Is British Airways First Class the World's Best Business Class?

[@Gutenmorgenside]

The comb did it for me.

[@gstevens6948]

😂😂😂😂

[@shLNG3345]

The editing when you were going through the amenities kit in BA - especially the comb and when you pulled the pillow from behind you!! Really funny!

[@mtmawdsley]

Very accurate review Kym. I've travelled BA long haul over the last two years. BA isn't as glossy as the other Middle East airlines, however it is consistently professional service at the front and back. Lounges, aircraft, and staff are all very good.

[@PetriTemiseva]

"... as the other Middle East airlines" 😁

[@chinqlinq89]

Yea I don’t know the average price differences between the 2, but I would like to see what the difference in operating cost/revenue are.

[@nibzee]

I'm glad you have experienced good service with BA, as I wont fly with them again. I used to fly BA in first regularly where their service was first rate, and their afternoon tea service was exemplary. But in the years pre-covid their planes were often tired, their hard product worn out and unreliable which also described their staff. I've switched to middle east carriers who seem to have poached any of the good staff from BA as many of the staff have said that they were ex BA. To even charge for a seat in business whether short haul or long haul shows that they have become more of a LCC than a legacy airline.

[@algita8]

Emirates and Qatar have a huge logbooks with many failures, I prefer to fly BA with regulations, than a plane from middle east that has technical failures but stupid overrated luxury with young not professional instagram barbies on board and almost crashing like Qatar Doha - Copenhagen, Emirates 380 with huge hole inside engine. Cheers from the engineer.

[@wengelder9256]

But the food and seat is utter crap

[@bertko1710]

7:18 a comb hahahahaha that always cracks me up 😂😂 cheers Kym

[@steveegger7954]

Thanks!

[@KymIllman]

No problem! Thanks

[@chron123]

Talking about lack of sleep due to short flight time: couple years back there's this BA flight that encountered a REALLY power jetstream that cut the flight time from LHR-JFK down to a whopping 4 hrs and 56 mins, that's a proper redeye

[@devarona18]

BA lost my bags one time when I traveled to London. It took them a whole week to get my luggage to me. Good luck with that sir.

[@KymIllman]

They are trying my patience. Have to get the cops involved.

[@MattNav]

Great video as always Kym, always love a visit to Heathrow Terminal 3 as it contains the delightful Cathay Pacific and Qantas lounges. Can't get enough of that delicious dim sum, dan dan noodles at Cathay and the Qantas lounge has a great bar and views too

[@tonystewart1309]

Another great vid mate, thanks. Enjoy the race. BTW I saw you in the front row photographers scrum at the drivers interviews post quali today, couldn’t miss the bucket hat!

[@jameskiehm546]

Kym, I traveled the world for work. International flights I could travel business but often bumped to 1st because of status. While all those perks are necessary for someone that travels like you, that travel is grueling. Best of luck and safe travels.

[@LWT633]

hey Kym! just want to say its hugely admirable to see you do your vlog and see it growing too.. so cool

[@KymIllman]

Thank you so much!!

[@encryptededdy]

In my experience with separate tickets with through-checked bags, it's best to talk to the 2nd airline's staff at your transit point (in this case BA at JFK) to ensure the bag exists in their system. IME 1/4 the time the bag info hasn't made it into the second airline's computer system, even though they printed the tag with all stops back at the origin airport checkin.

[@callummjones]

That’s not how you clear immigration, that’s just BA using a new way to verify your ticket. USA doesn’t require you to exit via customs/immigration.

[@rolandfromearth]

I work for an EU airline and about the baggage - with separate tickets indeed it is tricky to do it and arrange it, but possible. But in the end, bag can always be lost, regardless. Or they just told you that they did it, but actually the bag was on the belt at JFK waiting for you.😀

[@graemecatty9921]

That first class lounge in NY looked superb.

[@KymIllman]

It was!

[@missVmilne]

So insightful through all your experiences - loved this video - thank you for sharing ! So sorry you were given poor advice regarding the bag transfer in US, the checkin trainee WAS correct. I travel often through the US from Europe and have to do the connections myself but the bags do get on the correct plane. Stay positive. Hello from London : - )

[@chrisprideaux151]

It had to be Lewis lol, the emphasis on the comb was hilarious and I for one hope you enjoyed the trampoline 😊

[@KymIllman]

Have not had a chance to have a go

[@chrisprideaux151]

@@KymIllman I’d be lying if I said I haven’t 😂

[@alexbremner8361]

No. Is Club worth it? No. Is Premium worth it? No. BA is a poor airline but yet I use them consistently still. The crew are good, the cabin staff are usually spot on and the brand still exists. To many shabby cabins on the long haul routes although I did Club recently from LHR - JFK in a retro-fitted 773 with 1-2-1 and that was actually pretty good. Talking myself out of my critique ;-)

[@JP_Stone]

Good travels and fair weather Kym. Hope to catch you live soon

[@KymIllman]

I hope so too!

[@kuchintamy]

Great travel video, as always 👌! As a travel buff too, I found it interesting that your BA flight from LHR - VIN was shown on the info screen as Flight MH9918, MH being the code for Malaysia Airlines, not British Airways. I guess its an MH code share flight 😄.

[@mikeabcable]

Indeed BA and MH are one world members so I think code share is correct

[@AshMixes]

Great video as always Kym!

[@simonhogan2379]

I think it’s a little unfair to compare Emirates’ First Class lounge in their home airport (Dubai) to a BA First Class lounge in a different continent to the BA ‘home airport’. Having said that, I think it would definitely be true to say that the BA cabin levels aren’t quite the same standard as many of their Middle Eastern counterparts. It would be interesting to compare how the different airlines are funded as I wouldn’t be surprised if Emirates received some kind of ‘state support’ as a ‘representative’ of the region. Maybe they are just better than BA but it might be a slightly different story.

[@reggie1289]

its not just the lounge. the BA first class inflight is not a scratch on emirates or even for that matter Etihad.. typical british hype on their own brands...

[@charlieswift1299]

​@@reggie1289 Thats all a bit naive is it not? LHR to DXB is about £3800 on BA for first class, £7000 on emirates a380. Obviously emirates is going to be better but you're paying a huge premium, it's hardly like the prices are the same to justify the comparison.

[@charlieswift1299]

And its the exact same if you fly LHR to SIN. £6000 return for BA first, Singapore Airlines A380 £11,300 in their suite. Obviously SIN Airlines are the better choice but its almost double the price, BA first is a solid affordable first class option, it's not got a shower on it but its a very good product and better than flying Emirates or Singapore Business class (I use BA first as my regular flight to and from the states, have done emirates business and first on the a380 and have also done Singapore airlines a380 first suite).

[@hennyvanveldhuizen5976]

They don’t pay for fuel in the Middle East……also work their staff very hard

[@algita8]

Emirates has plenty of technical failures, so yes, bla bla this luxury, their 380s are almost crashing but yes, still they find ways to hide it. So I prefer BA with regulations, than fancy but technically bad plane.

[@Perfectlyhonest22]

You had better luck than I did re: change of seat in first class. Flew from LHR to YYZ in a broken business seat with no recline and no other option from BA

[@dibandukundu3070]

Great video as always 😃

[@andrewhamilton6677]

No-one who has ever flown BA 1st class and ANY other 1st class over the past 5-10 years would say BA is the world's best 1st class. Compared to the likes of Singapore airlines, Emirates etc its like RyanAir.

[@mstenvers]

Especially in Germany and Austria (but probably most of Europe) never fill up at the Highways, Petrol will cost you between 30% and sometimes even 50% more, just go off the highway to fill up and prevent being scammed out of your money just because its convenient to stay on the highway...

[@bertimunro]

Seeing that you mentioned DO&CO, Gottfried that started DO&CO was good friends with the late Niki Lauda and he got the break into airline catering through Niki with “Fly Niki” the airline! 😊 There is the F1 connection!

[@simondelacanal4543]

Everytime I flew through USA I had to re-check my bags, even when it was a connection with the same airline

[@PetriTemiseva]

Yes, going in, because of Customs. But, never in the past 48 years when flying out.

[@bethhigginson7216]

The comb moment sent me!

[@o.c.g.m9426]

Last 3 trips with BA & now have gold status. They not as glossy or loud as middle eastern airlines. Staff is so sweet & very professional. They have everything. Id go with BS 1st class bc im not paying $17k for 12 mirrors & 2738 lights

[@vacation13]

Clear and concise report Kym...Wife and I are going from JFK to LHR in Sept. As a matter of fact she has seat 1F First Class. Did they tell you what the problem was with the seat? We're traveling from Charlotte to NY via Delta. I would assume it would be better to collect and re-check at JFK. We're both in our 70's and were hoping to avoid schlepping luggage around. Again, thanks for the Video.

