Review of British Airways flight London Paris in Economy

Airline British Airways
Flight BA 316
Class Economy
Seat 9C
Aircraft Airbus A319
Flight time 01:00
Take-off 22 Nov 14, 15:15
Arrival at 22 Nov 14, 17:15
BA   #65 out of 96 Airlines A minimum of 10 flight-reports within the past two years is required to appear in the rankings. 960 reviews
jetsetpanda
By 3665
Published on 25th November 2014
Hi and welcome to this LHR-CDG segment of my trip report. So far my schedule is as follows:

SFO-LHR in BA Y - http://flight-report.com/en/report-8578.html
LHR-CDG in BA Y - you are here
CDG-LHR in BA J - http://flight-report.com/en/report-8678.html
LHR-SFO in BA J - http://flight-report.com/en/report-8684.html


I arrived at LHR with about 1 hr. to connect between flights. This was my first time transiting through T5 and I mistakenly thought that it was going to be a smooth connection at BA's main hub. As it turned out, I barely made it and was very close to missing my flight. I found the connecting experience to be redundant and somewhat stressful. After arriving and being advised where to go by the agent who met me at the exit of the jetbridge, I made my way to the main terminal by going down through 2 or 3 levels to the connecting tram. Once I exited at the main terminal, there was a connecting BA desk on the right and a huge line of people going through what I thought was Immigrations, but instead the booths were handled by BA staff. There were baggage disposals along the line and signs reminding passengers of the prohibited items that should not be taken onboard. I was greeted by a friendly agent and then invited to go up the stairs to security. There were several stations packed with people and one had to remove belts and items inside the pockets just like in the U.S. To complicate things, my line was merged with the one next to it into one security check entrance which further delayed the process.

After that time consuming check I was in the main hall of T5 and proceeded downstairs towards the gate. I quickly stopped by Pret a Manger to purchase a baguette sandwich since I knew that there will be only packaged snacks on my short hop to CDG. I was helped by a friendly cashier and ran to my gate with 10 minutes before departure. Once I arrived, the gate agents were expecting me and one of them escorted me to the plane.

I was drenched in sweat by the time I entered the aircraft and the nice FA working J discreetly gave me a hot towel telling me to take it to my seat with a smile. I passed the J cabin and another FA stationed at the aisle helped me find an empty overhead bin to store my bags. What I found really nice is that I was addressed by name even in Y, which gave me a good impression. No eyes rolling or yelling here, just friendly and professional demeanor by an outstanding crew. Kudos to BA for a great crew.

I originally planned to take pictures of T5 along with some spotting, but due to my hurried experience it was nearly impossible to take any shots, so I apologize about the lack of pictures on the ground experience here.

Cabin shot.

photo DSC04754 (1024x657)


I managed to reserve an aisle in the emergency exit row and there was an empty middle seat which worked great. The flight was not really full and there were other empty seats throughout the cabin. One thing that I found about occupying an emergency exit row with BA is taht no items are allowed to be placed under the seat in front.


Service started with drinks and a basket of packaged goods. I chose the shortbread cookies.

photo DSC04760 (1024x683)photo DSC04755 (1024x683)photo DSC04758 (1024x683)


My cheddar and pickle baguette made this into a light meal.

photo DSC04762 (1024x683)


We arrived into CDG 14 min. late. I took the Roissy bus to the IC Le Grand where I stayed for the first 2 nights and later moved to an apartment in the 16th arrond.


Finally in Paris! Took this picture inside the Roissy bus.

photo DSC04763 (1024x683)


Intercontinental Le Grand.

This property is grandiose and considered the flagship of the IC chain. I have stayed here two times before through the years and the service has always been great. On this visit, I had access to the IC Lounge on the 5th floor and had an executive club room. My room was on the 2nd floor on the Opera wing, which had an amazing view of the Opera Garnier through its windows.

photo IC Le Grand (2) (1024x600)


Ambassador members get gifts. The hotel gave us a bit extra because we were celebrating a birthday.

photo IC Le Grand (29) (1024x683)photo IC Le Grand (30) (683x1024)


Room.

photo IC Le Grand (8) (1024x683)photo IC Le Grand (11) (683x1024)photo IC Le Grand (6) (1024x683)


View from the room.

photo IC Le Grand (16) (1024x683)photo IC Le Grand (18) (1024x683)


IC Club Lounge with access for breakfast, afternoon and evening cocktails.

photo IC Club Le Grand (1) (1024x673)photo IC Club Le Grand (2) (1024x665)


Lower level.

photo IC Club Le Grand (10) (1024x760)photo IC Club Le Grand (12) (1024x683)photo IC Club Le Grand (11) (1024x699)


Upper level.





Breakfast buffet.




Lunch and evening display.





Opera Salon.

This ballroom inside the hotel is a historic landmark with a majestic interior and decor. I was able to sneak inside and admire its magnificent interior for a few minutes undisturbed.

photo IC Le Grand - Opera Salon (5) (672x1024)photo IC Le Grand - Opera Salon (1) (1024x683)photo IC Le Grand - Opera Salon (3) (1024x683)


Strolling through Paris on a Sunday.

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Verdict

British Airways

8.0/10
Cabin9.0
Cabin crew10.0
Entertainment/wifi6.0
Meal/catering7.0

London - LHR

7.0/10
Efficiency4.0
Access7.0
Services8.0
Cleanliness9.0

Paris - CDG

8.6/10
Efficiency9.0
Access8.5
Services8.5
Cleanliness8.5

Conclusion

My first connecting experience at T5 in LHR was disappointing. The process is not as smooth as I would have expected with long lines and lengthy procedures.

