The FIRST, First Class of the Channel, I really hope you enjoyed it ! Am I being Harsh on BA or not critical enough ? check out some of my other experiences here: www.youtube.com/@GavTheFlyGuy?sub_confirmation=1
Great video. I think one thing that sets BA aside from competitors (at least in the UK), is their attention to detail. They are very good at building a rapport with their passengers in premium cabins. For example, never letting your wine glass run dry. A nice touch! I've only had the privilege of flying Club World, but that was a wonderful experience in itself. I would love to have the opportunity to try First, but it would appear that the routes offering it are becoming fewer and fewer.
Hi there, thanks for taking the time to comment. I agree I think the crews have a great rapport with their passenger. First is a great experience, however as you may have seen from other comments, it is probably bettered by other airlines. Thanks for your kind comments 👍🏻
Great video, and very valid comments. It seems BA offers more of a "First Class Lite", nothing like Emirates, Qatar and Singapore Airlines. The experience is more of business class than first class, and definitely not worth paying for, no dine on demand, limited menu, etc., and they're charging a premium.
Hi dean, thanks for posting. I do agree it is like a first class light as the costs(which ever people pay) doesn’t always reflect the hard product. In fairness to the crew, dine on demand was technically available, as you could eat at any time, but it seemed everyone ate when it was ready. 👍🏻
@@GavTheFlyGuy Yes when I saw the news I too was excited. However initially it appears this new F class will be installed on the A380 and then not until 2026 ! No details of the rest of the BA fleet.
Was upgraded from Business to First flying home from Chicago a couple of weeks ago as CW was oversold. It was nice, especially when I didn’t pay for it, but I wouldn’t pay the difference from Business as the product variance isn’t enough to justify the extra cost.
Hi there, yep It seems your views are shared with a lot of people, that Business will suffice based on the product differences. Thanks for taking the time to share 👍🏻
For me, BA First is not a big improvement over their new Business Class Club Suites except for being able to access the very enjoyable Concorde Lounge. BA are improving in the premium cabins but a long way short of e.g. the Middle East airlines. This brunch thing that BA are introducing is utterly ridiculous. Who at BA thinks up this nonsense?! Given how generous BA are with drinks, I assume proper lunches are much more expensive to provide than drink. Great video - glad you enjoyed the experience!
Thanks for the kind words John, their new business class suits are good which is a detriment to their First cabins, the new first cabins look ok by will be a while until we can try them, I like the Concorde room, although I know others are critical of it. I’m glad you enjoyed the vid 👍🏻
Except it’s not. Qatar Q-Suite is substantially better than BA first. If you have ever experienced an overnight flight in First with BA crew - they are quite frankly funking terrible. Banging cupboards, crashing drawers, stomping in the aisles, yapping at top volume. And yes, they do that in First and yes in the night. Qatar and Cathay crew are like ninjas.
Another fab video, Gav - really enjoy your style of delivery! Looks like a great flight, marred only by the poor ground experience at Heathrow and the weird menu choices for the morning flight. I really do not understand why BA dont offer a better service for their First passengers. Even a mini-bus to take F pax over first would be a huge improvement, as otherwise you're crammed on the same bus with dozens of other pax, and no chance of boarding as a priority when you get to the stairs. As you commented - Qatar do this with ease in Doha - and BA do have some vehicles for transporting round VIPs (not sure if it's Permiers and GGLfL passengers, or what), but it really is such a bad start to a trip if you're on a remote stand. The crew, thankfully, still usually make up for it once on-board, and good to see you got your choice of meal (i'd have been raging if i was stuck with poached eggs or pancakes). From a professional interest perspective - nice use of the DJI Pocket for some of your shots during the service - what did you use to stick to the bulkhead?
Thank You so much matey, always nice to get positive feedback from a fellow reviewer. The brunch thing is 100% cost saving and the crew did explain that a lot of people on our flight and a previous one were not happy, I only got the meal I wanted because there was a kind and very accommodating guy across the isle who was happy to have the brunch option, if I wanted the chicken meal. I was most grateful and thankful. But its not great from BA's perspective. The Bus I thought was the biggest let down, and your right its like they couldn't give two hoots about their first or Business passengers. With regards to the Camera, the shots were with both Go Pro and DJI in various locations, it was only my second outing with the DJI Pocket, so i was still faffing about with the controls- it wasn't stuck anywhere though, it was simply positioned down the side of IFE, on its mini tripod as part of the creative pack you can buy with it. I must say I love the gimble allowing you to follow selected things of your shot, like the food or crew, I like it for 'To Cam' recording also, as it keeps my ugly mug in the centre :) it made me rethink my setup totally as the DJI is very small and good quality, and mixing it up with a good phone camera and sometimes a go pro, allows me to travel quite light with equipment, but stil lget a couple viewpoints as i have nobody filming with me !
@@GavTheFlyGuy I've just bought myself an early xmas treat and have upgraded to the DJI Action 5, so i now just need to book a trip to try it out ;-). I currently use a DJI Action 1 for my out the window footage, and a gopro Max for my walking about and to camera footage - but think i'm going to try just with the one, on the next trip and see how I get on - already carrying too much on trips as it is ;-).
@GLAFly it’s all the batteries and cables, they all add up, and I found it was getting a bit silly on some flights. I was considering the action 5 too, after we last chatted, but I can’t have them all, I think it’ll be a good addition for you, I don’t know how they compare to the newer go pros though.
@GavTheFlyGuy we're some good deals on the action 4 for black Friday (think it was down as low as 199), but it was the action combo with the battery charging pack that sold it for me - no more faffing about digging spare battery out the bag mid-flight!
