Turning left for less Turning left for less
  • Home
  • Beginners guide
  • Reviews
    • Hotel reviews
    • Flight reviews
    • Airline Lounge Reviews
    • Travel companies, luggage, travel tech & apps
    • Destination Dining
  • Destinations
    • Barbados
    • Las Vegas
    • Alicante
    • Marbella
    • All other destinations
  • About us
    • Meet the Team
    • Contact us
    • Privacy & Disclosure
      • Join our email list & data protection
    • Youtube and Podcast
  • BOOKING ENQUIRY
Categories
  • Air France
  • Airlines
  • Airport hotels
  • American Airlines
  • Avios
  • Black Friday 23
  • Black Friday 24
  • British Airways
  • British Airways Executive Club
  • Business class
  • Cashback
  • competition
  • Credit cards
  • cruises
  • Destinations
  • Emirates
  • Etihad
  • Finnair
  • First class
  • General
  • Guide
  • Heathrow and Gatwick
  • Hilton
  • hotels
  • IHG
  • London hotels
  • Lounges
  • Marriott
  • Michelin star dining
  • News
  • Offers
  • Oneworld
  • parking
  • Qatar
  • reader questions
  • Reader review
  • Reviews
  • Skyteam
  • Star Alliance
  • Starwood
  • This Week in Travel
  • Trains
  • UK country hotels
  • UK hotels
  • USA
  • Virgin Atlantic and Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
Turning left for less Turning left for less
Turning left for less Turning left for less
  • Home
  • Beginners guide
  • Reviews
    • Hotel reviews
    • Flight reviews
    • Airline Lounge Reviews
    • Travel companies, luggage, travel tech & apps
    • Destination Dining
  • Destinations
    • Barbados
    • Las Vegas
    • Alicante
    • Marbella
    • All other destinations
  • About us
    • Meet the Team
    • Contact us
    • Privacy & Disclosure
      • Join our email list & data protection
    • Youtube and Podcast
  • BOOKING ENQUIRY
  • British Airways

Reader Question: One way First on BA and best aircraft types?

  • 17/10/2017
  • Michele

If you would like to ask a question to be featured on the blog, please feel free to contact me by email at [email protected] or click on the contact us tab above.

Regular reader S emailed to ask ” Hi Michele, I have enough Avios now to travel in first to JFK and back from Heathrow. If I was to decide to travel first on just one of the two flights in my journey which way would you recommend I did it, from lhr or back from JFK based on your experience of the first lounges either end? Also on this route would you say there’s any difference between the first class cabin/service on the different aircrafts used on the route and therefore which aircraft should I try and look out for when booking?”

The answer as to which way to go First depends on a few things – Are you planning to sleep on the way back? Or is it the early flight from JFK where you may be too tired to appreciate First anyway? For anyone wondering what BA First class is like, you can read our 2 BA First reviews here and here.

I always travel out in First and back in Club since I tend to dine before short night flights and then try to sleep on the way back. Although the First bed is better than Club and has aisle access, I don’t think it’s worth wasting Avios on just to sleep. This may also depend on the aircraft type as well (see below).

Lounges

Concorde Room bar at Heathrow

In terms of the lounges the JFK ones are due to be refurbished and although they are OK, they are pretty dated. You can read about the Club and First lounges in this review. The Concorde room has been undergoing a minor makeover at Heathrow and is due to be finished this month. Both now have the First wing.

At JFK the Club check in and premium security is OK except at peak times, although I haven’t been through since they opened the First wing. The First Wing at JFK echoes the design of the First Wing at Heathrow T5, providing a private check-in area with podium style check-in desks, seating, baggage porters and access to fast-track security. It is not the same as Heathrow with completely separate security though as you simply come out at the front of the premium security queue. The rest of the refurbishments are due to be finished by the end of 2018.

