The trip didnt start too well, as we tried to enter the T4 First class check-in area we were greeted with you cant use this unless you are in F, I flashed two BA Au cards at the hall monitor and with an icy look we were begrudging let in. The old trout behind the desk never looked up and snatched the passports before barking in a patronizing semi hostile tone have you used online check-in I said no I like to check-in with a Human. Well you can get better seats if you use it I said we had the pick of the seats anyhow as we were gold card holders. She ignored this you are on the 215 to BOS and its 3hours 20 minutes before departure, cant check you in We have no luggage to check so you can let me see it, mutter mutter We only had 2 very small bags so that deflated that attack. I then asked her if 15 JK were free(back of the cabin so no need to climb over anyone when exiting the window seat), without attempting to look no you should have used online check-in I retorted that one of those seats is a cot position and it hadnt opened up with online check-in. (I had checked at T-24) Yes it does I will just take the front row seats I have reserved then, boarding passes were handed over with no fast track sticker. I asked for the stickers you dont get fast track with a gold card I know but we are traveling in Club. Mutter mutter Snatch. With our BPs in hand we left the wicked whale witch towards fast track and thought a different career path was probably best for her. How I wish I was the BA mystery shopper.
Fast track was anything but, Mrs JP getting the random ping and the rather too intimate rub down that I had encountered on our last trip through T4 the month before, we were now wondering if the trip was jinxed. Heading to the gate 10 lounge pavilion I nearly walked straight into Willy Walsh hes tiny. Downstairs we headed to the First class lounge its really the BAEC gold lounge as F Pax use the more roomy Concorde room upstairs. Its not very well regarded in BA circles many tending to use the gate 1 lounge instead. I like it as it has the full range of premium wine, spirits and usually the current F fizz, oh and its help yourself so no waiting for some slacker to serve you as is the case sometimes in the T1 and CR lounges. We settled in near the bar and I poured us 2 glasses of the sublime Charles Heidsieck Blanc de Millenaires 1995 and relaxed. A very nice plate of pasta was soon delivered and all was well. A couple more glasses of Fizz and I just had to try a glass of the William Fevre 2004 grand cru Chablis, and the flight was called. The gate was 19 I think and was only about a five minute walk, boarding was underway and the F, CW signage to the right was easily spotted. The young CSD was at the door and we got a welcome back Mr and Mrs JP, we were soon sat in 10JK the front pair of seats on the starboard side in what looked to be a full cabin. A glass of well chilled champagne was accepted Charles Heidsieck NV in CW but still very nice. Menus and the new Elemis kits were handed out along with a fizz top up always nice to get in J. These were the old CW seats, non of the 777 fleet has had the refit yet its rumored there is a problem with the size/ weight of the new units.
A very fast push back and we were lined up on time, a fast take off and on our way with a flight time of just over 7 Hours with a slightly early arrival into Logan. Service started very quickly with the booze trolley making an early appearance, we were served first and both opted for a champagne this time served in a full sized glass as opposed to the stubby ones they use pre departure. Glasses were topped up as the trolley made its way back to the galley. Nibbles were the same macadamia nuts you get in F pre departure, very nice they are, only difference in club they come in the packet. Food orders were taken you are only asked for a main meal selection as the salad/starter is pre plated on the set up tray. We both had the Prawn terrine very nice, with a glass of very pleasant Chardonnay ,the little bottle of chili and balsamic vinegar salad dressing was quite a taste experience I wouldnt mind the odd bottle at home. For the main I went for, you have guessed it the beef fillet unfortunately it was way over cooked and not very pleasant. Mrs JP had the fish cakes and from the bits I managed to scavenge they were very good so I picked wrong. I had almost finished the main before the cc offered a glass of red Californian cab sav which I stayed with for the cheese .In club its a choice of sweet or cheese this has always struck me as being very mean, the cheese was however in good condition and tasty. The meal was rounded off by the excellent selection of truffles.We had a couple more glasses of the very quaffable red and then put the beds down. The quilts and pillows were the new blue ones from new club world, they are very good keeping you snug but not overly hot next time in First I will ask for one as they are better than the first offering.I drifted off even though the CW bed is a little on the short side for me, the width is fine and it makes for a fairly comfy bed. I awoke as we had about an hour to run, we had missed the afternoon tea service so thought it would be rude to turn down the gracious offer of a champagne.
We landed at just after 8pm into a dark Boston fast taxi to the gate, club was held back for the F pax, then we were off into a very quite immigration hall. In under 5 minutes we were through and with just carry-on, the walk to the Logan Hilton took about 15 minutes. The crew were very attentive addressing us by name, only hick-up was a missing glass of red with the over cooked steak.Other than that and the check-in specimen a very good experience and fantastic value for money.
