BA2173 (G-VIIC) was delayed 35 minutes at LGW and consequently was late into JFK by 25 minutes. Once on board I was offered a glass of champagne, but was never offered or given an amenities bag.

The aircraft does not have an upgraded First Class so still has the old DVD player as opposed to the AVOD. I was offered a list of the films, eventually, but had seen all the films on the list.

The food was not bad, but if I had paid $6,000.00 for my ticket, I would not have been impressed. The started (Salmon Souffle) was served, without the Salmon Souffle; it did arrive later, but rather spoiled the whole starter. The lamb was overcooked for my taste, and as a consequence, tough. The cheese was fine. The wine was excellent as was the champagne.

The crew, as always it seems with British Airways, were great and were helpful and talkative and eager to please.

I knew the flight out of Gatwick used the older type of 777, so I was not disappointed as I had planned to listen to my iPod anyway, but I think several of the passengers were not totally happy at the non-AVOD, but if they had paid top money, I don't really blame them.

All in all, it was a good flight with BA, and given a choice I will always fly them from Europe to New York, if only for the fact that getting through JFK is very easy when you are in the front of the plane and first off. There in-flight staff are usually very good, but the airline could have better food, and really needs to upgrade its First class product - or dump it all together.

The first class lounge at Gatwick was far from impressive and I wish I had stayed in the club world lounge - but since BA are canceling their LGW-JFK flight in October, it will probably be several years before I go back to Gatwick, having to choose LHR instead.... (Virgin... Gatwick>JFK... may be worth it, as the flight was full!