Just how posh does British Airways get?
Very.
That's the short answer that I'm confident I can issue following Boeing 777 flights in the carrier's £11k/$14k first class and £8k/$10k business-class (Club World) cabins between Heathrow and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York.
There is Champagne from a bottle worth £160 ($200),suites big enough for four and service with a sincere smile. Plus gourmet food.
I video both trips and snap away with my smartphone camera – so I've got evidence to back up my verdict. Though there are niggles. Read on for the full story and watch the video. And vote in our poll and let us know what YOU think of BA's fancy cabins.
LEFT: Ted's business-class sweet potato carpaccio starter. RIGHT: The main course - buffalo mozzarella ravioli
It's a smooth on-time departure and the crew waste no time dishing out the meals once the seatbelt signs are off.
The menu is head-noddingly extensive,with cocktails,mocktails,wine,Champagne,English sparkling wine and multi-course dinners and breakfasts on offer.
For the starter,I tuck into a seriously delicious sweet potato carpaccio with spiced mango dressing (must try this at home),and pearl vegetable couscous salad,then enjoy a mouthwatering buffalo mozzarella ravioli for mains.
I can't fault either dish.
Time for bed.
I manage a couple of hours of sleep and awake for a great breakfast – Greek yoghurt,a scrambled egg and bacon panini and a croissant,all washed down with a 'Union Coffee' coffee.
The crockery and glassware are all good quality and the service is faultless.
And here some extra words on the service,because it's British Airways at its best. Again. Charming,brimming with bonhomie and thoughtful.
I've flown in premium cabins where I get the feeling that the flight attendants just want to shut the cabin down as fast as possible so they can relax.
Not on this flight.
Before I disembark – or 'deplane' as our chums in America say – I'm offered a 'bottle of water for the journey' and waved off with a cheery smile.
CONCLUSION
The business class experience is impressive – the seat seduces,the food and drink hits the spot and the service is sincerely friendly.
But first class definitely feels like a more exclusive,luxurious experience – it's nothing short of glorious. I feel lost in time and space,almost forgetting that I'm even flying. It's an elite club within a club,with epic seats,top-tier service and a food and drinks offering that's astonishing.
VERDICTS
First class
Pros: Ridiculously roomy; massive,comfortable seat; huge screen; storage galore; chic design; privacy doors help create an inviting cocoon; superb service; excellent menu with gourmet food and top-tier Champagnes and wines courtesy of Master of Wine Tim Jackson.
Cons: Some of the kit didn't function very well - the remote control wasn't very responsive and the first pair of headphones didn't work properly.
Rating out of five: 4.5
Business class (Club World)
Pros: Smart,comfortable suite with plenty of room for manoeuvre; privacy door; direct aisle access for all; big,responsive entertainment screen; top-grade food; great service.
Cons: Paying £94 to reserve an £8,000 seat seems a bit cheeky.
Rating out of five: 4.5
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Where to stay in New York
Ted stayed at the The Carlyle,A Rosewood Hotel in New York. Click here for more information on the hotel.
New YorkBAHeathrow Airport
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