- Introduction: My Journey To The Stolen Jewel
- Review: British Airways Lounge Toronto Airport
- Review: British Airways A350 Club Suites Business Class
- Review: British Airways Arrivals Lounge Heathrow Airport
- Review: Aerotel Heathrow Terminal 3
- Review: Finnair A321 Business Class
- Review: Finnair Platinum Wing Helsinki Airport
- Review: Finnair A350 Business Class
- Review: Changi Lounge At The Jewel Singapore
- Review: Yotel Singapore Changi At The Jewel
- Review: The Jewel Changi Airport
- Review: Cathay Pacific Lounge Singapore Changi
- Review: Qantas First Lounge Singapore Changi
- Review: Cathay Pacific A330 Business Class
- Review: Plaza Premium First Lounge Hong Kong
- Review: Cathay Pacific Deck Lounge Hong Kong
- Review: Cathay Pacific A350 Business Class
To kick off this trip I flew British Airways’ A350-1000 Club Suites from Toronto to London Heathrow. The A350 features British Airways’ brand new business class seat, which is ushering in a new era for British Airways, given their previous woefully outdated business class seats.
In this post:
How I Booked British Airways’ A350 Club Suites
While I could have redeemed British Airways Avios (or other oneworld miles) for this trip, I ended up booking a discounted business class ticket instead.
British Airways and Finnair had excellent ~1,500USD one-way business class fares from Toronto to Singapore, via London and Helsinki. So I booked the following:
12/02 BA92 Toronto to London departing 6:20PM arriving 6:25AM (+1 day)
12/03 AY1344 London to Helsinki departing 1:50PM arriving 6:45PM
12/03 AY131 Helsinki to Singapore departing 11:55PM arriving 5:15PM (+1 day)
Not only is that a pretty great fare, but the trip also earned me about 21,000 elite qualifying miles and 2,600+ elite qualifying dollars, which would help me requalify for Executive Platinum status with American AAdvantage (for better or worse).
For context, if you were to redeem points for the one-way ticket from Toronto to London you’d pay:
- 50,000-60,000 British Airways Avios plus $411.40 in taxes, fees, and carrier surcharges (the best credit cards for earning British Airways Avios)
- 57,500 American AAdvantage miles plus $411.40 in taxes, fees, and carrier surcharges (the best credit cards for earning American AAdvantage miles)
- 60,000 Alaska Mileage Plan miles plus $411.40 in taxes, fees, and carrier surcharges (the best credit cards for earning Alaska Mileage Plan miles)
Given the high carrier imposed surcharges on British Airways award tickets, the itinerary I booked seemed like a no brainer.
British Airways A350 Business Class Review
Boarding for the flight was scheduled to start at 5:40PM, though ended up starting 10 minutes ahead of that for business class passengers, at 5:30PM.
British Airways 92
Toronto (YYZ) – London (LHR)
Monday, December 2
Depart: 6:20PM
Arrive: 6:25AM (+1 day)
Duration: 7hr5min
Aircraft: Airbus A350-1000
Seat: 11A (Club Suites Business Class)
At the second set of doors I was greeted by the cabin service manager and pointed left into the business class cabin. based on the age of the crew I could immediately tell that this was a mixed fleet crew (British Airways’ newer flight attendants who are on a different/cheaper contract than the more senior flight attendants).
British Airways has a total of 56 business class seats on the A350-1000. 42 of those seats are in the forward cabin, and then there are another 12 seats in a mini-cabin behind that. There’s no first class on the A350-1000 (though British Airways is installing first class on the 787-10).
Off the bat I noticed that British Airways chose to install overhead bins in the center section of the cabin. The cabin still felt spacious, but it feels even more spacious when there are no overhead bins there, as you’ll find on the Qatar A350-1000.
British Airways A350-1000 business class cabin
British Airways’ new business class should look familiar, with one unique element. They chose standard Collins Aerospace Super Diamond reverse herringbone seats, which you’ll find on a countless number of airlines, and they added a door to it.
The seats in each row are configured in exactly the same way, so it’s not that even numbered rows are better than odd numbered rows, or anything like that.
In the center section, seats are angled towards one another. There’s a privacy partition between seats, so if you’re seated in one of these seats and traveling alone, you can still choose to have privacy.
British Airways Club Suites center seats
Along the windows, the seats face towards the fuselage.
British Airways Club Suites window seat
Like I said, this is more or less a generic Collins Aerospace Super Diamond seat, minus the door.
