With the switch from returning to SFO to SJC to get back home sooner, I had the chance to try BA's 787 First and compare it directly to their A380.
After finishing a lovely morning at the Concord Room, I began my transit through the bowels of T5.
Not as elegant as other airlines treat their F passengers in getting them to their plane.
Onwards we go.
They had started boarding F, J and every type of OneWorld member at the gate right as I got there. It'd be nice if airlines consistently boarded F before the rest of the plane especially since there's usually at most 4-people.
Nice view of the wing and engine, albeit with rain drops.
As soon as I walked through the door, they handed me off to a flight attendant who personally took me directly to my seat in 2K.
A much smaller F cabin than the A380, it was more spacious than most J reverse herringbone seats and nicely appointed, but not nearly true F size. With that being said, I loved the finishings on the suite. The cross-hatch stitching on the seats and carbon fiber looking panels were great.
Unlike the A380 F-suite, the 787's has the TV monitor mounted so you don't have to fold it in during take-off or landing.
Despite the rain outside, it was comfortable in my suite, had my set of pajamas and a first glass of LPGS onboard.
The seat controls were much better positioned and the storage spaces well designed. I was able to keep my Macbook and headphones in the compartments for easy access.
The remote to control the TV was easy and decently quick to respond to inputs.
To the left of the suite was a clever closet to hang my coat and shirt. I decided to change into pajamas on the ground since I'd need to head straight to an event when I landed.
One of my favorite tete-de-cuvees!
The menu was similar to the flight over, great wine list and solid food menu.
Pushing back, we had some great plane spotting on the taxi out to take off.
Always great to watch the queen take off!
Off we go above the rainy day back home.
Similar to the flight out, I switched the the Jacquart sparkling rose with the amuse.
Then paired the chablis with the onion soup which I found to be a great creative approach of a blended French onion soup. It worked fantastically well and is something I want to try making back at home.
The salad turned out to be fresh and appreciated the dressings not coming from a plastic container.
For my main, after debating I decided to go with the Indian entree because I could use a little heat and spices after a week of not having any Asian-continent based food. It actually paired fantastically well with the St Julien.
I was sad there wasn't the sticky toffee pudding for dessert, but still a decadent chocolate cake and glass of port was a perfect way to cap off the meal.
Surveying the damage.
Beautiful sunset and reflections off the gorgeous Trent engine.
"Circadian" lighting getting us ready for bed.
After turn-down service, I took my ambien and was definitely ready for bed. I appreciated the water bottle as well!
After a solid 6-hours of sleep, I woke up and we had a couple hours until touch-down at SJC.
I decided to wander the plane and check out BA's J, premium economy and economy seats.
The premium economy seats seemed fine enough, not nearly as much room as Cathay Pacific.
The business class cabin with the incredibly stupid Club World seats.
I can't believe anyone thought this arrangement would be ok. And poor folks in the aisle are totally exposed.
Back at the pointy end, settled in to watch some TV and begin nursing the ever so slight hangover.
Some English breakfast tea was perfect for a little caffeine without the harshness of coffee.
I requested lunch and the pasta was absolutely the best hangover food one could ask for!
We began our approach over the bay into SJC, it was weird I hadn't flown into there for quite a while since SFO is my home airport.
Nice views on descent.
Touchdown and quickly taxied to our gate and being the first off the plane was able to breeze through customs. I must say with a fantastic crew both on my outbound and inbound flights, really enjoying my time in BA F. I know it can be very hit or miss vs other airlines like AF, LH, etc - but I'd be game to fly them more on the A380 or 787.
After a lovely flight, back to the office with the chairman ready for belly rubs and our event later that evening!
Trip links:
- Onyx
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