After a long half-hour wait in Terminal 5’s Concorde Room, we board our first flight of the day to New York JFK.
To reach our boarding gate at Pier B, we had to take the automated shuttle that links the terminals at Heathrow. The shuttle was packed, but we soon arrived at gate B32.
Boarding
Here too, as in New York, the new Group 0 procedure for Gold Guest List passengers was a relative failure, as Groups 0 and 1 were called simultaneously.
My wife and I boarded the plane, and after scanning our own boarding passes, we were invited to wait just before the escalator leading to the jetbridge, while we waited for the cabin to be prepared.
After a few minutes of patience, we were invited to proceed to the jetbridge to board.
Cabin and welcome
The welcome at the gate was charming, and I was invited to use the first aisle to reach my seat, 14E, located in the middle of the second cabin.
As with all flights to the Big Apple, the Club Suite is offered, and it’s really an excellent product.
On the seat, amenities were already present: in addition to the excellent pillow, mattress topper and comforter, all 3 supplied by The White Company, the toiletry bag was also present and well-stocked.
During boarding, menus were handed out, so here’s the program of hostilities for this flight to New York.
Fortunately, unlike Air France, the British airline offered lunch rather than breakfast, even though the flight departed at 9.45am.
The regulars of flight AF022 and the disappointing Brunch would understand my frustration!
A welcome drinks tray was brought along and I had a glass of champagne.
Boarding formalities came to an end and we left our parking spot a few minutes ahead of schedule.
Service and catering
Lunch service
Just after take-off, the lunch order was taken.
I had a Johnny Walker Black Label on the rocks as an aperitif, smoked salmon as a starter and lamb for the main course.
The aperitif was promptly brought to me… but in the form of a glass of water! The flight attendant quickly realized this (certainly on seeing my face) and to make up for it brought me the excellent Johnny Walker Blue Label served in First.
Twenty minutes later, the starter was brought to me and the smoked salmon was divine. It was brought to me with an excellent bread basket and a very fresh salad, as well as a glass of champagne.
At a pace that was perfect for my digestion, my main course, lamb, was brought to me. It will be exceptional, with perfect cooking and the right sides.
Finally, for dessert, I had the apricot soufflé, which, despite a presentation that left something to be desired, was served hot and absolutely delicious. I had a Cointreau to accompany it.
Cruise and sleep
During the cruise, I watched a few videos from one of our favorite YouTube channels, Mentour Pilot, and wrote a few reviews, including this one of course.
I also used the bar, which offers a number of self-service drinks, as well as a few snacks including my favorite shortbreads.
I note, however, that my tablet was not cleared until the second service.
Afternoon Tea service
About 1h30 before landing, the second service began with afternoon tea. I chose the non-vegetarian option with smoked salmon.
It was really excellent and I washed it down with some mint tea, which was very good.
Service
I found the service on this flight to be average plus, not proactive enough. For example, there was no passing between services to offer water or drinks.
And everything was slow, very slow. I wasn’t working that day, but if you must work and the service takes a total of 3 hours on a 6-hour flight, it doesn’t work.
Arrival and disembarkation
We arrived about 30 minutes early at the gate at JFK. Disembarkation was immediate, and we heared our name in the immigration queue: it’s the Gold Guest List assistance service waiting to cut us off from the immigration queue. Perfect! She also had reprinted our boarding passes on American stock.
Our luggage was promptly delivered, and a few yards later we put it back on the conveyor belt for our next flight to Boston.
Bottom Line
A very good flight, but with service that could be much better.
Itinerary
As a reminder, here is the itinerary followed:
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