British Airways A350 Club Suites business class
British Airways A350 Club Suites business class
With these types of seats, the entertainment monitor is mounted to the back of the seat in front, so it has just one position. Then the tray table folds out from underneath that, and can also be folded over in half.
British Airways A350 Club Suites business class
British Airways business class tray table
To the side of the seat was a large counter that had two panels that could be opened.
British Airways A350 business class seat storage
On the left was a shallow storage compartment (for a phone, glasses, etc.), and then on the right was a slightly deeper compartment that also had the entertainment controller, power outlets, and headphone jack.
British Airways A350 business class seat storage
British Airways business class entertainment controls and power outlets
The seat functions can be controlled from a panel to the side of the seat.
British Airways business class seat controls
These seats usually have a small enclosed storage compartment to the back side of the seat, though British Airways combined this with the literature pocket, and that meant the compartment is now tiny, maybe big enough to hold a book vertically (and not even a big one — we’re talking “50 Shades of Grey” at most). There was also a mirror here.
British Airways business class seat storage
Small footwells can be a big downside to some of the more cutting edge business class seats, and this was a standard reverse herringbone seat in that regard. It was on the tight side, but not as tight as a “throne” seat, for example.
British Airways business class footwell
Underneath the seat and to the left was a small exposed storage compartment.
British Airways A350 business class seat
Then to the right of the seat was an armrest that could be raised or lowered.
British Airways business class seat armrest
I’ll talk more about the door a bit later, since the door was locked while on the ground and during takeoff.
British Airways unfortunately elected not to install individual air nozzles on the A350-1000. Grrrr…
British Airways A350 no individual air nozzles
All around this is a very solid seat. I love reverse herringbone seats, and this is the most modern version of that seat with the addition of a door. I didn’t find that the door made the seat more claustrophobic, and worst case scenario you can just leave the door open.
Anyway, on to the soft product. British Airways has invested heavily in their business class soft product as well, and that has shown. There was bedding from The White Company at my seat, which was exceptional.
British Airways business class bedding
I’d say after United Polaris, British Airways probably has the second best business class bedding. There was a pillow, a mattress sheet, a duvet, and a day blanket. Lovely.
British Airways The White Company bedding
There were also headphones at my seat, which weren’t particularly good.
British Airways business class headphones
Within a few minutes of settling in I was presented with an amenity kit from The White Company, containing socks, eyeshades, earplugs, a dental kit, a pen, lip balm, and some lotion.
British Airways business class amenity kit
A moment later I was offered a pre-departure drink, with the choice of water or champagne.
British Airways business class pre-departure champagne
Then I was presented with the menu, and was asked to fill out the breakfast card before going to sleep.
British Airways business class menu
The flight was reasonably full, and by 6:10PM the main cabin door closed. At 6:15PM the senior first officer made his welcome aboard announcement, informing us of the flight time of 6hr30min, as well as our departure from a Northeast runway, and our path over Montreal and then Gander.
At 6:25PM we began our pushback, at which point the crew performed a manual safety demonstration. At 6:30PM we began our taxi, and at 6:40PM we were cleared for takeoff on runway 33R.
As we climbed out I browsed the entertainment selection, which was a massive improvement over the old one — the selection was huge, the system was responsive, and the monitor resolution was excellent.
British Airways entertainment system A350
There was a never-ending selection of movies and TV shows.
British Airways entertainment system A350
British Airways entertainment system A350
Then there was the airshow, though British Airways doesn’t have a tail camera on their A350, unlike many other airlines. I’m not sure if that was a cost saving measure, or…?
Map for flight to London
Map for flight to London
Stats for flight to London
I then connected to the Wi-Fi service. I love that British Airways has recently been investing in Wi-Fi, but why did they have to ruin a good thing with the A350-1000?! On the other aircraft types I’ve flown they sell passes valid for the entire flight, with no data caps.
On the A350-1000, British Airways charges based on data usage, as follows:
- 25MB of data costs $6.99
- 75MB of data costs $15.99
- 150MB of data costs $25.99
British Airways A350 Wi-Fi
British Airways A350 Wi-Fi pricing
Seriously, why, why, why British Airways? Does anyone know If they’ve switched to data-based pricing on all their planes, or if this is an A350 “enhancement?”
This ultimately wasn’t a huge deal on a redeye, but on a daytime flight I’d be quite unhappy with those options. On the plus side, Wi-Fi speeds were good.
Anyway, 10 minutes after takeoff the seatbelt sign was turned off and meal orders were taken right away. Then about 30 minutes after takeoff warm towels were distributed.
