BA 'First' Enhancements Coming Soon!

Moderators: jsumali2, richierich, ua900, PanAm_DC10, hOMSaR

Locked
 
LHR777
Topic Author
Posts: 645
Joined: Sat Nov 05, 2005 6:14 pm

BA 'First' Enhancements Coming Soon!

Fri Nov 10, 2006 12:28 am

BA are introducing a number of improvements to the First product, starting later this month.

Improvements include:

  • New Anya Hindmarch Brown velvet washbags (They're really nice!)
  • New Kiehl products designed exclusively for BA
  • New 'turndown' service for longhaul flights departing after 7.30pm and all flights over 10 hours long and includes under-mattress, large pillow, light duvet and finest egyptian cotton sheets
  • Cabin crew will personally prepare customer beds
  • Renowned UK fresh fish suppliers Loch Fyne have teamed up with BA to provide a daily fresh fish menu option, called 'Catch of the Day'


These enhancements are part of the previously announced £200 million upgrade, including Club World and AVOD.
Top
 
FLVILLA
Posts: 316
Joined: Thu Jun 03, 2004 8:07 pm

RE: BA 'First' Enhancements Coming Soon!

Fri Nov 10, 2006 12:38 am

Do we still know if the New Club World is to be revealed next week ?

All sounds like good stuff though, can't wait to try it along with the eventual T5 experience as well.
I hope in life i can work to live, not live to work
Top
 
Concorde001
Posts: 1186
Joined: Fri Jan 21, 2005 12:53 am

RE: BA 'First' Enhancements Coming Soon!

Fri Nov 10, 2006 1:03 am

Is it true that the whole interior will change too with the current Kelly Hoppen design being removed, including seats?
Top
 
LHR777
Topic Author
Posts: 645
Joined: Sat Nov 05, 2005 6:14 pm

RE: BA 'First' Enhancements Coming Soon!

Fri Nov 10, 2006 1:25 am

Quoting FLVILLA (Reply 1):
Do we still know if the New Club World is to be revealed next week ?

Yes, starting on Monday November 13th at the Wintergardens, Canary Wharf. It's by invitation only though.

Quoting Concorde001 (Reply 2):
Is it true that the whole interior will change too with the current Kelly Hoppen design being removed, including seats?

I'd heard the same rumour...let's hope so!
Top
 
JACK02116
Posts: 48
Joined: Tue Apr 25, 2006 11:53 pm

RE: BA 'First' Enhancements Coming Soon!

Fri Nov 10, 2006 1:29 am

For New Club World there are launch events being run in London next week 13th, 14th and 15th Nov. I am a gold card holder and invited to one of these events. Invitation does not mention about non-disclosure so I think we can assume these events will coincide with a public launch of the new cabin.
Top
 
User avatar
ClassicLover
Posts: 5007
Joined: Tue Mar 09, 2004 12:27 pm

RE: BA 'First' Enhancements Coming Soon!

Fri Nov 10, 2006 4:12 am

Interesting indeed... I'm annoyed that I am flying from BKK-SYD departing at 6:30pm and flying for 9 hours in First. No turndown service for me - what a shame!!
I do enjoy a spot of flying, especially when it's not in economy!
Top
 
8herveg
Posts: 1505
Joined: Tue Aug 29, 2006 2:01 am

RE: BA 'First' Enhancements Coming Soon!

Fri Nov 10, 2006 4:27 am

Quoting ClassicLover (Reply 5):
turndown service

Sorry, can someone please tell me what this is?
Top
 
LHR777
Topic Author
Posts: 645
Joined: Sat Nov 05, 2005 6:14 pm

RE: BA 'First' Enhancements Coming Soon!

Fri Nov 10, 2006 5:29 am

Quoting 8herveg (Reply 6):
Sorry, can someone please tell me what this is?

I don't wish to sound rude, but did you read the first post in this thread? It's all explained there! FYI - it's bed and sleep related.
Top
 
8herveg
Posts: 1505
Joined: Tue Aug 29, 2006 2:01 am

RE: BA 'First' Enhancements Coming Soon!

