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World traveller plus: what do you get for your money in british airways' premium economy cabin.

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• World Traveller Plus offers upgraded seats with more space & comfort, ideal for long-haul flights.
• British Airways provides premium dining, extensive entertainment, & technology enhancements.
• World Traveller Plus balances cost and comfort, making it a popular choice for travelers.

British Airways' World Traveller Plus offers an enhanced flying experience between standard economy and business class. It is an attractive option for travelers seeking extra comfort and amenities without the premium cost of business class. We're taking a closer look at what passengers can expect when flying in British Airways' premium economy cabin, covering seat specifics, in-flight services, and overall value.

Seat specifications and comfort

Seat dimensions and layout.

One of the standout features of World Traveller Plus is the upgraded seating compared to standard economy. The seats offer more space and comfort, which are highly desirable attributes on long-haul flights.

• Seat Pitch: 38 inches
• Seat Width: 18.5 Inches
• Seat Recline: Approximately 7-8 inches
• Legroom: Increased legroom compared to standard economy, providing approximately 7 inches more space.

British Airways operates World Traveller Plus on several long-haul aircraft, each offering a slightly different experience due to their unique configurations and features. According to British Airways :

Boeing 777-200ER and 777-300

• Configuration: 2-4-2 layout
• Unique Features: The Boeing 777-300 offers mood lighting and advanced air filtration systems in an effort to reduce jet lag and deliver a comfortable cabin environment.

Airbus A380

• Configuration: 2-3-2 layout
• Unique Features: The A380 is known for its quiet cabin, which is particularly appreciated during long-haul flights. The more spacious cabin layout also contributes to a more relaxed atmosphere.

Boeing 787-8 and 787-9

• Unique Features: The Boeing 787 Dreamliner series has larger windows, providing more natural light and a better view. The advanced humidity control and improved air quality systems on the Dreamliner fleet also enhance passenger comfort on long-haul flights.

Enhanced Comfort Features

Seats in World Traveller Plus come equipped with several features specifically designed to enhance passenger comfort:

• Adjustable Headrests and Footrests: These allow passengers to customize their seating position for optimal comfort.
• Additional Recline: More recline compared to standard economy seats helps passengers relax better during long flights.
• Lumbar Support: Built-in lumbar support to reduce strain on the lower back during extended periods of sitting.

In-flight amenities and services

Dining experience.

World Traveller Plus passengers enjoy a more premium and refined dining experience, and it includes:

• Welcome Drink: A complimentary glass of juice or water upon boarding.
• Meal Service: Upgraded meal service with a multi-course menu. The meals are prepared with high-quality ingredients and include options tailored to various dietary needs, though they do differ substantially from business-class and first-class offerings.
• Complementary Beverages: An extensive selection of wines, spirits, beers, and non-alcoholic beverages are available throughout the flight.

Sparkling wine may be available in-flight but is not typically available as a Welcome Drink while the aircraft remains on the ground before take-off.

World Traveller Plus On British Airways: 5 Things To Know Before Flying

A brief guide to the UK flag carrier's premium economy offering.

Entertainment options

British Airways ensures that passengers in World Traveller Plus have access to a comprehensive entertainment system:

• Personal Screens: Larger in-flight entertainment screens, typically 10 to 12 inches or more, compared to standard economy.
• Noise-canceling Headphones: These are provided to enhance the audio experience and reduce cabin noise.
• Extensive Content: A wide selection of movies, TV shows, music, and games with new releases regularly added to the mix.

Technology enhancements

British Airways offers in-flight WiFi on many of its long-haul aircraft. Passengers in World Traveller Plus can stay connected throughout their flight, whether for work or entertainment, but they'll likely still have to pay for the service. Also, each seat is equipped with both power outlets and USB ports, ensuring passengers can keep their devices charged and ready to use.

Additional amenities

Amenity kits ( made from recycled bottles ), which include essentials like a toothbrush, toothpaste, socks, an eye mask, and earplugs, are provided to passengers in the premium economy cabin. Additionally, high-quality blankets and pillows are provided to help ensure a comfortable sleep during the flight. World Traveller Plus passengers also benefit from priority boarding, allowing them to settle in ahead of the main cabin passengers.

Cabin environment and additional perks

Cabin atmosphere.

The World Traveller Plus cabin is designed to be more peaceful and spacious compared to the main cabin:

• Fewer Seats: The reduced number of seats per row and per cabin makes for a quieter, more exclusive atmosphere.
• Dedicated Cabin Crew: A dedicated team of cabin crew attends to World Traveller Plus passengers to ensure prompt and personalized service.
• Ambient Lighting: Mood lighting helps create a relaxing environment and reduces the effects of jet lag.

Extra luggage allowance

Passengers in World Traveller Plus can take advantage of an increased luggage allowance, making it easier to travel with all the necessities (and then some):

• Checked Baggage: Two checked bags, each up to 23kg (51lbs).
• Cabin Baggage: One cabin bag and one personal item, with a combined weight limit that offers more flexibility than standard economy.