@GLAFly yep everyone has their choices, reasons and methods, I don’t know what go pro you were replacing, but I have a 12 so probably can’t justify replacing that yet!
Flying AA first and BA first next week - I am spoiled with Emirtes First (just ran out of my Bulgari comp cologne) and the Lounge in DBX is pretty hard to beat. I will give you my opinion soon
Hi there, the middle-eastern airlines do seem to offer more for money. Please let me know what you think, I’m interested in what you think of it. Which will be better AA or BA. Thanks for posting.
Great video - enjoyed it! I pretty much think your analysis of First Class is spot on. New brunch menus are a total disgrace. On a 1100 departure to Chicago, the flight is often not airborne until c11:45 and the meal not served until after 1300 so to offer brunch is ridiculous, especially cheap, non-dishes like poached eggs on toast. Maybe a proper breakfast with a small steak or lobster like a good hotel might offer for brunch. In First Class this is just cost cutting dressed up as a snazzy new concept but it’s not fooling anyone! Shame on BA. I also agree on the way First Class customers are treated by BA at bus gates. Well, they are not treated to any service - just abandoned. Actually, sending First Class customers for all flights to A10 may not be a bad idea but they should build a little mini Concorde Room there then put people into luxury cars to head to planes once flight ready.
Thanks for being kind mark, I’m glad you enjoyed the experience review. As I’ve said to some others, I didn’t really think much of it at the time, but since producing the vid, the more I think about it, the more is smacks of cost cutting. You could argue they might be heading the same way as American with the quality of some of the business suits meaning, they can charge more for them and bin first all together (I hope I haven’t given them an idea). The cost step up doesn’t reflect the product difference unfortunately, with the exception of the cabin crews, I find them really good.
@@GavTheFlyGuy Right now EY and SQ appear to have the best F products. Although QR is planning something good. As for BA's new F class ... latest info today is that it won't be fitted on the A380 until 2026.
When I lived in Germany, often I would find fares to the us in BA first that were comparable to others in business. In that context it’s a great deal and an excellent product. But I would not compare it to other first class products if i were to pay normal price
Seems to be the general consensus with regards their first cabin, it might fall a bit short compared to others, especially the middle-eastern Carriers !
Dunno where you get £11,000 from. I have never paid that for a BA First ticket, not even to Los Angeles. I flew on the BA299 to ORD in July in First. The ticket was just over 2k.
£11,000 is the price quoted by BA for a single fare to ORD no matter how early you booked, as I showed in the vid. Obviously we both know that people, as you have stated can get it far cheaper through booking returns, using avios for paying or upgrading, and also in sales or booking well in advance. I’m not sure many people who pay the 11k But that’s how much they’ll charge you if you wanted it one way. Thanks for contributing to the channel Snowie
I’m flying this when I come back to the UK at Christmas to visit family. Wanted to give it a try United’s Polaris is such a big cabin service can be lacking and surely with 8 pax it’s good in BA F product?
Hi there, yep the smaller cabin does give you more a personalised service, but then I think that’s happens more often than not with BA Cabin Crews, I found the product good, but as you saw some events like the menu and the transfer, took the polish off it, that was just my experience and I think you’ll enjoy it.. Please let me know what you think of it. Also thanks for posting and sharing 👍🏻
I would pay the extra if I was wealthy enough that i would not notice the cost. Otherwise, it is steerage for me, especially living in Australia where you pay vastly more because of the longer distance. Thank you for the video!
Thank you for watching, even if money was no object 11k+ is insane - im desperate to come and fly some airlines in your part of the world, It will hopefully come. Cheers Daniel 👍🏻
Someone scrubs up well for a seat in First Class haha. Being serious, there are a few glimmers of hope but for me it is only on a par with Qatar Airways business class. The "brunch" catering is an epic fail in my opinion, essentially you're paying a lot for brunch and afternoon tea and I'd be expecting a lot more for my money. Your video was really informative and a fantastic insight into exactly what the BA First Class offering is like in 2024.
Ha, I thought I’d make an effort and put the glad rags on, I took the brunch menu at face value, but a lot of people feel it is a cut back costs. I can certainly see people’s frustrations. But yep, I think business offers better value.
@@GavTheFlyGuy I did and I am surprised at myself, as I watch a LOT of flight reviews. This one just grabbed my attention. I see a lot of reviews especially the ones from the 'Texan' from Chesterfield whose constant repetitions and annoying hand gestures to camera give me the peeps. Well done. I have subscribed and will be looking out for more gripping and well-presented stories. Paul in Oz (formerly Lonely Planet)
@ thanks Paul, I’m pleased it stood out for you, I am all fairly new to it all, but I’m aiming to try keep it informative and interesting as possible without boring people, although my dulcet tones probably do the opposite, thanks again ✋🏼
@@GavTheFlyGuy you are doing just fine. Keep producing. That trip I saw looked WAY over-expensive for an 8 (?) hour flight. I live in Australia - originally from the UK - and have been commuting between Oz and Europe for almost 50 years. First class is a luxury you NEED on long-haul flights - or at least Business or Premium Economy. I'll look forward to any trips you can do in this manner on those really long-haul trips. Paul in Oz (Adelaide)
We flew to Atlanta and had same boarding experience. When we flew swissair from Italy via Switzerland we had a minibus to take us to the terminal when travelling short haul business class. So BA can do it for first.
Hi Kevin, I totally agree there is no reason for them not to make more of an effort, it’s either constraints of some kind or cost saving. Planes will be on remote, there is no getting away from it, but they can do something more tailored. Thanks for contributing 👍🏻
Concorde lounge let down by people sleeping on the sofas, having to chase after staff for a menu and then chasing after staff to take our order. Flight was fine, but more like a good business class. Pre ordered child’s menu didn’t materialise and the vanity kit pretty poor. Often great deals on BA, but would never pay full price.
