Generally good service

“Generally good service”

Written on: 08/08/2012 by zactrichardm (3 reviews written)

We have used BA quite a lot in recent years. Most of our flights are in Premium Economy or Club World. We book on-line and try to utilise airmiles for upgrades from time to time.

I have avoided the Economy Class cabin as much as possible, and for a 12-hour flight try to set a minimum requirement of Premium Economy. The Premium Economy seats are much more comfortable, giving me an extra inch in width and (most importantly) an extra six inches pitch. The food is usually of an acceptable standard, although I have had at least one truly horrible meal in that cabin.

British Airways have long moved away from the old BOAC glamour girls as cabin crew, and it shows in the general standards of efficiency displayed by the crew. We have generally had excellent service from the cabin staff, and that makes a huge difference on any flight irrespective of the class of travel.

The club cabin is very comfortable although, being quite tall, I try to avoid window seats in the downstairs cabin. This is because the overhead lockers are quite deep there and I end up limbo-dancing to get into and out of my seat.

A great advantage of being Silver Executive Club or flying Club class is the access to the lounges. BA lounges tend to be of a very high quality, and the modern lounges tend not to be overcrowded.

The one area that is a constant hassle with BA is the functionality of its website(s). In particular, I have often needed to modify bookings or have looked to upgrade my flight on-line. Inevitably I am unable to do so on-line and have to resort to call centres (bookings or Executive Club). While the staff are always very helpful it is a huge faf trying to get contact numbers, going through the hold music, having to supply all the details, etc. It would be much easier in the functionality was available on-line.

Being a large airline BA offers a wider choice of destinations than some other choices, especially offering direct routes on some of the legs that we typically fly.