This flight started out as a WTP cash booking that was upgraded to Club using Avios. Arrived at the airport after a wonderful but hot week at the Hilton Jumeriah. Transfer arranged with BA took around 35 mins. Checked in by name and very efficiently by the ground staff and bags duly tagged with priority tags and transfer tags to our final destination - ABZ.
Once through a very quiet security we wandered up to the terraces lounge in DXB Terminal 1. Standard terraces lounge with plenty of seats and hot and cold buffet options for breakfast. I went for some toast and turkey bacon washed down with a fresh orange juice. After a read of the papers and a surf on the web it was time to take the long walk down to the gate. The gate area was pretty busy but we were able to use the priority line as we were travelling in club. Boarding passes and passports handed over and the dramatic red beep appears on the boarding pass scanner. This was followed by I'm afraid club is very full today Mr L so we will be upgrading you to First. What a great way to end our holiday especially as the Boeing 777 sitting at the gate had recently been refurbished into the new First cabin.
Boarded using a private airbirdge at Door L1. Greeted by name and Silver status recognised by the CSD. Escorted to seats and noticed mood lighting was in full operation with a cool dark blue colour and we settled into seats 4E and 4F. These seats are the centre seats at the rear of the first cabin on the 777-200. The cabin was kept cool with a light wisp of a/c and also due to the fact that all the window blinds in First had been lowered. Glass of champagne offered and greatly received even if it was only 9am as was a refill. Sleep suits, headphones and amenity kits were also provided on the foot stools of the seats.
My first impressions of First were WOW. It just seems to have the WOW factor...(Probably this was also due to the fact that we had been upgraded).
Welcome from the Captain and the CSD and we were soon on our way towards London with a flight time of 7 hours. Once airborne hot towels were handed out as were the menus for the flight. A lunch would be served followed by afternoon tea prior to landing.
Highlife entertainment was started after the seatbelt sign was switched off. In new First the screen size is an excellent 15" size and is navigated via a touch screen or a personal remote. I found the navigation much smoother using the remote control. Excellent choice of movies, TV and audio all on demand.
After 1hour 30 mins in the air and after a couple of drinks runs by the 4 cabin crew looking after us orders were taken for lunch. I went for the Pea and mint soup, Beef and mushroom pie and the cheese plate to finish. All I can say is all were the best airline food I have had.
After lunch I settled into watching a couple of movies as well as catching up on some reading. Afternoon tea was served about 1 hour out of LHR and was also very nice.
After a 15 mins hold to the NE of Heathrow we found ourselves to be on final approach. On time and smooth landing and a very short taxi into T5C. Priority disembarking worked well with club passengers being held until we left the aircraft via Door L2.
All in all the best flight I have ever been on and has definitely given me the urge to re-qualify my Silver status with BA.
As I say this was my first TR so if you want any more info please ask.
Also, well done on the OpUp.
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