British Airways business class warm towel
After that the dinner service began. The menu read as follows:
The drink list read as follows:
40 minutes after takeoff the starter and drinks were served. Usually they have a round of nuts with drinks in business class on British Airways, though I guess due to this being a short overnight flight maybe they skip that? Fair enough.
All around I’ve been impressed by British Airways’ new catering, though this flight was an exception (which might be because it was catered from an outstation). For the starter I ordered the seared Pacific scallops with cauliflower and saffron puree, and grilled asparagus. I thought it looked excellent, but the scallops were bland and tasteless.
That was served with a salad with grilled yellow peppers and tomato, and a piece of bread. The bread was cold and stale, and could have probably been used as a weapon.
To drink I decided to order the “gin zing,” which contained gin, citrus, and sparkling water. It looked a bit more Gatoreadey than I was expecting.
British Airways business class dinner — appetizer & salad
I usually don’t eat beef, but I decided to order the seared fillet of Alberta beef, with Chablis mustard sauce, roasted fingerling potatoes, carrot puree, and broccoli.
Why did I order this? Because I don’t eat pork, and because whenever I order pasta on a plane people freak out in the comments section, so I feel like I had no choice. 😉
The dish as such was fine. The sauce was overpowering, but that was probably a good thing since It wasn’t the best cut of meat in the world.
British Airways business class dinner — main course
Next up I ordered the warm cranberry bread pudding with creme anglaise, which was tasty.
British Airways business class dinner — dessert
Lastly I had a cheese plate, for the picture if nothing else.
British Airways business class dinner — cheese plate
My tray was cleared by around 8:30PM, about 1hr50min after takeoff. That’s a bit longer than a meal service would ideally take on such a short flight.
Service throughout the meal was friendly and well intentioned, though not especially personalized or polished, as I find to be the norm for mixed fleet crews. British Airways’ business class cabin is huge, so they sure have to hustle.
By the time I was ready for bed there were under 4hr30min remaining to London, and we were over Newfoundland.
Map enroute to London
Map enroute to London
Before going to bed I checked out the lavatories, of which there are three — there is one in front of the cabin, and two between the business class cabins. Interestingly the ones between business class cabins aren’t along the outside of the plane, but rather are along the inside, where the galley/closets usually are.
British Airways A350 lavatory
The lavatory had spa products from The White Company.
British Airways A350 lavatory amenities
I also quickly peeked into the rear business class cabin. There were a total of about a dozen empty seats in business class, including all six of the center seats in the rear cabin.
British Airways A350 rear business class cabin
Between cabins there’s also an area where they could set up a self serve bar. However, I’m guessing they only do that on longer flights (or daytime flights).
British Airways A350 business class snack bar
Nothing was set up here, and quite to the contrary, the display “case” was used to store trash.
British Airways A350 business class snack bar
I reclined my bed at this point, and was ready to get some sleep.
British Airways A350 Club Suites bed
British Airways A350 Club Suites bed
So, what’s the door like? The door can be opened and closed manually.
British Airways A350 Club Suites door
The door reminded me a bit of the Delta A350 door. It’s not the highest door out there, but it does give you a bit of extra privacy. I decided to use it, and felt in no way claustrophobic. I also didn’t feel like I had full privacy, or anything. So I think the new door is a nice improvement.
British Airways A350 Club Suites door
Unfortunately it took me a while to fall asleep, because at this point we hit some pretty substantial turbulence for about 15 minutes. I eventually did fall asleep, and woke up just over 90 minutes before arrival in London. I’d say I got just over two hours of sleep in the end.
Map approaching London
Map approaching London
As soon as the flight attendant saw I was awake she brought me breakfast. Here’s what the breakfast card listed:
I had the egg and cheese bagel, and it was surprisingly good. The bagel had a nice crunch to it, and the eggs were good too. That was served with some bread, as well as a side of muesli.
British Airways business class breakfast
The cabin lights were kept down for much of the breakfast service, as many people chose to sleep.
British Airways A350 business class cabin
At around 5:30AM London time the senior first officer once again came on the PA to inform us that we were flying over Cardiff, and would be landing in about 40 minutes, and that the seatbelt sign would be turned on in about 20 minutes.
Sure enough we ended up landing at Heathrow at 6:13AM, and then we arrived at Terminal 5C at 6:20AM.
From there I was looking forward to checking out the British Airways Arrivals Lounge, and then (briefly) checking into the Aerotel Heathrow Terminal 3, before my Finnair flight to Helsinki.
British Airways A350 Club Suites Bottom Line
British Airways’ new Club Suites business class represents a much needed investment for the airline, which previously had more-or-less the same business class product for a couple of decades.
