British Airways Flight 288 Club World Review 747
Review of British Airways flight Phoenix → London in Showtime
Have-off 24 Feb 16, 20:45
Arrival at 25 Feb xvi, 13:35
#27 out of 65 Airlines A minimum of 10 flight-reports within the past two years is required to appear in the rankings. 860 reviews Hi Flying Report customs and thanks for stopping by this review, the 2d installment of my American AAdvantage miles purge.
It has been clear for several years that the American Airlines Advantage frequent flyer program was out of sync with the other major US carriers. It has remained very generous on the redemption side while the others have had meaning devaluations. Smart money was on a correction coming sooner before later. It was with this in listen that I decided to structure a grand risk and cut deeply into my AAdvantage miles inventory.
The final tally was SNA-PHX-LHR-CDG for 62,500 AA miles, CDG-DOH-DEL for forty,000 AA miles, and DEL-AUH-JFK-LAX for ninety,000 AA miles.Then 192,500 AA miles lighter, I was off.
The reports will exist broken down as follows:
Admirals Club SNA and American Airlines SNA-PHX (A320) (First) http://flight-report.com/en/report-13485.html
The Lodge PHX and British Airways PHX-LHR (747) (First) (This Report)
Concord Room LHR and British Airways LHR-CDG (A319) (Concern) http://flight-report.com/en/report-13518.html
Salon Lounge CDG and Qatar Airways CDG-DOH (A380) (First) http://flight-report.com/en/report-13533.html
Al Safwa Showtime Course Lounge DOH and QR DOH-DEL (787) (Business organization) http://flight-written report.com/en/study-13671.html
Plaza Premium Lounge DEL, EY DEL-AUH (77L) (First), and EY Arrivals Lounge AUH http://flying-report.com/en/written report-13722.html
Etihad Airways Premium Lounge AUH, EY United states Lounge AUH, and EY AUH-JFK (A380) (Starting time) http://flying-report.com/en/study-13756.html
American Airlines "Flagship" Lounge JFK and AA JFK-LAX (A321) (Beginning) http://flight-written report.com/en/report-13809.html
This was to be my very start time in the care of British Airways First and I was hither to reply, for myself, the age quondam question, "Is BA Kickoff the best Business Class beyond the Atlantic?"
It was a pleasant walk from the A gates to the B gates even though PHX is a rather poor facility. The depression ceilings and narrow corridors brand for a crowded terminal. This is simply the second time I have visited this airport and my first fourth dimension in this terminal.
For amend or worse I leave lilliputian to surprise in my travels. All airline products are well researched as well equally the associated lounges. With this in mind I was aware of the marginal lounge offerings at PHX and especially for the BA flight. I had a nearly two hour layover in PHX and so I rode the elevator upwardly one level from the difference gates to visit "The Club."
This is laughable. I don't retrieve of Jan Brewer or Joe Arpaio as "friendly". Vile and simple minded perhaps, but non friendly.
The elegant lounge archway.
I was welcomed at the desk-bound by a very friendly and matronly woman who checked me in and directed me right to the first class section. From this point on I don't have many pictures considering the small room that was the start class portion of the lounge was very crowded. The furniture was crammed in in a most uncomfortable manner such that yous were nearly sittting on pinnacle of other visitors. Charis were bundled facing each other, shoulder to shoulder, where y'all could't even walk effectually the tables that were in between. It was comically bad.
I managed a shot of the bar and food expanse.
The snacks on offer didn't look terribly appetizing.
The lounge didn't have restroom facilities and you had to leave to the public restrooms effectually the corner.
There was a very friendly and hard working young adult female staffing the room and she was doing her best to take intendance of the many guests. She would walk around the articulate dishes, offer additional beverages. She even passed a tray of cookies. She didn't accept a lot of tools at her disposal only kudos for a swell attitude and effort. The espresso car in the lounge was broken and she told me information technology has been for the year that she has worked in that location. Lovely.
I went downwardly to the gate early to take a walk. We were parting from B27, as I assume this flight always does.
I wandered the concluding until the posted boarding time at which signal I returned to B27 and it was very crowded. Boarding had not begun on time. The delay mounted and the but announcements from the gate agents involved upgrading to Earth Traveler Plus. At boarding time +20 I noticed the entire coiffure standing in the sterile area by the jet bridge. They had not boarded yet and so nosotros were certainly non going anywhere before long.