Concorde Room Terrace at Heathrow

Personally, I would still go for First on the outbound. The Concorde Room at JFK has no shower suites, cabanas or any other private rest areas, unlike Heathrow, but showers are available in the separate Galleries lounges. Although they still have cocktails and à la carte dining in private booths at JFK, they don’t have the fabulous Laurent Perrier Gran Siecle Champagne in JFK either which retails at over £100 a bottle.

BA B747 club world review
Concorde room JFK

Aircraft type

BA use a variety of aircraft on JFK, B747 and B777 but there are several types of configuration of B747. I would avoid the B777 for the Club segment and go for a refurbished B747 on the Upper deck which I talked about in the reviews section of the blog. In terms of First, unless you are Gold you can’t pre-book 1A or K on the B747 anyway so it doesn’t really make a lot which aircraft type you choose for First. If pushed I would probably go for the B747 anyway as the cabin feels a bit more intimate. I would, however, try to pick the refurbished B747 as the Tv screens have much better definition and the entertainment system is much newer.

The seat map for the B747 is:BA First B747 seat map

Booking seats in First class is still thankfully free, unlike Club World on British Airways. Your choice of seats depends on whether you want to sit with someone or would rather have a window seat. If you have a window seat there is a buddy stool where you can join someone for the meal, but you wouldn’t want to sit on it for much longer than that.

Row 1 will be blocked off for Gold Card Holders from BA’s Executive Club and VIPs which is good for travel companions who want to sit together but still have the window seats. It is possible to talk between the seats but you aren’t within touching distance. However, they do have the advantage of being the most private seats. If you are not BA Gold you can sometimes still snag them at on-line check-in or even closer to the flight. Remember when you do on-line check-in, don’t download your boarding pass or print it unless you are happy with your seats. Until you do this you can keep checking for a better seat to switch to.

On the B777-200 the seat map looks like this:BA First guide

If you are trying to get seats on Avios in First I wouldn’t bother too much about aircraft type. However, coming back I would definitely recommend avoiding the B777 in Club. It is nicknamed the “flying dormitory” due to the large, rather soulless Club cabin. I much prefer the B747 on the Upper deck. The window seats are very private and have lots of extra storage which can be used as an extra shelf too.

The B747 has two configurations, one of which has been refurbished. This is the one to go for. You can tell the difference by the number of seats in Club which go between rows 13 and 22 on the lower deck on the refurbished B747.

B747 refurbished super high J

If you enter your flight number and date of travel on SeatGuru it should be able to show you the seat map for your aircraft. Bear in mind it is not always 100% accurate and aircraft swaps happen regularly.

If this is your first time in BA First I recommend reading: Reader question: My first BA First – how do I maximise it?

Have you flown BA on both the B777 and B747 in First? Which would you recommend? Do you have a favourite seat? Let me know in the comments below or on social media.

 

 

Like this:

Like Loading...
Tweet
Share
Pin
Share
Reddit
WhatsApp
Pocket
Email
Flip
0 Shares
Related Topics
  • avios
  • British Airways
  • british airways executive club
  • business class
  • first class
  • heathrow
Michele

Previous Article
AA new bedding casper
  • American Airlines
  • General

News: AA new bedding & EU compensation ruling

  • 16/10/2017
  • Michele
View Post
Next Article
easyjet in flight entertainment
  • Airlines

News & Offers: easyJet inflight entertainment, Mr & Mrs Smith 30% off, Radisson offer

  • 18/10/2017
  • Michele
View Post
2 comments
  1. Les says:
    09/09/2018 at 1:42 pm

    Great read.

    I’ve flown first several times on 777 and a few times on a 747 (to JFK and back).

    IMHO any first seat is good but 1A & 1K on the 747 , if you travel as a pair, are very good.

    I actually prefer first on the A380, but my wife prefers the 777. Opinions opinions …

    1. Paul says:
      09/09/2018 at 2:47 pm

      Very true Les – my favourite is the 787 with the improved IFE and smaller cabin.

Comments are closed.

Subscribe to Turning Left for Less

Subscribe

* indicates required
Choose One Subscription Type

BOOK YOUR DREAM TRIP HERE

Want to book your hotel with extra perks such as upgrades and free breakfast? Need help booking flights? Our experts at Winged Boots can help.