I love reverse herringbone seats to begin with, and this is the best reverse herringbone seat out there, as the door only enhances the experience further. Very well done, British Airways.
British Airways’ soft product investment is also evident… for the most part. Their bedding is excellent, and amenity kits nice, though in the case of this flight I’d say the food was more of a “miss” than usual.
Lastly, I do feel like British Airways missed some very easy opportunities. The A350-1000 is one of my favorite planes, but British Airways chose not to install air nozzles or a tail camera. Furthermore, I don’t like that British Airways charges for Wi-Fi based on data used, without the option of buying a pass without data caps. That’s a step in the wrong direction.
All things considered, color me impressed by British Airways’ new business class. When I compare this flight to my first flight in British Airways’ business class about four years ago, I can’t help but note just how far the airline has come.
I’d be even more impressed if they changed their Wi-Fi pricing, and if this were a flight out of London with (hopefully superior) Do & Co catering.
What do you make of British Airways’ new Club Suites business class?
I have just flown from Tokyo to London on the 350 and would say the following:
We had window seats. The comfort level in Business Class of the herringbone configuration was very good and much better than the awful configuration on the outward flight from London-Tokyo (can’t remember which plane type we were on).
The service throughout the flight was average at best - our attendant looked disinterested.
The food was also...
I have just flown from Tokyo to London on the 350 and would say the following:
We had window seats. The comfort level in Business Class of the herringbone configuration was very good and much better than the awful configuration on the outward flight from London-Tokyo (can’t remember which plane type we were on).
The service throughout the flight was average at best - our attendant looked disinterested.
The food was also average- decent Salmon carpaccio starter but bland Tuna as a main.
Better training for aircrew is much needed.
Hi, wondering which business class seats are the best to choose…window or center? Pros and cons? Departing from PDX. Do you know if the newer suites are on the PDX route? Thanks.
@ The nice Paul - fleet consistency is apparently something that's reverse tested in Seattle. I swear they use Seattle to gauge how long it will take before the passengers mutiny. Possibly based on our capacity to live in (one shade of) gray for four months straight - although it's not like YYV is baking in bleaching sunshine either. However that DID give us 747s for longer - aka, "plane sucks but upstairs has bins...
@ The nice Paul - fleet consistency is apparently something that's reverse tested in Seattle. I swear they use Seattle to gauge how long it will take before the passengers mutiny. Possibly based on our capacity to live in (one shade of) gray for four months straight - although it's not like YYV is baking in bleaching sunshine either. However that DID give us 747s for longer - aka, "plane sucks but upstairs has bins for all your stuff and minimal hoi polloi." I sorta miss it. Felt like my childhood imagination's view of international business travel - complete with tobacco-yellowed plastics and tipsy lechers. Not enough suave spies or supermodels tho.
Anyway, I'm apparently on the Revised biz class on the return trip, so I'm excited to be excited about new equipment. I've been on BA 51 and 52 so many times that even my penknife graffiti is getting worn smooth with age. Also the references are aging. Kids don't know about YTMD.
And why do I keep forgetting that 13 K's sad semi-opaque privacy screen is prone to falling, just as I'm plucking nose hair? OH! Apparently BA has changed takeoff policy so I don't have to awkwardly nod at my neighbor until 10k feet. They closed it before taxiing. Which was kind of an upgrade in itself.
I
The WiFi is data based because that at the time was the only option that Airbus allowed from factory installation with the Panasonic system along with the IFE.
Other aircraft have been retrofitted with WiFi and that’s why it’s not a data based system.
No other airline have retrofitted WiFi onto the A350 - and many would complain if the aircraft didn’t have WiFi on delivery, and costs are apparently extortionate to go...
The WiFi is data based because that at the time was the only option that Airbus allowed from factory installation with the Panasonic system along with the IFE.
Other aircraft have been retrofitted with WiFi and that’s why it’s not a data based system.
No other airline have retrofitted WiFi onto the A350 - and many would complain if the aircraft didn’t have WiFi on delivery, and costs are apparently extortionate to go to a non data capped service.
I believe the 787-10 will also be in the same boat as the A350 in terms of WiFi.
Hey Abe. You’re exactly what I’ve found with other Trump supporters. You are one... You just don’t have the guts to admit or come clean about it. Typical of almost every Trumper I’ve ever met.
Probably because T supporters have zero soul, integrity and minimal intelligence.