British Airways Makes Great Changes To World Traveller Plus Cabin

Value for your money, cost comparison.

While British Airways' World Traveller Plus tickets are more expensive than standard economy, they are significantly less expensive than business class. The added comfort, enhanced dining experience, and additional amenities serve to justify the cost difference for many travelers:

• Competitive Pricing: Often, the price of a World Traveller Plus fare is about 50% more than standard economy, but much less than the cost of a business class or first class ticket.
• Frequent Flyer Benefits: For British Airways Executive Club members, booking World Traveller Plus can earn more Avios points and Tier Points, contributing to faster tier progression and additional benefits in the future.

Passenger satisfaction

According to NerdWallet , feedback from passengers flying in World Traveller Plus is generally positive, with many highlighting the comfortable seats, better meal options, and overall enhanced travel experience. Customer reviews indicate that many travelers appreciate the balance of cost and comfort, making it a popular choice for long-haul flights. Typically, passengers who try World Traveller Plus often choose to book it again for future travels, indicating that they do, in fact, value the extra space and amenities provided.

Is World Traveller Plus worth it?

British Airways' World Traveller Plus offers a substantial upgrade from standard economy with enhanced comfort, better dining options, and additional amenities, making it a worthwhile investment for long-haul travelers. The cabin's spacious design, top-tier in-flight entertainment, and priority services enhance the overall travel experience, providing excellent value for the money.

Stay informed with our in-depth reviews and comparisons of airline offerings. Share your World Traveller Plus experiences with us in the comments, and follow us on social media for the latest updates and insights into premium travel options.

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The Guide to British Airways Economy: Euro Traveller vs. World Traveller

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Table of Contents

British Airways World Traveller

British airways euro traveller, world traveller plus vs. world traveller, ways to get good value in british airways economy, british airways economy recapped.

British Airways is a major European carrier based in London. Chances are, wherever you want to go in Europe and beyond, British Airways or one of its Oneworld alliance or codeshare partners can get you there.

British Airways offers four classes of service: first, business , premium economy and economy — although not all of its planes have every cabin type.

What you will find on every plane is British Airways economy class. On long-haul flights, it’s called World Traveller. On most short-haul routes, it goes by the name Euro Traveller.

Here’s what you can expect when traveling in British Airways economy class as well as several tips on how to maximize value should you decide to book a ticket.

World Traveller is British Airways’ economy cabin for long-haul flights outside of Europe. It’s similar to other airlines’ economy offerings on international routes, providing free meals, entertainment options and, in some cases, a baggage allowance. 

There are two types of tickets available to World Traveller passengers: basic and standard. Basic fares will be less expensive, but don’t include as many perks as a standard ticket. 

Here’s what all World Travellers passengers can expect, whether you’ve purchased a basic or standard fare: 

Food and beverage. World Traveller passengers receive complimentary food, including a starter, main course and dessert, plus cold, hot and alcoholic drinks. On longer flights, there is a second meal and mid-flight snacks. Children’s meals are also available.

Entertainment. Personal entertainment screens and headphones are available for all World Traveller passengers, with access to hundreds of films, short-subject programs and music. Children’s programming is available too, and parents have the option to switch on a parental lock for unapproved channels.

Seats. World Traveller seats come with a headrest, pillow and blanket. Across British Airways’ fleet, its World Traveller cabins are in the process of being updated. For that reason, they may vary in style and size depending on aircraft and route. For example, Boeing 777-200 aircraft flying from London Gatwick now have seats with a six-way headrest and movable middle armrests. 

Power outlets. A growing number of planes now offer 110V AC power outlets in addition to the USB outlet available to economy passengers.

Amenity kit. Passengers can request a small amenity kit with a dental set, socks and eyeshades.

Priority boarding for families. Those with infants or children in a stroller can board early.

There are two areas where your benefits will differ depending on if you choose a basic or standard World Traveller fare: seat selection and luggage allowance. 

Seat selection. Choosing a standard fare allows you to select your seat 24 hours before departure. If you purchase a basic fare, you’ll be assigned a seat on the day of departure. Earlier seat selection options are available for a fee.

Baggage allowance. If you purchase a basic fare, you can only travel with a carry-on bag and personal item, whereas a standard fare ticket also allows you to check one bag up to 50 pounds for free. Additional baggage options are available but will cost you extra.

» Learn more: The guide to British Airways Executive Club

Short-haul flying on British Airways is quite different. These flights offer far fewer amenities, which can come as a surprise to those who are accustomed to taking long-haul World Traveller flights.

There are three fare classes for Euro Traveller tickets: basic, Plus and Plus Flex. The basic fare, similar to the World Traveller version, offers fewer benefits for a lower cost, while Plus and Plus Flex give you a few more options.

So, what do Euro Traveller passengers get on British Airways? All passengers, regardless of fare class, will receive:

Food and beverage. Passengers receive a light snack and a bottle of water. Everything else is for sale from the Speedbird Cafe, including coffee and tea. Advance online purchase of meals and drinks is recommended if you want to make sure your selections are available on board.

