British Airways

[Starmill]

I'd much rather a 6am departure than a 5pm one when going on holiday. I thought that was normal.

Land, head to the hotel with bags (to store the bags though occasionally you can check in that early), and then head out for lunch and a wander before heading back to the hotel for a little rest and to freshen up for the evening. Perfect start to the holiday.

I always think 5pm is a lost day of the holiday. Can't work more than half a day (or at all getting from Bristol) and arrive at the hotel late. At least a 9pm flight you could work that day.

Very easy to get from Bristol at that hour too. National Express and Flixbus run basically hourly through the night from midnight on between them. They take about 2 hours to get there. Obviously not possible by rail.

It's horses for courses surely? Some people on 37 hour contracts routinely work short day Friday, or use their flexitime to get out early. Some people wouldn't get out of bed at 0330 for a flight at 0600 no matter how good the deal. And so on.

 

[TravelDream]

It's horses for courses surely? Some people on 37 hour contracts routinely work short day Friday, or use their flexitime to get out early. Some people wouldn't get out of bed at 0330 for a flight at 0600 no matter how good the deal. And so on.

Fair.

And it's definitely a plus of BA Holidays that they are willing to change things.

 

[berneyarms]

I'd much rather a 6am departure than a 5pm one when going on holiday. I thought that was normal.

Land, head to the hotel with bags (to store the bags though occasionally you can check in that early), and then head out for lunch and a wander before heading back to the hotel for a little rest and to freshen up for the evening. Perfect start to the holiday.

I always think 5pm is a lost day of the holiday. Can't work more than half a day (or at all getting from Bristol) and arrive at the hotel late. At least a 9pm flight you could work that day.

Very easy to get from Bristol at that hour too. National Express and Flixbus run basically hourly through the night from midnight on between them. They take about 2 hours to get there. Obviously not possible by rail.

We are all different and will have different value sets.

I will always avoid the first wave of flights from here in Dublin as firstly, I found myself absolutely wrecked in the middle of the afternoon afterwards with no hope of recovery for later in the day, and secondly as I'd have to fork out for a taxi to get to Dublin Airport.

I far prefer taking a flight from about 09:00 onwards or indeed travelling the evening before, having a pint or two in the airport, and getting to wherever I am going to so that I can start from first thing the next day.

Similarly I always aim to get back to Dublin Airport no later than 18:00 if working the next day so that I can get home and wind down, and no later than 21:00 if I am not working, so that I can get home in one piece on public transport by 23:00.

 

[JCO1406]

All the LHR based 777s are now refurbished. 4 787-8 refurbished (ZBJA,B,C and E), one (ZBJG) currently undergoing refurbishment and another (ZBJF) due to head to CWL tomorrow. ZBJD will be parked for a while. First 787-9 should be heading down in the next couple of months, as the certification process will take a while.

G-ZBLL is on the flightline, so hopefully delivery will happen next month.
More A320neo and A321neo deliveries are coming up soon, which will mean more A319s are retired.

G-EUUV is at LGW for a while. Not confirmed whether it is being transferred to BAEF or not.

 

[Butts]

All the LHR based 777s are now refurbished. 4 787-8 refurbished (ZBJA,B,C and E), one (ZBJG) currently undergoing refurbishment and another (ZBJF) due to head to CWL tomorrow. ZBJD will be parked for a while. First 787-9 should be heading down in the next couple of months, as the certification process will take a while.

G-ZBLL is on the flightline, so hopefully delivery will happen next month.
More A320neo and A321neo deliveries are coming up soon, which will mean more A319s are retired.

G-EUUV is at LGW for a while. Not confirmed whether it is being transferred to BAEF or not.

Mores the pity as they have far more comfortable seats - bit like the transformation from HST's to the Azumas "Ironing Boards"

 

[RailWonderer]

Mores the pity as they have far more comfortable seats - bit like the transformation from HST's to the Azumas "Ironing Boards"

Which ones, the ex-BMI A319s? I don't think so at all.