"but on a daytime flight I’d be quite unhappy with those options. On the plus side, wifi speeds were good"
isn't that the whole point that the Delta CEO was saying the other day - if you give it away for free, there just isn't the capacity to handle the demand. but if you make people pay, those that do get a decent experience !
Do BA still charge for seat assignments in business class for non-status customers? Between their random and exorbitant "fuel surcharges" and charging for seat assignments in business class, I've pretty much written them off even if they do improve their product.
@ Tom -- They sure do, though select elite members are exempt (I didn't have to pay since I'm oneworld Emerald).
BA perpetually exists to underwhelm. Not at all a compelling product, other than the bedding (which sees almost nil usage on a North America - London route). And to not provide air nozzles for your flagship product? That's a nickel-and-dime decision worthy of AA.
Kerry,
I love the nostalgia of the 747 and row 1 is special though too close to the neighbor. Row 2 is best for privacy. All the rest of the seats are dreadful. The A380 is so much nicer in my opinion. A lot of space and privacy. Hope you get to fly the A380. It does spoil us.
I would never fly BA J before but if I had to the A350 would do. Just prefer F in the others. :/
Jimmy
@Aaron / @Maxim
Maxim I agree with you that a good Tonic makes for a good GnT - and that the pressuristion makes for a Gin absent much of the botanicals.... Aaron has a point or two, BA much like JAL lacks in Gin - some of us like to drink it straight...
That said Ciroc as a Vodka, marketing aside sucks as a Vodka... always a subtle grape taste ala Cremola Foam for those...
@Aaron / @Maxim
Maxim I agree with you that a good Tonic makes for a good GnT - and that the pressuristion makes for a Gin absent much of the botanicals.... Aaron has a point or two, BA much like JAL lacks in Gin - some of us like to drink it straight...
That said Ciroc as a Vodka, marketing aside sucks as a Vodka... always a subtle grape taste ala Cremola Foam for those of us older and Brit ...
2 Gins of moderate value and a vodka of a minimal value doesn't make a decent bar.
Though granted it is J
Nice review - I look forward to trying this product, especially as I never use WiFi or air nozzles nor look at the tail camera views. What an improvement over the 8 across "coffins" that was hitherto Club World, without even a place to put glasses while you tried to sleep.
@Duck Ling
Agree with you and ironically even as a passenger I would still say my favourite BA plane to fly is the 747 (provided of course you get the upper deck in J, and because of sitting in the nose in F).
In terms of the back of the plane, there is no doubt that in Y and PE the seats on the 747 Are much more comfortable than on virtually any other type in the fleet.
@Pedro I’m not trolling. Read his posts and things HE said. He’s either fighting global warming, or he’s apathetic.
He can’t have it both ways where he’s a big global warming advocate, but then has a carbon footprint the size of Uranus
Quotes from him: “ “Ben (Lucky) says:
November 26, 2019 at 12:54 pm
@ henry LAX — Virtually all of my flights are for review purposes or to visit family....
@Pedro I’m not trolling. Read his posts and things HE said. He’s either fighting global warming, or he’s apathetic.
He can’t have it both ways where he’s a big global warming advocate, but then has a carbon footprint the size of Uranus
Quotes from him: “ “Ben (Lucky) says:
November 26, 2019 at 12:54 pm
@ henry LAX — Virtually all of my flights are for review purposes or to visit family. I don’t do any status runs beyond that.”
Now: “ cross-crossing the globe to Toronto, Singapore, Helsinki etc... Because not only is that a pretty great fare... but the trip also earned me about 21,000 elite qualifying miles and 2,600+ elite qualifying dollars, which would help me requalify for Executive Platinum status with American AAdvantage (for better or worse).”
So which is it Ben?
@Abe - Know when to take the L, boomer.
Lucky, I know you get plenty of blog post suggestions, but it would be interesting to read a more detailed comparison of all the doored business class seats, since it seems you've flown them all now?
Lucky, I know you get plenty of blog post suggestions, but it would be interesting to read a more detailed comparison of all the doored business class seats, since it seems you've flown them all now?
@Abe Your troll game is weak af my dude.
On Google flights it shows as $2,094 and is on the Finnair site when directed to book.
Lucky- on that YYZ-SIN fare, is it BA or AY? Which class? Any flexibility on flight timings? (I’d probably credit to AS and take a longer stop at LHR to get more sleep in, shorter at HEL. As Oneworld Nobody my lounge options aren’t as interesting as yours. :))
The rules don’t apply to you Ben. You’re here to serve us by justifying flying for any reason. Either it’s for showing “us” products by flying, or it’s family related. So when you fly, you never admit any carbon emissions. Amazing!
