Apr 20, 2007 01:33 PM
4168 Views
I have had the opportunity to fly their clubworld(read business class) twice on DEL LHR DEL segment. I was very impressed with the service in delhi, starting from the folks who screen baggage right to the person who inspects the boarding pass at the gate. They even generated the frequent flyer id for my american flight from LHR to ORD(chicago) since the BA frequent flyer id is not valid on trans Atlantic American Airlines flights, inspite of both being OneWorld carriers.
I like their quickmeal service, where they serve food as soon as the aircraft reaches the cruising altitude. This is especially good since it increases the sleeping time, unlike some other airlines where they make you wait for 1-1.5 hrs to serve food.
Airhostesses are aged, but for me that is really not an issue. I would prefer to see younger staff though. Their clubworld seats one the upper deck of Boeing Jumbos are fun - though the windows are further away from the eye due to the side compartments for shoes and small articles. So if you like to look out when you fly, it may not be a good choice.
I love their lounge in Delhi international airport - it is not crowded at all. It is a lounge exclusively for BA, since they started their service to India much before any other foreign airline. I think they are the only folks who have their own exclusive business class lounge in delhi airport. Probably because their first flight was in the 1950s to Delhi. and have been flying ever since.
However, their clubworld lounges in LHR is nothing to write home about.
I have enjoyed their very short queues at the business class passages in LHR(london heathrow).
But apparently the service in the economy is pathetic, from what I have been hearing. BA needs to really overhaul their economy service. Their world traveller cabin is superb, I hear.
In business class, their flat beds are superb. They were the first airline to introduce the flat beds in business class. Though for someone like me the seats are a little bit narrow, the overall feel is very good. I hate their cup holder at the seat - it is very easy to spill liquids. I spilled it once.
I found that once the route map, one of my favourite channels when I fly, did not work! When I boarded the flight in june 2005, the flight was really hot. Apparently the AC was not good enough for the delhi heat.
If you wish to read more on the "shady" side of BA, the Virgin Atlantic Chief, Richard Branson talks very eloquently about what all BA did to kill Virgin Atlantic. His book "losing my virginity" is real fun stuff, with details of what happens underground these "posh" businesses.
Since it is a oneworld airline, BA partners with other oneworld members like Quantas, American, FinnAir, Cathay Pacific, JAL, Jordanian et al. visit https://oneworld.com for details. Whats more, they now have a limited partnership with Jet Airways in India. You can redeem Jet miles on BA, but not the other way round. In other words, if you fly BA, you cannot collect your miles on Jet airways.
I have also heard from senior members of their frequent flyer programme, that it is very easy to redeem miles.
Dear BA, economy passenger too pay fares. Treat them with dignity as well. Just catering to higher classes may not be good for business.
