When I travel between the United States and Europe, I know there are many airlines that offer either non-stop or one-stop connections across the continent. Even with so many options, premium award space often appears only a few weeks before departure.

On a recent trip from Athens, Greece to Washington, D.C., I book a British Airways Economy Class award ticket with miles so I can lock in my travel date. However, about seven days before my flight, new award space appears on what many travelers consider the crown jewel of the British Airways fleet, the Airbus A380-800 First Class cabin.

I move fast, book the First Class seat, cancel my Economy Class ticket, and start looking forward to a much more comfortable journey. This routing also gives me the chance to visit the famous British Airways Concorde Room at London Heathrow (LHR), which many people see as the best lounge in the entire British Airways system.

I will not dwell on the short four hour hop from Athens (ATH) to London (LHR), since that segment is a standard intra-Europe Business Class flight with no special features to note.

The journey truly begins in London (LHR), where I begin my British Airways A380-800 First Class experience, and it continues all the way to my arrival in Washington, D.C. (IAD). 

Award Flight Booking (7/10)

Award space for this flight does not open until one week before departure, but I often find that British Airways is one of the most reliable airlines for releasing premium seats through Avios partners. British Airways actually guarantees four Business Class, two Premium Economy, and eight Economy Class Saver seats on every long haul flight as soon as the schedule opens. This level of predictability is rare and gives me a strong base for planning award travel across the Atlantic.

The pricing, however, can feel a little high. The First Class seat on this route usually costs 90,000 British Airways Executive Club miles and about 600 USD in taxes and fees. The availability makes the cost easier to justify, and with a bit of flexibility in my dates, I can usually find something that fits my plans.

Even though I book through British Airways Executive Club, there are a couple of other booking options that can work well for this route:

• Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards: 82,500 miles + 850 USD (one way)
• American Airlines AAdvantage: 85,000 miles + 850 USD (one way)
• Qantas Frequent Flyer: 129,200 miles + 850 USD (one way)

Since I hold the British Airways Visa Signature® Card, I also receive a 200 USD discount on up to three award bookings each year. That benefit saves me 600 USD across the year and brings the total cost of this flight down to 90,000 Avios and 400 USD. This feels much more reasonable for a First Class experience, especially when flying out of the United Kingdom, where premium cabin fees are known to be high.

Here is the exact itinerary I book:

• Flight Number: BA293
• Route: London, United Kingdom (LHR) to Washington, D.C. (IAD)
• Departure Date: September 15, 2025
• Departing: 17:00
• Arriving: 20:10
• Duration: 8hr 10min

The cost may be on the high side, but I feel excited to experience one of the last true international First Class cabins in the world for a fraction of the cash price – anywhere from 4,000 USD to 12,000 USD.

First Class Airport Check-In (7/10)

After I arrive at London Heathrow (LHR) from Athens (ATH), I have an eight hour layover, so I take the Elizabeth Line into the city for a short break. After a couple of hours exploring, I ride the Elizabeth Line back to Heathrow and make my way to the First Class check in area.

Since I am flying in British Airways First Class, I head straight to the dedicated First Class zone. I already hold my boarding pass from the earlier segment, but I still want the physical ticket from Heathrow because it feels like a small souvenir from this special flight.

The check in agent welcomes me right away. I notice a small sitting area nearby with water for First Class passengers, which adds a calm touch to the space. Once I finish at the counter, I continue to the dedicated First Class security lane. 

The officer compliments my airplane themed shirt, which feels like the perfect choice for an international First Class trip. This checkpoint now uses the new security machines, so I do not need to remove my toiletries or place liquids in a plastic bag. I consider this a major win, especially at a large airport.

With security complete in just a few minutes, I head straight to the Concorde Room.

Airport Lounge: British Airways Concorde Room (6/10)

One of the most interesting stories I heard about London Heathrow (LHR) is that British Airways pays a large fee each year (around 1.5 mill USD) so First Class passengers can skip the duty free shops in Terminal 5 and head straight to the lounge.

To my delight, this rumor proves true. 

A private tunnel leads me directly into the First Class Lounge. I can stay here if I want, and even stop for a scoop of ice cream at the hand scooped stand, but I decide to continue to the Concorde Room, which is reserved for passengers flying in international First Class.

I walk across the hallway to the Concorde Room entrance, hand over my ticket, and I am welcomed inside right away. The design feels like a formal British living room, with soft chairs, couches, and warm lighting. At the center of the space sits a beautiful bar that displays an impressive selection of champagne. I sit at the bar and order a glass, which arrives quickly.

