A week before my British Airways long-haul flight in business class, I asked TWG readers to choose my meal for me. The Braised British Beef was the clear winner, getting 53% of the votes! So that’s what I pre-ordered. Before I tell you about that meal though, I had a three hour British Airways flight (LIS-LHR) in business class that provided a lunch which I could not pre-order. Based on what I had heard from lots of different sources, I had very low expectations of British Airways. Both their planes and their food got absolutely no love, at all.
This short British Airways flight was actually a great experience. Nothing special about the plane itself, but it was the crew and meal that made the difference. The crew and service were great. They were fun to talk with and full of good cheer. They did mention that British Airways had a new catering service and menu, and that they hoped we’d notice and be pleased. It did feel like perhaps I was the only one in business class who wasn’t a British Airways regular, so that leaves me with nothing to compare this meal and service to except what I had previously heard from others.
The starter of prawns and seaweed salad was well prepared. Great combo of textures and taste. Since I knew I’d be eating beef on my next flight, I went with chicken for my main course. Big portions, way too much for me, and the chicken cooked just right. I didn’t have dessert or bread. No complaints at all on this meal, and as I mentioned, an all-around great British Airways inflight experience.
So how was the meal TWG readers selected for me on my next flight? Well, what can I say besides thank you! I did find it strange that there wasn’t anything, like the usual mixed nuts, offered with the first drink service, but I would have passed on the nuts saving my appetite for dinner, so no loss there. The smoked salmon starter was great, and you’ll notice a piece of garlic bread on my tray, as well. Yummy!
Before the main course was served, the crew came around to verify who we were and that we had pre-ordered meals. I’m glad after all the fuss of voting on my meal it was actually going to work out. Having never done this before, I wondered about that. I enjoyed that the salad had green beans added because I often do this at home when I make salads. Green beans were crunchy and fresh. Cutest cucumber balls I’ve ever seen:)
The service was well paced, and after a while, my beef appeared. It’s hard to know how a meal will photograph, so let me just say that the beef was better than it looks in this photo! It was very tasty, much like a piece of brisket would be, and the portion size was perfect for me. You already know I’m a green bean fan, and I ate a few potatoes and mushrooms to go along with the beef. As an aside, British Airways wine selection included a white wine from Stellenbosch that I really enjoyed.
When I spoke with the crew on this flight they also talked about the low reputation British Airways has for both their hard product and their food and how they’re trying to upgrade both. I’d say the food and service on this flight were better than what I was expecting, so thanks again to everyone who voted for the beef! Have you flown British Airways business class recently? What did you think of the meal service?
Our meals on BA have always been excellent in Business or First Class. Can’t say the same for the short flights with a cold, unidentifiable salad or sandwich. Our last experience was pretty awful. But again, the higher class meals have always exceeded our expectations — especially when compared to American Airlines!!
Thanks for reading, Janis, and taking the time to comment. Sounds like you’re an experienced BA flyer. Do you find, as the crew suggested, that the meals have actually improved?
I flew IAD-LHR last week in First on the 787-9. I pre-ordered a GF meal; I have had very mixed experiences with outstation catering in general, and in particular, with special meals.
I was very pleasantly surprised by the quantity and quality of the GF meal in First ex-IAD! Two things really impressed me. First, it was not the same GF meal that I would have received in Club World (or even World Traveler). It was clearly meant for First. Second, the GF bread was AMAZING. It was a very nice brioche roll that was even heated up in the oven.
Breakfast was equally as delicious. After special meal outstation catering “disasters” I’ve seen with American Airlines (especially at CDG!!), I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of this meal. Furthermore, this was the 10:30pm departure, so catering was more limited than a standard dinner-time or lunch-time flight.
There was plenty of LPGS to go around, and the Chablis Premier Cru was delicious. The other wines looked noteworthy, too. It would appear as though the First wine list took a bit of a dip in 2017, but is now coming back up.
Great data points, Sam, both on the food and the wine. Now I’m thinking I should have had some of the rolls. I got hooked on the garlic bread:) I did have breakfast as well. The fruit plate was great! Thanks for reading and taking the time to comment. Much appreciated!
I flew in Club Europe from LHR-FCO last Friday. The seating on the B767 was 2-2-2 and I was seated in the bulkhead. It was an evening flight and service was prompt throughout. The menu was exactly the same as yours; I chose the chicken. It was good, though a little heavy on the lobster cream sauce!
I was really impressed, however, on a shorter route (DUB-LHR, a 280 mi / 50-minute flight / A320) that they served a meal in Club Europe. Something I doubt I’ll see on a US carrier anytime soon!
HI Mel. I’d agree, heavy on the lobster cream sauce, but it sure was tasty:) A meal on a 50 minute flight is impressive. I was surprised the service was so good and leisurely on the two hour LIS-LHR flight. Thanks for reading!
Your timing is helpful as I have been considering BA for a couple flights. They were not even on the radar screen until I read your report. Thanks!
You’re welcome, Pam. Have a great weekend, and thanks for reading!