If you paid full price, you would probably be a bit disappointed, especially with the experience I had. Interesting about the child’s menu, I thought they would prioritise the little ones, might one to try out. I did t mind the concord room, but people asleep on the seat is out of order, I can see how that would ruin an experience, thanks for taking the time to post, I hope you enjoyed the vid.
You’d have to be mad to pay BA F prices without a deal. I’m flying F to Tokyo next year - I paid £2.5k return (booking direct with BA and using no points) - coming back on Japan Airlines (thankfully). Only excited about the Japan Airlines leg. The changes to menu on BA are a joke.
You have got a good deal Emma.I was showcasing what BA are happy to charge for a one way ticket, it’s an absurd amount of money that they try to get away with charging. Booking in advance can get you a much better price, I’d be excited about JAL too, I hope you enjoy your trip. Thanks for posting
I do agree, however sometimes it will come down to space constraint issues as to how much can be loaded, and maybe cost/less waste, thanks for taking the time to contribute 👍🏻
Don't even need to watch to know that BA First is a let down and that's without the; IT failures, cancellations, delays and absent ground based customer service. Lets not mention cabin cleanliness, maintenance or catering and refreshments which are never loaded in sufficient quantity to deliver the advertised menu.
Thanks for posting John, I must have been quite lucky with my BA flights, as the catering isn’t usually too bad and the aircraft usually seem clean to me, I’m not saying any of this doesn’t happen because BA usually find away to infuriate their customers.
@@GavTheFlyGuy Great video, thanks for that and your high production values but I believe you let them off lightly... When compared with other First class, Asian or Middle Eastern, BA is definitely the worst in class. It's not just the cancellations and delays, consistently not being able to offer the advertised menu is not new & happens even in First or even the woeful IT. For me, it's that they were once truly favourite and world beating, not just world class but 20 years of absent investment and being run for short term profits has taken it's toll. Shorthaul the likes of Easyjet offer the same onboard experience with better reliability for less. On longhaul, when the likes of Air Astana, Air India and JetBlue beat them, you know something is VERY wrong at Waterside! Yes, I have been infuriated by BA as a customer in large part because of the gaping void between their marketing / PR and reality! I now actively avoid them when possible and my team (we travel globally) have saved around 7% net since we adopted this ABBA approach while enjoying better reliability, comfort and service.
@@journeyingjohn3275 I think I need to experience more of others before I start calling them out on things, I will revisit in time, and put them in their place if I have to .
You are not being harsh enough! I have flown BA First and it is comparable to business on many other airlines and inferior to some. I have recently had better service in business on Air France, Aeroméxico and Emirates and cannot see how these exorbitant fares can be justified.
Thanks for posting, it does seem that some of the ridiculous prices do not match the hard product experienced, I like the look of Aeromexico. One for the todo list ! 👍🏻
@@GavTheFlyGuy Ironically I flew Aeroméxico because BA had cancelled my flight back from Mexico. It was a brand new aircraft, the seat was almost perfect and after a nice meal slept for a solid five hours - something virtually impossible on the old-style BA Club seats. Cabin crew were friendly and helpful and there was a good selection of movies.
Oh come on who would pay 11k…. Let’s start being honest about prices……NYC single to nyc shouldn’t cost more than 1500 quid and an upgrade for between 600 to 800 quid let’s start being honest….
Well I am being honest, because that is the price for a one way ticket, but I do agree that I don’t think many people end up paying that, as I’m sure they book in advance, or use avios and companion vouchers etc etc.
@ it seems every influencer does this, and in my humble view it skews the truth. I got a business class ticket return to lax for 1500 pounds return. I didn’t bother upgrading because I indulged especially in LA in the Cathy Pacific first lounge, not a booking with avios. I was unable to upgrade to first but have done in a prior flight cost 800 quid from LHR to NYC. No one unless incredibly rich or stupid would pay the single flights. I would agree if you fly from the USA to London prices are incredibly high, a virgin upper seat was about 4000 US dollars return,
I'm travelling to Chicago on British Airways in July 2025 for week to go sightseeing and watch major league baseball ⚾️ from Chicago O Hare to downtown Chicago I plan to use the train 🚆 which is like the New York Subway to go to my hotel
Hi Gavin, great name by the way 😃 If you haven’t been to Chicago before you’ll love it, it’s one of my favourite cities. The sub way is fairly easy to use and you’re right it’s very similar to NYC. I hope you enjoy it. 👍🏻
I could never afford £11k for a single flight, nor would I for this BA flight experience even if I could - paying out that much for what seems the equivalent of a Qatar / Emirates business class flight brings to mind the phrase more money than sense... It's interesting though with BA 1st class, that everything seems pretty great UNTIL that is you actually get onboard the aircraft - then the whole thing seems to be seriously budget restricted and slightly done on the cheap. It's almost as if BA have forgotten that if anything it should be the other way around!
I totally agree 11k is crazy silly money, and I highlighted to show what BA try to charge people for one way fares. You make a good point, and I feel the same about their euro-biz cabin, you’re essentially paying for the better ground amenities instead of the onboard product, which is basically the wrong way round. Thanks for taking the time to put your point across, I hope you enjoyed the vid 👍🏻
It’s a good point, they didn’t lock the window shades at all, bus gate was not brilliant. Thank for taking the time time to contribute to the channel 👍🏻
Love BA first find it better than all other airlines . Crew far better than like emirates or Qatar who are not nice and to be honest going down hill . Spot on BA
So you got bussed to the aircraft which meant goodbye any priority boarding. Oh great but @£11k what would you expect 😂. Your “cabin” doesn’t look any different from my usual A.F. Business class product. Overall if you’re paying £11k or £9k this is lousy value for money, it’s really more like an overpriced Business Class Product. Thanks for the review, glad I ditched them for the much superior A.F. for my regular long haul.
