You are here: Discussion » British Airways »
I have booked BA First for Cape Town in January next year. The BA website makes reference to the new first class being introduced soon. Does anyone know what the new product will be like and what the implementation timescales are??
Nothing *formally* announced by BA, though attendees at the recent Investor Day were mistakenly shown a slide featuring an artist's impression of the new cabin, but it was removed by BA on the publicly available slide pack, and newswires were asked not to distribute the pic.
Nothing revolutionary; same footprint, with more useable personal space, some hi-tech gubbins and larger screens for AVOD and a few nice touches which will make the cabin "special" once again.
The image persist around various websites, but cannot be relied upon as they are not necessarily the final design.
In today's BAEC newsletter, some improvements to the "soft" product were announced:
------- Revealed: the changes unfolding in First
Beautifully crafted by Anya Hindmarch and adorned with our original coat of arms, our new washbag is filled with a range of well-being goodies from D R Harris - a quintessential British chemist and perfumer, who has supplied Royal Households for over one hundred and fifty years. A travel accessory fit for a king or queen.
In April, we began introducing enhancements to First that will add to your comfort. Wonderfully soft cotton pyjamas and slippers are provided for your relaxation. Adding to the luxurious comfort is a new 400 thread count Egyptian cotton duvet and pillow with silver lustre detailing, to help make drifting off to sleep more blissful than ever.
Later this year, we will begin to introduce a completely redesigned cabin and service. We want new First to be perfect, at every stage of your journey. So everything has been crafted and designed to create the ultimate bespoke experience. -------
Though the above is old news to most.
There is a silly ruby glass for our water which was on board my flight back from MIami last month, and new crockery, but these are all soft tweaks rather than than the big cabin redesign.
Seems likely new First will be trialled aboard a test aircraft and then the new 777ERs which start delivery from Q4 2009.
You certainly won't get new First on a 747 before Easter 2010, if ever as the 747 fleet edges towards retirement, and given BA's approximately 100 longhaul aircraft and a roll out of one or two airframes per month in the early stages of a refit, it is extremely unlikely you would get the new cabin on your flight to South Africa.
You can read more about the First experience here:
www.britishairways.com/travel/first/public/en_gb
I've been wondering much the same thing myself. I have a flight to YVR in first booked for August but I do not expect much to have changed by then. Apparently we will get a new goody bag; big deal.
In truth, BA's first class product is well past its sell-by date, being not noticeably better than many other airline's current business class products. The seats are too narrow, they have obsolete power connections; I could go on but you get the picture.
Agree that the cabin is tired and archaic, but when you get a good crew, especially on a far east route, you do feel like the most important person in the plane. this is something that no other airline gets close to matching.
I've also read that they'll be improving the food in First as well, prior to the introduction of a new cabin/seat.
Well the food couldn't be any worse...some days it is just unpalatable, and on a recent NY flight I brought a sandwich from Pret-a-Manger, which was tastier and fresher than anything offered on board. I just don't understand the powers that be at BA thinking they can cut here and there, and hope passengers won't notice. We do, and I've been taking my full revenue premium business elsewhere (to Qantas, Cathay, Etihad, Singapore to name a few) as the entire experience (not just catering) is premium. How can Etihad manage a first class escort at LHR (or Lufthansa, for that matter) and BA can't - in their own terminal?? Two of my recent flights have been coach transfers - nothing for First pax - you are herded on with everyone else. Fast track security is not policed, and is slow when it works. BA are totally being screwed if they are paying for that poor service. And baggage is no longer handled differently - in fact, don't have a premium tag put on it - the handlers ensure it comes out last if it does. Yet somehow the crew bags always manage to come off first. Hmmmmm. so we know who matters and who does not, and it sure isn't First Class passengers. Hence my migration to other airlines. Cheers to Luftie, Swiss, Cathay and Etihad - you're doing it right. BA - get a clue - but start with an easy win like food - it isn't that great a challenge.
HI guys,
Ok, I thinks that its time that the travel agents out here, (myself..!), should try and earn some pennies. In this time of uncertainty everybody is doing their best to save some valuable cash, and hopefuly I can help do just that.
For anybody that travels Premium Economy, Business Class and First Class frequently, or even on the odd occasion ,why not get in touch and see if I can save you money.
why not at least give me a go, get in touch and I will show you how I can help!
Your reservations are 100% completey governed by all major bonds, and protection.
Hmmmm, I thought this was a forum to exchange ideas, concerns and issues - not a free sales opportunity. Were it to be a sale opportunity, you'd all be signed up for lots of new insurance policies, no doubt! Thanks, Travel_Exec, but perhaps you can advise what advice you'll give passengers as to what they can expect when flying BA First, and any pitfalls they may encounter? Now that would be added value.
Ok, well first of all apologies as my last post was not actually intended for this message board (it was a late night!). This was meant for a new forum altogether... And im sorry that it appears a little like a free sales issue... even though it is!!! I have worked extremely hard for my agent for many years, and I have never felt the economy hit my pocket as hard as it has now (im sure its not just me!). I am genuine, there are no fees etc and bottom line is I know I could save you guys money, at the same time increase my sales and keeping my boss happy!! Once again, apologies for the interuption. Also, I do have the experience to help answer your questions too so let me know.