[@unitedcomputers]

Good to hear an Aussie accent....always makes the viewing easier !!! 🙂 How did you get that little graphic to show the route ?

[@harryswain4452]

I thought it was a bad idea to check those bags through. Especially when she said they don’t usually do it. Great video

[@KymIllman]

Thanks for watching!

[@tonytony3895]

Your presentation is highly interesting to watch. Thank you very much and take care. 😊

[@KymIllman]

So nice of you

[@den_525]

BA's first class is most top tier airlines business class... best... it's close. But I did it once on their first and never paying first class prices for business class product, especially there are some business class arguably better.

[@the_rocksf1148]

You’ve taken probably over a thousand flights but does the turbulence ever scare you? Another beautifully presented vlog, thanks for sharing ❤

[@KymIllman]

There’s only a couple of times, I remember that turbulence has been an issue, and even then it was just discomfort rather than Terror

[@OliDeu]

I'm passionate about Motorsport and an AvGeek. I love your trip reports, you can compete with the best ones on YT now !!!!

[@KymIllman]

When I’m finished with F1, perhaps I’ll take up plane spotting at exotic locations

[@DJAlexParker]

The Americans who say petrol prices are too high need to visit the UK 🤣. Random question though, do flight attendants get paid more for working first class part of the plane? I feel like they should

[@rogerbayzand4455]

Just watching the sprint shootout on TV here in OZ and keeping an eye out for you around the track.

[@KymIllman]

I was there

[@rogerbayzand4455]

@@KymIllman I spotted you at the end of the Sprint race, you need a green and gold bucket hat. Looking forward to your report, cheers mate.

[@Markus22MUC]

Maybe a tip for your next journey on BA/AA intercont first class. Book the ticket originating from Europe(Budapest would be ideal). I got a deal for about 2.5k Euros for Budapest-Las Vegas/Honolulu-Budapest in First. You can use the return flight for a whole year, so it should work out for your next trip to europe as well. Just have to book it 1-3 months in advance i believe.

[@n1msu]

A pleasure to watch as always, interesting (to me at least) that I didn't know prior to watching this video, BA actually also carries out domestic US flights which seems a bit odd but I guess they're used to transfer passengers from smaller airports to the hubs.

[@ratedz9188]

Love the travel videos Kym. good info and insightful.

[@KiwiJanner]

British Airways - Never fails to disappoint.

[@KymIllman]

They’ve stolen my luggage the c^*+s

[@Gutenmorgenside]

@@KymIllman Bloody pom's ! 😊 They were the 'worlds greatest airline' 30 years ago. Should have re-checked your luggage.

[@watson956]

I'm looking forward to the next episode of Kym's Travels to find out when and where you were reunited with your suitcase, Kym! 😎

[@henrysteppel2031]

Lufthansa is getting there as well, disappointing and angry FA in First!

[@luckylass5444]

Yep! We had a better experience on United from US to Heathrow.

[@tiadaid]

Interesting that you mentioned Qatar, given that they own a part of BA through their stake in IAG, BA's holding company.

[@At_the_races]

We flew first class Miami Heathrow recently and the seating and cabin were appalling, however I must admit the Miami first class lounge was VERY impressive.

[@Gnrnrvids]

I'm really enjoying your videos Kym. It is a great view into the travel world to follow the F1.

[@KymIllman]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@CookingNewJersey]

Love your video graphics!

[@KymIllman]

Glad you like them!

[@watson956]

5:16 "Lewis Hamilton, OF COURSE !" - 😂😂😂

[@michaeltaylor3473]

The guy with the green shirt and gold watch at 5 mins in, I was sat opposite him at breakfast in the T5 arrivals lounge last Thursday morning.

[@KymIllman]

He’s famous now

[@tajammulrizvi9504]

First time I have been recommended your channel by KZbin.

[@KymIllman]

Welcome to the channel!

[@ameerali.ouarda]

Funny thing is BA First is almost always cheaper than EK’s Business which is in a horrendous 2-3-2 configuration on that same plane. I’d take BA any day.

[@FlyandStay-524]

Great review and very nice!

[@KymIllman]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@adventuresintandem]

Awesome Video! thank you -ceeg

[@KymIllman]

My pleasure!

[@xRicCi]

Great video as always!