Thanks for contributing Paul, I think the prices (which ever one people pay) are quite expensive, I wouldn’t be surprised if they do something similar to AA and take away most of their first class and charge more for business.
Having flown BA`s first on nearly every long haul flight since 2002 ish, it`s really taken a downward spiral in recent years. Their food is the most noticeable in decline as the quality is just not there and the options are cheap especially when fares vary between £3500-8000 dependent on route. The service is usually the reliable British affair but the overall experience is far behind the Mid East carriers. BA`s biggest advantage is they fly non stop to almost every city they have on their books, hence it made a great option BUT now they are cutting their F product from various cities, its making me book Qatar, Emirates & Etihad more. Shame really......
Hi Bob, I personally don’t mind the food and believe them to still be at the better end of scale, as you say they are probably still a long way of middle-eastern carriers, thank you for taking the time to contribute to the channel 👍🏻
B.A. certainly have declined. I’m more than happy to use A.F. Business to London even though it means a change in Paris. Their business product is as good as the First shown here and the food offering far superior though B.A.’s looked good quality just the typical cost cutting (on choice) but that’s B.A. in 2024.
Great video, but what a disappointing product! Not sure how the British can accept this as their flagship carrier's First class, knowing how particular and demanding they are with detail. Putting somebody in a bus to the plane after having paid 11K and then serving a chicken pastry (if you're "lucky") is quite horrific.
Thank you very much and when put like that it does come across as shoddy, the 11k was an example of a one way price, but whatever people have paid, it’s still a chunk of money. Thanks for contributing Andrea. 👍🏻
I too have a soft spot for BA but I think they are a let down. Personally I think biz class is sufficient enough for flights up to 8 hours. Any longer I think you get your moneys worth, catering pending.
I'm probably in agreement with you there Tony, I don't think you need to go higher then Biz, maybe even longer flights too. There is no gulf in difference, Thank you for contributing sir.
Mad the difference in price, one way will always be more expensive, but by booking early you can get it down to a more 'reasonable amount' Still a chunk of money though, I wonder if anyone does pay the £11k, thank you for watching, I hope you enjoyed it.
£11k for that certainly way to much Concorde lounge looked good but the rest of the flight certainly nothing special considering the cost. BA penny pinching just too apparent in comparison to many other carriers
I agree maybe penny pinching with catering and boarding etc, the 11k is for one way but even if people get it cheaper, it’s still a chunk of money. Thanks for contributing
The food looked good but didn't feel 1st class - more like a good business. Think the recent catering moves by BA ludicrous and a false economy. They've probably lost more money in pay-outs than they've saved scrimping.
Indeed, there wasn't enough wow as a first class product, everyone seems a little baffled by the catering changes. thank you for contributing to the channel, I hope you enjoyed the experience review.
@@nickf619 they were closed because the company that run them didn't renew their contract, I read somewhere they have been slightly refurbished now and run by regular ground staff.
@@nickf619 they never used to have actual beds with sheets in them, only day beds. A chaise longue really! A sofa chair with an ottoman. But you could sleep on them. Now the sofa seems to be a much smaller one, won't be able to sleep on those. :/
![ROSÉ (로제) - number one girl [더 시즌즈-이영지의 레인보우] | KBS 241129 방송](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/A9oByH9Ci24/mqdefault.jpg)
The FIRST, First Class of the Channel, I really hope you enjoyed it !
Am I being Harsh on BA or not critical enough ?
check out some of my other experiences here: www.youtube.com/@GavTheFlyGuy?sub_confirmation=1
Great video. I think one thing that sets BA aside from competitors (at least in the UK), is their attention to detail. They are very good at building a rapport with their passengers in premium cabins. For example, never letting your wine glass run dry. A nice touch! I've only had the privilege of flying Club World, but that was a wonderful experience in itself. I would love to have the opportunity to try First, but it would appear that the routes offering it are becoming fewer and fewer.
Hi there, thanks for taking the time to comment.
I agree I think the crews have a great rapport with their passenger. First is a great experience, however as you may have seen from other comments, it is probably bettered by other airlines. Thanks for your kind comments 👍🏻
Great video, and very valid comments. It seems BA offers more of a "First Class Lite", nothing like Emirates, Qatar and Singapore Airlines. The experience is more of business class than first class, and definitely not worth paying for, no dine on demand, limited menu, etc., and they're charging a premium.
Hi dean, thanks for posting.
I do agree it is like a first class light as the costs(which ever people pay) doesn’t always reflect the hard product. In fairness to the crew, dine on demand was technically available, as you could eat at any time, but it seemed everyone ate when it was ready. 👍🏻
@@GavTheFlyGuy Just saw a very short video of BA's new First Class suite ... it might be worth a revisit when it debuts, it looks very very nice.
@@deanmeixner certainly one to check out,
I had better get saving my pennies 👍🏻
@@GavTheFlyGuy Yes when I saw the news I too was excited. However initially it appears this new F class will be installed on the A380 and then not until 2026 ! No details of the rest of the BA fleet.
Make sno sense to serve brunch to husiness class when theyve already had it at the lounge!
Yeah which is why quite a few people have criticised the menu change.
Was upgraded from Business to First flying home from Chicago a couple of weeks ago as CW was oversold. It was nice, especially when I didn’t pay for it, but I wouldn’t pay the difference from Business as the product variance isn’t enough to justify the extra cost.