You also just assumed my politics. I have never said I support Trump. I have expressed right leaning politics sometime. Really mature to fight a long time reader, and interject personal politics into it. Stay classy....
@Ben (Lucky)
Does mean we will be getting the MEA trip report soon? ;)
I have been a long time contributor on airliners.net with the trip reports, however it appears the trend these days is to move to vlogs or simply put video trip reports.
I am all for a good detailed trip report like you do on your site, but do you see yourself moving to a video based format?
And honestly even trip reports less than 15 mins seem to be the ones people enjoy...
I have been a long time contributor on airliners.net with the trip reports, however it appears the trend these days is to move to vlogs or simply put video trip reports.
I am all for a good detailed trip report like you do on your site, but do you see yourself moving to a video based format?
And honestly even trip reports less than 15 mins seem to be the ones people enjoy watching over more lengthier ones. It is only after YouTube allowed my videos to go over 15mins did they get much longer.
Imagine you were right here in Toronto!
@ Jason @ Lucky - i flew on BA's 350 from MAD-LHR to check it out. Flew the 777 from LHR-MAD to get to MAD and to compare old biz with new.
The wifi pass options on the 777 were time-based options with no data caps. The options on the 350 were based on data usage as they were on your flight. So different wifi pass options on the one route.
Very strange and...
@ Jason @ Lucky - i flew on BA's 350 from MAD-LHR to check it out. Flew the 777 from LHR-MAD to get to MAD and to compare old biz with new.
The wifi pass options on the 777 were time-based options with no data caps. The options on the 350 were based on data usage as they were on your flight. So different wifi pass options on the one route.
Very strange and annoying. The time-based options were good value and the 350 options most certainly were not! Hopefully they can resolve this.
@Maxim, I like Bombay Sapphire and like you said also like Vodka. I never realized the two could be connected. Can you recommend another gin to try?
@Aaron I suspect because no one is drinking martinis on board.
A gin & tonic requires a good juniper hit, and the quinine flavour in the tonic water drowns out subtle botanicals. On both counts Gordons is an excellent G&T gin, The Botanist is not. I assume the Tanqueray option is for those who don't like gin but want to order a G&T, although at a push, it is slightly better than the vodka drinkers...
@Aaron I suspect because no one is drinking martinis on board.
A gin & tonic requires a good juniper hit, and the quinine flavour in the tonic water drowns out subtle botanicals. On both counts Gordons is an excellent G&T gin, The Botanist is not. I assume the Tanqueray option is for those who don't like gin but want to order a G&T, although at a push, it is slightly better than the vodka drinkers favourite gin, Bombay Sapphire.
BA also provide that crucial ingredient, a good tonic water. Gordons and Fever-Tree beats any gin with a standard cane-sugar laden tonic every time.
@Ben - more importantly how do you rate Club Suites in your top 10 and to BA First?
@ Aaron
You’re right about Lufthansa — I have a blind spot there: after the ludicrous award of 5* status now, in recognition of a new business class seat that will be installed, er, some years in the future, I just can’t take them seriously.
And God knows I like meat, but the last meal I had on LH seemed to consist of nothing but smoked meats and blood sausage. My stomach rebelled.
Ben,
You specifically said in the LH post you don’t ever fly to make status only for “us” to review stuff and products and family.
But a great fare half way around the world to “help you keep executive platinum” using all these different airlines is saving the planet. Do you think you get a pass because you have a blog so you’re not subjected to climate change like all the Hollywood actors?
Do as I say, not as I do...
@ Abe -- Wrong. I said I fly for the purposes of reviews. While one of the focuses was British Airways' new A350-1000 business class, I've also stated for a long time that I wanted to review Finnair's new oneworld Emerald lounge in Helsinki, plus Qantas' brand new first class lounge in Singapore. This itinerary was *perfect*, and let me check those out.
Or are the two new best oneworld lounges to open in recent years not worthy of reviews?
"And since BA is the only one of those legacy carriers which seems to care about fleet consistency"
Lufthansa as well.
@ Kerry. It's true what you say regarding the crews feelings about the A350.
The new Club Suites take up more space overall than the old ying-yang set up so BA was determined to not give up too much space to galleys so they could fit in as many Club Suites as possible. Even an extra one or two seats can be a huge difference in revenue over a year. BA is not unique...
@ Kerry. It's true what you say regarding the crews feelings about the A350.
