BA First Class JFK-LHR for 78,000 QFF points - worth it?

[austravel]

I have the option of booking a British Airways flight from New York - London for 78,000 Qantas Frequent Flyer points and was wondering whether it was worth it? I would be flying the BA176, which uses a Boeing 777-200/300 and as I understand it all BA flights these days have the new product in First. Also, in New York there is the opportunity to access the Concord Room which is also a bonus.

Is there anyone who has flown BA First before? How does it compare to First Class on other carriers? Do you reckon it would be worth using the points for this or would I be better off saving it for something else? I know alot of these questions are subjective but I would be interested to hear your opinions .

 

[Wozz]

If you are keen to try the BA F product I say go for it. The flight is nearly 7hrs so it gives you sufficient time to enjoy the service.

These days it seems almost impossible to redeem QF flights anyway so I don't think it is a bad use of points.

 

[amaroo]

I'd go for it.

BA F is ok, not as flashy as others and the food can be disappointing, however the service has always been First Class. From reports the JFK CCR is pretty special - I've only experienced the CCR at LHR ... and that wasn't very good.

BA176 is 100% NF and is a mix of B747 @ 72% & B777 @ 28% British Airways route overview - FT Dashboard

 

[ms1]

I'd go for it.

BA F is ok, not as flashy as others and the food can be disappointing, however the service has always been First Class. From reports the JFK CCR is pretty special - I've only experienced the CCR at LHR ... and that wasn't very good.

BA176 is 100% NF and is a mix of B747 @ 72% & B777 @ 28% British Airways route overview - FT Dashboard

Do OneWorld Emerald have access to CCR in JFK when flying CX J? I've heard differing opinions. What is the best Emerald lounge at JFK T7?

 

[knasty]

CCR just for First.

 

[amaroo]

Do OneWorld Emerald have access to CCR in JFK when flying CX J? I've heard differing opinions. What is the best Emerald lounge at JFK T7?

No. BA First and some upper class of "super-duper" elites. A few reports over on FT that First Class flights on other OW carriers CAN get you in .... only speculative though.

 

[samh004]

Spoilers: Review: British Airways Concorde Room New York JFK - One Mile at a Time

 

[Hawkeye]

The CCR at JFK is nice, but nothing out of the ordinary.

What it does have in its favour is a large space for very few passengers, so provides plenty of quiet time, which is exactly what a good lounge should offer. CCR at LHR T5, by contrast, can often be remarkably full due to the sheer volume of departures with F class.

BA F feels a generation behind many others despite the cabin refresh. It's very much like QF F on 747.

It's always good to be in First, regardless.

 

[Sprucegoose]

They were the first to modernise F in the 90s now they are laggards

Service is always impeccable

 

[vantage03]

BA F is an average First product for someone who regularly flies F, but I actually find it better if you are flying TO Heathrow rather than from there, as it's always a nightmare. Boarding a BA flight at LHR is third-world and the ground staff are rude and disinterested.

Is it worth 78K QFF points? Probably, especially if you'd otherwise be purchasing a one-way fare.

FWIW I used points to fly this route in BA F a couple of months ago and the flight was good. I'd do it again.