Understanding Business Class in British Airways
British Airways Business Class Review: Flying Club World
I fly a lot. I mean, a lot. Here's my review of British Airways Business Class, or as they call it, Club World.
New Club Suite - 2019
2019 Update: BA have announced a new Club Suite for their A350 aircraft, which will be rolled out later in 2019. Watch this blog for updates. In the meantime, this BA Business Class Review is still up to date..
What is business class in British Airways?
The first thing to notice when dealing with British Airways is that there isn't a straightforward division into Business Class, Economy and First.
Instead, as with many business class flights with other airlines, there are now divisions and subdivisions and these have been given names that (to a jet lagged and weary mind) can seem a little confusing.
So much so, in fact, that when I was offered an upgrade after take-off it took me a little while to respond. It wasn't entirely clear whether it was an upgrade or a request for me to move to another part of the plane (and leave behind one of the best strokes of luck in consumer aviation terms: a window seat with an empty seat next to it and no-one else around!)
Luckily, however, the response to the pitiful question "would I be able to lie down?" was a suppressed smile and a definite yes and so I scrambled together my mobile office and walked beyond the curtain. (Side note - I've never seen people move so fast on a plane as the couple behind me did to take my place.)
British Airways Business Class Cabin Club World - a 4 2 2 arrangement
BA Club World = Business Class (Broadly speaking)
So anyway. With all that taken care of, this review is going to discuss flying with British Airways Club World (business class in broad strokes.) That's different to British Airways World Traveller (which is the standard economy seat when flying BA outside Europe.) I'm also going to have to skip the pre-flight details as I didn't get to experience those first hand. But enough faff - here's my review of my flight from Antigua to London Gatwick.
Completely private: sleeping and eating in the Club World Cabin
British Airways Club World Business Cabin Solves A Problem
With a 4, 2,2 arrangement, British Airways seems to have overcome the issue that troubles many business class flights: how to balance the requirements for those who want privacy with those who don't.
Window and aisle seats are cocooned; the two middle seats open up to one another.
When travelling for work, I definitely want to cocoon myself as much as possible but if you're on a romantic getaway or travelling with a young child then the central seats would definitely appeal.
The only slight snag on one of the aisle seats remains that the cabin crew will have to lean over you to pass the other passengers their meals or deal with any other queries they may have.
If your central passenger is a businessman who just wants to sleep, that's not a problem. If it's a young child, well, prepare to be disturbed.
British Airways Club World Seat
British Airways Club World Seat - Lovely and Flat
The British Airways Business Class seat itself is excellent - folding down to a fully flat bed with a footrest and everything in between. The architecture of the seat protects your head and feet from knocks as people walk down the aisle but the straight configuration leaves you with a slight question of where to put your knees if you sleep in the foetal position.
There's a power supply (albeit in a tricky location), generous overhead storage, a slide out table with plenty of options and a fold out TV screen with world class entertainment. In addition to the space overhead, there's a small storage drawer next to your seat for storing your laptop, books, newspapers and so on during the flight. It's quite hard to reach with the table and TV screen out, though, and if you overfill it (ahem) you may find yourself with problems as you try to make the chair recline...
British Airways Club World Food
Served on white tablecloths, the BA Club World flight came with the best of British breakfasts plus the choice of an evening meal. Unlike on some other flights, passengers were left to take their time and enjoy their food. And while it may not rank as some of the best food on earth, it certainly ranks among the best to eat on a plane.
British Airways Business Class Review Summary
What I Loved
- Lying comfortably flat with most things I needed within reach
- The food
- Chirpy, friendly service
- Baggage allowance (always a good feature with British Airways)
- Option for privacy or conversation
What to know
- With an aisle seat, you will have staff leaning across you to deal with other passengers.
The Full Specs
For an interactive look at the facilities including a seat plan head over to the official British Airways page.
Read Other Business Class Reviews
The Virgin Business Class Review - The Upper Class Suite
Disclosure: I received a complimentary upgrade on this British Airways Club World flight. As ever, as always, I kept the right to write what I like. Otherwise, there's just no point...
Also, I break the tradition of using my own photos for business class reviews. It just seems a little mean and unnecessary to snap people while they're sleeping. Unless of course I know them...Mwahahahaaha....
The one downside about BA is that is it a dated and really poorly maintained product. I’ll be glad to see these cabins phased out over the coming years now the new BA Club World seats is confirmed to arrive from August 2019.
More space and more privacy seem to be the crucial selling points with a 1-2-1 configuration and sliding doors (something BA’s current First product don’t even offer!)
Space and privacy are definitely the priority for me (after lying flat!) I’m not too bothered about the food – for great food I can wait until I reach the destination ! (As long as there’s something to eat – and plentiful water.) Will be interesting to see the new product!