First Class benefits JFK-LHR?

[monojoker]

I'm planning on a trip with the wife this Sept/Oct using FF points, one leg of which will be dep JFK around 9pm and arrive LHR 9am. It's our best chance to fly First Class and will probably be the only time in life we do it so I wanted to make sure we got all the benefits.

I guess we'll only see a couple of hours service on the flight (British Airways) given the late evening departure time and be expected to sleep the rest of the journey. I wondered if there was anything included at either end for that travel class like maybe a free transfer from our NY hotel to the airport or even a transfer on arrival? Who would I speak to if this is the case or to book? To make the most of the onboard service are we better off getting there about 3-4 hours before the flight to eat, etc in the First lounge?

Sorry for all the questions but I've never flown first before and would like to make the most of it and enjoy the experience. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[craven morehead]

Are you flying ex LHR in first? If so, definitely get there early and enjoy the Concorde Club.

 

[monojoker]

Are you flying ex LHR in first? If so, definitely get there early and enjoy the Concorde Club.

Unfortunately the other way - JFK to LHR. Hopefully it's nearly as good?

 

[NM]

Are you flying ex LHR in first? If so, definitely get there early and enjoy the Concorde Club.

Its actually called the Concorde Room.

 

[jamesatfish]

Post-6pm departures from JFK (and various other airports) with BA allow you to use the pre-flight dining in the First lounge before take-off, which can be a nicer meal than on the aircraft as you would expect. That also allows you to get stuck into the wines a bit earlier - I've found BA First has had some nice French reds recently if you are into that sort of thing.

There's also a spa facility at BA's JFK First lounge which can be a nice way to relax before the flight.

At LHR obviously you'll have access to the T5 Arrivals lounge, which will serve a nice english breakfast as I'm guessing you're arriving about 8/9am. It's also nice to have a shower and freshen up when you arrive if you've got plans for the rest of the day.

The only other 'perk' you get flying BA First is access to the Quintessential concierge service - much like what you get with a Platinum type credit card. I've never used that service myself but they talk themselves up in terms of being able to organise things for you (tickets to shows in London, limo transfers etc). Keep in mind that the concierge is free (14 days either side of travel) but the goods & services are not - so although they will happily arrange a limo transfer for you from LHR to your hotel, you'll be paying the same as if you arranged that yourself.

I'm sure you'll enjoy your flight - BA First is probably the nicest way to do the transatlantic legs.

 

[NYCguy]

Did the Concorde Room at JFK Terminal 7 close?

 

[lovetravellingoz]

I'm planning on a trip with the wife this Sept/Oct using FF points, .

Is it showing availability for two in First Class?

If so I would snap them up quick ....

 

[jamesatfish]

Is it showing availability for two in First Class?

If so I would snap them up quick ....

For some reason, my experience so far has been that LHR-JFK and return with BA is one of the easiest routes to score First award redemptions. Taking a quick look now, for instance, shows that there are 2 First award seats available on every single day in Sept and Oct for a JFK-LHR flight, with most days I checked having at least 3 flights available.

Back in December I booked 6 First award seats on a BA LHR-JFK flight with about 2 months notice for the last set of 2 seats.

I wish the ex-Australia seats were as easy to grab.

 

[monojoker]

Is it showing availability for two in First Class?

If so I would snap them up quick ....

Done! But like James says there were plenty available - in fact nearly every BA flight on that day for that route showed availability.

No complimentary transfers is a bit stingy IMO - a mate of mine is travelling from Manchester to Brisbane later this year Business Class on Emirates using Airmiles Awards and they offer a limo service at both ends. Oh well I'll just have to make up for it by drinking all their expensive French red

Cheers
LT.

 

[NYCguy]

No complimentary transfers is a bit stingy IMO - a mate of mine is travelling from Manchester to Brisbane later this year Business Class on Emirates using Airmiles Awards and they offer a limo service at both ends...

Well, there are an average of 15 BA flights a day in each direction between London and New York, compared to one EK flight in each direction between MAN/DXB and BNE/DXB. Besides, I imagine that the majority of pax in J and F don't blink an eye at paying for a transfer, or at the thought of leaving their car at valet parking for a few days. BA can book transfers for you if you require them.

 

[monojoker]

Well, there are an average of 15 BA flights a day in each direction between London and New York, compared to one EK flight in each direction between MAN/DXB and BNE/DXB. Besides, I imagine that the majority of pax in J and F don't blink an eye at paying for a transfer, or at the thought of leaving their car at valet parking for a few days. BA can book transfers for you if you require them.

Never thought of that. In fact I guess the majority of FC pax going Intercontinental Business would probably have a limo or driver (or both) dropping them off

Thanks for the advice all.

Cheers
LT.

 

[serfty]

Never thought of that. ...

I guess BA could implement a Limousine Shuttle Bus :shock: