
Is it not made in a Nespresso machine though which is what I meant?
Nice review Michele. Here’s hoping the new-ish First and Club Suites make it into the mighty A380 soon.
Thanks Callum. Next BA review is the new suites I had on the way home!
Great article, am flying first to DFW in December – think I’m going to change my seat now????.
Enjoyed your review Michele, thorough and well written. Thanks
I have flown in BA first 4 times in 2022, twice in March and twice in May. On all 4 flights I was shown to my suite by cabin crew just as pre covid.
Useful to know. Bit like much of BA – inconsistent!
I am taking this same flight in First on the A380 in March.Great to read that the pre covid first food seems to have returned. I do like the BA soups served in first, I have always found them very flavoursome.
I see nothing here that would make me want to pay for BA First above Club, so thanks for the review. Especially given the review of AF La Premiere, which looks so much more classy, last week.
Great review Michele. Very useful as we have booked a 6 night BA holiday in November. Also on DFW route and looking forward to A380 in First. Last trip to US was nearly 3 years ago.
I just flew First on an Old 777 to Barbados and as nice as it was its not worth the difference in price compared to Club. It did not have the Wow factor when you compare it to say Emirates.
Great article! Interesting comparison to the new club suites and others comments. I’ve never actually flown Club World to compare, may try it and save the pennies, although I do really like First. Sacrilege putting OJ in the Grand Siecle!
In terms of the seat, you have less room around the seat in the club suite but I find the seat itself just as comfortable as First. The only other difference is where your feet go as in Club they are under the Tv.
Firstly – yes, the quality of the cabin crew is essential. A good CSM will lift a crew and make a great trip for them and the passengers. Even on a flight without all the fancy extras, you can walk off smiling because of great crew
Secondly – re the boarding, it is important to remember that some in the queue don’t speak English, are nervous on their own, travelling to see sick family so are keen to get there asap etc. Then you’ve got the sheep off course but not everyone is a seasoned traveller ????
These were definitely English speakers so they didn’t have that excuse! I realise there will always be the odd person that is unsure but the sheer number of people going up surprised me.
Thank you! We’ve been looking for an A380 First review and this is the route we’re taking. Have been in First on the Boeings but this will be our first Airbus. I’ll miss the blue windows! We did “Flub” last weekend so have a better idea of the seat and I’m in 2k and hub has moved to 3k. We had the 2 in the middle and there seems to be more room at the window.
Food and drink look great, as expected. I watched the same movies ????????
This will be our first time downstairs on a BA A380. I don’t understand why they didn’t do all premium upstairs like the ME carriers. I’ll be nipping up to the big loo ????????????✈️
Yes I wondered that about being downstairs myself when I went to the bathroom.
What on earth is anyone doing putting marmite in a martini.
Love these reviews. So much more informative than a certain other more “international” points site in particular. Things like the footrest being a stretch if you’re not the standard white male, listening to how other passengers are treated etc – all so useful. Food looks great too!
And I watched Marry Me on a KLM flight to Toronto the week before last too. It’s perfect flight viewing! No real effort required. Had already seen Maverick…
Thank you! Glad it’s not just me that likes a “plane film”.
Very similar to a recent flight in First we had to Chicago. I did wonder why we weren’t shown to our seat!
Main difference for me was the souffle I was served was a solid congealed burnt mess – I am still gobsmacked it was served to me.
Im actually just about to start cabin crew training so will fiund out if googling is the way forward !
You used the “C” word: CONSISTENCY, earlier Michele and I totally agree. We’re on 3 out of 4 BA Hols chasing status and having just moved to Hove, we try and do LGW. BA have mainly new staff and it shows- falling asleep in the jump seat and generally very poor, led by good CSM’s who must be pulling their hair out. The LGW Club lounge is SUPERB but overseas lounges are awful (AYT,IST,RAK) and whilst I realise these are third party, the “one drink” policy is insulting. Boarding protocols are very hitty missy and there is no consistency. An excellent and hopeful review from you though; we’re on the LHR ATL in F in Jan en route to the Caribbean so I hope we find some consistency when we fly.
Very informative article-will think about when I fly next.. In 58b!!
Totally agree with ‘Doc’s’ comments regarding BA’s consistency. 4 flights last week and every one was different- greeted/ not greeted/ personal tray service/ food served from a trolley. I often wonder if BA do actually have a SOP(standard operating procedure)? I totally understand the need for personalised service- it’s great fro customers to be looked after individually- but the basics do need the consistency!
They definitely have service standards even down to how the meal should be presented on the plate.
Many of the service standards depend on the load (number of passengers per cabin) and length of the flight on short haul, as well as the type of meal served and time of day. BA does have published standards for the cabin crew to follow.
Flying LHR to MIA First.AUG.12.2022.
Most important EXCELLENT CREW.
Important. A380 is getting old, plenty of space but not very usable, might as well not have windows, they are so far away.
You have to be an acrobat to get out of the seat pod, several things obstruct an easy exit.
Freebies : Below average, Ladies get 100% better packs than men.
Audio/ Visual from the Comet.
Menu ? First Class? No. At least one thing should be ‘memorable’.
