British Air
 

We're heading to London in June and we're flying British Air. We've never flown with them. Anyone tell me their experience with them.
Thanks!

No problems. We had individual TV screens for movies etc. I think their food is good. Seats are tight but what to do:) On our return, we got upgraded to their premium coach (can't remember what they call it) where seats are like Business Class-very comfortable. Have a great trip.

I agree with the above post--good selection of films, pleasant staff, food was good.

Ten or twelve years ago and I would have said BA was a notch above the rest. The carriers are all the same now from my experience which is primarily in economy class. My trips in business class have been more comfortable.

Bottom line: Too tight seats and nasty food. Just like the others. The personal video screens are a bonus tho I will say that on the 3 r/t flights I took last year, BAs video screens didn't work most of the time. Not so with Virgin Atlantic.

If you're flying business or above, you'll luxuriate in the experience. If you're going economy, congratulate yourself on the great price and have a super trip!

The best!

The few times I've flown them, and from comments I've heard:

BA has fair-to-middle coach service/seats, decent business, good first class.

HOWEVER! If there is a PROBLEM with your reservation, you are in trouble. From all accounts, the support system for BA is terrible. That includes changing your reservation, getting refunds, rerouting, etc.

As long as everything goes smoothly, you will be fine... if not, make sure to keep copies of EVERYTHING and get ready for a fight :D

Old story, sorry if this is too repetitious for some of you.
British Air is the only airline that used deliberate lies to me.
We were loaded onto a plane in London after a several hour delay. We overheard mechanics say, "why are they putting these people on a plane that won't fly?" We noticed that no pilots came aboard (we were in Business or Club Class). I mentioned the overheard comment to a flight attendant who said that was silly and that of course we were going to fly. Immediately after boarding, they announced there would be a "slight" delay, yet we couldn't see anyone working on the plane, loading luggage, or anything else. They served us our meal on the ground immediately -- no liquor, not even wine with our business class meal. As soon as they cleared the trays, they announced there was a problem and the flight was cancelled. They got us all off the plane. That's when we realized the only reason they put us on the plane that they indeed knew couldn't fly, was to feed us our meal to avoid giving the 300 plus meal tickets.

Never again if I can help it. I can deal with other problems, but deliberate deception -- never!! Many of us could have made other arrangements to get home if they had told us that the flight would be cancelled which they clearly knew. Incidentally, we finally took off on another of their planes nearly 14 hours late.

British Airways is the worst airline ever created. I'm British and I'm embarrassed by the airline. I don't know about their hiring procedures, but someone has to put a stop to their employment of slags to push the drinks cart. What a bunch of bloody scrubbers! It is also horrid when you are flying first class and your air hostess sounds like she used to work the docks in Hartlepool. Where is Prunella Scales when you need her?????

I've only flown them once in coach and thought they were very attentive and pleasant. I especially liked the fact that they serve tea that has been steeped in a teapot as I am not a coffee drinker. Plane was new with individual TV screens on back of seats as others have mentioned. There was also a channel where you could track your present location and update yourself on length into flight, etc. We flew into Paris and out of Nice and they accommodated a change in our flight departure without problem. I'd use them again.

BA is one of the largest airlines in the world and its operations are heavily concentrated on the world's messiest airport, Heathrow. So things can go wrong, and the human beings managing foul ups are pretty much like humans anywhere. If you're a frequent flyer, you'll find them pretty similar to other major airlines (though the point above about their lousy IT systems is important, and their coach seats are on the narrowish side. I find them more generous with the booze in coach than US airlines, so that can make up for a lot)
Their main point of difference is that their staff are mostly British. So if you're returning from an uncomfortable part of the world, you might find thsat highly reassuring. If you're an anglophile on holiday, you might find that part of the experience. If you've a chip on your shoulder about the British - as most Australians have - you'll find the staff's accents and attitudes make your chip - well, chippier.
On balance, I find their coach service across the Atlantic better than the others (including Virgin, which ios obsessed with its own wonderfulness). But there's little in it,

I agree with the poster who mentioned that BA was great around 12 years ago. Ten years ago we boarded a plane, got delayed 4 hours on the tarmac because they were having mechanical problems, and after the required time after the mechanics determined they couldn't fix the problem, they let us off. It was free for all in the galley when we were stuck on the tarmac; the flight attendants left it open for drinks and snacks but during the whole time there was no air so it was hot inside.
However, in those days, the airline was still generous and every passenger was given lodging for that night in nearby hotels. We were lucky and got the Hyatt which was not bad to stay if necessary.
We flew BA three years ago and things have changed badly: tight seating and the food is awful.

They made a mistake in our return booking for next month, bringing us back at 10:30 am rather than the 3:00 pm we wanted which means a six-hour layover in D.C. They absolutely refuse to change it, saying they have no way of knowing whether it was their mistake or ours. I told them it was definitely theirs, and they said they couldn't know that. Customer service, anyone?