Finally pre-boarding was chosen for those needing extra time every bit well as first class. We were held by the boarding pass scanners for a long time presumably so the wheelchairs could deliver their passengers and clear the aisles earlier the hounds were released. It was during this wait in close proximity to the gate counter that I saw a nearly remarkable transaction. An elderly gentleman, American for what it's worth, was traveling with married woman and 20 something son. Mom and Dad were in business organization and plain the son was not. The man wanted to pay to upgrade his son to J. He had his credit menu in hand and was gesturing enthusiastically. The BA agents explained that the cabin was full. Next he inquired about upgrading his son to first. She explained that only one cabin upgrades were possible (?). To resolve this the man paid for a consummate stranger to upgrade to beginning so his son could ride in J! A passenger was paged to check in at the desk, presumably a loftier tier Executive Club member. He was told that, "this gentleman would like to upgrade you lot to outset class to make your Club Earth seat bachelor to his son. Is this agreeable?" The passenger enthusiastically agreed to the scheme and was issued a new boarding pass. I was completely speechless. This had to be very expensive and for the life of me I have no thought why he or his married woman didn't upgrade to offset to brand space. The lucky travel lottery winner was assigned seat 1K.
Eventually nosotros boarded and I was greeted by a coiffure that was very busy presumably because they were not able to be on board at the proper fourth dimension. I was shown to seat 2A in the very smart looking, if non cramped, nose of the 747.
I chose seat 2A after reading that information technology had a expert mix of infinite and privacy on the 747. It didn't seem as private as 1A or Grand but wasn't quite equally cramped. The cupboard at the nose made 1A and K less desirable as well.
This is the view from 2A.
I was instantly a fan of the cabin aesthetics. The blue glowing window sills, the lamp, the colors all made for an elegant space.
I was also drawn to the light fixture.
Waiting at the seat was a small-scale blanket and headphones.
I was promptly offered a drink and I opted for the M Siecle, which I was excited to try. The champagne was very nice although I ws unsure of how to pronounce the proper noun. I asked the crew and later on some research and deliberation they determined that none of them knew how to say it either. Anoint their hearts.
The coiffure was very senior and rather closed off to begin with. I remember in that location may have been some frustration with having little fourth dimension to prep their work areas before passengers began arriving. I noticed as boarding progressed the attitudes shifted to more warmth and willingness to converse.
Assiduities kits and pajamas were offered. I too requested slippers.
The seat has intuitive controls and a detailed guide.
After some fourth dimension on the airplane the reason for the delay was revealed. The Captain made an announcement that one of the catering trucks, with scissor elevator extended, had broken downwards and they were unable to movement it. Steps were beingness taken but he was uncertain of how and when it would be resolved. At one bespeak the asked united states of america to exist seated so that they may move the airplane forward some distance. I was in no particular hurry with a long layover at LHR but I knew others were watching their connections fail one by ane. The excellent cabin service manager made sure the LP was flowing, I was sitting in first course in the nose of a 747, so I was quite content.
Menus were distributed during the filibuster and read as follows.
When nosotros finally departed we had endured an approximately 100 infinitesimal delay. The captain seemed confident that we could make up some of this in the air. He was indeed correct equally we made it ot hte gate at LHR with nether a 60 infinitesimal filibuster. Later on a brief taxi and a long takeoff roll nosotros were up into the thin high desert air.
The resolution on the dated IFE monitors was non the best.
Service began after a slight filibuster due to some rough air. I resumed my burgeoning acquaintance with the Yard Siecle served with some warm nuts.
I indicated that I would like to have a meal so the table was set.
Showtime up was the charm bouche in the class of a goat cheese tart. I must say it was quite tasty even for a lukewarm fan of caprine animal cheese. Bread was offered course a foil "basket" and I selected a coil with nuts.
Next upward was the marinated Maine lobster. This was poorly executed and very rubbery.
I opted for the flossy red pepper soup with harissa and it was hot and well seasoned.
The meal was moving at a skillful pace and plates were cleared efficiently simply with no sense of rush.
The salad with creamy chive dressing. Skillful texture and a zesty dressing.
