Flying First Class – British Airways

Boarding any airplane and having to pass through the first-class section of the aircraft can make you green with envy. Once the flight takes off and the curtain that separates economy and first class closes, it’s hard not to wonder what’s going on in there. As you move around in your seat to try to find a comfortable position, the thought of the lush first class seats you saw on your way in is hard to get out of your mind, especially on long-haul flights when all you want is a seat that reclines far enough to let you sleep. Once the food comes around and you have your choice of chicken or beef, again the visions of five star meals and sparkling glasses of champagne pop into your mind while you daydream about the first class experience.

If you haven’t had the chance or the pocket change to spend on a luxury first class seat and experience the world of getting priority treatment on board we’d like to give you just a snippet of all the perks you get for the price. For this edition we’ll take a look at the advantages first class travelers have on British Airways flights.

Check-in

First class passengers have three options to choose from:

• Online check-in: Check-in on ba.com from up to 24 hours before flight departure
• Mobile check in: Log-on to ba2go.com on your mobile phone to check-in
• Airport kiosk check-in: Use the touch screen check-in kiosks at the airport

Security

First class passengers can use Fast Track Security to ensure that waiting is kept to a minimum (only available at London Heathrow, London Gatwick and New York JFK).

Baggage

Flying first class with British Airways means a higher baggage allowance. Passengers can take up to three pieces of checked baggage at 23kg each on all routes and one piece of hand baggage and one laptop sized bag, purse, or briefcase as well.

Lounges

First class fliers have access to over 60 British Airways lounges and 90 partner lounges worldwide. Specialty lounges like the Concorde Room and the Elemis Spa are only available at select locations.

The Concorde Room: This exclusive lounge can be found at London Heathrow Terminal 5 and New York JFK. Speciality services offered include private dining, complimentary champagne, wine, and coffee, a business suite internet and computers linked to a printer, plus private rooms with day beds to rest.
Spa treatments: At London Heathrow’s Terminal 3 and 5, British Airways customers can relax at the exclusive Elemis Spa.

On-board

First class passengers will note the difference during their flight with:

• two personal windows with an electronic shade
• seats that are 60% wider
• a personal closet to store items
• in-seat power supply for electronic devices
• the Turndown Service at any time, making your seat into a fully flat bed complete with 400 count Egyptian cotton sheets and complimentary cotton pijamas
• toiletries like eye gel, lip balm, and moisturizer

Dining

The menu has been designed by world famous chefs. Passengers can choose from the following options:

• À la carte – lunch and dinner served on fine bone china
• Catch of the Day – on flights from the UK there is a seafood menu option supplied by the prestigious Loch Fyne company in Scotland
• Bistro service – lighter options like soups, salads, pasta, and sandwiches

Entertainment

In-flight entertainment on 15-inch screen personal entertainment systems with noise-cancelling headphones includes:

• over 100 movies
• tv programs
• 20 interactive games
• 50 music CDs and audio books

Consult the full list of entertainment options for British Airways flights here.

Arrival

The first class treatment doesn’t stop after your flight is over. Passengers can use the arrivals lounge at London Heathrow Terminal 5 and London Gatwick where they can shower, rest in private cabanas, eat, use the suit pressing service, and access unlimited free internet.