A seriously good product with solid service, British Airways First Class has often been commented on as the best business class in the sky. Sure, there are some snags, but the overall product that they deliver on BA First is top notch. As I made my way to gate S10 from the tiny, laughably poor British Airways First Lounge in Seattle, I had a feeling this was going to be a great flight.
Boarding was a breeze as I moved through Business Class to take a glance of my seat, 2F. I had read that row 1 can be a bit more noisy with the First bathroom located on the left side in front of Row 1 and the galley near there as well. My seat location proved to be very quiet even with a full cabin.
The seat was very wide with 78 inches in length and plenty of room for my 6’5’’ frame. It could be easily adjusted to a lay flat bed that was extremely cozy with the classy bedding selected. The seat has a classy reading light that can be easily adjusted as well as bright overhead light. Arm rests were made of new leather and offered good support.
There was a small storage locker behind the seat where small personal belongings could be stowed. The bathroom was offered rather spartan aesthetics but included their signature first Elemis products.
Here I am seated in 2F.
New touch screens have recently been added to the First cabin, as well as a cool, interactive map, great for AV geeks. Loads of in-flight entertainment was available and I switched on Tulsa Kings for a good laugh. Headphone quality was adequate, albeit not exceptional. There was a small charging station next to the seat and a small closet in front to hang jackets and to stow shoes.
I think few would argue that British Airways First has been well-known for their service and the additional training that flight attendants have to serve the cabin. I experienced marvelous service throughout the flight and I was almost immediately served champagne with mixed nuts. This was no ordinary champagne but one of my favorite Tete de Cuvees from Laurent Perrier, their ‘Grand Siecle’ which is a blend of rare vintages and old wines. It is one of the finest multi-vintage champagnes in the world, retailing at $250.00 USD.
Very high-class products on British Airways First Class.
Pajamas and slippers were provided by Temperley London and the toilet kit came with Elemins products. They provide an extremely high quality eye mask as well.
Just adore that brilliant golden hue of the champagne.
I was handed a menu which included the exceptional wine list. In addition to the ‘Grand Siecle’ Champagne, they had a great British sparkling wine from Hattingley Valley as well as an older Rose wine from Lanson that combined some vintages more than 15 years old.
A top notch wine list by British Airways that has improved considerably since my early 2020 review.
Very quickly I was served some delicious canapés. I was particularly impressed with the chilled beef which tasted better than it looked.
More champagne was on the way from my attentive flight attendant who was originally from Sicily. She had been called in last minute for the flight but did resent that one bit. Service was in perfect cadence, which gave me plenty of time to rest after my meal. I had asked for my food to be served rather quickly so I would have adequate time to rest on the flight. She did her absolute best to manage that request.
I chose the Tuna and Seabass, and it was a difficult choice!
The tuna was a bit bland, needing a bit more flavor in the dish and sauce.
Fish is beyond difficult to do well on a plane. Even in Emirates First I’ve tasted the struggle. This sea bass was incredibly moist and delicious. It was the finest fish dish I had ever tasted on a plane. The grilled lemon was the perfect foil to the fish’s flaky texture and soft middle.
This was a total match made in heaven, the cheese plate with top notch Tokaii.
I was so excited for the next round of food, my cheese pairing with the Royal Tokajii House 5 Puttenyos, a rich and viscous bottling from 2013. Especially with the blue cheese, as well as the Humboldt fog (L on photo) this was a dream. I ate rather quickly and wanted to get some rest for my long journey.
Turndown service was fantastic, as was a glass of the 250 USD retail Johnny Walker Blue Label Scotch. I was going to enjoy some of that before bed.
Here is the full English breakfast.
I slept four hours on that comfy bed which was really fantastic. I arose and immediately ordered an espresso and a full English breakfast which was very tasty other than the eggs which were a bit rubbery. Service was exceptional post-sleep.
As we prepared for landing, I was feeling well-rested and very full from my meal. It was a marvelous experience aboard this flight and was excited to have some time in the famed Concorde Room at London Heathrow.
British Airways delivers a very polished First Class product that includes amazing food and wine quality and service. My flight attendant was fantastic and attentive despite being called in last minute. The other attendants were very engaging and kind which is just the kind of service that you look for aboard British First. I disembarked thinking that I can’t wait for my next flight on British Airways First Class.