[FDOS_UK]

Flyerboy1 – 19/11/2015 11:57 GMT & 19/11/2015 13:16 GMT

Whilst I am pleased that you enjoy BA, I need to correct some basic errors in your posts

The middle eastern airlines do not have money to waste, they have the advantage of lower operating costs, which they use to invest in updating their premium cabins; on the other hand, BA has a tremendous advantage with it’s competitive dominance at LHR and chooses to make more profits from that, rather than invest in newer hard products.

The difference between a number of airlines’ F products and J products is enormous, in the ME EK, EY and QR fall into this category, as do some far eastern airlines. In Europe, the same is true with Lufthansa, Swiss and Air France.

There isn’t any ‘BA’ bashing on here, people are expressing their opinions based on their experiences, just like you – no one should accuse you of ‘hyping up BA’ because you enjoy the experience.

[wastedlife]

Flyerboy1 – from what I’d seen discussed the seat on the A350 is an evolution of the ying/yang and still 2-4-2 forward and backward facing. Ho hum.

I put “better” in quotation marks wrt Mixed Fleet as stereotypically I think of Mixed Fleet as being young, impressionable and overawed by urban music “stars” – as I had about a year ago coming back from Hamburg. (I’ve no idea who said “star” was.) OTOH, WW I perceive as having a bit more gravitas. So I therefore found it ironic that I received very good service I wasn’t expecting from Mixed Fleet immediately followed 10 days later by a pretty indifferent performance from WW. Which is very interesting, but adds to an overall perception of an indifferent, inconsistent product.

[MartynSinclair]

I think it is pretty poor, looking at an airline’s J class dinner menu in advance and then deciding to take a Pret takeaway on board instead..

I did get 7 hours sleep though on an 11 hour + flight… so it wasn’t all bad!

[KSHaggag]

I would rather upgrade to F only on LH,LX,AF but not BA ;the BA F cabin feels like a better Business Class only ,not F ..it is cramped !!!

[GoonerLondon]

i had a great flight to MIA in F – the late board was shambolic, but once on board, i loved the tasting menu, the special route cocktail, the staff and the seat.

No complaints here, and certainly in most parts the equal to any other F I’ve enjoyed (LX/SQ/AA/AF)

[Andrew66]

My most recent experience , only last week to DXB was absolutely perfect , as we entered the CCR and took seats on the terrace area we were approached immediately by a member of staff who was friendly and smiling , who got us 2 coffees and offered the breakfast menu , we replied that we would eat in the dining area later , and then she also came back after our breakfast which was very nice with 2 glasses of champagne for us , I did think the service levels in there were just right .
On boarding , it was strictly enforced with F only being called / allowed , met at door , and welcomed by name and explained that she couldn’t leave the door as two other F passengers were being escorted , but a great warm and smiling welcome ( and being grown up I do now know that 2K is near the front !! ) again a warm smiling welcome and interaction throughout the flight with the F cabin crew , great food ( perfect beef dish ) and drinks and service , even got a visit from the CSD / person in charge .
Arrived a tiny bit early , everyone else held back until F cabin cleared and bags waiting on trolley once through immigration .
This flight was excellent , my others even in CE and CW and F previously have all been consistently good , the only thing Hi de hi about it was the price darling , £463 as I was using a Amex companion voucher !! Perhaps the silver card on my hand baggage means they’re extra nice to me ?? 🙂
Looking forward to my flight back .

[KSHaggag]

Hello Andrew66,

It is indeed thrilling to see that real First Class standards are strictly observed these days and there are great people out there who do deliver that great service consistently .I am as happy as you are to read your words ;it gives us faith in the Luxury Segment of the Airline Industry being still healthy and well catered for!
Thank you

[Andrew66]

I did notice this time that the smiling and warmness was more consistent , perhaps they’ve all been given a pay rise !! Lol it’s nice to see at last the boarding being more rigorously enforced , lots of people up at the gate but when they were asked to show BPs , the crew insisted only F passengers . I sensed a more dedicated approach to the service onboard , I think that BA know that offering a warm refined service is something that they can do well , and that it has to be consistent , and I’ve found that in my experience .
Whilst here in Dubai you notice that the service delivery is consistent , but at times it can be more subservient rather than genuine and warm , which I don’t think is good service .
I would add that I travel a few times a year for leisure and am always looking forward to travel , whilst I guess for many on here it might be a chore and they would rather be somewhere else ? That can affect how you feel .

[KSHaggag]

I genuinely agree !!!

[esselle]

Well Andrew66, I suppose our widely differing experiences in BA F make the point for me. My flight was pretty much an embarrassment from start to finish. On landing we were greeted at the aircraft door, taken on a buggy to immigration and whisked through a private channel.

I also flew to DXB, and am staying in what is widely considered one of the best properties in the Emirate. The service here could not be more genuine and willing.

Enjoy the sunshine!!

Ho De Ho

[Andrew66]

We decided to avail this time of Ahlan meet and greet service , and were greeted at the door and escorted very quickly through private immigration , which was excellent value considering our previous experience of Dubai T1 immigration at near midnight , even using their Fast track lane makes LHR T5 fast track security look overstaffed !
I did see other F passengers get a buggy and assistance , though think this was arranged through the airport as special assistance ??
Don’t get me wrong about service in Dubai , it’s great along with food and hotel standards , it’s one of my favourite holiday destinations , and by using my reward voucher can treat myself to First travel and allocate more money to staying in great properties in Dubai like Al Maha which I would certainly recommend to anyone wishing an extraordinary experience .
Always enjoy the sunshine , just the right temp here for me now 🙂
Almost qualified for my next voucher , so it’s Dubai again for me next November and possibly a ride on the new Eye !!

[esselle]

The meet and greet at DXB is complimentary for BAEC gold; don’t ask me why as I have never experienced this arriving in BA F at any other destination.

I could happily recommend Grosvenor House for your next trip.

[Andrew66]

Oh thanks , that explains it as the couple in 1A and 1K were advised by the CSD? That assistance would meet them , do wish the bag handling at LHR mirrored that at DXB .
I would actually like to stay at the GH , did have a quick look round when we went to dine at Gary Rhodes W1 and it is rather nice ( understatement !! ) and you get beach access at the Royal Meridien , will twist the wife’s arm !!

[DerekVH]

Andrew 66
“I would add that I travel a few times a year for leisure and am always looking forward to travel , whilst I guess for many on here it might be a chore and they would rather be somewhere else ? That can affect how you feel “

I think you have hit the nail on the head – whenever I travel, usually in F it is always for leisure and I feel guilty when I read some of the horror stories on here. Personally I much prefer travelling BA to EK for example and I know many will disagree, but each to their own. The one thing I would love to see is a BA response to the ever present stories of inconsistent service that appear on this forum.

[SGJNI1961]

I can also second the suggestion of a stay at GH. Club room was a fantastic experience and an upgrade at check in was simply the icing on the cake! The walk to the beach is not without its challenges at times and the hotel would not necessarily be a good choice for a first visit to DXB, but overall, a fantastic place to stay.
I am a little confused by some previous posts. Is the meet and greet only for Golds who are in First, or is it only for Firsts, or is it for all Golds????

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