 

[superalbs]

Which ones, the ex-BMI A319s? I don't think so at all.

The BMI A319s are absolutely foul. Due to be on one tomorrow again, I wonder which part of the uncomfortable seat will be falling off this time!

 

[cactustwirly]

Mores the pity as they have far more comfortable seats - bit like the transformation from HST's to the Azumas "Ironing Boards"

The newest NEOs have the comfortable seats, they have gone back to Collins Aerospace

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 7 May 2025 ==

The BMI A319s are absolutely foul. Due to be on one tomorrow again, I wonder which part of the uncomfortable seat will be falling off this time!

They are refurbished, except BCA and BCB
Same interior as the BA A319s with the Pinnacle seats

 

[Butts]

Which ones, the ex-BMI A319s? I don't think so at all.

Not sure but I prefer the Exit Row 10 which is better than 16 or 11/12 on the others.

 

[Peter Mugridge]

More A320neo and A321neo deliveries are coming up soon

I've seen several new ones in the past month or so; G-TTSC, G-TTSD and G-TTSE have all been in and out of Heathrow regularly.

 

[JCO1406]

IAG set to order 30 787s shortly, all from the UK/US Trade deal. This will replace the 777-200s, along with the 777X which is already on order

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 8 May 2025 ==

IAG is also to announce an order of 30 more widebody aircrafts from Airbus (A330 and A350) tomorrow. Hopefully more A350s for BA.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 9 May 2025 ==

Update: final order confirmed for BA

32 787-10s
6 additional 777-9
6 additional A350-1000

Not only will this completely replace the 777-200 fleet, but provides further growth.

 

[superalbs]

The newest NEOs have the comfortable seats, they have gone back to Collins Aerospace

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 7 May 2025 ==



They are refurbished, except BCA and BCB
Same interior as the BA A319s with the Pinnacle seats

So it was, that was a relief!

 

[Snow1964]

IAG set to order 30 787s shortly, all from the UK/US Trade deal. This will replace the 777-200s, along with the 777X which is already on order

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 8 May 2025 ==

IAG is also to announce an order of 30 more widebody aircrafts from Airbus (A330 and A350) tomorrow. Hopefully more A350s for BA.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 9 May 2025 ==

Update: final order confirmed for BA

32 787-10s
6 additional 777-9
6 additional A350-1000

Not only will this completely replace the 777-200 fleet, but provides further growth.

Just for completeness the orders follow on from existing wide body aircraft not yet delivered
1 787-10 with Rolls Royce engines
6 787-10 with GE engines
18 777-9

Aviation forums have suggested the 6 extra 787-10 were partly funded as a Boeing compensation for late delivery of 777x (777-9 are a type within the much delayed and still not certified 777x)

The 32 new 787s were leaked by US as part of the trade deal talks

The 6+6 were apparently ordered in March, and have been recorded as undisclosed customers, and rumour is they were supposed to be announced at Paris Air Show next month. There is nothing on BA website regarding the orders (yet) possibly because caught out by the orders being leaked.

 

[jonnycoleraine]

Just for completeness the orders follow on from existing wide body aircraft not yet delivered
1 787-10 with Rolls Royce engines
6 787-10 with GE engines
18 777-9

Aviation forums have suggested the 6 extra 787-10 were partly funded as a Boeing compensation for late delivery of 777x (777-9 are a type within the much delayed and still not certified 777x)

The 32 new 787s were leaked by US as part of the trade deal talks

The 6+6 were apparently ordered in March, and have been recorded as undisclosed customers, and rumour is they were supposed to be announced at Paris Air Show next month. There is nothing on BA website regarding the orders (yet) possibly because caught out by the orders being leaked.

Any idea why they'd order 6 787-10s with GE engines, and one odd ball one with RR engines?

 

[Snow1964]

Any idea why they'd order 6 787-10s with GE engines, and one odd ball one with RR engines?

