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British Airways Details Improvements to First-Class Menus, Bedding and Amenities

March 07, 2019
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3 min read
British Airways First soft upgrade
British Airways Details Improvements to First-Class Menus, Bedding and Amenities
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British Airways released details of its first-class soft-product upgrades on Thursday — and there's reason for passengers to get excited. Beginning March 31, passengers can expect to start seeing new bedding, amenities and menus. The airline, having been criticized for how slowly it rolled out soft-product enhancements to its Club World business class in recent years, has committed to completing the roll-out of these changes within a week. By April 7, British Airways says that all passengers flying first will experience the new soft product.

The airline, celebrating its centenary in 2019 with a number of retro-livery jets, is in the process of investing £6.5 billion in the next five years to enhance its cabins, catering, lounges and Wi-Fi, as well as introducing new aircraft, such as the Airbus A350.

The changes to its first-class soft product include new loungewear and amenity kits designed exclusively by the British fashion brand Temperley London. The amenity kit will be filled with products from ELEMIS, a British skincare brand.

Image courtesy of British Airways

Other changes include the introduction of new china crockery designed by William Edwards, cutlery from Studio William and glassware from Dartington including cut-glass tumblers — all British brands.

Image courtesy of British Airways
Image courtesy of British Airways

New a la carte menus are set to focus on seasonal British ingredients. And, first class passengers can expect a new signature afternoon tea service, featuring a menu of sandwiches, pastries, scones and a wide range of teas.

Image courtesy of British Airways

When ready for bed, an improved turndown service will help first class passengers settle in. The improved soft product features 400-thread count bedding, a foam fiber mattress topper, as well as day blankets and bolster cushions.

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Image courtesy of British Airways

British Airways is also set to unveil its new Club World product later this year. The new Club World seat will be installed on British Airways' new Airbus A350 aircraft and retrofitted on its fleet of Boeing 777s. The first A350 is expected to be delivered to British Airways ahead of the summer and will enter service in the second half of the year. The A350 will not have a first-class cabin, but the enhanced Club World seat will offer aisle access for all passengers.

Additionally, the airline recently announced a big order for the Boeing 777-9 to replace its aging Boeing 747s. The incoming 777 jets will feature a first class cabin.

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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

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  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.