BA First Class To Mexico City Seat 2A
Dearest reader, it has been some time since I last acquainted myself with British Airways’ esteemed First Class. And being that they are my home carrier, it seemed only right to once again indulge in their offerings, as is expected of one of my station.
I found myself in possession of a BA Amex voucher and chose to deploy it on a voyage – British Airways First Class To Mexico City, flight number BA243. Though my ultimate destination was to be Guatemala. Alas, Mexico City was as near as British Airways could carry me on their wings.
The day of departure was not without its tribulations, for duty demanded my presence for half the day. Thus, I arrived at Heathrow a mere hour and forty-five minutes before the clock struck three, our appointed time of departure.
The Wing First Class check-in, ever the embodiment of quiet sophistication, welcomed me with the grandeur expected of First Class. But, dear reader, the Concorde Room lounge, still, even to this day, remains quite underwhelming. It is no soirées in Grosvenor Square
How fortunate that I only tarried for half an hour, just enough to partake in some light refreshments before making my way to the gate.
It was en route to the boarding gates—remote, tucked away far in the C gates—that I encountered the gallant trio of pilots who would command our vessel to Mexico.
They spoke of a slight alteration in our departure time, but alas, the moment to converse further was brief, until once again, one passed by as I embarked and offered a polite greeting.
Boarding was a chaotic affair, with a single jetbridge in operation for the Boeing 787-9 that was to be our airborne chariot.
The skies above London was calm and clear. It was indeed a splendid afternoon to fly.
I was promptly escorted to my seat, 2A, where I was introduced to the First Class crew, led by the maternal presence of Annie, our inflight manager.
It was at this moment that Annie, with warmth, thanked me for my six years of loyalty as a BA Executive Club member. A flattering gesture, though wholly inaccurate, as I had, in truth, parted ways with the airline loyalty programme in 2013, disillusioned by its many missteps and declining standards.
Besides the pilots—Richard, Robin, and Mike—the majority of the crew were based in Mexico, and though their efforts were earnest, I could not help but notice that this First Class flight may not be so polished an affair.
The seat, though once a paragon of luxury, showed much signs of wear, and the in-flight entertainment system, though serviceable, was lagging, much like a grand ballroom now fading from its former glory.
One notable change in the First Class experience, dear reader, is the champagne. Gone is the long-standing partnership with LPGS, replaced with a rotating selection that varies from route to route.
Alas, on this particular flight, we were offered Noble, a rather inferior vintage, and one that did not quite meet the lofty expectations of First Class.
Upon settling in, A travel kit, filled with creams and potions that would make even the most discerning debutante blush, was bestowed upon me as though it were a gift from a Duke himself
But curiously, the crew failed to offer me the pyjamas—an oversight, no doubt, was corrected promptly.
Despite a delay of twenty-five minutes, our departure was smooth, and soon, the skies over London were ours to conquer.
The champagne flowed, and the signature trio of canapés was presented—though I daresay only the duck left a lasting impression, the other two were quite forgettable.
The meal service commenced with a beef carpaccio, whose presentation was, shall we say, less than elegant, though its taste was far superior to its appearance.
The next course was to be a red pepper soup, rather lovely, actually.
For the main course, I was lured by curiosity to select the Cornish fish stew, a dish I had never before sampled in the air.
Though palatable, it was hardly a display of First Class artistry. The same lack of grace was present in the cheese plate, a far cry from the elegance one might expect at such altitudes in First Class.
Substance, of course, is of greater import than style, but, my dear reader, it would not hurt for British Airways to put a little more effort into the aesthetics. In hindsight, I should have selected the rack of lamb, which appeared far more enticing when presented to my neighbour in 2F.
After dining, I turned my attention to a few matters of business, though technically I was off duty for the afternoon.
British Airways offers free unlimited Wi-Fi to First Class passengers, but with a vexing limitation—once I had connected my laptop, I could not connect my phone. It seems one must choose between devices, a most irksome oversight in this modern age.
To while away the hours, I indulged in the in-flight entertainment, continuing my viewing of the BBC series, Ghosts. Though the system still offers a fine selection, it, too, is showing its age, with the controller becoming rather temperamental.
As the afternoon stretched on, I attempted to rest. The crew, ever attentive, made up my bed at my request, but sleep eluded me, despite the cozy surroundings.
Perhaps it was the warmth of the blanket or the excess of caffeine, but after forty minutes, I abandoned my efforts and returned to my work.
Before landing, a substantial snack was offered—a scotch egg salad followed by a chip butty, a curious choice given the sedentary nature of long-haul travel.
Tasty though it was, it left me feeling rather indulgent.
Soon, the sprawling lights of Mexico City appeared beneath us, and we landed into the warm embrace of the Mexican night, though, ironically, I felt the most drowsy just as we prepared to disembark.
The journey through Mexico City Airport was no easy feat, and I found myself in an airport hotel for six hours before my onward flight to Guatemala. But that, dear reader, is another story.
I must confess, this particular journey aboard British Airways’ esteemed First Class did not meet the lofty expectations to which I have become accustomed, though not entirely devoid of redeeming qualities.
The attendants, while kind and well-intentioned, alas, lacked the refinement in execution one would expect from a distinguished service. The meals, served on fine china, was not the veritable feast fit for a Viscount. The choice of champagne, a cherished indulgence, was most disappointing, and there were unfortunate lapses in the very areas where British Airways typically shines with such brilliance.
Fear not, however, for my next British Airways review shall be aboard their newly refurbished 777 suites. Until then, I remain, your humble and faithful traveller.
Faze, founder of Wander Up Front and Elevate Your Stay, is a London-based travel specialist with a deep passion for aviation. With over 2 million miles flown, he has spent the last 7 years focusing on First and Business class experiences.
Faze provides straightforward, no-frills insights into premium airline products and services, sharing what matters to help travellers make informed choices.
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Faze, your use of the words ‘vessel’ and ‘chariot’ were appreciated. ‘Flying’ really is magical, often unappreciated by the masses. Being able to cross time zone, continents, cultures and seasons, without feeling the speed, and being ‘wined and dined’ for up to 18 hours in ‘one hop’ is remarkable.
Yes, BA have lost their crown in offering a premium service.
Until your next review, travel safely ..