The saving grace of this experience was the excellent crew who were the epitome of professionalism and service. So far I have been very pleased with the staff at BA.

For such a short flight, I appreciated the offering of a basket with 3 different items.

Information on the route London (LHR) Paris (CDG)

Les contributeurs de Flight-Report ont posté 115 avis concernant 2 compagnies sur la ligne London (LHR) → Paris (CDG).


Useful

La compagnie qui obtient la meilleure moyenne est Air France avec 7.5/10.

La durée moyenne des vols est de 1 heures et 11 minutes.

  More information

14 Comments

If you liked this review or if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to post a comment below !
  • Comment 123261 by
    SKYTEAMCHC GOLD 10071 Comments
    Thanks for the report. The crew seemed nice on this shortflight , the hot towel was a nice gesture and the catering even minimalist is in line with this short flight.
    The same rules applies to all emergency exit seats in all airlines : nothing must be in the way of passagenrs in case the cabin has to be evacuated.
    I love the view from your room especially at night ! and I am not talking about the food yummy ! ;-)
    • Comment 305981 by
      jetsetpanda AUTHOR 2283 Comments
      An outstanding crew can make a big difference and turn an ordinary flight into a memorable one. So far I have found the BA inflight staff to be great, ranging from good to excellent.

      I've been able to store my carry on under the seat in front while being seated in an EMERG EXIT seat on AA and UA. Perhaps I was lucky. ;)

      The IC is a magnificent property and the lounge is pretty good. It was nice to start every breakfast with a glass of champagne followed by an abundant selection.

      Thanks.
  • Comment 123269 by
    KL651 TEAM 4534 Comments
    Thanks for this FR.

    It definitely seems that the short connection BA offers imply a stressful experience at LHR as the aiport is big and you have to reclear security.

    Nice touch by the FA upon boarding, otherwise the experience is your typical intra european legacy one.

    The hotel pics are interesting, I've passed so many times in front of this hotel without even doubting how beautiful it was on the inside.
    • Comment 305982 by
      jetsetpanda AUTHOR 2283 Comments
      Next time I connect through LHR I would try avoid 1 hr. connections in order to lower my stress level. It's not only the security but also the line through the screening with the BA agents that I find redundant.

      I guess I was lucky to be greeted by such a caring FA. That left a lasting impression.

      Thanks.
  • Comment 123276 by
    Chibcha SILVER 540 Comments
    You've effectively discouraged me from choosing LHR as connecting point anywhere in the future!

    Those little details such as the towel leave a huge impression, nice that BA's crew still mind to do so.

    Great pictures of Paris!

    Saludos!
    • Comment 305983 by
      jetsetpanda AUTHOR 2283 Comments
      Paris is always photogenic, no matter if it is gloomy or sunny. ;)

      LHR T5 can be really stressful so I would give myself ample time between connections. On my return trip to SFO, my flight was assigned at the B gates and I had to take the tram over there. Once the tram arrived and passengers disembarked from the other side, a security check was performed on each compartment lasting a couple of minutes before anyone can board. I have never seen this done inside a connecting tram past security at any airport in the world. When I arrived at the B gates, a group of people were running up the escalators to catch their flights. It looks like an stampede. For a few seconds I thought about dropping BA and use a *A carrier connecting through MUC, ZRH or CPH out of SFO.

      Thanks.



  • Comment 123280 by
    K2World 2191 Comments
    Thanks for your report.
    Connecting in LHR can be indeed very stressful. Good point for the FA.
    Nice hotel bonus !
  • Comment 123334 by
    eminere™ 271 Comments
    Wow that's fantastic service by the cabin crew.
  • Comment 123378 by
    lagentsecret 12186 Comments
    Thanks for sharing this FR

    LHR is not a pleasant airport

    Nice crew

    Your sandwich is not appetizing at all :( I thought that Gordon Ramsay should cater you !

    Great bonus with this food feast that this buffet is offering
    • Comment 305986 by
      jetsetpanda AUTHOR 2283 Comments
      I am not particularly fond of LHR.

      BA crew is definitely an asset.

      I did not have time to look for Gordon Ramsay's restaurant and had to grab something quick and on my way.

      If you approve of the buffet then it must be really good. ;)

      Merci.

  • Comment 123424 by
    KévinDC TEAM SILVER 6668 Comments
    Thanks for sharing Adan! I've had some really good experiences with BA recently and am happy I've switched to oneworld...so far :-) But you are right, connecting at T5 can be stressful, but the helpful and friendly BA staff make it work somehow. I had a short connection due to a small delay on my IAD-LHR last month and was met by a BA agent who had my name on a sign and escorted me to the front of all the lines to get to my Toulouse flight. I have never ever experienced such awesome treatment. I now wish I'd done a FR on that flight, but as it was an emergency trip, I was not in the right frame of mind. Awesome bonus pics of Paris...now I'm hungry. LOL. Hope you are having a great time in France!
    • Comment 305988 by
      jetsetpanda AUTHOR 2283 Comments
      Thanks Kevin. How can I not enjoy my favorite city in the world with each visit? ;)

      I agree with you that the BA staff can be truly awesome, but the T5 connecting experience is a big minus. Boy, you really got the VIP transfer experience there. I am still not a 100% committed to BA and you will read that on my return trip the catering was a disappointment. Once again, the good attitude of the crew saved the day.

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