Wines? OK I suppose, I don’t drink, unlike seemingly every business and first passenger on this flight !!. Im sure some just neck it to get their moneys worth, especially if the boss has paid for it, rather than enjoy it.
There were also 2hr 40m delay, meaning landed in Miami at the same time as eight other flights and the luggage got mixed up !! Not BA’s fault, but it wouldn’t have happened if we had been on time.
As crew back in the early 70’s on the Comet, I remember no Audio/Visuals!!!
So agree with earlier comments earlier. This is the standard of detail and expectation of service I want in a review and so many other websites fail to deliver in their golly gosh, look at this a loo with a view hamminess.
On people attempting to board before the gate is open, I don’t agree that they’re dumb or unobservant. Some are. But I’d wager most are in the lower priority boarding groups and hoping that BA gate agents will – as is often the norm – turn a blind eye to non-Group 1/2etc. passengers attempting to board the moment the gate opens. They’re just chancing that they won’t be flung out of the boarding queue for being ahead of their group being called. I long for the day BA introduces that function that some other airlines use where the boarding passes of lower priority groups get rejected by the automatic gates until such time as their group has legitimately been called. It’s particularly problematic on short haul where even in Group 1 I end up boarding after the genuinely disabled, the disabled by convenience, parents with kids plus all their hanger-on grandparents, sisters-in-law and nephews, and lately after those in Group 4 who proactively offer to gate-check their cabin cases. As such, even in Group 1 I can end up boarding to find the CE overhead compartments chock full with luggage from those seated towards the front of the ET cabin. BA’s refusal to police boarding means everyone loses out because even legitimate Group 1 passengers end up standing unnecessarily waiting to pounce when the gate queue opens (as seems to be the case in Michele’s gate photo).
Thank you James. That’s great to hear you enjoy the reviews. Quite a few more coming up from my recent trip. Agree about policing boarding. Definitely a few chancers around! I wish they’d go back to allowing first class to board first. Even when they called group 1 both times there was quite a queue to get on.
I enjoyed this review thanks. I thought that ba had switched to other products and were not using Elemis anymore. Do you know if this is also available in club world ? Thanks
Hi Betsy. They have changed from Elemis in Club. In Club they have The White Company products currently.
Great review – fair and balanced. I would urge you at the earliest opportunity to try First Class on Singapore Airlines!!! In my opinion, the best in the world by far, and frankly puts BA’s to shame. Its not the cabin crews fault….the CEO’s from Walsh onwards have cut BA’s service to a shadow of its former self.
Right – I need to go for a lie down in a darkened room…. Marmite. In a Martini.!!!! I don’t mind Bovril to drink, or Marmite on toast – but in an alcoholic drink?
What was your routing to get 1120 TPs with a holiday booking?
It was the double TP offer to Hawaii.
So London to Dallas return = 280 x 2
Dallas to Honolulu return = 280 x 2
Thank you, that’s a great deal!
Great review, thanks.
Just to note though, BA with all their weird acronyms….the ‘In-flight leader’ (IFL) is the second in charge. The CSM is now known as the In-Flight Manager (IFM) since the merger of the legacy fleets/mixed fleet. On most short haul flights it will usually be an IFL in charge. On long haul flights the IFM. 🙂
Thanks I can never keep up. They will always be a CSD to me!
A great review Michele. I used to love BA First to and from Mumbai and Delhi, which I took when holidaying at our house in Goa. Unfortunately it seems to have disappeared, so won’t be in it anytime soon.
Great review. Thanks. In this day and age I shudder at male vs female wash bags (especially when crew make that decision vs passenger). I flew Qatar Q-Suite last week and a “pink” wash bag was at my seat. The pygamas are gender neutral. Why not the wash bags?
The pink wash bags are for breast cancer awareness usually but the contents on Qatar are the same in both unlike BA First. Even the male ones have something pink on them during breast cancer awareness.
I have no issues with having two different wash bags as long as you are allowed to choose which one you have. Qatar will happily give you a different colour if they have spares too.
Fabulous review! Looks similar in some part to our return from MEX in August. We were very impressed with the catering and, as you say, compared with the current Club service it felt very special. We had the odd niggle but a great crew more than made up for it. Thanks for sharing.
This was a delightful review. I especially appreciated hearing from another female traveller and seeing the wash bag for women. I last flew BA First pre-pandemic and was hopeful to get another lovely bag and all the other reviews I could find from this year (yes all) were from men of the men’s first class kit. I am also glad to see BA fixed their first class menus- previous ones looked just like business class with only a couple starters and three main choices, which is pitiful. Now it’s back to a proper menu. Can’t wait to go next month LHR-ORD!
Plus I miss the A380 and the very special feel of take off in it- like you’ll never break the bond with earth and get into the air but then you do and its so smooth! It should be a great trip. Thanks for helping me get excited for it.
Thanks Lara. It’s weird how almost all the aviation bloggers and big review sites are all very male dominated. Yes the food has hugely improved and it was so great to be back on the A380 again although no substitute for my all time favourite the B747. Though in F I think the space of the A380 takes some beating!
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