Hi there, yep It seems your views are shared with a lot of people, that Business will suffice based on the product differences.
Thanks for taking the time to share 👍🏻
I found my flight from DC to London pretty good. It was only a 7 hour flight, but it was worth it. Thanks for the review
Good to hear ! Glad you enjoyed it !
For me, BA First is not a big improvement over their new Business Class Club Suites except for being able to access the very enjoyable Concorde Lounge. BA are improving in the premium cabins but a long way short of e.g. the Middle East airlines. This brunch thing that BA are introducing is utterly ridiculous. Who at BA thinks up this nonsense?! Given how generous BA are with drinks, I assume proper lunches are much more expensive to provide than drink. Great video - glad you enjoyed the experience!
Thanks for the kind words John, their new business class suits are good which is a detriment to their First cabins, the new first cabins look ok by will be a while until we can try them, I like the Concorde room, although I know others are critical of it. I’m glad you enjoyed the vid 👍🏻
I’m flying first to USA. Yes the seat is lie flat as is Business so why upgrade but it’s the service that’s superior and makes the cost worth it
Hi there, BA customer service (on board) is very good I agree! Thanks for contributing 👍🏻
It is often joked that British Airways First Class is the world’s best business class
True story 😂👍🏻
Except it’s not. Qatar Q-Suite is substantially better than BA first. If you have ever experienced an overnight flight in First with BA crew - they are quite frankly funking terrible. Banging cupboards, crashing drawers, stomping in the aisles, yapping at top volume. And yes, they do that in First and yes in the night. Qatar and Cathay crew are like ninjas.
I have to check these ninja crews out.
Haven’t yet done it but Q-Suite does look incredibly smart.
@@GavTheFlyGuy If you can get a Q-Suite on an A350, you’ve hit the jackpot.
@ thank you for the tip, this is now a challenge for me !
Another fab video, Gav - really enjoy your style of delivery! Looks like a great flight, marred only by the poor ground experience at Heathrow and the weird menu choices for the morning flight. I really do not understand why BA dont offer a better service for their First passengers. Even a mini-bus to take F pax over first would be a huge improvement, as otherwise you're crammed on the same bus with dozens of other pax, and no chance of boarding as a priority when you get to the stairs. As you commented - Qatar do this with ease in Doha - and BA do have some vehicles for transporting round VIPs (not sure if it's Permiers and GGLfL passengers, or what), but it really is such a bad start to a trip if you're on a remote stand. The crew, thankfully, still usually make up for it once on-board, and good to see you got your choice of meal (i'd have been raging if i was stuck with poached eggs or pancakes). From a professional interest perspective - nice use of the DJI Pocket for some of your shots during the service - what did you use to stick to the bulkhead?
Thank You so much matey, always nice to get positive feedback from a fellow reviewer. The brunch thing is 100% cost saving and the crew did explain that a lot of people on our flight and a previous one were not happy, I only got the meal I wanted because there was a kind and very accommodating guy across the isle who was happy to have the brunch option, if I wanted the chicken meal. I was most grateful and thankful. But its not great from BA's perspective. The Bus I thought was the biggest let down, and your right its like they couldn't give two hoots about their first or Business passengers.
With regards to the Camera, the shots were with both Go Pro and DJI in various locations, it was only my second outing with the DJI Pocket, so i was still faffing about with the controls- it wasn't stuck anywhere though, it was simply positioned down the side of IFE, on its mini tripod as part of the creative pack you can buy with it.
I must say I love the gimble allowing you to follow selected things of your shot, like the food or crew, I like it for 'To Cam' recording also, as it keeps my ugly mug in the centre :)
it made me rethink my setup totally as the DJI is very small and good quality, and mixing it up with a good phone camera and sometimes a go pro, allows me to travel quite light with equipment, but stil lget a couple viewpoints as i have nobody filming with me !
@@GavTheFlyGuy I've just bought myself an early xmas treat and have upgraded to the DJI Action 5, so i now just need to book a trip to try it out ;-). I currently use a DJI Action 1 for my out the window footage, and a gopro Max for my walking about and to camera footage - but think i'm going to try just with the one, on the next trip and see how I get on - already carrying too much on trips as it is ;-).
@GLAFly it’s all the batteries and cables, they all add up, and I found it was getting a bit silly on some flights. I was considering the action 5 too, after we last chatted, but I can’t have them all, I think it’ll be a good addition for you, I don’t know how they compare to the newer go pros though.
@GavTheFlyGuy we're some good deals on the action 4 for black Friday (think it was down as low as 199), but it was the action combo with the battery charging pack that sold it for me - no more faffing about digging spare battery out the bag mid-flight!
@GLAFly yep everyone has their choices, reasons and methods, I don’t know what go pro you were replacing, but I have a 12 so probably can’t justify replacing that yet!
Flying AA first and BA first next week - I am spoiled with Emirtes First (just ran out of my Bulgari comp cologne)
and the Lounge in DBX is pretty hard to beat. I will give you my opinion soon
Hi there, the middle-eastern airlines do seem to offer more for money. Please let me know what you think, I’m interested in what you think of it.
Which will be better AA or BA. Thanks for posting.
Great video - enjoyed it! I pretty much think your analysis of First Class is spot on. New brunch menus are a total disgrace. On a 1100 departure to Chicago, the flight is often not airborne until c11:45 and the meal not served until after 1300 so to offer brunch is ridiculous, especially cheap, non-dishes like poached eggs on toast. Maybe a proper breakfast with a small steak or lobster like a good hotel might offer for brunch. In First Class this is just cost cutting dressed up as a snazzy new concept but it’s not fooling anyone! Shame on BA. I also agree on the way First Class customers are treated by BA at bus gates. Well, they are not treated to any service - just abandoned. Actually, sending First Class customers for all flights to A10 may not be a bad idea but they should build a little mini Concorde Room there then put people into luxury cars to head to planes once flight ready.