Fri Nov 10, 2006 5:41 am

Quoting LHR777 (Reply 7):
I don't wish to sound rude, but did you read the first post in this thread? It's all explained there! FYI - it's bed and sleep related.

Sorry, didn't read it properly...thought they were two seperate points. 'Turndown' does seem an odd word to use for extra bedding does it not?
Top
 
bwaflyer
Posts: 501
Joined: Sat Jun 05, 2004 12:48 am

RE: BA 'First' Enhancements Coming Soon!

Fri Nov 10, 2006 6:04 am

Quoting 8herveg (Reply 8):
Sorry, didn't read it properly...thought they were two seperate points. 'Turndown' does seem an odd word to use for extra bedding does it not?

A decent hotel will offers a turndown service, where someone from housekeeping will come and prepare your bed for sleeping (ie turning down the bed covers)
Top
 
SNATH
Posts: 3049
Joined: Mon Mar 29, 2004 5:23 am

RE: BA 'First' Enhancements Coming Soon!

Fri Nov 10, 2006 6:06 am

Quoting 8herveg (Reply 6):
Sorry, can someone please tell me what this is?

Turndown is a service usually available in good hotels where they not only clean your room in the morning in the "typical" way (make your bed, cover it with a bed spread, hoover, etc.), but they also come in late afternoon / early evening, semi-remove the bed spread, and usually leave chocolates and maybe the weather report for the next day on your pillow. It's basically to keep the bed covered during the day, but also be ready "for use" when you want to go to bed. Cruise lines also typically offer this service.

BA is clearly using the same term to describe that F/As will make the bed for you.

Hope this helps.

Tony
Nikon: we don't want more pixels, we want better pixels.
Top
 
DavidT
Posts: 462
Joined: Tue Oct 04, 2005 1:37 am

RE: BA 'First' Enhancements Coming Soon!

Fri Nov 10, 2006 6:34 am

Quoting LHR777 (Reply 3):
Yes, starting on Monday November 13th at the Wintergardens, Canary Wharf. It's by invitation only though.

The gutting thing is, my father has an invitation but will be abroad for it and I'll be at school. Damn!!
Top
 
GuyBetsy1
Posts: 810
Joined: Thu Aug 16, 2001 4:00 am

RE: BA 'First' Enhancements Coming Soon!

Fri Nov 10, 2006 6:58 am

Washbag? Why bother... carry your own from Jo Malone.
Kiehl products? Same.. carry your own from Jo Malone.
Turn down service..? I can just see the happy faces from the crew when they're just settling into their meals and all the call buttons light up for requests to turn down beds.

Fish? Er.. it will still be a little tasteless due to the altitude.. and unless caviar is brought back, this isn't going to be a great deal..

I would still opt for SINGAPORE AIRLINES or CATHAY PACIFIC's First Class products. Or even QATAR..!
Top
 
jfk777
Posts: 7418
Joined: Tue Aug 22, 2006 7:23 am

RE: BA 'First' Enhancements Coming Soon!

Fri Nov 10, 2006 8:21 am

I would love to see the new FIRST configuration on the 744, its now 14 seats. I would expect that number to drop to 10 or 12. Air France went from 12 to 8 on the 777, the only airplane in its fleet with their FIRST now, all 744 are BIZ & Coach. AF will have FIRST on the A380.
Top
 
timboflier215
Posts: 807
Joined: Sat May 21, 2005 7:54 am

RE: BA 'First' Enhancements Coming Soon!

Fri Nov 10, 2006 11:51 am

Quoting GuyBetsy1 (Reply 12):

I see. And you know it will be rubbish before you've actually seen it how exactly? You're not a certain other Canadian a.netter in disguise by any chance?!
Top
 
flyingdoc
Posts: 72
Joined: Mon Oct 25, 2004 11:53 am

RE: BA 'First' Enhancements Coming Soon!

Fri Nov 10, 2006 3:53 pm

I will be flying BA LAX-LHR in FIRST later this month. I hope the enhancements have started by then. Singapore and Cathay Pacific have "turndown" service (I'm not sure they call it that), the flight attendants make your bed for you. It's pretty nice pampering!
Top
 
HB-IWC
Posts: 4102
Joined: Fri Sep 22, 2000 1:09 am

RE: BA 'First' Enhancements Coming Soon!

