More BA love... (Club Europe, Rome to London)

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PaulST

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My last flight report for a month (I’m booked on the QF 789 in mid November so I’ll post up a review then). Two weeks ago I flew with BA in their new Club Europe cabin from Rome (FCO) to London (LHR) in an Airbus A320. It was my first trip in BA CE and I was looking forward to it, although I had moderated my expectations seeing the reviews online.


Check-in was a breeze as was the fast track security. The lounge was average with hot and cold options. I’m still confused about coffee in Italy so I made do with orange juice and attempted to eat a bacon roll although it had quite a bad smell so I decided to eat on board.


I’ve never had a good experience with priority boarding with BA, in part because everyone seems to have access to it, although this flight was different and I suspect it was because it wasn’t well signed. I skipped a reasonably long queue and was on the aerobridge in no time.


I got a typically British welcome and got to my seat. Having researched what to expect, I wasn’t surprised so I wasn’t horrified that it was the same as Y with an additional table to share with your neighbor.


The flight was delayed by 30 mins, which was no fault of the crew, although I was surprised that no cold drink was offered. At least we did get a warm towel.


We finally took off and were in for a treat with a great view as we headed up the coast of Italy and then crossed onto French soil around Monte Carlo.


Breakfast was offered and I was surprised that there was only a hot option (carnivore or vegetarian) without any yoghurt/muesli combination, which is what I’d have selected. Or even a selection of fruit? Anyway, moderate my expectations… The bacon, sausage eggs tasted alright I suppose.


The food was delivered and removed and we didn’t see the crew until it was time to land into LHR.


The seat itself was OK for a Y seat although the lack of a power plug was disappointing since no entertainment is provided.


We made up a bit of time and were only a little late so I can’t complain too much.


Overall, it was a reasonably disappointing flight and I’m glad it was a points award and I hadn’t paid for it. I understand that the flight isn’t that long so a bigger seat isn’t that necessary, but I’d have expected better food/drinks and service for a business class product.


Unfortunately my first class flight that followed a few hours later was equally as dismal (especially in comparison the Qantas and Emirates first flights I had during the same trip) and you can see my review of that in my other thread.


Here's my video:
 
Were you lucky enough to be on an aircraft without overhead video monitors? After listening 5 times in 7 days to the new BA "Comic relief" safety video I was happy to eventually be on an old BA aircraft with a standard safety demonstration by the crew. The new safety video is so long that in one case we were about to enter the runway and it was still playing...
 
Another great video PaulST. Fantastic photography. However I will deduct 1 point for your spelling in the post. There's a U in neighbour !;)
You can blame the American spell check!
 
Another great video PaulST. Fantastic photography. However I will deduct 1 point for your spelling in the post. There's a U in neighbour !;)
You can blame the American spell check!
haha

Were you lucky enough to be on an aircraft without overhead video monitors? After listening 5 times in 7 days to the new BA "Comic relief" safety video I was happy to eventually be on an old BA aircraft with a standard safety demonstration by the crew. The new safety video is so long that in one case we were about to enter the runway and it was still playing...
Nope, it had fold down monitors. I completely agree - it's too long and certainly the novelty had worn off after the third flight.
 
+1 for being a big fan of the videos - a pictorial depiction is much more interesting or at least a good supplement to text.

I am probably deep in the minority and perhaps my expectations are too low but I quite like BA CE

There are two things you can do to enhance your trip though.

1. Avoid morning flights - the full English is nothing special and you don't really get much value out of it unless a TP/SC run.

2. Fly to/from LGW - I find LGW crews amazing and so much more approachable and willing to serve than LHR crews. I often sit 1A in the old BMI planes (i.e. basically in the galley) so sit right opposite the two J crew for landings and takeoffs and get to have a good conversation. They were saying they often receive this feedback and all of my last crews have had a connection to Australia so get to build a rapport and get some extra service

Small tip I've learned from the more generous LGW crews >> Order two drinks in the initial drink service to mitigate any crew that are not proactive
 
+1 for being a big fan of the videos - a pictorial depiction is much more interesting or at least a good supplement to text.

I am probably deep in the minority and perhaps my expectations are too low but I quite like BA CE

There are two things you can do to enhance your trip though.

1. Avoid morning flights - the full English is nothing special and you don't really get much value out of it unless a TP/SC run.

2. Fly to/from LGW - I find LGW crews amazing and so much more approachable and willing to serve than LHR crews. I often sit 1A in the old BMI planes (i.e. basically in the galley) so sit right opposite the two J crew for landings and takeoffs and get to have a good conversation. They were saying they often receive this feedback and all of my last crews have had a connection to Australia so get to build a rapport and get some extra service

Small tip I've learned from the more generous LGW crews >> Order two drinks in the initial drink service to mitigate any crew that are not proactive
Interesting. It seems like they respond well to be proactive and forthright? I've heard that you need to be confident to get service in the Concorde room too?

Thanks for the positive feedback about the videos.
 
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Another terrific video. Nice scenery along the way!

Thanks for posting.
 
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