Visit our booking page here

Turning Left For Less on Instagram

turningleftforless

Champagne travel on a Prosecco budget. UK blog on how to travel in luxury for less. Forbes contributor. #avgeek #luxurytravel #miles #luxuryhotel

FLIGHT REVIEW Qatar Airways A350 Q-suite Includin FLIGHT REVIEW

Qatar Airways A350 Q-suite Including Al Mourjan lounge by Mark Hopwood

Link in bio

#flightreview #businessclass #luxurytravel #travelreview #luxurytravelblog #travelblog #turningleftforless #instaaviation #avgeek #qatarairways #qatar #almourjanlounge #qsuite
LOUNGE REVIEW Air Canada’s refurbished London H LOUNGE REVIEW

Air Canada’s refurbished London Heathrow T2 Maple Leaf lounge

Link in bio

#businessclass #luxurytravel #travelreview #luxurytravelblog #travelblog #turningleftforless #instaaviation #avgeek #loungereview #aircanada #heathrow
HOTEL REVIEW Crowne Plaza Dublin Airport – best HOTEL REVIEW

Crowne Plaza Dublin Airport – best of a bad bunch?

Link in bio

#hotelreview #luxurytravel #luxurytravelblog #travelblog #turningleftforless #luxuryhotel #crowneplaza #crowneplazahotel #crowneplazadublinairport #dublin
FLIGHT REVIEW ITA Rome to Dubai – When Business FLIGHT REVIEW

ITA Rome to Dubai – When Business Class Feels More Like First Class – ITA’s A321neo Surprises!

Link in bio

#flightreview #businessclass #luxurytravel #travelreview #luxurytravelblog #travelblog #turningleftforless #instaaviation #avgeek #ita #itaairways
FLIGHT REVIEW Virgin Atlantic Business Class From FLIGHT REVIEW

Virgin Atlantic Business Class From London to Atlanta – “I Was Wrong”

Link in bio

#flightreview #businessclass #luxurytravel #travelreview #luxurytravelblog #travelblog #turningleftforless #instaaviation #avgeek #virginatlantic #virgin #upperclass
HOTEL REVIEW Le Royal Meridien, Dubai – Genuine HOTEL REVIEW

Le Royal Meridien, Dubai – Genuinely a Hidden Gem (Why do we keep going back?)

Link in bio

#hotelreview #luxurytravel #luxurytravelblog #travelblog #turningleftforless #luxuryhotel #leroyalmeridiendubai #leroyalmeridien #dubai #uae
FLIGHT REVIEW ITA Business Class – London City FLIGHT REVIEW

ITA Business Class – London City to Rome – Almost Kicked Off for Taking a Photo!

Link in bio

#flightreview #businessclass #luxurytravel #travelreview #luxurytravelblog #travelblog #turningleftforless #instaaviation #avgeek #clubeurope #ita #itaairways #londoncity
HOTEL REVIEW Malmaison Oxford Hotel – A Prison HOTEL REVIEW

Malmaison Oxford Hotel – A Prison That You Won’t Want to Escape From

Link in bio 

#hotelreview #luxurytravel #luxurytravelblog #travelblog #turningleftforless #luxuryhotel #malmaison #malmaisonoxford #malmaisonoxfordprisonhotel #oxford
HOTEL REVIEW Hotel du Vin, Birmingham Link in bi HOTEL REVIEW

Hotel du Vin, Birmingham

Link in bio

#hotelreview #luxurytravel #luxurytravelblog #travelblog #turningleftforless #luxuryhotel #hotelduvin #hotelduvinbirmingham
FLIGHT REVIEW Gulf Air Business Class Bangkok to FLIGHT REVIEW

Gulf Air Business Class Bangkok to Manchester Via Singapore and Bahrain

Link in bio

#flightreview #businessclass #luxurytravel #travelreview #luxurytravelblog #travelblog #turningleftforless #instaaviation #avgeek #gulfair
FLIGHT REVIEW Etihad Business Class – Abu Dhabi FLIGHT REVIEW

Etihad Business Class – Abu Dhabi to London Heathrow After a Cancelled BA Flight

Link in bio

#flightreview #businessclass #luxurytravel #travelreview #luxurytravelblog #travelblog #turningleftforless #instaaviation #avgeek #etihad
HOTEL REVIEW Hotel Spinale, Madonna di Campiglio HOTEL REVIEW

Hotel Spinale, Madonna di Campiglio – The Ultimate Ski Retreat?