The new Club Suites take up more space overall than the old ying-yang set up so BA was determined to not give up too much space to galleys so they could fit in as many Club Suites as possible. Even an extra one or two seats can be a huge difference in revenue over a year. BA is not unique in this respect, most airlines that need to make a profit these days are doing the same. The A380's and 787's also have a reputation for poor galley spaces for crew.
BA is also reducing galley space on the 777-200's that are being retro-fitted with the new Club suite.
Ironically ask any crew member at BA which is their favourite aircraft to work on and most will say the 747. Yep, she's old but she was also kitted out at a time when the be all and end all wasn't to ram as many seats as possible into every conceivable space. Galleys and crew areas are roomy and large.
As previously mentioned, sadly the WiFi is a factory item so won’t change on the 350 in the near future. Tail cam - it was a decision between putting the money into a nicer moving map or the live camera feed. Sadly they don’t make enough money to have both
Lucky,
Thanks for the excellent review. I haven’t flown J on the A350 yet, but flew PE couple weeks back which is a huge downgrade in product, tiny 8-across seats, much narrower than ok the rest of the fleet.
The Wifi pricing is unique to the A350 from what crew told me. Interestingly enough, an FA I was speaking to bemoaned the cramped A350 galley set up and it sounded like the cabin crew really...
Lucky,
Thanks for the excellent review. I haven’t flown J on the A350 yet, but flew PE couple weeks back which is a huge downgrade in product, tiny 8-across seats, much narrower than ok the rest of the fleet.
The Wifi pricing is unique to the A350 from what crew told me. Interestingly enough, an FA I was speaking to bemoaned the cramped A350 galley set up and it sounded like the cabin crew really don’t like working this aircraft very much.
Once the 772 and 77W refits come in and the 777x fleet is arriving they should have bigger footwells (due to the wider cabin), better wifi pricing, better PE product and a First cabin, ironically making the A350 the aircraft to avoid in the BA fleet.
The “self-serve bar” (assuming that’s the Club Kitchen) should have been stocked with drinks and snacks from the end of dinner through the rest of the flight. It’s even referred to on the first page of the menu, so it’s a poor show if it wasn’t available (and I don’t think I’ve ever had a BA longhaul flight where the crew didn’t set it up).
It certainly doesn’t look like the Club Suite will win...
The “self-serve bar” (assuming that’s the Club Kitchen) should have been stocked with drinks and snacks from the end of dinner through the rest of the flight. It’s even referred to on the first page of the menu, so it’s a poor show if it wasn’t available (and I don’t think I’ve ever had a BA longhaul flight where the crew didn’t set it up).
It certainly doesn’t look like the Club Suite will win BA the crown for “best J seat”. Unlike its predecessor, it’s not a game-changer that positions BA as the world’s number 1.
But as a seat, it’s clearly better than the J seats on pretty much any BA or European legacy carrier (maybe not Polaris?).
And since BA is the only one of those legacy carriers which seems to care about fleet consistency, in a few years BA will have the advantage that if you book a BA ticket you are guaranteed this seat — unlike the “lucky dip” of every other legacy carrier where you are always at the mercy of equipment swaps.
Brand consistency for the hard product is really important to the business travellers who buy most of the big-money tickets.
That doesn’t solve BA’s problem with brand inconsistency in their soft product. But, as Lucky usually says, J is “all about the seat”.
If I were working for Virgin I think I’d now be worried.
I look forward to the revised list of the world’s best business classes, and where this fits in the list of best J class seats.
*installed
About the Wifi:
It’s the only fleet at BA that’s MB based and not time as you say. This is due to BA wanting WiFi I stalked from Day one, but Airbus only provided one option from the factory and that (I believe) is the very sub-par Panasonic system. It is simply not good enough to offer the full flight passes to the plane without the system being overloaded, hence the MB charge.
Hopefully...
About the Wifi:
It’s the only fleet at BA that’s MB based and not time as you say. This is due to BA wanting WiFi I stalked from Day one, but Airbus only provided one option from the factory and that (I believe) is the very sub-par Panasonic system. It is simply not good enough to offer the full flight passes to the plane without the system being overloaded, hence the MB charge.
Hopefully this does change or they refit the better system during some maintenance cycle or something.
I don't see how this is the "best" reverse herringbone seat. CX's seat on the 350 is much more spacious, particularly the footwell.
That breakfast was carb heavy. Bagle (super dense bread) with a bread basket and to top it off, museli. Just reading about it makes my stomach knot up, lol!
Your old colleague James reviewed this for TPG, and one issue he had with the seat was that the wall of the suite was too low (compared to the one on Qatar), but then again, it's TPG, where making random eye contact with a stranger and/or having someone able to see part of the back of your head just ruins the flying experience...they're a bit more obsessed with privacy than Lucky is.