The RR engine one is last one of existing order (not a sole example), but there have been problems with the RR engines, and a handful of planes are out of use awaiting engine parts,

6 are extra planes ordered later, and probably fed up with Rolls Royce poor spare parts delivery, so took decision to switch to GE engines.

Although I have described it as a British Airways order, it is strictly the parent IAG (International Airlines Group) that has ordered, and there are also 21 Airbus A330-900neo and 6 A350-900 (probably for Iberia or Aer Lingus). Sounds like the A330s will be Rolls Royce powered (dont think engines for A350-9 have been announced yet).

The 787-10 is approx same size as the 43 777-2 that BA has

787-10 (existing, maybe not new ones) are configured
First 8, Business 48, Premium Economy 35, Economy 165.

777-2 are nowadays in 3 different configurations :
First 8, Business 49, Premium Econ 40, Economy 138
no First, Business 32, Prem 52, Econ 252
no First, Business 48, Prem 40, Economy 184

 

[jonnycoleraine]

The RR engine one is last one of existing order (not a sole example), but there have been problems with the RR engines, and a handful of planes are out of use awaiting engine parts,

6 are extra planes ordered later, and probably fed up with Rolls Royce poor spare parts delivery, so took decision to switch to GE engines.

Although I have described it as a British Airways order, it is strictly the parent IAG (International Airlines Group) that has ordered, and there are also 21 Airbus A330-900neo and 6 A350-900 (probably for Iberia or Aer Lingus). Sounds like the A330s will be Rolls Royce powered (dont think engines for A350-9 have been announced yet).

The 787-10 is approx same size as the 43 777-2 that BA has

787-10 (existing, maybe not new ones) are configured
First 8, Business 48, Premium Economy 35, Economy 165.

777-2 are nowadays in 3 different configurations :
First 8, Business 49, Premium Econ 40, Economy 138
no First, Business 32, Prem 52, Econ 252
no First, Business 48, Prem 40, Economy 184

Thank you!

 

[Ted633]

Although I have described it as a British Airways order, it is strictly the parent IAG (International Airlines Group) that has ordered, and there are also 21 Airbus A330-900neo and 6 A350-900 (probably for Iberia or Aer Lingus). Sounds like the A330s will be Rolls Royce powered (dont think engines for A350-9 have been announced yet).

Not really a need to announce the engine type for the Airbus aircraft. It’s Rolls Royce or Rolls Royce!

 

[rg177]

First time flying Business Class ever this afternoon - took Club Europe from Heathrow to Munich thanks to an Avios redemption.

The lounges in the main terminal were absolutely rammed with queues - so I spent a couple of hours in the T5b one which was significantly more pleasant (and I was able to actually get in!) Decent selection of food and drink and staff were proactive in keeping the place clean.

Service was absolutely impeccable on the flight itself. Naturally the food itself wasn't substantial (some cold cuts and cheese) but I must have had almost a full bottle of champagne. The crew were constantly on the ball giving refills to the extent that I was given a plastic cup for landing with a fresh refill!

I'm not a regular BA flyer by any means nor do I think their product is all that great in Economy - but today was a pleasant little experience. I wouldn't have personally forked out the cash fare, but £54 and some Avios seemed fair!

 

[cactustwirly]

First time flying Business Class ever this afternoon - took Club Europe from Heathrow to Munich thanks to an Avios redemption.

The lounges in the main terminal were absolutely rammed with queues - so I spent a couple of hours in the T5b one which was significantly more pleasant (and I was able to actually get in!) Decent selection of food and drink and staff were proactive in keeping the place clean.

Service was absolutely impeccable on the flight itself. Naturally the food itself wasn't substantial (some cold cuts and cheese) but I must have had almost a full bottle of champagne. The crew were constantly on the ball giving refills to the extent that I was given a plastic cup for landing with a fresh refill!

I'm not a regular BA flyer by any means nor do I think their product is all that great in Economy - but today was a pleasant little experience. I wouldn't have personally forked out the cash fare, but £54 and some Avios seemed fair!