I have used BA Seattle/London 3 or 4 times over the past 10 years. No problems. I especially like the seatback TV screens, really a blessing on a long haul flight.

I don't think BA is any better or any worse then any other airline these days. Yes, they used to be better, but so were AA, UAL, etc. Seats are tighter, food is not as good as it was (altho I've had some fairly decent food on recent flights) and the crews are not as attentive as they used to be on occasion. On our flight last month however, they were up and down the aisles constantly with water or juice so I don't think anyone could say they neglected us on that flight. Sometimes their airport staff are delightful, sometimes not .. just like any other airline.

I have flown BA from Seattle to London 3 times with the 4th coming up this July. I really like their service and tea but I've never had the newer planes with the video screens in the seat backs. I hope that they are all upgraded now. I also think the seats in coach (where I'll be sitting unfortunately) are very tight!

Flights were good but when they lost our luggage, BA was the pits. Lied, promised,lied then made it very difficult to get in touch with "customer disservice".
The only real help we got was from USAIR in Pittsburgh and they didn't lose our luggage.

British Airways used to be my favorite airline to London, but now it's at the bottom of the list.

Customer service is non-existent (Patrick, they've lied to my face, too), flight attendants are rude, the bathrooms aren't cleaned for every flight, and the cabins are often overheated.

They are like all airlines in this day and age...they have good days and they have very very bad days. They are also, trying to cut costs wherever they can.

My comparison is always with VS...and there is really little difference. I flew VS in January and BA in February return between JFK and LHR.

VS, to save money, did not serve individul bottles of wine. Rather they had a large bottle and pour glasses of wine. Score one for BA. BA ran out of my preferred entree on its brunch service and I was forced to eat an inedible full English breakfast rather than the chicken I wanted. That should never happen...it wouldn't be so difficult in this age of computers to as passengers their preference at check in and stock the right number of meals.

On the February trip, the magazine said we would have the new James Bond movie available on channel 1 but after take off, they informed us there was something wrong on channel 1 and gave us the second rate movie they had shown on the outbound fligt from JFK. Boy was I peeved and started, in my mind of course, cursing the hell out of them.

So, it's really the same all over. I will say this, however, that neither VS or BA are now charging $4 for a 55 cent bottle (or glass in the case of VS) of wine that AA, US and UA are.

Two words: rude staff! If Virgin ever increases leg room in economy class (or if I have enough money/points for upgrades) they'll keep me for life. After arriving on time to the airport, my husband & I were waiting in line to check in. By the time we arrived at the counter, the attendant looks at us and says, "You're late. You're cutting it pretty close." And I said: "And you're slow -- if you did your job we wouldn't be late." Mind you, the flight was to depart in another + 1.5 hours. What attitude! The flight attendants on the plane weren't any better, either.

we flew ba for the first time last spring florida-gatwick and were pleasantly surprised about the trip in both directions. planes were full, economy seats were tight, but attendants were efficient and food was passable. we're london-bound next week with hopes that our good ba experience will be repeated. but then, we fly swa here in the states, so our expectations may be lower than some other fodorites.

We've flown BA from Seattle to London on to Malaga and are flying with to London on to Spain again in Nov. We were pleased. You might try ordering special meals, which we always do on all airlines--we order low fat/low cholestral--and the meal out of Seattle was actually quite good (sea bass--which I doubt they'll serve next time), though it wasn't as good out of London on the way back (but we don't expect good food out of London). But overall, I think they're fine and the trip is as pleasant as an incredibly long flight can be (try No Jetlag--it helps).

I was always a big fan of BA and have flown them many, many times over the last 10 years, however, I agree completely with the posters who say their service has gone down hill.

The biggest problem--to me--is that you must do everything online. Chances of getting a human being on the phone are nil. I make all my reservations--cars, hotels, air--online so that would be no biggie except that the customer service aspect is difficult to manauver through and NOT responsive. Case in point:

Last October the lock was broken and my luggage rifled to the tune of over $1,200 in stolen items. Because I didn't notice the broken lock (it was left on the zipper) until I was unpacking the next morning, I was unable to fill out a form at the airport. On the phone, the person I eventually got refused to take a report, saying it must be done online. The online form leaves a lot to be desired. And, the automatic e-mail response is generic and does not give you a claim number. Although the e-mail response said someone would get back within six weeks (six weeks???)and not to contact them, it was FOUR months before someone called (and, yes, I DID try repeatedly to contact them during that time). Then only to tell me that I have to go through my final carrier (AW) since they couldn't be sure it happened while flying BA. Never mind that BA tagged my luggage with BA tags and sent it through their co-op airline, AW. By the way, AW wouldn't talk to me about it because you have to file a claim with them within 7 days of flying and BA's four-month later response blew that.

Sorry for the long rant--just one major screw-up on the part of BA that I've experienced over the last two years.