[@MrNordpole]

I was surprised first when you told me about your bags in JFK, because I saw you at the qualifying with your camera. But you became experienced I guess 😉

[@KymIllman]

Cameras always come with me

[@idfisher]

@kym, that isnt the Soho Lounge, its the Chelsea Lounge for BA first customers only. Soho is Gold Card and non BA first class lounge

[@KymIllman]

Noted

[@andreas1337able]

hahah the Seinfeld music cracked me well to the ground :D hahaha

[@savanahgiles5546]

AA and Delta great at losing your luggage.When we connected from States to UK baggage missing.We arrived at T5 on BA and the connection from Kentucky to JFK baggage did not make it on AA flight.But BA were really helpful in tracing them.

[@brenoestrella7905]

I almost laugh my guts out with the "A COMB" and the Seinfeld bass slamming hahahhahahahahahaha

[@JordanHammond7]

93 Octane, business must be booming! 😂 Well done!

[@seanp7dc]

Your video says "Soho Lounge" but you were actually in the Chelsea Lounge, for First Class only. They have Krug, Dom at the moment - did you get some? Also, you should have gone straight to the CCR in LHR. Better food, drinks, service. It's a shame you missed out on this! Re: BA being the world's best "business class" - i know it's cute for people to say that and laugh at BA, but I would say QR J is the best biz, and BA F is somewhere in the middle. Their lounges are fantastic, seat/bedding great. Where they fall down is drink selection and service - if you get a bad crew it can be horrid. Thanks for posting!

[@bradyw5263]

Great video Kym. That’s a lot

[@KymIllman]

Yes it was

[@mattmarino5486]

Recent follower, love your videos.

[@chris20041958]

I have only lost luggage once and yes it was BA.

[@danieltreloar5246]

Should've gone at Heathrow terminal 3 to either the Cathay Pacific first of Qantas lounge

[@orighomisandediare4990]

You said it all. The First isn't my first choice. I still prefer the BA Club.

[@ayecarambapoker]

Is there a reason you didnt use the Concorde room in LHR? If you arrive in 1st and connect you should be allowed access

[@TheCrzsrg]

I see that your enjoying americas finest t shirt 😁 love car-hart tees, highly recommend the cargo shorts.

[@stevejoseph1664]

I really enjoyed this video.

[@KymIllman]

I'm so glad!

[@gbglobetrotter]

The ticketing issue with the bags is why I have an American Express card! I was at JFK flying to Almaty via Beijing and had two tickets, so they refused to let me even board the flight! I called Amex and they combined both flights over the phone onto one ticket and then the airline check the booking on their computer and allowed me to fly! This is why I love Amex - that and how they paid my hotel bill in Cuba releasing me from house arrest when the hotel refused to take a US bank card for payment!

[@ukdavepianoman]

Very entertaining video! As a Brit I feel embarrassed at BA but the good news is they are now improving. I agree BA First Class is on par with the better business class products...the old BA business class was probably the worst (out of "first world countries") but the new configurations are a huge improvement. BA FAs are always top notch, the food has improved, lounges are a bit of a mix - T5 Galleries are like zoos, Concorde is excellent, I think the T3 lounge is supposed to be better. It's a bit poor that your booked First class seat was broken but thankfully they found a replacement. Hope the luggage turned up!

[@KymIllman]

Two days late, yes

[@davidgriffiths3713]

Don’t be embarrassed being a Brit, British airways is a brand name for the owners IAG which is a Spanish registered company. Bags not arriving on time is not BA fault but the baggage handlers fault at the American airport.

[@hannesr133]

1€/litre is absolutely cheap, in Germany you’re paying like 1.80€/litre

[@kaywatkins2987]

Very entertaining as per usual … life lesson … we lost our luggage took 3 days to be returned.. now we pack all our personal papers spare set clothing ect just in case … haven’t lost it since lol 😂

[@eddypraet3536]

I just love your travel video’s 😍👍

[@jgreysweater]

there is a concert hall in Vienna, and a shoulder where the doves go to cry.

[@jeremykojoagyemang]

Amazing video 👍🏾

[@teamredgutz399]

I always have been led to believe that Emirates had the best international business class. As an American I know it is certainly no airline from my country. Delta One and United Polaris to Europe are fine but not mind blowing. Same with European airlines I have flown in business. Trying out Emirates business in August going to Milan for Monza. They include round trip car service to and from the airport. I was impressed.

[@PetriTemiseva]

Emirates may have the best First class (the new game changer seat), but its business class is far behind the best competitors. Especially, when you are stuck on the middle seat.