Fri Nov 10, 2006 4:54 pm

Quoting Jfk777 (Reply 13):
Air France went from 12 to 8 on the 777, the only airplane in its fleet with their FIRST now

Actually, Air France went from 12 to 4 seats on the B772ERs, quite a hefty reduction. The 8-seat cabins you are referring to can be found on the B773ER fleet, but these aircraft were delivered in this configuration so there was no reduction of seats. I guess it makes sense for airlines to decrease the number of first class seats per aircraft and make the fewer remaining seats into a truly exclusive cabin for the very few people who are still willing to dish out the money for flying First.
Top
 
Elite
Posts: 2309
Joined: Thu Jun 29, 2006 6:31 pm

RE: BA 'First' Enhancements Coming Soon!

Fri Nov 10, 2006 10:21 pm

What 'role' would the wash-bags play?

Quoting LHR777 (Thread starter):
New 'turndown' service for longhaul flights departing after 7.30pm and all flights over 10 hours long and includes under-mattress, large pillow, light duvet and finest egyptian cotton sheets

Sounds good  Smile

Quoting LHR777 (Thread starter):
Cabin crew will personally prepare customer beds

Caught on, haven't you, BA :P
Top
 
jfk777
Posts: 7418
Joined: Tue Aug 22, 2006 7:23 am

RE: BA 'First' Enhancements Coming Soon!

Fri Nov 10, 2006 10:23 pm

BA may only be playing catchup, not establishing any new benchmarks. With the new Singapore and Cathay cabins coming out soon BA may be a steo behind the rest. Hell even Virgin Atlantic will come out in the next few years with a new Upper class, BA will just love that too, where did they get the idea for World Traveler Plus? Virgin of course(BA has amesia to that claim thought).
Top
 
SapphireLHR
Posts: 102
Joined: Wed Mar 22, 2006 4:09 pm

RE: BA 'First' Enhancements Coming Soon!

Sat Nov 11, 2006 12:10 am

First a/c fitted with new Club World.....Under tight security until unvieling next week......not only new bigger wider seats but complete new interior including bar/lighting etc. Major repositioning is big surprise.......looks really good but cant say anymore as strict security in place.....
Top
 
A340600
Posts: 3898
Joined: Sun Aug 24, 2003 10:24 pm

RE: BA 'First' Enhancements Coming Soon!

Sat Nov 11, 2006 1:13 am

Quoting GuyBetsy1 (Reply 12):
Turn down service..? I can just see the happy faces from the crew when they're just settling into their meals and all the call buttons light up for requests to turn down beds.

Um, isn't the whole point of their jobs not to enjoy their meals but to give service, bar safety of course, what a rediculous statement.

Quoting Jfk777 (Reply 18):
BA may only be playing catchup, not establishing any new benchmarks. With the new Singapore and Cathay cabins coming out soon BA may be a steo behind the rest. Hell even Virgin Atlantic will come out in the next few years with a new Upper class, BA will just love that too, where did they get the idea for World Traveler Plus? Virgin of course(BA has amesia to that claim thought).

You're forgetting BA was the first to introduce flat beds in Business in the first place!

Sam
Despite the name I am a Boeing man through and through!
Top
 
lovinitflyboy
Posts: 112
Joined: Sun Feb 19, 2006 9:22 pm

RE: BA 'First' Enhancements Coming Soon!

Sat Nov 11, 2006 11:06 am

Quoting A340600 (Reply 20):
Quoting GuyBetsy1 (Reply 12):
Turn down service..? I can just see the happy faces from the crew when they're just settling into their meals and all the call buttons light up for requests to turn down beds.

Um, isn't the whole point of their jobs not to enjoy their meals but to give service, bar safety of course, what a ridiculous statement.