Link in our bio

#hotelreview #luxurytravel #luxurytravelblog #travelblog #turningleftforless #luxuryhotel #hotelspinale #hotelspinalemadonnadicampiglio #madonnadicampiglio #skiresort #skichalet
Checking out the new No 1 lounge at @heathrow_airp Checking out the new No 1 lounge at @heathrow_airport T2. Very impressed with the elegant feel to the lounge. It’s definitely a step up from the older style of No1. I’d go as far to say that it looks better than quite a few airline lounges. All drinks are included apart from champagne and there was a good selection of tasty food as well. Full review coming soon. #airportlounge #heathrowairport #luxurytravel #no1lounge
Hotel Review on the blog - Intercontinental O2, Lo Hotel Review on the blog - Intercontinental O2, London & the Cable Car Experience. 

Link in our bio

#hotelreview #luxurytravel #luxurytravelblog #travelblog #turningleftforless #luxuryhotel #london #intercontinental #intercontinentalo2 #ifscloudcablecar
THE 8 BEST EUROPEAN SKI RESORTS by Turning Left fo THE 8 BEST EUROPEAN SKI RESORTS by Turning Left for Less

Take a look at our handpicked favourites in the article in our bio.

#luxurytravel #luxurytravelblog #travelblog #turningleftforless #luxuryhotel #skiing #skiresort #skiholiday
New hotel review on the blog - Sofitel Kia Ora Moo New hotel review on the blog - Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Hotel, French Polynesia

Link in bio 

#hotelreview #luxurytravel #luxurytravelblog #travelblog #turningleftforless #luxuryhotel #sofitel #sofitelkiaoramoorea #frenchpolynesia
Flight review on the blog - Thai Airways from Melb Flight review on the blog - Thai Airways from Melbourne to Bangkok – ‘Old School’ but Classy 🇦🇺✈️🇹🇭

Link in bio

#flightreview #businessclass #luxurytravel #travelreview #luxurytravelblog #travelblog #turningleftforless #instaaviation #avgeek #thaiairways #thailand
HOTEL REVIEW 🇺🇸 Nautilus Sonesta Miami Beac HOTEL REVIEW 🇺🇸

Nautilus Sonesta Miami Beach – Boutique Charm Meets Art Deco

Link in bio

#hotelreview #luxurytravel #luxurytravelblog #travelblog #turningleftforless #luxuryhotel #miamibeach #southbeach #miami #nautilussonesta #boutiquehotel
HOTEL REVIEW 🇵🇫 Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resor HOTEL REVIEW 🇵🇫 

Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa, French Polynesia

Link in bio

#hotelreview #luxurytravel #luxurytravelblog #travelblog #turningleftforless #luxuryhotel #frenchpolynesia #hiltonmoorea #hilton #moorea
FLIGHT REVIEW - New Air France A350-900 Business C FLIGHT REVIEW - New Air France A350-900 Business Class Suite Part 3 – The Free Extra Large Suite

Link in bio

#flightreview #businessclass #luxurytravel #travelreview #luxurytravelblog #travelblog #turningleftforless #instaaviation #avgeek #airfrance
Follow on Instagram
Categories
Contact us

[email protected]

Unit 143857

PO Box 6945

LONDON

W1A 6US

Privacy Policy

Find out about our privacy policy and advertising disclosure here.

Turning left for less
Champagne travel on a Prosecco budget

Input your search keywords and press Enter.

%d