First Class Lounge Dining

After I finish my champagne, I head to the formal dining room. I am seated right away, and while the service feels a little uneasy and not quite at the level I expect from a First Class lounge, the food is excellent. 

I enjoy a full four course meal that starts with leek and potato soup with creme fraiche, followed by a classic Caesar salad. For my main course, I choose the plaice meuniere with pickled samphire and buttered new potatoes. I pair everything with more champagne, which feels fitting for the Concorde Room. I end the meal with eton mess, one of my favorite desserts of all time.

Once I finish dining, it is time to head to my gate in Terminal 5C. I take a moment to snap a few pictures of the Concorde Room balcony, then make my way to Gate C64 using the underground train. 

After a short five minute wait, boarding begins for First Class. I hand over my boarding pass, walk down the jet bridge, and settle into my British Airways A380-800 First Class seat.

British Airways A380-800 First Class Cabin And Layout (7/10)

When I step onto the British Airways A380-800, I first notice how large the First Class cabin feels. The cabin sits on the lower deck near the front of the aircraft and holds fourteen seats in total. 

The layout uses a 1-2-1 configuration, which gives every passenger direct aisle access and creates an open, spacious feel throughout the cabin. 

All seats face forward. The center seats angle slightly toward one another, and a sliding privacy screen is available if you are not traveling with a companion. Along the windows, the seats angle gently outward, which gives solo travelers more privacy and a clearer view outside.

British Airways A380-800 First Class Seat (7/10)

Because I book my flight only one week before departure, I have limited seat options. Even so, I am able to select seat 4K on the right side of the cabin. The window view and the extra sense of privacy make it a great choice for this flight.

Seat Design And Comfort

As I reach my seat, I notice right away how large it feels. In bed mode, the seat measures about seventy nine inches long and twenty nine inches wide. This is the first time I can stretch my legs without touching the footrest, which feels like a small victory.

The updated cloth and stitching also stand out. Even though the basic structure of the seat shows its age, the new upholstery gives it a clean and modern look. When I sit down, I check out the footwell. My favorite part is the open space above it. Since I have larger feet, I often bump into the top of a tight footwell on other airlines. That problem does not exist here, and the extra width on the lower deck of the A380-800 gives me even more room to stretch out.

To my left, the in flight entertainment screen pops out. It is a 15.4 inch HD display. The picture quality shows its age, especially when I compare it to the much newer screens on the British Airways A350-1000 Business Class, so it is an area that could use a refresh. 

Above me, I find two reading lights, but there are no individual air vents. Even without vents, the cabin stays relatively cool during the flight, which makes it easy to relax and take a nap.

Storage, Features, And Functionality

Most of the in seat storage sits to my right (near the window). The outer shelf becomes my go to spot for items I reach for often. This is also where the tray table hides. It slides out smoothly, feels very sturdy, and becomes long enough to support buddy dining when paired with the seatbelt equipped footrest. It is clear that British Airways designed this table with shared meals in mind.

Attached to the shelf are the seat controls and lighting controls. Several preset positions make it easy to switch between upright, lounging, and sleeping, and the dial gives me more precise adjustment when I want it. 

Closer to my seat, I find a deep cubby where I place my passport and glasses. It holds much more than I expect, so I make a mental note to check it before I leave the plane.

All the main power and tech ports are nearby. This includes the entertainment controller, two USB A ports, and an AC outlet. There are even old school yellow, white, and red video ports, which remind me of how long this product has been flying.

Each seat has two large windows, and both use electronic shades that move at the push of a button. It feels like a small gimmick, but one I enjoy using. 

A personal reading light sits behind my right shoulder. The design feels classic, almost like something I would expect to find in a traditional British sitting room.

One detail I notice right away is how little wear and tear the seat shows. For an older aircraft, the seat looks impressively well maintained, and British Airways deserves credit for keeping it in good shape.

To the left of the seat entrance, I find the closet. I often consider onboard closets to be decorative rather than useful, but this one surprises me. It is large enough to hold a rollaboard and a backpack, and it still has space to hang a jacket on the provided hanger. 

The extra width on the lower deck of the Airbus A380-800 clearly helps create this generous space.

British Airways A380-800 First Class Bed (7/10)

When I recline the seat into lie flat mode, I notice right away that the bed has both strengths and weaknesses. 

