British Airways offers First on most of its planes and to most destinations on the route map, setting it apart from competitors who have scaled back their First Class capacity over the past decade.
BA operates two flights daily between Chicago and London Heathrow, both with First Class cabins, which depart from Terminal 5 at Chicago O’Hare (ORD). Check in was smooth with a friendly agent at a dedicated desk for First and I had my boarding pass in hand and was provided direction to the Terraces Lounge within a few minutes.
There was a bit of a line at the TSA checkpoint but things moved along reasonably smoothly and I was airside in under 20 minutes (which is quite good for O’Hare). Next stop was the Terraces Lounge and First Dining Room for a light meal before the flight (full review here).
The lounge agents advised there was a bit of longer walk to the departure gate M33 so I set off in good time. Without clear boarding queues the gate was organised chaos, exacerbated by delayed boarding.
Once the cabin crew were aboard and had completed their preflight checks, boarding began with those needing assistance called first and then boarding by cabin and elite status. Unfortunately there was a further wait in the aerobridge before making it onto the plane itself.
In this post:
British Airways First Class Review
British Airways 294
Chicago (ORD) – London (LHR)
Monday, June 26
Depart: 04:50PM
Arrive: 06:35AM
Duration: 7hr45min
Aircraft: Boeing 777-300 (77W)
Seat: 3A (First Class)
Fortunately, things improved immediately at the door with a positive and proactive crew welcome and turning left it was a few short steps to my seat. With 14 seats, this is one of the larger First Class cabins aboard a Boeing 777 (in comparison Cathay Pacific have six seats in First).
While there are certainly more extravagant seats and suites in First, I do enjoy the understated cocoon that is the British Airways offering. Design details such as the elegant window blinds and lamp add a sense of style.
Each seat has a small wardrobe with sturdy metal hanger, perfect for one’s blazer and day clothes.
With a late afternoon departure, dinner would be served after take off with breakfast prior to arrival in London. Menus were distributed by the cabin crew as boarding continued, along with a refreshing hot towel.
Pre departure drinks were offered and I went with water for the moment, which was accompanied by mixed nuts.
Service continued with the distribution of amenity kits and pyjamas, otherwise known as wash bags and sleep suits in British Airways parlance. Both are now designed by British brand Temperley and the wash bag is especially well stocked with Elemis products.
Pushback from the gate was smooth once boarding of the completely full plane was completed, and a smooth takeoff roll later we were headed for London.
Up in the air, the ‘good’ Champagne was popped open and it was time for a glass of the Laurent Perrier Grand Siecle, which is one of my Top 5 First Class Champagnes.
The Cabin Service Director on this flight was excellent and set the tone for the cabin crew team. He stopped by to welcome each passenger. Learning that this was my first visit to Chicago, we had a bit of a chat about the architecture and how it was a less crazy version of New York.
Then it was time to change into the pyjamas and enjoy being up at 40,000 feet with a glass of LPGS in hand.
British Airways First Class Menu
British Airways has invested significantly in the First experience since I last flew them in 2015 and the menu looked promising.
A selection of Champagnes and English sparkling wines are served aboard, with Hattingley representing the home team.
British Airways First Class Dinner
Being a relatively short overnight flight, the cabin crew sprang into action once we reached cruising altitude and the whole dinner service was perfectly paced.
Canapés opened proceedings with the seared tuna and roast beef both enjoyable.
King prawns with mango ceviche was a light and refreshing starter, with the red peppers adding a hint of heat to balance out the sweetness of the mango. Clean flavours that worked well at altitude.
The pan seared rack of lamb main was perfectly cooked and the lamb jus ensured a flavourful and juicy dish. Sides of kale and carrots rounded out the dinner nicely.
I couldn’t decide between the chocolate walnut soufflé or the passionfruit and lemon tart, so the cabin crew suggested I have both. Both desserts were very enjoyable and I appreciated the pot of tea to wash them down afterwards.
Overall, dinner was a restaurant grade meal. Special mention of the stylish and substantial flatware, with a teapot that does not drip when pouring (looking at you, Qantas).
British Airways First Class Bed
With a tailwind making for an even shorter flight, the cabin crew completed the turndown service and it was time to turn in for the night. A full sized pillow, duvet and mattress pad make for a very comfortable bed.
Fortunately in First there is no footwell, so side sleepers are able to move around unrestricted.
Within minutes of waking up after a few hours sleep, the cabin crew stopped by to take breakfast orders. Having eaten two three course meals a matter of hours ago, I politely declined any further food and just ordered a glass of water. My bed was then converted back into a seat while I freshened up in the lavatory.
Service
Service on British Airways can be variable, and the crew can make or break the premium cabin experience. Fortunately on this flight, the team from the Cabin Service Director down was excellent and the best I’ve had across three First sectors (the others being LHR-EWR in 2010 and NRT-LHR in 2015).
Little things like being addressed by name for each interaction, which used to be standard on Cathay Pacific but is now variable even in First Class, distinguish the really great crews.
Landing at Heathrow on time with the tailwind compensating for the delayed departure, the plane was on stand after a short taxi to Terminal 5C. Upon disembarking, I eschewed the automated people mover in favour a brisk walk in the underground tunnel to T5A for immigration formalities.
Summary
British Airways First Class provides an understated yet quality experience, and with the right cabin crew is up there with the best.