For me the...
Your old colleague James reviewed this for TPG, and one issue he had with the seat was that the wall of the suite was too low (compared to the one on Qatar), but then again, it's TPG, where making random eye contact with a stranger and/or having someone able to see part of the back of your head just ruins the flying experience...they're a bit more obsessed with privacy than Lucky is.
For me the biggest improvement of these seats is everyone gets aisle access and the storage at each seat has improved considerably.
It looks a bit tight, claustrophobic. I fly and love the A380 in F and like row 2 in the 747s. Not sure I would prefer this though it may be a while before we (LAX) sees this plane. Thoughts?
Does anyone else find peculiar that a British airline would invest in Ciroc vodka but only spring for Gordon’s gin and Tanquaray? Where’s the Hendrick’s or The Botanist at?
When I saw that suite door my first thought was, “people are going to pull the red handle.” After Googling, I see it’s a significant problem that has prompted some sort of engineering solution.
"Left some low-hanging fruit on the table" is a beautiful mixed metaphor. Well played.
We flew LHR to YYZ on the A350 biz class last month. Impressed but not overwhelmed. Food was great, hard product was very good but service was inexperienced. Not a huge deal, but for the money we paid, I kind of expected a little bit more. Anyways, an improvement on their other biz product on 787 and 747.
Props for ordering beef and giving some variety to the food selection!
Lucky,
Weren’t you just lecturing all of us about saving the planet a few weeks ago and our carbon footprints and LH CEO?
You then said you were tell us how you’re working on your carbon footprint. Can we assume this is the follow up and how you’re helping to save the planet and your carbon emissions?
Because if it is I’m not sure how serious to take you anymore on climate change or if you’re just trolling us with your climate comments?
@ Abe -- Honey, chill. You've shared your politics plenty on the blog, and it's pretty clear you're from a different planet (so you don't have to worry about climate change, or anything else!). You can just live in your little world where we're winning so much that we're getting tired of winning, and where America is once again respected around the world and not laughed at.
To answer your question, I am putting finishing...
@ Abe -- Honey, chill. You've shared your politics plenty on the blog, and it's pretty clear you're from a different planet (so you don't have to worry about climate change, or anything else!). You can just live in your little world where we're winning so much that we're getting tired of winning, and where America is once again respected around the world and not laughed at.
To answer your question, I am putting finishing touches on the post and it's a bigger project. It will be up in the next day or two. I very much look forward to your support and valued opinions on the topic.
Very solid. The $1500 one way fares are still live, deep into April actually, on this same routing!
Of all books why 50 shades of grey?
@ Noah Bowie -- Because it's the last paper book I read, so was the most useful reference point for me. ;)
Lucky, the WiFi tariff is for short-haul ...so is an error and a hangover from when the new BA 350's were tested on LHR-MAD-LHR.
All long-haul BA WiFi flights should have the tariff you are used to.
@ Jason -- Interesting. Any clue if this has been a common issue on all A350s since they've started long haul flights, or why this plane was singled out?
YYZ Does not have a 34R. The N/S runways are 33L/R or 15L/R
@ QQ -- Fixed, thanks!
"The cabin lights were kept down for much of the breakfast service, as many people chose to sleep."
Is it impossible to turn the screens off? I dont understand why everyone would have it on when trying to sleep
@ James S -- Hah, good observation. In this case an announcement was being made, so then the screens turn on to display that.
That’s the second time we’ve been on the same flight in the past few years... also my first time on BA A350, huge improvement for BA. Agree the turbulence was unusually bad for transatlantic hop, would’ve said it lasted 30mins at least?
@ John -- Hah, that's funny! Please say hi on the third flight. ;)
They’ve always been cheapskates with optional aircraft comfort extras. All of the BA 747s I have been on (only using the upper deck) lack air nozzles and also the only sockets are US rather than UK or European configured for some bizarre reason.
It makes me wonder if many of BA’s ‘newer’ 747s were originally ordered by TWA before their administration. If anybody could shed light on that it would be appreciated.
BA not installed individual air nozzles on any of its long haul aircraft.
The A350 is equipped with tail cameras (they are viewable in the flight deck) although BA chose not to link it to the IFE (a cost consideration).
The ‘Club Kitchen’ snack area should have absolutely been set up mid flight. There must have been a loading abnormality or such.
Nice review. Please try some Pasta dishes and / or other veg dishes, I love seeing more reviews of those over Fish/meat/chicken/animal protein.
Thank you.