Bed Setup And Comfort

The bed padding feels supportive, and British Airways provides two pillows and two blankets, which helps create a cozy setup. There is no sliding door, though. A door would add a level of privacy that would make it easier to relax, especially on an overnight flight.

My favorite part of the bed is the generous foot space. It is far larger than what I find in a typical Business Class seat, and I have more than enough room to sleep on my side without feeling cramped. The small padded bench that sits flush with the seat adds even more space, which makes the bed feel wide and open for an aircraft cabin.

The cabin stays relatively cool during the flight, but without individual air nozzles, I cannot cool down the space around me. This makes rest a little harder at times. However, I receive a set of lightweight pajamas during boarding. They are not the most premium pajamas I have worn, but the thin material helps me stay cooler, which works in my favor.

Turndown And Overall Sleep Experience

After the main meal service, the flight attendants offer turndown service and set up a mattress pad. Since I have been awake since four in the morning London time, I fall asleep quickly and enjoy a solid two hour nap on this daytime flight.

I think most travelers will find the bed comfortable for both red eye flights and daytime rest. It will be interesting to see how British Airways updates its First Class seat in the future, especially since the A380-800 is expected to stay in the fleet for many years. Even a simple addition like a privacy door would make the bed feel far more luxurious.

On-Board Entertainment (5/10)

The in-flight entertainment screen in British Airways A380-800 First Class measures 15.4 inches and shows HD visuals. The library is not as large as what I see on some Middle Eastern or Asian airlines, but it still offers a good mix of movies, TV shows, music, podcasts, and games.

My main issue is that my screen does not work for at least half the flight. The touchscreen is unresponsive, and the remote only brings up the in flight map, which becomes the feature I rely on most. It does not ruin the flight, but it feels disappointing on a flagship First Class product.

A pair of British Airways branded headphones waits at my seat during boarding. They work fine and stay on while I nap. The sound quality is solid, but the fit becomes a little uncomfortable after a long stretch of use. 

I also do not find any way to pair Bluetooth headphones, which I hope British Airways adds when these aircraft go through their next refresh.

In-Flight Wi-Fi

The British Airways A380-800 uses Panasonic powered Wi-Fi, and First Class passengers receive it for free. This feels like a major positive. I can answer emails, browse, and stay productive throughout the flight. 

Since my entertainment screen has issues, having strong and reliable Wi Fi helps fill the gap. Along with the great window views and flight map, it becomes my main source of entertainment for most of the journey.

A380-800 First Class Lavatory (6/10)

On the British Airways A380-800, two lavatories are available for First Class passengers. Both sit at the front of the cabin, one on the left side and one on the right side.

In typical British Airways fashion, these are standard wide body aircraft lavatories. They are not upgraded with special features, but they work well for what I need. As a taller passenger, I can stand comfortably without feeling cramped, which is always a relief on a long haul flight.

Throughout the flight, the lavatories stay in good condition. I do not notice any mid flight cleanings, but since these restrooms are reserved for First Class passengers only, they remain tidy and well stocked from start to finish.

British Airways First Class Amenity Kit (8/10)

I am a big fan of amenity kits, and British Airways provides one of the more stylish options in the sky. The design is simple, but the quality feels high the moment I pick it up. 

Each First Class passenger receives a blue pouch from Temperley London, and it feels premium in both weight and texture. My favorite detail is the word “First” stamped directly into the leather. It makes the pouch feel like a small souvenir worth keeping.

Inside, the contents are well organized and thoughtfully selected. All toiletries come from Elemis, which adds a touch of spa like comfort to the experience. My kit includes: A dental kit with toothbrush and toothpaste, earplugs, an eye mask, socks, a pen, a comb, lip balm, deodorant, hand cream, face cream, hair gel, and collagen cream.

I would have liked to see hand sanitizer included, but the eye mask and dental kit cover my most important needs. The overall presentation is neat, useful, and clearly designed with travelers in mind. 

I still use my pouch today to hold my shower toiletries when I travel, which shows how practical it is long after the flight ends.

British Airways First Class Food And Beverage (7/10)

Before I even begin the meal service, one detail immediately stands out. British Airways uses a proper champagne flute in First Class. This small touch adds a refined feel to the entire experience and makes me feel like I am dining in an elegant restaurant rather than flying at 35,000 feet. 

The meals overall are delicious, and while the pre arrival side dish could be improved, I am very happy with both services.