Thanks for being kind mark, I’m glad you enjoyed the experience review.
As I’ve said to some others, I didn’t really think much of it at the time, but since producing the vid, the more I think about it, the more is smacks of cost cutting. You could argue they might be heading the same way as American with the quality of some of the business suits meaning, they can charge more for them and bin first all together (I hope I haven’t given them an idea). The cost step up doesn’t reflect the product difference unfortunately, with the exception of the cabin crews, I find them really good.
Yea, that bussing drama is cheap. Not first class in any sense. Paul in Oz
If I’m going to fly First instead of business, BA would not even enter my mind.
I think a lot of people would agree with you there! Thanks for watching
@@GavTheFlyGuy Right now EY and SQ appear to have the best F products. Although QR is planning something good. As for BA's new F class ... latest info today is that it won't be fitted on the A380 until 2026.
@ the A380 are the ones that need it most, they look quite dated now
When I lived in Germany, often I would find fares to the us in BA first that were comparable to others in business. In that context it’s a great deal and an excellent product. But I would not compare it to other first class products if i were to pay normal price
Seems to be the general consensus with regards their first cabin, it might fall a bit short compared to others, especially the middle-eastern Carriers !
Dunno where you get £11,000 from. I have never paid that for a BA First ticket, not even to Los Angeles. I flew on the BA299 to ORD in July in First. The ticket was just over 2k.
£11,000 is the price quoted by BA for a single fare to ORD no matter how early you booked, as I showed in the vid.
Obviously we both know that people, as you have stated can get it far cheaper through booking returns, using avios for paying or upgrading, and also in sales or booking well in advance.
I’m not sure many people who pay the 11k
But that’s how much they’ll charge you if you wanted it one way.
Thanks for contributing to the channel Snowie
The Lounge Looks Nice,The Cabin Looks Like A Good Business Class Cabin,Great Videi And Info
Thanks for contributing and your kind works 👍🏻
I’m flying this when I come back to the UK at Christmas to visit family. Wanted to give it a try United’s Polaris is such a big cabin service can be lacking and surely with 8 pax it’s good in BA F product?
Hi there, yep the smaller cabin does give you more a personalised service, but then I think that’s happens more often than not with BA Cabin Crews, I found the product good, but as you saw some events like the menu and the transfer, took the polish off it, that was just my experience and I think you’ll enjoy it..
Please let me know what you think of it.
Also thanks for posting and sharing 👍🏻
@ sounds good I’ll feedback in early Jan after my trip. Happy holidays.
@@LJ-nx8we Nice, thank you. Happy Holidays to you too !!
I would pay the extra if I was wealthy enough that i would not notice the cost. Otherwise, it is steerage for me, especially living in Australia where you pay vastly more because of the longer distance. Thank you for the video!
Thank you for watching, even if money was no object 11k+ is insane - im desperate to come and fly some airlines in your part of the world,
It will hopefully come. Cheers Daniel 👍🏻
Great video and review!
Hi there, thank you for you kind words, Im pleased you enjoyed it.
That boarding process for first class is unacceptable.
I was expecting something a little more, I must admit !
Someone scrubs up well for a seat in First Class haha. Being serious, there are a few glimmers of hope but for me it is only on a par with Qatar Airways business class. The "brunch" catering is an epic fail in my opinion, essentially you're paying a lot for brunch and afternoon tea and I'd be expecting a lot more for my money. Your video was really informative and a fantastic insight into exactly what the BA First Class offering is like in 2024.
Ha, I thought I’d make an effort and put the glad rags on, I took the brunch menu at face value, but a lot of people feel it is a cut back costs.
I can certainly see people’s frustrations.
But yep, I think business offers better value.
Great video. Paul in Oz
Hey Paul thank you very much, glad you enjoyed it !
@@GavTheFlyGuy I did and I am surprised at myself, as I watch a LOT of flight reviews. This one just grabbed my attention. I see a lot of reviews especially the ones from the 'Texan' from Chesterfield whose constant repetitions and annoying hand gestures to camera give me the peeps. Well done. I have subscribed and will be looking out for more gripping and well-presented stories. Paul in Oz (formerly Lonely Planet)
@ thanks Paul, I’m pleased it stood out for you, I am all fairly new to it all, but I’m aiming to try keep it informative and interesting as possible without boring people, although my dulcet tones probably do the opposite, thanks again ✋🏼
@@GavTheFlyGuy you are doing just fine. Keep producing. That trip I saw looked WAY over-expensive for an 8 (?) hour flight. I live in Australia - originally from the UK - and have been commuting between Oz and Europe for almost 50 years. First class is a luxury you NEED on long-haul flights - or at least Business or Premium Economy. I'll look forward to any trips you can do in this manner on those really long-haul trips. Paul in Oz (Adelaide)
@ indeed the long haul flights are certain in the pipeline across a number of cabins, well that’s the plan anyway!
We flew to Atlanta and had same boarding experience. When we flew swissair from Italy via Switzerland we had a minibus to take us to the terminal when travelling short haul business class. So BA can do it for first.
Hi Kevin, I totally agree there is no reason for them not to make more of an effort, it’s either constraints of some kind or cost saving. Planes will be on remote, there is no getting away from it, but they can do something more tailored.
Thanks for contributing 👍🏻
Concorde lounge let down by people sleeping on the sofas, having to chase after staff for a menu and then chasing after staff to take our order. Flight was fine, but more like a good business class. Pre ordered child’s menu didn’t materialise and the vanity kit pretty poor. Often great deals on BA, but would never pay full price.