I must admit I'm rather surprised that people are still flying F Class (on BA of all airlines, on Trans-Atlantic routes of all routes!). I thought there was a recession on! Obviously, some people aren't affected by it.Or, maybe they don't mind being ripped off (is it a 'status thing' to have the Jones family next door know that you can afford to fly BA F class?) just to keep up appearances?Anyway, far be it for me to tell you how to spend your money.Just remember, when you buy a F class ticket, it doesn't prove that you have money, it proved that you HAD money...money that has now gone to BA who are smiling all the way to the bank while YOUR bank account shows a deficit.
Would you like some nice beer-battered cod, lightly doused in vinegar, to go with that chip that is so patently obviously growing out of your shoulder? ;)
This argument that we should not consume in a recession is exactly the sort of thing which turns a recession into a depression.
We need to keep buying to sustain jobs (and yes, taxes, which get paid on salaries, APD fees, company profits) which in the end will maintain economic activity in the future.
As you will no doubt be aware, BA currently has an offer running until 31 July whereby they will book you into First or Club Europe if you book a fully flexible fare Club World or EuroTraveller ticket:
www.britishairways.com/travel/ecnmay09mainoffer/execclub/_gf/en_gb
(requires login)
So it may well not cost anything for a reader of Business Traveller who is out on the road drumming up sales overseas to find themselves in an F cabin.
Many corporate deals routinely offer F for less than most of us would privately pay for J. Right now, they are giving F away at bargain basement prices.
Though I understand it is profligate in a way only Jacqui Smith's husband can truly appreciate to book non-discounted F on business right now, it may well not cost the sorts of sums you might imagine.
If there are people who remain able to pay full whack privately or otherwise (and not everyone loses out during a recession!), I don't think they should feel guilty about that.
In addition, with almost empty cabins, now is a great time to get a BA Miles redemption in F. And all you pay then is the taxes and fees - making F travel about the same cost as a ticket in economy, if you have enough miles.
Travelling in F is a lot less about status than you might imagine; most people who are there couldn't give a monkey's what others think and do so for their own personal comfort.
Rightly, their assessment of wealth is not how much money you have in the bank, or indeed have given away to BA to travel F, but much more about what really matters in life, such as happiness, friends and family.
By investing in flying F, jobs are created, BA profits and taxes are paid to the UK Exchequer, and someone enjoys a great relaxing flight better able to do business at their destination or enjoy a well earned vacation/trip of a lifetime.
Once you see the issue in the round, and understand that F doesn't have to cost a huge amount, I really can't see why flying F is morally objectionable.
Ketchup or mayonnaise?
Here here, Vintage...deliciously put!
Keep 'em coming.
Silly name for silly comments...
Getting touchy are we? I never said flying F was "morally objectionable".Indeed, if you get off your soap box and read my contribution you'll see that I'm not even attempting to dictate what you do with your money (what's left of it). And,no,I don't have a "chip on my shoulder" (is that the only phrase you could come up with, regardless of the garnish?).I'm pretty well-off, ex-public school, and pretty familiar with the front of the aircraft.I just chose not to act in a nouveau riche, ostentatious manner.Enjoy your over-priced F class goodies and spare a thought for the rest of us, in J and Y class, counting our dosh and grinning from ear to ear.
Why not just pay half the price of an F class ticket, and still get flexability.....
Obviously not a very good Public School, or you would know how to insert paragraphs and spaces after full stops. ;)
Another example of a false economy!
Did we just hit an Airpocket? .... Isn't it amazing the response a simple request regarding Ba's new first product can create. It's about experiencing something different, living a little, getting excited about a wonderful holiday......not counting how much of your parents money you have left in your bank account, after you stepped off your Easyjet flight, albeit at thefront of the plane.
I always fly First when it's available, and I always look for the best deals. It's nothing to do with impressing the neighbours or anyone else for that matter.
I want the extra comfort, larger seat, car to the plane, a lounge where I can have a proper dinner before boarding (eg. Swiss and Lufthansa) and be able to use the VIP immigration desks on arrival.
Further, when I depart from foreign shores, I am escorted through security and immigration, no queues, no stop start dragging a bag. Not to mention increased baggage allowance, real phone numbers answered by real people etc.
It's not about saving a few thousand, its about comfort and quality, and I'm happy to pay for this. Finally, when I go for a walk around the cabin to stretch my legs, I rarely see smiling faces, just cramped one's!!! It's worth every penny and I'm certainly smiling when I arrive!!!
Hi Airpocket, I must confess that I find the whole tone of your argument to be very alien to my point of view. I bet you drive a more expensive car than some people. Why ? because you want to and you can afford it. End of story. That is your choice. I also enjoy flying First class sometimes (though mainly fly business for business) simply because it is the most comfortable way to fly. I agree other airlines are better than BA but they are quite good. By the way, do you have communist leanings? As your views would no doubt be well appreciate in the old Soviet Union !! (sorry - only joking )
Dunno about Airpocket but I will happily put my hand up for communstic tendencies if that will get rid of the self-serving b*stards who rule in both the City and at Westminster.
And to confound your other prejudice; I have just ordered a Hyundai i10 (with scrappage allowance) which I bet is a fair bit cheaper than anything you drive. Admittedly, I had intended to drive something else in my fleet to LHR when checking in for for my next BA first class flight in August, but now you mention it.......
TOP SECTIONS »
This month we're giving away a stay at the newly revamped Thistle Euston, including breakfast and dinner for two at the hotel's Brasserie 43 restaurant
Read more »
Business Traveller's airline wine awards have been revealed, with Qantas triumphing in six categories
Read more »
Alex McWhirter examines topical business travel issues. This month: European flights to the Chinese interior
Read more »
