I arrived at LHR two and half hours before on a bus from Oxford. After seeing my friend there for two days it is time to head home. I have never flown BA before despite my Silver status with them - I mainly flew American and Iberia in the process of attain such status. I was somewhat excited for this flight since it'd be my first time in LHR's terminal 5.
LHR has a bad reputation among frequent (especially connecting) passengers. I was, however, impressed by the departure hall.
I tried to use self-check in, but my trip to the US warranted me seeing an agent.
I found the security time estimate very useful. Also at the same time didn't understand why people at the north end wouldn't move to the south end.
And looked at the FC check in area jealously before heading to security
This is not for me on this day…
Impression of T5's main terminal is positive - I liked these large windows a lot.
A lot of shopping. Being used to low taxes and prices in the US I found most of the items in the shops to be a bad value for money.
Lounge this way please
The famous BA horse
The lounge was busy but not overcrowding
Beverage station in the lounge
My snack selection of the day - food was plenty but not in such a great variety.
Departure of the evening. The BKK flight was much delayed.
Some part of the lounge was fairly dark
I left the lounge about 1hr 15 mins prior to departure to head to my boarding gate, which was in another part of the terminal
Goodbye the UK
There is another lounge near my boarding gate
As well as a customer service center. It was not in use as only two flight were departing from this section and were both on time.
A BA 787-8 taking me to EWR
Gate area
Lots of seating space
Boarding was soon called. F/J class passengers as well as OW elites were invited to board at leisure
Soon I was onboard. Oh that new plane smell
The crew was fairly friendly and addressed me by name as I entered the cabin. A pre-departure beverage was served and I selected OJ.
I soon found the cabin very private. Some people don't like the rear facing seating but I found it not bothersome.
A divider can be raised between the seats so passengers.
I was unable to play with the window onboard this drameliner as I was seated away from the window. Drink and nuts were served about 15 mins after take off.
Dinner was soon served. Although the cabin was full, everyone seemed to have gotten their first choice entree.
Beef was a bit over cooked. Sauce was good.
Cheese or desert was offered as entrees were collected
Tea and coffee after dinner. Being British, their tea selection was decent.
After dinner I took a nap, which proved to be a horrible mistake on my part. I was unable to sleep for the night after I arrived in NY and felt terrible the day after. I normally depart Europe on a morning flight so napping has not been a problem. Have to resist the temptation to sleep on the later flights. Maybe I will try WTP next time so I won't sleep.
Waking up over Canada.
Afternoon tea was served right before arrival. More like a midnight snack. Don't really know why no more real scones.
Disembarkation was uneventful. Late evening at EWR was not busy and I managed through immigration within 20 minutes as a visitor. Arrived at my hotel in Mahattan by 10:30p
Thank you for sharing this revealing report with excellent images.
I will fly BA for the first time in Nov. and your experience seems to support the opinion of others that BA Club World is decent but not outstanding. I will adjust my expectations accordingly.
Catering seems to be a weak point of this cabin. I understand that one cannot get both cheese and dessert at the same time. Even AA would allow me to do that. Your afternoon tea looks lacking and definitely needs improvement.
Thanks for sharing rhis report with us.
The flight seems very good with a brand new cabin ( i love that smell !) a good crew. The seat looks very confortable in all positions.
catering is fine for the main meal, although i think one could have both cheese and desert, but the pre arrival snack is indeed not up to expectations for a Business class.
Thank for for sharing your experience with us.
It's always great to fly on a brand new aircraft.
Thanks for sharing this good detailed report with nice pictures! When you say BA should look at what DL/AF/LX do on their Europe-US East flights AF doesn't really do much better in catering for the pre-arrival meal on Westbound TATL--it's pretty much just tiny finger sandwiches. You are right about DL, however. Their catering in J is always good and they are generous with portions/courses IME.