Our British Airways First Class review looks beyond the 'Flying First' marketing to evaluate the actual comfort, dining, and service on the 787-9.
British Airways First Class, often referred to as 'the world's best business class' by some critics and 'a bastion of British understatement' by others, occupies a unique niche in the aviation world. It does not aim for the gold-plated extravagance of the Gulf carriers, nor the clinical perfection of the Japanese airlines. Instead, it offers a quintessentially British experience: polite, structured, and comfortably familiar. Our team recently explored the First Class experience on the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner to see if the 'Prime' product still holds its own in a rapidly evolving market.
The journey begins at Heathrow Terminal 5, within the exclusive confines of the Concorde Room. Unlike the standard Galleries lounges, the Concorde Room is reserved strictly for First Class passengers and top-tier frequent fliers. The aesthetic is that of a high-end London hotel, complete with velvet sofas, crystal chandeliers, and a terrace overlooking the tarmac. The dining room offers private booths and a full à la carte menu. We found the breakfast—a full English prepared to order—to be an excellent start to the journey. The service here is attentive, and the 'Cabanas' (private relaxation rooms) provide a welcome space to freshen up before a long-haul flight.
The 787-9 First Class cabin features only eight seats, creating an intimate environment. The design is sleek and modern, with a dark palette and carbon-fiber accents. While it lacks the high walls and doors of some newer products, the seat is designed with a wrap-around shell that provides a significant degree of privacy. For the working professional, the seat is a triumph of ergonomics. The side console offers ample space for documents and devices, and the 'Buddy Seat' allows for two people to dine or meet facing each other. Our team noted that the seat's adjustability, controlled by a simple dial, is among the most intuitive in the industry.
British Airways has recently overhauled its First Class dining, partnering with high-end caterers to improve both the quality and presentation of the meals. The service begins with an amuse-bouche, followed by a multi-course meal served on fine bone china. During our flight, the seared scallops were a highlight—fresh, well-seasoned, and perfectly cooked. The afternoon tea remains a highlight of the British Airways experience, featuring finger sandwiches, warm scones with clotted cream, and a selection of premium teas. It is a charming touch that reinforces the airline's national identity.
When it is time for rest, the seat is converted into a 78-inch fully flat bed. British Airways uses bedding from Liberty London, including a high-quality mattress protector and a thick duvet. The amenity kits, also by Liberty, are stylish and stocked with Elemis skincare products. One of the most appreciated aspects of the BA First experience is the pajamas—designed by Temperley London, they are soft, stylish, and comfortable enough for lounging. The Dreamliner's larger windows and optimized cabin pressure further enhance the quality of sleep, leaving us feeling remarkably refreshed upon arrival.
Is British Airways First Class worth the investment? The answer is nuanced. If you are comparing it strictly to the 'suites' of Air France or Emirates, it may seem less 'grand.' However, BA First often comes at a more accessible price point than its competitors. It provides a significant upgrade from Business Class in terms of ground service (the Concorde Room), cabin intimacy, and sleep quality. For the traveler who values a quiet, professional environment and traditional British service, it remains a thoroughly respectable and enjoyable way to cross the globe.
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