Review: British Airways First Class, Austin to London Heathrow

I recently flew on British Airways flight 190 in first class from Austin TX to London. I am an avgeek so it was great to fly the “Queen of the Skies” a Boeing 747-400. British Airways does not have their own lounge at Austin so we headed to the American Airlines Admirals Club.

a reception desk in a building — Admirals Club in Austin

a group of people sitting in a lounge — Admirals Club in Austin

I know that first class of British Airways ranks low but British Airways has recently done a refresh of their soft product with:

New bedding with 400 thread count bedding and a foam fiber mattress topper,
New amenity kits with updated Elemis products,
New sleepware from Temperley London for both men and women (no more unisex issues),
New glassware from Dartingon featuring stemware for champagne and wines and cut-glass tumbles for soft drinks and spirits,
New plateware from William Edwards and cutlery from Studio William,
Refreshed menus starting with a Canapes tray in place of the amuse bouche.

The hard product remains the dated, open-suite that clearly shows its age. Since the 747’s are on the retirement list, there will be no suite refurbishments for the Queens.

Boarding and Pre-flight Beverages

Tonight, I am flying on a 747-400 (tail# G-CIVA) that was originally delivered to British Airways in March of 1993.

a plane on the tarmac — British Airways 747-400 (tail# G-CIVA)

After boarding and being shown to my seat by my flight attendant, Rene, it was a quick trip up the stairs to the flight deck to meet the crew for this flight.

a couple of men in the cockpit of an airplane — In the driver’s seat with the flight deck crew.

Let’s check out the accommodations for seat 2A. It is the same dated open suite that British has used for years.

a seat and a table in a plane — Seat 2A looking forward.

a seat in a plane — Seat 2A looking back.

a glass of wine next to a bowl of nuts — Warm nuts and champagne during boarding.

a bag and a glass of wine on a table — Amenity kit, pajamas, slippers and the dinner menu. I did have to ask for the slippers.

a group of items on a table — Updated “male” amenity kit.

Dinner Service

The service from the first class staff was attentive and well-timed. There are 14 first class seats on the 747 with three flight attendants: one for the left half, one for the right half and one for food preparation. Dinner service started about 30 minutes after take off.

a glass of wine next to a tray of food — Canapes – Lobster and shrimp roll, prosciutto with Cheddar cheese, feta cheese stuffed piquante pepper.

a plate of food on a table with a computer screen — Starter #1 – poached lobster tail with mango salsa and lime.

a table with a tv and a bowl of salad — Starter #2 – seasonal mixed leaf salad with spicy lemon vinaigrette dressing.

a plate of food and a glass of wine on a table — The main event – Seared fillet of beef, roasted portobello mushroom, tomato confit, bearnaise sauce, watercress served with a side of Boulangere potato, blanched broccolini and roasted baby carrots.

a bowl of food on a table with a glass of wine and a computer — Dessert – blueberry nectarine crisp with creme anglaise and a glass of Warre’s 2009 Tawny Port.

Overall, the food quality, taste and service was remarkably good for British Airways. It is really a step up in the dinner menu with the Canape tray replacing the amuse bouche and offering the lobster tail as a starter. Rene was very attentive during the entire dinner service and her timing between courses was perfect. I am a wine drinker and the selection of wines on the first class menu was very good with three sparkling wines and two dessert wines. The meal was filling and if you are still hungry, the snack bar features Joe and Seph’s caramel and sea salt popcord, a selection of British Kettle Chips and season cut fruit.

While I visit the loo and change into my jammies, Rene makes my bed.

a bed with a white blanket and a tv on the back of a bed — New first class bedding.

Breakfast Service

Rene wakes me up at the time I requested for breakfast. Breakfast services starts before we get to the Irish coastline.

a map of the united kingdom with an airplane flying — Breakfast service begins.

a plate of food on a table — Breakfast starters – fresh fruit, assorted breads and pasteries with orange juice.

a table with food on it — The traditional English breakfast.

Arrival at Heathrow

New this year, British Immigration allows Americans to use the “fast track” entry upon arrival in the UK. After passing through Immigration, it is off to the British Airways Arrivals lounge in Terminal 5 before we head to our hotel in London. The arrivals lounge has an Elemis spa, shower rooms, breakfast buffet and sit down waiter service at the Concorde Breakfast Room. The Concorde Breakfast Room is not the Concorde Dining Room that is upstairs in the first class departure lounge.

a plane on the runway — On the way to the arrivals lounge, I spot this 747 in the retro BOAC livery.

a woman sitting at a desk with computers — Checking in at the arrivals lounge.

a glass shower door in a bathroom — There is nothing more refreshing after a long flight than a shower and change of clothes.

a sign on a window — Elemis Travel Spa at the arrivals lounge.

a room with a reception desk and purple lights — Shelly gets a massage and facial while I catch up on my email.

a buffet line with food on the counter — A quick stop at the breakfast buffet before heading downstairs to the Heathrow Express train going to downtown London.

Aside from the old, well-dated seat and suite, this first class flight was actually really good. The first class suites in the 787-9 are much better but this flight gave me a chance to fly the “Queen of the Skies” one more time.

Boarding and Pre-flight Beverages

Dinner Service

Breakfast Service

Arrival at Heathrow

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