a glass wall with a picture of a man on it
The Final Verdict
4.5
Check In
Lounge
Seat
Bed
Food & Beverage
Service

British Airways First Class doesn’t offer the very best first class seat in the sky, nor the best lounge, or even champagne. It is, however, an incredible flying experience, especially when using miles or an upgrade from business, so I’m glad we can get that part out of the way. British Airways offers their best First Class experience from their home base at London Heathrow, so if you’ve been curious to see what it may entail, here’s a little sneak peak…

First, you go through the “First Wing”…

a glass wall with a picture of a man on it

British Airways recently finished building the “First Wing” a complex for First Class flyers and British Airways Gold “elite” loyalty status passengers. It’s nicely private, and most importantly seriously fast. You’ll be from check in to lounge in about five minutes…

Then You Hit The “Concorde Room”…

a man behind a counter with a bar and bottles of liquor

The Concorde Room is British Airways finest lounge offering, serving Johnny Walker Blue, Laurent Perrier Grand Siecle and a selection of made to order a la carte dining. It’s like being in a comfy restaurant, only everything is free and there are amazing views of the runways below. Do note, the food on the plane may be better…

Then You Board Your Aircraft To Find This…

a seat in a plane

You’ll find what many leading experts describe as “a comfy seat”, where you’ll take your meals, watch films and all around “chill out” before turning the seat into a bed…

first cabin and tray – Spherical Image – RICOH THETA

With just three rows in most first class cabins, things tend to feel very private, especially since all seats angle away from each other.

a seat in a plane

And if you travel with an entourage of accessories, there’s a little storage locker (to the right) at each seat, allowing you to pop a backpack, or just your ego in a safe place for a few hours…

Then You Get $125 A Bottle Champagne, Amenity Kit and PJ’s…

a glass of wine and a book on a table

Laurent Perrier Grand Siecle is delicious. In British Airways First Class, it’s also free. It’s an amazing way to start a flight.

amenity intro – Spherical Image – RICOH THETA

British Airways are currently offering Liberties of London amenity kits, complete with beauty products from Refinery. You’ll feel well and truly pampered… and of course, moisturized.

a glass of wine and passport on a table

Oh, and pajamas. Since no self respecting first class passenger could possibly be expected to sleep in their finest outfit, BA offers pajamas, which are quite comfortable actually…

Then You Stuff Your Face On Fancy Food…

a table with a television and a plate with food and glasses on it

This is where most people start to chuckle, especially if they’re used to economy. Fine cutlery, napkins, warm bread, it’s all just so sophisticated…

dining – Spherical Image – RICOH THETA

First class dining is totally worth the calories. Airlines compete desperately to offer the tastiest food at 30,000 feet, so you’re just about sure to have a good meal…

a plate of food on a table

My meal began with a crab and avocado starter, with a basil and lime sorbet.

a plate of food on a table

Before moving onto a curry spiced chicken, with aubergine, yoghurt and vegetables.

a plate of food on a table

And most importantly, both desserts from the menu, because you can. Not pictured here is the massive “afternoon tea” service British Airways offers. I unfortunately devoured all my tea sandwiches and cakes before photos could be developed…

And Finally, You Pass Out Blissfully Until Further Notice…

a bed with a computer on it

Any seasoned first class flyer will tell you it’s all about the bed, and they’re totally right.

bed sleeping – Spherical Image – RICOH THETA

Just look how happy I am. Staged photo or not, it feels incredible to sleep flat on a plane.

a bed with a computer and a monitor on it

And fortunately, in first class, the bed is generously wide and long (6’8”).

So, To Summarize, It’s A Hell Of A Way To Fly…

a window with round windows and a lantern

Flying first class is an incredible treat. Even for regular business class flyers, it’s the little touches, the extra fancy champagne, the warm personalized greeting and the incredibly stylish cabins that make each flight something to savor. Throw in the bed, the meals and hours of in flight entertainment and I’d happily move in…

Gilbert Ott

Gilbert Ott is an ever curious traveler and one of the world's leading travel experts. His adventures take him all over the globe, often spanning over 200,000 miles a year and his travel exploits are regularly...

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3 Comments

  1. Your review is positive positive positive but your rating mentions ‘lack of privacy’ ‘antiquated seat’ and ‘hit or miss service’

  2. I think the experience varies a lot between planes, we’ve had superb experiences but several very mediocre experiences on transatlantic BA first class flights

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