I wasn't really drawn to any of the mains but ordered the beef for some reason. I was warned that information technology was likely not very good, which is funny in and of itself, only I opted to have a become. The advise was skilful and I manages barely a bite. The saving grace was the Clos des Jacobins 2006 Saint-Emilion K Cru Classe with which it was served.
I am non usually a fan of dessert but the lemon and amaretti tart sounded nice. It was better on paper.
Next I took the cheese with a glass of the Sauternes. Expect, more goats cheese. I similar the quince paste on a cheese plate.
Finally some 18 year Glenlivet for digestif. Chocolates were passed and I might take sampled one.
It was a very pedestrian meal with fifty% of the dishes bordering on inedible.
I was probably one of only ii passengers awake in the full cabin and I requested the bed exist fabricated and I conked out higher up Thunder Bay.
I was quite pleased that I had a expert sleep. The confines of the seat are not peculiarly spacious but the bedding was adequate. I awoke as we were feet dry over Ireland. I was bid good morning and offered a drink. I requested a java.
For breakfast I ordered the "Traditional English language" and a Bloody Mary. I was asked if I wanted Vodka in the Bloody Mary. Yeah, that's the whole point, isn't it?
The breakfast was fine on the whole but the potatoes were terrible.
Breakfast was wrapped upwards over Southern England.
Announcements were made near connections including those who were pro-actively re-booked. With such a massive BA hub and multiple daily frequencies I promise it wasn't too terrible for anyone.
With minimal vectoring nosotros were sent into LHR.
We followed a company A380 until nosotros turned off to park at terminal 3.
Our 747 parked adjacent to this vintage A300.
With fast track carte in mitt and no blitz to make a connection I lingered past the window to snap a pic of the airplane and immune those trying to save their connection room to expedite.
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Verdict
Cabin 7.0
Motel coiffure 7.0
Entertainment/wifi 7.0
Meal/catering vi.5
Comfort iv.0
Meal/catering 4.0
Entertainment/wifi 4.0
Services iv.0
Efficiency five.0
Admission 5.0
Services 5.0
Cleanliness v.0
Efficiency 5.0
Access seven.0
Services 7.0
Cleanliness 7.0
Conclusion
Well at that place y'all accept it, my fist time across the Atlantic, or any torso of water for that matter, with BA First.
The Ground Service: I encountered several friendly BA/Contract ground staff during boarding and they seemed to desire to practise right past their customers. The lack of announcements during the delay and the packed gate house were very negative when time was made to announce upgrades for sale. Equally a whole this was a poor showing.
The Lounge: Abysmal. The general lounge surface area was also extremely crowded with SRO and what appeared to exist the same food offerings every bit the First Class section. The staff did their best just it'south not a pleasant way to start a premium motel journey.
The Cabin: The First Course motel is cramped with xiv seats. Every bit a betoken of reference Delta fits 14 J seats in the same space. The style of the seat and cabin fittings is very good. I plant the seat comfortable enough for lounging but lacking in storage infinite and sleep space.
The Coiffure: After a flustered start I found the crew to exist attentive and friendly enough. Beverages were topped upward and dishes cleared promptly. No i, except for CSM, was especially memorable for engaging with the customers.
The Nutrient and Beverage: The champagne, wine and whiskey I sampled were all Get-go Grade in my book. The food was more J than F with a couple of dishes that were complete failures.
Overall: I don't take a lot of experience in J or F on the Transatlantic. SQ F and LH F to FRA and handful of DL J flights to various cities. The LH and SQ experiences are well beyond what was offered on this BA flight in all aspects of the service. I volition venture to say that I've had a couple of DL J flights that eclipse this BA offering on food and service but stake in comparison on wine and other beverages. So, I am prepared to say that, in this Flying Reporter'south limited experience, BA F is the best J class over the Atlantic! ;)
Information on the route Phoenix (PHX) → London (LHR)
The contributors of Flight-Study published iii reviews of 1 airlines on the route Phoenix (PHX) → London (LHR).
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The airline with the best boilerplate rating is British Airways with vii.3/ten.
The average flight time is 9 hours and 53 minutes.
More informationSource: https://flight-report.com/en/report/13504/British_Airways_BA288_Phoenix_PHX_London_LHR
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