V-Flyer

The seat map for this flight changed a little bit before the departure with a change in configuration to a 4 class cabin rather than the original 3. I called BA to ask if I could upgrade to first - the answer was no, since although the plane had a first cabin this was not sold / catered as a first cabin. At check-in, I was checked into the seat I had previously selected (bulk head by the window).

Having got a cab out to T5, I asked at the bag drop whether there was any possibility of moving to one of the "first" class seats. Was told again, that this cabin wouldn't be used on this flight. Through security - no queue at all, which flumexed me as I didn't get chance to get ready. Wandered to do a bit of shopping and then had a shower to get ready for the flight to Denver. It was then time to head off to the Club Galleries. As my boarding card was scanned, I was told that my seat had been moved.......to 4A. This is in the first class cabin

Had a couple of glasses of wine and some lunch in the lounge (no chicken tikka massala any more). Then wandered off when flight was called - Gate 10 as usual, bus to the plane. Really want to try T5B at some point. Long queue to get through and onto the bus. Once at the plane, up the steps and then turn left into the first class cabin. This flight was completely full, with 12 of the first classs seats taken with "bump ups" from Club World. Despite the service being Club World, the seat and cabin was so much better. The crew were more attentive than in Club and they had left out the first class duvets and pillows - nice touch! Glass of champagne on boarding (of course!).

After take off drinks served quickly and lunch orders taken.

Menu:

Starters
Traditional prawn cocktail

Parmesan mousse

Main
Fillet of beef, yorkshire pudding, horseradish sauce and veggies

Braised chicken in sweet pepper and tomatoe sauce

Penne pasta with porcini mushrooms and truffle sauce

Cold main course salad

Dessert
Lemon and amaretti gateau with lemon creme faiche

Cheese and biscuits

The prawn cocktail was very good, beef disappointing and the dessert very tasty. The mushroom pasta looked really good as someone nearby had it.

Spent the flight watching some films (luckily on demand TV) and a little snooze on my seat. The first class cabin looked a little dated in my opinion - good job that they are updating it now. However, it was so much nicer than Club World seat. In addition, the crew shut the curtain at the back of First, so no one from business came in - I suppose that they assumed it was actually a First Class cabin. Meant that it felt much more special.

Pre-landing meal service was a little disappointing. The sandwiches come plastic wrapped, although they were actually quite tasty. Presentation needs improving as the quality is ok. Nice scones - both fruit and non-fruit.

Arrived a little late in Denver, to an empty immigration - not sure that there are that many long all flights there. Luggage was already coming round and off to the downtown hotel.

Overall, a great flight as the move up from business to first let me experience part of the BA first experience. Overall, they need to update the cabin as it feels very much "1980s" (which is happening). It would be good to experience the whole product, including the concord room. Meals were a little disappointing on the flight, mainly as I made the wrong choices I feel!

Great TR much appreciated interesting to hear about a denver flight might use them for some skiing this winter.
Result with your seat change to a fist seat too bad they never laid it on with all the trimmings, Im probably never likely to fly first because even though you can use EC miles it still costs up like a business seat so i would rather use my miles to go further than one flight.

cheers

alex

Thank you for the TR and a good result on the seat change.

Thanks for the TR -it's always very satisfying to get an upgrade!

Nice report. T5B isnt too much different from the other lounges, its smaller and IIRC you can't have a 'proper' massage treatment there, only the chair massage but otherwise very much the same. Every US flight I have had out of T5 seems to have been out of the satellite terminal.

We always seem to be bused.