[@charlesjohnson9249]

Depends on the plane. A380 is amazing while 777 is a disaster with 2-3-2 configuration!! My ranking for Business Class is: 1. Singapore Airlines (A380) 2. Emirates (A380) 3. Qatar (777) 4. Cathay (777) 5. Delta, Alaska and Dragonair . . . . . . Somewhere down here BA in the A380

[@DogScreenTV]

@@PetriTemisevamaybe on the 777 yes. But a380 business is up there with Qatar q suite

[@DogScreenTV]

@@charlesjohnson9249it’s a shame BA aren’t putting new suites in the a380. However the 777 and a350 suites are nice

[@davidbalcon8726]

At T3 should have used the CX lounge…best OneWorld lounge with a first class section you could have used coming off F transAtlantic.

[@paulstannard3994]

Like it. That fellas watch was a corker

[@jameskim62]

LOVE YOUR VIDEO AND VIDEO OF CLOUDS !!!!!!!!! R U PLANNING TO GET EMBORIED POLO SHIRTS ???? I will purchase 3. Getting white bucket hat and T-Shirts. CHEERS.

[@POLONDO]

thank you. I love the video.

[@KymIllman]

Thank you too!

[@markjohnson95659]

Great stuff

[@adbe52]

I have a good experience with British Airways from Bangkok to Australia..

[@BJRoyalty]

Do they have a double cabin?

[@Toolmanrules15]

Great stuff Kym! Do you have a favorite airport?

[@Hammertime054]

Done the BA triple 7 long haul, never again, i must have got the bad day from the staff, not for me, good luck to you though👍🏻👍🏻

[@calebcuthbert2420]

Surely im not the only one who spotted the only fans ad in the petrol station

[@0tispunkm3y3r]

I've been on that aircraft layout from LAX to LHR... in business. I was disappointed when I got on and still had to turn right! lol I don't get to turn left very often! But yeah its got a few first seats and then a huge chunk of the middle is business! like 24 rows or something. I thought the business seat was very good. But actually the premium economy probably represents the best value experience.

[@AMPMhandle]

Kym, did you use the trampoline at your Spielberg hotel? More practical for you than that BA comb?

[@625shiprat]

Counter intuitive but flying central US to LHR is more pleasant with the 8 hour flight time vs the 6 hour from east coast

[@DronemanJoeRc]

business class is just as good and even better. I flew BA London to Newark in 1st a few months ago and the service in 1st was slow and they didnt have much on the menu that they gave me to choose from. My attendant kept saying to me sorry we don't have that over and over and said to me that he can check to see if the meal is avail from Business Class and get one to serve me. SMH. 1st class is to be 5 star and it wasn't, I ended up ordering from the lite menu and got a burger. I asked him should I order from Dominos and get a pizza here at 35,000 ft would I have a better chance of getting a meal. It was over rated and not worth the money at all. I will stay in business from now on.

[@lowflying]

I was pretty much all your content .. and subscribed on my multiple personal channels ;-) but i have a question .. when i vlog on an airplane .. the ambient noise is very high .. i primarily use a DJI wireless mic (really nice) .. what are you using to have such clear and low ambient back ground noise in your shots inside a flying aircraft ??

[@jsyorks2023]

The difference between BA & the Middle Eastern carriers, the ME carriers are dowsed in oil money. BA by profit. Every airline can have all the bells and whistles if they had oil money.

[@DiFigi]

Is this Farin Urlaub (famous german punk-rock singer) in the back of Nashville-JFK flight?😅

[@roobertnestaa]

my toughts 🤯🤣

[@scottwebster9596]

Just curious why Hannah (with and "H on the end") is a shock?! Surely that is how it is normally spelt.

[@jarrac]

No mention of the stick out shelf that will dig you in the ribs if you turn or get up in the wrong way. Who designed and passed that off?

[@jbentley75]

Really good report (thank you!) but including the F&B offering would have added to it, or at very least, sharing the menus. Personally I find BA First ok (nothing more, nothing less) - it's miles behind the likes of Singapore, Emirates, JAL etc. but a decent (but costly) option when flying to the States. It would be a tough choice between BA First and Singapore Business - the service levels would probably push me to favour Singapore.

[@adamgibson9385]

guy just casually showing off the AP!

[@RyanLackey]

You were in in the Chelsea lounge, not the Soho lounge as identified in the timeline.

[@qkorea]

Very nice and informative video. Tx a lot. Just that your voice is muffled by airplane noise so maybe use better mic

[@KymIllman]

I asked them to turn the engines off for some of it but they wouldn’t have it.