If you paid full price, you would probably be a bit disappointed, especially with the experience I had. Interesting about the child’s menu, I thought they would prioritise the little ones, might one to try out. I did t mind the concord room, but people asleep on the seat is out of order, I can see how that would ruin an experience, thanks for taking the time to post, I hope you enjoyed the vid.
You’d have to be mad to pay BA F prices without a deal. I’m flying F to Tokyo next year - I paid £2.5k return (booking direct with BA and using no points) - coming back on Japan Airlines (thankfully). Only excited about the Japan Airlines leg. The changes to menu on BA are a joke.
You have got a good deal Emma.I was showcasing what BA are happy to charge for a one way ticket, it’s an absurd amount of money that they try to get away with charging.
Booking in advance can get you a much better price, I’d be excited about JAL too, I hope you enjoy your trip. Thanks for posting
if you pay first all items should be available !
I do agree, however sometimes it will come down to space constraint issues as to how much can be loaded, and maybe cost/less waste, thanks for taking the time to contribute 👍🏻
Don't even need to watch to know that BA First is a let down and that's without the; IT failures, cancellations, delays and absent ground based customer service. Lets not mention cabin cleanliness, maintenance or catering and refreshments which are never loaded in sufficient quantity to deliver the advertised menu.
Thanks for posting John, I must have been quite lucky with my BA flights, as the catering isn’t usually too bad and the aircraft usually seem clean to me, I’m not saying any of this doesn’t happen because BA usually find away to infuriate their customers.
@@GavTheFlyGuy Great video, thanks for that and your high production values but I believe you let them off lightly... When compared with other First class, Asian or Middle Eastern, BA is definitely the worst in class.
It's not just the cancellations and delays, consistently not being able to offer the advertised menu is not new & happens even in First or even the woeful IT. For me, it's that they were once truly favourite and world beating, not just world class but 20 years of absent investment and being run for short term profits has taken it's toll. Shorthaul the likes of Easyjet offer the same onboard experience with better reliability for less. On longhaul, when the likes of Air Astana, Air India and JetBlue beat them, you know something is VERY wrong at Waterside!
Yes, I have been infuriated by BA as a customer in large part because of the gaping void between their marketing / PR and reality! I now actively avoid them when possible and my team (we travel globally) have saved around 7% net since we adopted this ABBA approach while enjoying better reliability, comfort and service.
@@journeyingjohn3275 I think I need to experience more of others before I start calling them out on things, I will revisit in time, and put them in their place if I have to .
You are not being harsh enough! I have flown BA First and it is comparable to business on many other airlines and inferior to some. I have recently had better service in business on Air France, Aeroméxico and Emirates and cannot see how these exorbitant fares can be justified.
Thanks for posting, it does seem that some of the ridiculous prices do not match the hard product experienced, I like the look of Aeromexico. One for the todo list ! 👍🏻
@@GavTheFlyGuy Ironically I flew Aeroméxico because BA had cancelled my flight back from Mexico. It was a brand new aircraft, the seat was almost perfect and after a nice meal slept for a solid five hours - something virtually impossible on the old-style BA Club seats. Cabin crew were friendly and helpful and there was a good selection of movies.
@ ah don’t tell me this !
I really need to do it now !!!! 😂
looks like a business class seat tbh
Aye there isn’t a great deal of difference I guess
Oh come on who would pay 11k…. Let’s start being honest about prices……NYC single to nyc shouldn’t cost more than 1500 quid and an upgrade for between 600 to 800 quid let’s start being honest….
Well I am being honest, because that is the price for a one way ticket, but I do agree that I don’t think many people end up paying that, as I’m sure they book in advance, or use avios and companion vouchers etc etc.
@ it seems every influencer does this, and in my humble view it skews the truth. I got a business class ticket return to lax for 1500 pounds return. I didn’t bother upgrading because I indulged especially in LA in the Cathy Pacific first lounge, not a booking with avios. I was unable to upgrade to first but have done in a prior flight cost 800 quid from LHR to NYC. No one unless incredibly rich or stupid would pay the single flights. I would agree if you fly from the USA to London prices are incredibly high, a virgin upper seat was about 4000 US dollars return,
@ I totally agree it’s an absurd amount of money, do you ever think someone actually pays it for one ?
Who doesn’t just love fish AND chicken with red wine? Yikes.
Ha, I understand your viewpoint. 👍🏻😂
I'm travelling to Chicago on British Airways in July 2025 for week to go sightseeing and watch major league baseball ⚾️ from Chicago O Hare to downtown Chicago I plan to use the train 🚆 which is like the New York Subway to go to my hotel
Hi Gavin, great name by the way 😃
If you haven’t been to Chicago before you’ll love it, it’s one of my favourite cities. The sub way is fairly easy to use and you’re right it’s very similar to NYC. I hope you enjoy it. 👍🏻
I could never afford £11k for a single flight, nor would I for this BA flight experience even if I could - paying out that much for what seems the equivalent of a Qatar / Emirates business class flight brings to mind the phrase more money than sense... It's interesting though with BA 1st class, that everything seems pretty great UNTIL that is you actually get onboard the aircraft - then the whole thing seems to be seriously budget restricted and slightly done on the cheap. It's almost as if BA have forgotten that if anything it should be the other way around!
I totally agree 11k is crazy silly money, and I highlighted to show what BA try to charge people for one way fares. You make a good point, and I feel the same about their euro-biz cabin, you’re essentially paying for the better ground amenities instead of the onboard product, which is basically the wrong way round. Thanks for taking the time to put your point across, I hope you enjoyed the vid 👍🏻
No locked 787 windows… an actual lunch instead of a cheap brunch… looked great asides from #️⃣busgate!
