Flying LAX-LHR in BP a week from today (Saturday) and was wondering if anyone could answer the following:
What can we expect for a dinner and breakfast offering, and when are they served (flight departs at 16:40 which is a little early for dinner)?
Is there still no arrivals lounge in LHR? Are there any *G lounges w/ showers that we can use as arriving pax? Looks like NZ arrives in T3, and UA, SQ, SK, and AC have lounges with showers in T3.
Any option for immigration fast-track (other than IRIS)? I'm not really sure whether a Sunday arrival is a good thing (it's the weekend) or a bad thing (business travelers arriving prior to Monday morning).
It would seem that seating is individual preference, but we're currently seated in the upper deck in adjoining (A/K) seats. The seat map shows them as staggered seats - should we change to both-A or both-K, or does it really matter? Should we try and move downstairs? Seems like service might be a little more personalized on the upper deck with fewer passengers (though not sure how PE figures into that equation).
How concerned should we be about getting our meal choice (e.g. we don't eat fish/shellfish - do we need to order a special meal or will they board enough "normal" meals that it's a non-issue)? How are meal orders taken (e.g. front to back, by status, lower deck then upper deck)?
I recall reading recently (mid-July?) that "proper" amenity kits are now offered, as opposed to the select a few items from a basket. Did I read this correctly?
Thanks in advance for any help you can give me with the above - this is a surprsie trip for my mom and I would like to make sure it is as enjoyable as possible!
Regards,
Sean
Can NZ BP pax not use the same arrival lounge that AC uses at LHR?
The entrance is from outside after one has cleared all arrival formalities.
I assume NZ and AC use the same terminal at LHR.
NZ pax are not allowed to use the AC (or UA) arrivals lounge.
1A - 1K are fine for a couple, I am not clausterphobic, but they are jammed up in the front. I like the feeling of 4 and 5.
Upper deck has to share with the lowly Premium Economy people, ugh. Pokes nose into the sky. Haha kidding.
1-3 dont have their own luggage bin. 4 and 5 take advantage of a large room like space since there is no middle row / storage block, the stewards seem to see my empty glass more often, and it is nice to get up and be in an open space not a cramped isle.
There are no personal air nozzles in the entire plane, they cut down on weight and operation costs.
If fast track seems short, use it, but you will know immediately if it doesnt.
All sounds good to me, thanks :)
As for the empty glass well, if they don't see mine in 1A or K I'll be onto them sharp enough :D
We've flown VS 6A & K a few times and always enjoyed those as a couple. As for lack of aisle space? My feet and legs can move me down that aisle if I want a walk :)
Is there a reason why you do not include 1A/K in your recommendation?
I'll be flying NZ BP for the first time on LHR-LAX this Christmas with Mrs. Goliath and booked 1A/K based on other recommendations on this forum (the same for a trip LHR-HKG-AKL-HKG-LHR next year) - I hope I didn't make a mistake. :eek:
And thanks for sharing the pictures!
We've done the same (For October) and I'm still not concerned as I'm sure it's still a good pair of seats for a couple. My only concern is that there are no air vents over those seats, or at least that's what I read somewhere, I'll be finding out in 2 weeks anyway :)
AMRivlin, many thanks for those pics, despite looking hard on the net I've not seen that many decent pics until yours arrived :)
Can NZ BP pax not use the same arrival lounge that AC uses at LHR?
The entrance is from outside after one has cleared all arrival formalities.
I assume NZ and AC use the same terminal at LHR.
Thanks, everyone, for your extremely helpful responses!
I did try and switch to a one-behind-the-other seating arrangement, but it sounds like the flight is very full and there was only one option for that on the lower deck. The agent thought we'd be better-off on the upper deck so we're staying put.
Appreciate the menu and photos, Kiwi Flyer and AMRivlin - that's an awesome looking airshow product and a very tall looking sandwich!
BusinessPremier sounds like a very high quality product. I'm quite surprised that there is no provision for an arrivals lounge as that seems to be the only major failing in comparison to most other carriers operating TATL business class.
Thanks again for your time and responses!
Sean
Row 5 is my favourite, for all the reasons mentioned, and the duck dish the other month was one of the best meals I've had on NZ!^^
I assume you are in Biz. Sit in 2-10A or K if possible.
[...]
Some photos: http://flickr.com/photos/amrivlin/sets/72157601693429525/
Is there a reason why you do not include 1A/K in your recommendation?
I'll be flying NZ BP for the first time on LHR-LAX this Christmas with Mrs. Goliath and booked 1A/K based on other recommendations on this forum (the same for a trip LHR-HKG-AKL-HKG-LHR next year) - I hope I didn't make a mistake. :eek:
Travel Talk Forums::
recent on 12/10/2008, 06:24 am. 11. Virgin Blue to fly from Sydney to LAX Can anyone share their experiences in Business class on either of the airlines;
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=126&tid=35122496HOME |
And thanks for sharing the pictures!
Were all your questions answered? I fly this route 1x a month.
I assume you are in Biz. Sit in 2-10A or K if possible.
LAX-LHR is
Preflight drink
Evening Cocktail and Crisps
Prawns on greens, a choice of 4 entrees (Duck, Beef, Salad or Fish), cheese, and icecream or pinapple upside down cake.
