British Airways - BAW > Reviews > Good but not great

Author's product rating:   

Food Quality	Good
Customer Service	Friendly and attentive
Punctuality	Good
Space	Comfortable
Value for Money	Good

Advantages:	generally good service
Disadvantages:	little things could be better

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

I took my first ever flight with British Airways recently on their Birmingham/Amsterdam service. My partner Jayne and I had arranged a short break holiday in Amsterdam with Cresta holidays and BA were the airline used. As I don't fly for work (I should be so lucky), all my previous flights have been with charter airlines such as Air2000.

Jayne and I arrived early (4.45 am) at the BA check-ins at Birmingham's Eurohub. The first thing we learned is that with regular services as opposed to charter flights, less time is allowed for boarding. The check-in desks didn't actually open until an hour before the flight was due to depart (6.45 a.m.), so we could have had an extra hour in bed. Oh well, you live and learn.

Checking in and boarding was very straightforward. Perhaps because the flight was less than half-full, the check-in staff seemed less harrassed than they often do and actually managed a few smiles. On the outward flight we were given the choice of window or aisle seats, and in fact had the entire row to ourselves anyway. The flight was about half an hour late leaving due to the usual congestion. Can't blame BA for that, of course.

The actual flight was pleasant and uneventful. The stewards were polite and helpful without being intrusive. I was particularly grateful not to have the constant procession of raffle tickets, 'duty-free' items and so on stuffed down my throat, as happened the last time I flew with Air 2000. The message that we wanted vegetarian meals had reached them without any problem, and we were served with two excellent vegetarian breakfasts plus tea in abundance. Overall, it was one of the most pleasant flights I have ever had.

The return journey wasn't quite as good. Although I had reminded the check-in staff we wanted vegetarian meals, we were still served with salmon sandwiches (along with everyone else). Fortunately we do both eat fish, but many 'proper' vegetarians don't. Free newspapers were available, but you had to ask for them (on the outward flight the stewardesses came down the plane offering them). The flight itself was delayed again, but the pilot made up a bit of the time in the air.

Overall, I enjoyed my first experience of flying with BA, especially the outward journey. However, on the return trip in particular there were little things they could (and should) have done better.