I am doing the same in July to Stuttgart, used Avios to get Business at a reasonable rate

 

[Cross City]

First time flying Business Class ever this afternoon - took Club Europe from Heathrow to Munich thanks to an Avios redemption.

I'll be doing the same route in a few weeks time (back from BUD a week later, train between MUC and BUD), but alas not in Club Europe.

Weirdly it'll be my first time flying BA short haul despite plenty of long haul flights with them. Be interesting to see how they stack up to other European and low cost carriers. My bet is that they'll be identical like every airline is nowadays, at least in economy.

 

[Royston Vasey]

I am doing the same in July to Stuttgart, used Avios to get Business at a reasonable rate

Excellent choice. STR leaves from T3 and you can enjoy the superior Cathay Pacific lounge instead of the uninspiring BA lounge.

 

[AlastairFraser]

I'll be doing the same route in a few weeks time (back from BUD a week later, train between MUC and BUD), but alas not in Club Europe.

Weirdly it'll be my first time flying BA short haul despite plenty of long haul flights with them. Be interesting to see how they stack up to other European and low cost carriers. My bet is that they'll be identical like every airline is nowadays, at least in economy.

I think the onboard cabin is pretty comfortable, the flight attendants are very friendly, and you're not constantly having to pay additional fees for things like with Ryanair.

 

[Royston Vasey]

Service was absolutely impeccable on the flight itself. Naturally the food itself wasn't substantial (some cold cuts and cheese) but I must have had almost a full bottle of champagne. The crew were constantly on the ball giving refills to the extent that I was given a plastic cup for landing with a fresh refill!

I had exactly the same experience on my last Club Europe flight, but I managed five glasses of champagne between Heathrow and Newcastle!

 

[Butts]

I think the onboard cabin is pretty comfortable, the flight attendants are very friendly, and you're not constantly having to pay additional fees for things like with Ryanair.

Unless you are in Row 1 it's not that comfortable with regard to leg room.

Give me an Exit Seat in Y anytime.

 

[AlastairFraser]

Unless you are in Row 1 it's not that comfortable with regard to leg room.

Give me an Exit Seat in Y anytime.

Compared to other short haul airlines (the likes of Ryanair and EasyJet tend to predominate!), legroom is decent IMHO!

 

[Butts]

Excellent choice. STR leaves from T3 and you can enjoy the superior Cathay Pacific lounge instead of the uninspiring BA lounge.

American Airlines Lounge for me = it's often very quiet in comparison to the BA one.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 16 May 2025 ==

Compared to other short haul airlines (the likes of Ryanair and EasyJet tend to predominate!), legroom is decent IMHO!

Not as decent as an Exit Row which makes a big difference on a longer flight.

 

[AlastairFraser]

Not as decent as an Exit Row which makes a big difference on a longer flight.

True, but the poster is flying LHR to Munich, so it shouldn't be that long.

 

[Royston Vasey]

American Airlines Lounge for me = it's often very quiet in comparison to the BA one.

I put it 4th of 4 in my list of T3 Oneworld lounge crawl destinations! I think it has the ambience of a clinic and a really poor F&B offering. The jars of sweets are a nice touch though. Also last time I visiting I was advised not to go in by the agents on the desk, and it soon emerged why - it stank of sewage!

 

[John R]

I am doing the same in July to Stuttgart, used Avios to get Business at a reasonable rate

Curiously enough I’m off to Stuttgart in July, to see Jean-Michel Jarre in concert. Decided against Business as I get all the soft benefits through Silver, so the extra cost just to have a free seat between us (which we often get by splitting seat reservations to leave the middle free) and a snack doesn’t seem worth it.

 

[Cross City]

True, but the poster is flying LHR to Munich, so it shouldn't be that long.

I am 6'5" so do normally book an exit row seat, though I'm not sure I'll bother for a ~90 minute flight