Breakfast on landing; fresh fruit, granola, eggs, french toast (pick 2)
LHR-LAX
Preflight drink
Evening Cocktail and Crisps
Salmon, 4 entrees, cheese, and icecream
Landing is some crap sandwiches that are always stale and some chocolates.
Wine flows, and even flows into ones lap, my neighbor got white wine down his shirt and 400 airpoints in apology.
Some photos: http://flickr.com/photos/amrivlin/sets/72157601693429525/
Of note, my fast track card has always been pink with NZ on it, and has been worthless the last 2 times, regular immigration is faster (I promise). Fast track gets 2 agents and a long que, non EU gets the same que with 8-10 agents.
Is there still no arrivals lounge in LHR? Are there any *G lounges w/ showers that we can use as arriving pax? Looks like NZ arrives in T3, and UA, SQ, SK, and AC have lounges with showers in T3
There are no arrivals facilities i'm afraid. The above lounges (noting the SK/AC lounge is combined into "The London Lounge") are departure lounges
Any option for immigration fast-track (other than IRIS)? I'm not really sure whether a Sunday arrival is a good thing (it's the weekend) or a bad thing (business travelers arriving prior to Monday morning)
You should receive a fast track immigration card (which in the case of NZ is yellow as opposed to pink on UA) which gives access to that lane
I'm sure your mother will love it. Hopefully others will answer your other questions
Jeff
Flying LAX-LHR in BP a week from today (Saturday) and was wondering if anyone could answer the following:
What can we expect for a dinner and breakfast offering, and when are they served (flight departs at 16:40 which is a little early for dinner)?
I don't have a current menu, but there is an old menu in one of my trip reports
April 2007 (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?p=7549719)
Other times I have flown LAX-LHR on NZ in business the menu has been similar. (Sorry I thought I had more menus posted than this, but the other trip reports which included this flight I didn't post the menu.)
Is there still no arrivals lounge in LHR? Are there any *G lounges w/ showers that we can use as arriving pax? Looks like NZ arrives in T3, and UA, SQ, SK, and AC have lounges with showers in T3.
None - unless you have an onward flight.
Any option for immigration fast-track (other than IRIS)? I'm not really sure whether a Sunday arrival is a good thing (it's the weekend) or a bad thing (business travelers arriving prior to Monday morning).
As business class pax, if not on EU passport then you should get a fast track card from the cabin crew.
It would seem that seating is individual preference, but we're currently seated in the upper deck in adjoining (A/K) seats. The seat map shows them as staggered seats - should we change to both-A or both-K, or does it really matter? Should we try and move downstairs? Seems like service might be a little more personalized on the upper deck with fewer passengers (though not sure how PE figures into that equation).
A and K are opposite sides of the aisle, in herringbone layout, facing each other. The upper deck aisle is wider than the aisle in the second downstairs business class cabin, and IMHO too wide to converse across without disturbing fellow pax.
How concerned should we be about getting our meal choice (e.g. we don't eat fish/shellfish - do we need to order a special meal or will they board enough "normal" meals that it's a non-issue)? How are meal orders taken (e.g. front to back, by status, lower deck then upper deck)?
Sometimes I won't get my first choice of meal. So if it is important to you then select an appropriate special meal. Meal orders are taken by seat row - usually front to back but could be one aisle before another (not relevant upstairs or the nose).
I recall reading recently (mid-July?) that "proper" amenity kits are now offered, as opposed to the select a few items from a basket. Did I read this correctly?
Yes. The kits are transparent so make good liquid baggies.
1A - 1K are fine for a couple, I am not clausterphobic, but they are jammed up in the front. I like the feeling of 4 and 5.
Upper deck has to share with the lowly Premium Economy people, ugh. Pokes nose into the sky. Haha kidding.
1-3 dont have their own luggage bin. 4 and 5 take advantage of a large room like space since there is no middle row / storage block, the stewards seem to see my empty glass more often, and it is nice to get up and be in an open space not a cramped isle.
There are no personal air nozzles in the entire plane, they cut down on weight and operation costs.
If fast track seems short, use it, but you will know immediately if it doesnt.
Were all your questions answered? I fly this route 1x a month.
...
Wine flows, and even flows into ones lap, my neighbor got white wine down his shirt and 400 airpoints in apology.
Some photos: http://flickr.com/photos/amrivlin/sets/72157601693429525/
Of note, my fast track card has always been pink with NZ on it, and has been worthless the last 2 times, regular immigration is faster (I promise). Fast track gets 2 agents and a long que, non EU gets the same que with 8-10 agents.
I could think of worse things in life than being "stuck" on NZ BP once a month... :D
400 airpoints is nice, but I'm not sure how valuable they'd be if you're not a member, and it still leaves you wearing a wet shirt... at least it was white wine and not red... :eek:
Thanks for the head's up on the FT queue - we'll skip it if the regular line doesn't look too bad (and save the FT cards for flights later this year instead).
Regards,
Sean
 Nobody understands...any help please?
 50 points for someone willing to do this!!!!!!!!!!?
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LAX-LHR Questions - Anyone With Recent Experiences?