Welcome Drinks

As I settle into my seat, a flight attendant stops by to ask what I would like to drink and suggests starting the trip with champagne. I choose the Lanson NOBLE Brut Vintage 2005. She also brings a sparkling water, mixed nuts, and a cheese crisp.

As soon as I finish the first glass of champagne, the crew comes by to top it off again. It is a wonderful start to the flight and sets the tone for the service that follows.

Dinner Service

Dinner begins shortly after takeoff and moves at a relaxed pace, which works well for this late afternoon departure. The service starts with a warm towel to refresh.

The amuse bouche arrives next. It includes beetroot rose, whipped Tunworth cheese, bee pollen, and a honey dressing. I pair it with sparkling water and a mocktail called the Royal Fizz, made with apple juice and ginger ale. I am not a big fan of beets, yet I finish the dish with no issue.

For the starter, I receive smoked Hampshire chalk stream trout with Cornish crab, trout caviar, and a lemon pepper cream. The presentation is unique, and the flavors work well together. Fresh bread, butter, and olive oil come on the side. I switch my drink to the Fizzberry mocktail, a mix of cranberry and Indian tonic water served over ice with a lemon slice.

For the main course, I choose the honey and lavender glazed Welsh lamb rack with braised lamb shoulder. It comes with Mediterranean vegetables, grilled fennel, roasted beetroot, and sautéed cabbage. The lamb is beautifully cooked, and the sides complement it well.

Dessert becomes the highlight of the meal. I enjoy an English cheeseboard and then finish with eton mess, my absolute favorite dessert. Both are excellent, and I could easily enjoy more than one serving of the eton mess.

Throughout the flight, snacks are available on demand, including popcorn, Tyrells crisps, and chocolate truffles. I order the popcorn twice, and it hits the spot each time.

Pre-Arrival Meal

About 90 minutes before landing, the pre arrival meal service begins. I start with sparkling water and a glass of Lanson NOBLE Blanc de Blancs Vintage 2008, which tastes incredible.

The meal includes three courses. The starter is soy cured watermelon sashimi with marinated wakame and a seaweed salad. I love sashimi in any form, so this dish is an instant win. More bread, olive oil, and butter come alongside it.

For the main course, I choose the Scottish sirloin steak sandwich with cheddar cheese, caramelized red onion, and coleslaw. The sandwich is great, but the coleslaw leans too heavy on mayo and not enough salt and pepper for my Southern taste.

Dessert is a smooth creme caramel, similar to a flan. I finish it quickly and enjoy every bite. British Airways continues to shine when it comes to dessert.

The pacing and flavor make this the perfect pre landing meal as we prepare to descend into Washington Dulles (IAD).

British Airways Staff And Service (8/10)

Whenever I fly with British Airways, I consistently find the service to be friendly and kind. Some travelers say the experience can be hit or miss, but that has never been true for me. The service may not always feel especially memorable, yet the crew is always warm, attentive, and ready to help.

I also notice that when I show genuine excitement to be on board, the crew responds with the same energy. They often go out of their way to make the experience more special. Even with the challenges facing the airline industry, the British Airways team provides steady and reliable hospitality.

On this flight, the crew shows a real appreciation for the Airbus A380-800 and takes pride in working in First Class. They offer suggestions before I even ask, they help with a cheerful attitude, and they come right away when I press the call button. Their enthusiasm makes the cabin feel even more welcoming.

My favorite moment is when I ask if I can take a picture on the staircase. The crew lights up and helps me with what turns into a full mini photo shoot. They capture some great pictures that make my time in British Airways First Class feel even more memorable.

The crew on this flight is truly excellent, and I cannot recommend them enough.

Final Thoughts

The British Airways A380-800 First Class experience feels calm, comfortable, and well suited for a daytime transatlantic flight. The seat gives me plenty of space to stretch out, and the overall cabin design works well, even if some parts feel dated. The lack of a door and the absence of air vents keep it from reaching the level of the most luxurious First Class products in the world, but the core experience remains strong.

The service on this flight is warm and reliable, and the food and beverage program is well executed, especially with the steady pours of quality champagne. I am disappointed by the issues with my entertainment screen, and I hope British Airways resolves that quickly, since this cabin still has a lot of potential.

For travelers who value predictability, comfort, and easy access to major routes between the United States and the United Kingdom, this First Class product is a great option. If you have a transatlantic trip coming up, British Airways A380-800 First Class is worth considering, especially during fare sales or when booking with transferable points through the Avios program.

Hunter Threadgill