It’s a good point, they didn’t lock the window shades at all, bus gate was not brilliant.
Thank for taking the time time to contribute to the channel 👍🏻
Love BA first find it better than all other airlines . Crew far better than like emirates or Qatar who are not nice and to be honest going down hill . Spot on BA
I agree, from my experience crews on BA are better than most, they often try to build up a rapport 👍🏻
So you got bussed to the aircraft which meant goodbye any priority boarding. Oh great but @£11k what would you expect 😂. Your “cabin” doesn’t look any different from my usual A.F. Business class product. Overall if you’re paying £11k or £9k this is lousy value for money, it’s really more like an overpriced Business Class Product. Thanks for the review, glad I ditched them for the much superior A.F. for my regular long haul.
Thanks for contributing Paul, I think the prices (which ever one people pay) are quite expensive, I wouldn’t be surprised if they do something similar to AA and take away most of their first class and charge more for business.
Having flown BA`s first on nearly every long haul flight since 2002 ish, it`s really taken a downward spiral in recent years. Their food is the most noticeable in decline as the quality is just not there and the options are cheap especially when fares vary between £3500-8000 dependent on route. The service is usually the reliable British affair but the overall experience is far behind the Mid East carriers. BA`s biggest advantage is they fly non stop to almost every city they have on their books, hence it made a great option BUT now they are cutting their F product from various cities, its making me book Qatar, Emirates & Etihad more. Shame really......
Hi Bob, I personally don’t mind the food and believe them to still be at the better end of scale, as you say they are probably still a long way of middle-eastern carriers, thank you for taking the time to contribute to the channel 👍🏻
@@GavTheFlyGuy I hope BA do look at these reviews and opinions as I would fly BA over anything if they still had that overall appeal they once did.
@@bobkumar8754 I’d be surprised if they did!
B.A. certainly have declined. I’m more than happy to use A.F. Business to London even though it means a change in Paris. Their business product is as good as the First shown here and the food offering far superior though B.A.’s looked good quality just the typical cost cutting (on choice) but that’s B.A. in 2024.
Great video, but what a disappointing product! Not sure how the British can accept this as their flagship carrier's First class, knowing how particular and demanding they are with detail. Putting somebody in a bus to the plane after having paid 11K and then serving a chicken pastry (if you're "lucky") is quite horrific.
Thank you very much and when put like that it does come across as shoddy, the 11k was an example of a one way price, but whatever people have paid, it’s still a chunk of money. Thanks for contributing Andrea. 👍🏻
I too have a soft spot for BA but I think they are a let down. Personally I think biz class is sufficient enough for flights up to 8 hours. Any longer I think you get your moneys worth, catering pending.
I'm probably in agreement with you there Tony, I don't think you need to go higher then Biz, maybe even longer flights too. There is no gulf in difference, Thank you for contributing sir.
£1500 each way is worth it 11k one way is no way worth it
Mad the difference in price, one way will always be more expensive, but by booking early you can get it down to a more 'reasonable amount'
Still a chunk of money though, I wonder if anyone does pay the £11k, thank you for watching, I hope you enjoyed it.
It is a really wonderful business class.. but calling this first class is a disgrace
I found it very peasant, but to many things are not on par with other first class cabin.
@GavTheFlyGuy of course it's pleasant. very, even so
but as a business class. not as first class.
Every seems to comment on the first bathrooms
They weren’t any different to the others 😂
£11k for that certainly way to much Concorde lounge looked good but the rest of the flight certainly nothing special considering the cost.
BA penny pinching just too apparent in comparison to many other carriers
I agree maybe penny pinching with catering and boarding etc, the 11k is for one way but even if people get it cheaper, it’s still a chunk of money. Thanks for contributing
Wow is it too late to demand a refund?! 😂
😂😂 no strongly worded email is going to help me I’m afraid.
The food looked good but didn't feel 1st class - more like a good business. Think the recent catering moves by BA ludicrous and a false economy. They've probably lost more money in pay-outs than they've saved scrimping.
Indeed, there wasn't enough wow as a first class product, everyone seems a little baffled by the catering changes.
thank you for contributing to the channel, I hope you enjoyed the experience review.
Absolute let down lol it is a good enough business class product. PS: I thought the Cabanas closed?
indeed, the Cabanas are still available, 1 and 2 were available on the day I travelled through
@@GavTheFlyGuyinteresting, they must have re-furbed them as they used to have beds in them
@@nickf619 they were closed because the company that run them didn't renew their contract, I read somewhere they have been slightly refurbished now and run by regular ground staff.
@ yep I think that might be the case, there was only a lounging sofa-bed thing, as you saw.
@@nickf619 they never used to have actual beds with sheets in them, only day beds. A chaise longue really! A sofa chair with an ottoman. But you could sleep on them. Now the sofa seems to be a much smaller one, won't be able to sleep on those. :/
BA = Best Avoid , Bugger All , Bloody Awful
There brunch service is cheap and nasty up front and as for economy you’re better off flying low cost
Not a fan then 😉, but I totally see where you’re coming from, they can be frustrating at times !
is this seriously first class? Looks exactly the same as their business class...
It certainly is, which makes me think they might phase it out eventually
A all new FIRST seat has just been announced so it’s not going anywhere.
@ indeed yep, they won’t be ditching it then !
15:25 - Correction - 6300KM not Miles....that would put you well past California!!
thank you for pointing out you are quite correct, good spot ! 😬
i have corrected it, (sort of) - thank you for pointing out my mistake.
@@GavTheFlyGuy You're welcome :)