Couldn't agree more, clearly GuyBetsy1 has not flow in BA first! I know the reputation BA cabin crew have but (touch wood) i have never come across it myself. Every time I've flown BA first or Club for that matter the crew have been amazing, nothing is too much trouble for them, and me being Scottish keep them busy filling up my glass the whole flight, no matter how long the flight is! I have always found them to be friendly, happy to help and give the impression that they really enjoy there job. They used to say "BA, The world faveriut airline" well it's my Faveraute airline.

Can't wait to see the new First enhancments and Club world Seat
Top
 
LimaNiner
Posts: 275
Joined: Thu Oct 12, 2006 2:32 pm

RE: BA 'First' Enhancements Coming Soon!

Sat Nov 11, 2006 2:05 pm

Quoting GuyBetsy1 (Reply 12):
unless caviar is brought back, this isn't going to be a great deal.

There's a Caviar House in pretty much every terminal at LHR (not sure about LGW), so just pick up a tin on your way to the plane. Don't forget the mother-of-pearl spoon.

(Personally, if it lives in water, or comes out of something that lives in water, and it's not lobster, I'm not interested in eating it.)

Quoting HB-IWC (Reply 16):
I guess it makes sense for airlines to decrease the number of first class seats per aircraft and make the fewer remaining seats into a truly exclusive cabin for the very few people who are still willing to dish out the money for flying First.

Good idea -- position it like a "virtual private jet".
Top
 
Carfield
Posts: 2187
Joined: Fri Dec 19, 2003 5:49 pm

RE: BA 'First' Enhancements Coming Soon!

Sat Nov 11, 2006 3:03 pm

I actually flew BA First before, as well as CX, SQ, TG, and OZ F.
To be honest, you can't expect Asian type service on BA, but then BA F/As are pretty friendly on my few samples. They are better than their US counterparts and even LH, but not as good as LX, which is outstanding.

Nevertheless, I feel the problem with BA F is their really outdated F suite seats. I think BA F will receive more positive feedback if they finally catch up their F cabin with the new offerings of CX and SQ (and even current). However, I think that BA definitely feels that the J market is more important than F, and with the August nightmare, BA is perhaps not in the best financial position to launch a new F as well. Hopefully it will happen soon. The new offerings sound cool, but seem to be really minor compared to other major airlines.

About catering, I actually feel that BA is pretty decent. Just need a few updated china, linens and few items. It will be great.

Can't wait to see the new Club World...

Carfield
Top
 
amirs
Posts: 1250
Joined: Fri Dec 05, 2003 7:20 am

RE: BA 'First' Enhancements Coming Soon!

Sat Nov 11, 2006 10:02 pm

I am surprised BA doesno currently offer 'turndown' service, even LY's First class offers it.
Top
Locked

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: 2175301, admanager, altairF28, BasilFawlty, bevan7, bigb, BoeingGuy, debonair, deltaSEAalsaka, DFW17L, f18raider, FromCDGtoSYD, grh, guillermohs, holczakker, jfern022, JFLANY, jplatts, kdaman, lightsaber, N757PZ, nascar1, premiumcabin, PSU.DTW.SCE, Qantas737, redroo, ro318, sargester, Singapore 777, skyymarc, STT757, StTim, torontofly, ucdtim17, VS239, Zervos and 303 guests

Popular Searches On Airliners.net

Top Photos of Last:   24 Hours  •  48 Hours  •  7 Days  •  30 Days  •  180 Days  •  365 Days  •  All Time

Military Aircraft Every type from fighters to helicopters from air forces around the globe

Classic Airliners Props and jets from the good old days

Flight Decks Views from inside the cockpit

Aircraft Cabins Passenger cabin shots showing seat arrangements as well as cargo aircraft interior

Cargo Aircraft Pictures of great freighter aircraft

Government Aircraft Aircraft flying government officials

Helicopters Our large helicopter section. Both military and civil versions

Blimps / Airships Everything from the Goodyear blimp to the Zeppelin

Night Photos Beautiful shots taken while the sun is below the horizon

Accidents Accident, incident and crash related photos

Air to Air Photos taken by airborne photographers of airborne aircraft

Special Paint Schemes Aircraft painted in beautiful and original liveries

Airport Overviews Airport overviews from the air or ground

Tails and Winglets Tail and Winglet closeups with beautiful airline logos