Other things: Can't choose seats until arriving at the airport--even as a long-time FF member. Lost luggage in London three years ago and took six days and a huge number of phone calls to get it back. I could go on and on (and I have--sorry). I'm cashing in my ton of miles for my next flight and leaving ba in the dust.

Ronradio,

When are you flying from FL to Gatwick? I am flying out on the 27th. Unfortunately, I will only have an afternoon in London before I go on Lichfield, and from there to Scotland for 3 days. Quick trip, but it came out of the blue, so I'll take it as an appetizer for future journeys.

Geez Mel...I thought you were leaving your bra in the dust!! I'll have to read more carefully!!!

I have not had problems with BA ..but probably have just been lucky. On our last flight I even asked the flight atendent if the seats seemed to have better leg room and got a positive response. And they were most attentive as i was having a leg problem, which I think they might have thought I was going to blame on them!

I only really fly them when I have FF miles..because from Orlando they are a lot less jammed than Virgin with kiddies , tired from dosney world!

I still prefer American Airlines.

Hi littlehouse,

My husband swears by British Airways after many, MANY flights from the US to India and England. The attendants were the classiest he & I have experienced with the best attitudes (which goes a long way with us). They were available for anything that would make our flight more enjoyable. I would not consider putting them in the same category as our American companies - First class may have good crews but as a whole BA is in a class by itself compared to AA or Delta. We flew first, business and economy and I have to say, the attention did not vary - only the extras! They were great and we fly them whenever we can.

Have a great trip!
Sheila

JOdy, you're right, the seats on the refitted 767's do have more legroom and the moveable "winged" headrests were a great improvement, as are the little metal footrests that come out of the seat in front of you. In October we had the refitted plane going out, but the old style coming back. In February, however, we had the refitted both ways, so perhaps they've finished redoing the fleet of 767's.

I should also have mentioned that 9 out of 10 times the food was better than I've had on other airlines--more imaginative, as well.

This is a great airline if your trip goes smoothly, but woe to the person who has a glitch or problem...

I fly regularly between Chicago and London. I have two young children (who are reasonably well-behaved) and they are very accomodating (they will hold my meal while I am feeding the children and bring it out later when they are sleeping). I do object to all the chocolate they put in their children's meal!

I'm yet another person who liked BA many years ago but I detest them now. I avoid them at all costs, they are horrible. The seats are the tightest in the businss (in coach), and I don't like that rule at all that you can't even get a seat assignment until the airport. And then they give them to people they know or something, because even when I got there very early to checkin, they claimed they had no window seats left (hardly anyone was even there but me)--I asked the clerk how that was possible since they swore on the phone that no one got seat assignments before checking in. She said she didn't really know and didn't understand how it worked herself.

IN any case, the food was just okay as I recall, and I hate those stupid headrests that give you a crick in your neck and cannot be removed. I had to fly BA last time for some reason (about the only reasonable connection to Krakow from where I live), so I deliberately booked one of their 767s instead of 777s because they do have about one inch more legroom. It took about 1 hour for me to get my bags upon arrival, but I don't know if that's their fault or the airport's.

Fodors! I'm shocked.. do you normally leave offensive words such as in THINGORJUS posting? scrubbers and slags?!!! not nice

Flying coach/economy, they are all Greyhound with wings as far as I'm concerned! Even AA announced this week they are reconfiguring their planes to lose the extra legroom to save $$. Have not had any bad experiences on BA, no better or worse than the rest, anyway. My advice, pack snacks so you don't have to eat their food (but have a cocktail), and the usual bring a change of clothes & all your necessities in your carry-on.

When I win the lotto, it will be first class all the way!

never flown BA - but do remember a discussion not too long ago about the ridiculous Carryon limits they have.
Something like 7 lbs total. Most bags weigh that empty.

BA's carry on limit is 13 pounds. Sometimes it's enforced, sometimes not. 13 is actually do-able, it's to discourage those carry on's that look like steamer trunks.

As for seat assignments, I've always gotten them when I made my reservation. In fact I just cashed in some FF miles for April 2004 and already have the seat assignments. Never had any problem, but they do hold back seats for airport assignment, so maybe it depends when you book.

Compared to Delta, they are great. We flew them last year to London on the way to Ireland.
We are also flying BA to London in June.
It was nice to have the movie screen on the back of the seat in front of you!
Food was okay.
Have a great trip! We are looking forward to our trip.

Hey, Milkshake....up your ronson, you mingin geezer. :)

I've always had positive experiences with BA. I fly coach as I usually sleep on flights anyways and since I'm short and not overweight, the seats fit me fine. The food, at least VLML, is usually quite OK. I always end up getting drinks from flirtatious stewards. Nice.

I've read surveys called "Best and Worst Airlines" and BA usually gets #1 on both lists.

Hey! ThinGorjus! Up YOUR jacksee too! you're a minger and for your info, I'm not a geezer but allll womaaaaaaan! Yay

Ta, plebby slag. This is fun! ;)