First Class Rankings
Back to Forum- This topic has 20 replies, 13 voices, and was last updated 20 Sep 2014
at 18:45 by Swissdiver.
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BigDog.ParticipantHave only managed to have a sneak peek at first class offerings, however am in agreement that SQ is deservedly top of the class with CX second – and remarkably excellent VFM.
Does BA’s NF deserve only 22nd place?
17 Sep 2014
at 11:00
BigDog.ParticipantThe DM are merely embellishing/reporting. The basis is from “FlightFox”. From a purely observational (as opposed to experiential) perspective, imo the top 5 are a reasonable reflection.
….crowd sourcing travel website Flightfox has devised a comprehensive list of the 24 best First Class in-flight cabins from around the world….
The research methodology, sample size, stats etc are not provided.
17 Sep 2014
at 14:49
AhmadParticipantFor some reason, most people who don’t fly First think of the class difference only in terms of the seat. Although important, the seat is just one aspect of traveling First. For me, the more personalised service (on the ground and in the air) is a far more important factor. With most airlines, in other classes you are just a seat number rather than an individual.
Having said that, on SV many decades ago (when Business Class hadn’t started) there was a full load once with many upgrades and amenity kits were not being handed out to the upgraded passengers. The far eastern crew member handing them out asked me whether I was 1 Charlie before giving it to me. I had a good mind to tell her I wasn’t the seat, but thought better of it.
17 Sep 2014
at 20:10
PhileasFoggParticipantHaving had the previlege of flying in some of the ranked airlines I can see why BA comes 22nd. When it comes to first class it´s all about the extras and the details.
Here´s a few things that BA does NOT have:
– a dedicated first class terminal (eg LH, EK)
– first class boarding priority (not mixed with Business and Gold members)
– ergonomic seat with massage function (most of competitors)
– private suites (eg EY, EK, SQi)
– exclusive environment (BA has 14 seats in 777 vs most airlines 8 seats)
– branded PJs (eg Givenchy SQ)
– spacious bathrooms (eg LH in A380, EY, EQ,…)
– shower on board (EY)
– Lounge/Bar in A380 (EY, QR)
– Dom Perignom (eg SQ)
– Caviar (eg EK, SQ)
– Chef on Board (eg EY)
– Tea menu (eg EY)
– Cocktail menu (most competitors)
– Breakfast menu (eg eggs any style you want – EY)
– Grill menu (eg meat any style with choice of 6 sauces in EY)
– Crew that behave as if they love their job (subjective, I know)
– young, good looking crew serving in premium cabins (let´s not be hipocrital about this)
– huge IFE screens working from the moment you board (eg most competitors)Disclaimer: I have been BA gold member for 15 years and still travel a lot with them – I do consider BA a reliable airline but, let´s face it, it´s not ahead of the game.
18 Sep 2014
at 20:43
MartynSinclairParticipantadding to the list:
** chauffeur transport to and from airport
** dedicated First class fast track through the terminal
(but it does have a fast track door to the First lounge..)
18 Sep 2014
at 20:58
BrotherJimParticipantPhileasFogg, whilst BA may not be the top, there is no way in the world it is number 22 either. Though of course most of the time these surveys mean nothing anyway.
Take SQ for example, their suites product is only available in the A380. Go on the 77W different product, that comes in at 10.
So what does it all really mean?
19 Sep 2014
at 04:43
StephenLondonParticipantSilly article in the Mail and very poorly researched. Where did they get the prices? BA do short hops in F for sub-300 quid, like BAH – DOH. TG do some short hops on 747s with Royal First such as HKG-BKK (as do EK). Looks like some junior from FlightFox who travels low cost often researched this via a tablet device, not through experience. Of course the Mail couldn’t check the story, either. Ho hum.
19 Sep 2014
at 06:27
dutchyankeeParticipantPhileasFogg – 18/09/2014 20:43 GMT
While I agree with much of what you have written, it does show that the vast majority of the `added luxuries` exist on the ME3 and SQ mainly (not only, but mainly) so to have BA in 22nd place does seem a bit ridiculous especially having for instance Air China ahead of them (horrible horrible airline, dreadful experience), Garuda, and Transaero (dire),
I too prefer experienced crew who do their job professionally and graciously as opposed to having to be `attractive.` Many an EK flight proves they hire on looks before skill, which often makes the service hit and miss. Certainly BA is not offering the same as the ME3, or even the main Asian Carriers, but the ranking in the DM is not a true depiction IMO. I think what BrotherJim said is correct as the consistency of product on most airlines is non existent while at least with BA currently, you know what type of seat you will get regardless of aircraft (in First).
19 Sep 2014
at 08:11
LuganoPirateParticipantWell Simon, you’re absolutely right of course, still, it’s always very pleasing on the old eyes when a young good looking stewardess comes down front to ask the purser for something or other 😉
19 Sep 2014
at 08:13
LuganoPirateParticipantOverall I’d still put LX and LH up at 1 & 2.
Funnily at Lugano airport this morning, I saw they have a separate emigration line for F, C, Gold pax. Never seen this anywhere else. I wonder if it’s the Etihad effect? I needed sunglasses on boarding the saab2000 as they have now decked it out with gold seats that look more like a stuffed armchair. Much nicer and more comfortable than the stark hard black seats Darwin had pre takeover by Etihad.
19 Sep 2014
at 08:22 -
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