Wi-Fi and entertainment. Despite the short duration of these trips, the airline offers online connectivity on most flights.

Seats. Euro Traveller passengers will sit in leather seats with movable headrests and in-seat power.

Similar to World Traveller tickets, Euro Traveller benefits, such as seat selection and baggage fees, will vary depending on the type of fare you select. 

Seat selection. Basic economy passengers will receive an assigned seat when they check in — unless they have British Airways elite status , which allows them to select a seat sooner. For Plus fares, passengers can choose their preferred seat within 48 hours of departure, and Plus Flex fares come with free seat selection at any time.

Baggage. Basic fare passengers can bring a carry-on bag and personal item but will have to pay to check any luggage. Plus and Plus Flex passengers can bring a carry-on bag and a personal item and can check one bag for free.

Flexibility: Basic fares only allow you to change your ticket if you pay a fee and any difference in price. Plus passengers can make same-day flight changes for free, but will pay a fee and fare difference for other changes. Neither of these fares offers refunds for canceled tickets. Plus Flex fares allow free same-day changes, a refund for cancellation and the ability to make fee-free changes to their ticket at any time.

» Learn more: The guide to British Airways fees

Travelers with room in their budget might consider upgrading their economy ticket to the airline’s premium economy option, dubbed World Traveller Plus .

The difference between British Airways World Traveller Plus and an economy ticket is that World Traveller Plus offers these amenities:

Fewer rows with more spacious seats in a separate cabin.

A guarantee of two meals, regardless of flight length.

More free baggage allowance. World Traveller Plus passengers can bring both a carry-on bag and personal item on board and can check up to two bags.

Priority boarding in Group 3 (rather than Groups 4-9).

Whether you're booking a British Airways economy ticket using miles or cash, there are a few ways to maximize value. 

Book with miles

British Airways Executive Club operates on a distance-based award system . This means redeeming Avios (the airline’s loyalty currency) for shorter, direct flights will bring you the best value for your miles. 

» Learn more: Best uses of British Airways Avios

Transfer points from partners

Executive Club is a transfer partner with many programs, although the transfer ratio will vary (and there's sometimes a minimum transfer requirement). Transfer partner programs include:

Accor All Live Limitless (2:1).

American Express Membership Rewards (1:1).

Capital One Rewards (1:1).

Chase Ultimate Rewards (1:1).

Hilton Honors (10:1).

IHG One Rewards (5:1).

Marriott Bonvoy (3:1).

Radisson Rewards Americas (10:1).

World of Hyatt (2.5:1).

Bonus point transfers

On occasion, credit card companies may offer a transfer bonus when moving miles or points from a credit card program to Executive Club. Keep an eye out for these, and see what’s been offered in the past . 

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

Look for Reward Flight Saver awards

Reward Flight Saver awards impose reduced taxes and fees, which vastly increases their potential value. To book one, you need to be an Executive Club member and you must have earned at least one Avios in your account within the past year.

Euro Traveller Reward Flight Saver round-trip awards start at 18,500 Avios plus one British Pound. World Traveller Reward Flight Saver round-trip awards start at 50,000 Avios plus 100 British Pounds.

Pay with Avios and cash

If you can’t pay for a British Airways economy flight totally in cash or totally in miles, you can use a combination of Avios and money. In doing so, you’ll still be able to earn Avios and Tier Points in the Executive Club program, too.

Use miles to upgrade your flight

You may be able to upgrade to a higher cabin using Avios or Avios plus cash if the price makes sense. Just be aware that the lowest airfare classes cannot be upgraded, and upgrade requests must be handled before arriving at the airport.

» Learn more: How (and why) to upgrade your British Airways flight using Avios

Book with the right credit card

As with other flights, when you use a card that provides bonus points for booking air travel, you can really maximize your value. Even if traveling in economy, you may be earning lots of bonus points. We recommend using a card with travel protections when booking a flight. 

Booking through a travel portal

On occassion, there are also bonuses for using credit card travel portals to book your flights. Here are some of the top travel portals that sometimes offer bonus points:

American Express .

Capital One .

Using a travel portal, however, is like using a travel agency. If you have issues with your travel plans, you’ll likely need to work those out with the agency that operates the travel portal. 

» Learn more: The pros and cons of online travel agencies

British Airways offers two economy products — World Traveller and Euro Traveller. Which one you use will depend on the length and type of the flight.

Both are similar to what many U.S. carriers offer on both long- and short-haul flights, which means you should expect more perks on longer flights than on shorter jaunts.

It’s also important to understand the different fare types, even within economy class, as there can be restrictions that can affect your flight plans.

(Top photo courtesy of British Airways)

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

On a similar note...

The Complete Guide to British Airways Fare Classes (a.k.a. Fare Buckets)

What are fare classes.

Fare classes are the different letters that represent a price of a ticket. You will see these represented in a variety of ways through different means, such as in Manage My Booking:

or in Expert Flyer.

or in Matrix.

Chances are if you are using Expert Flyer or Matrix though, you will probably already know about Fare Classes and just want to know how many Avios or Tier Points you will be earning. Feel free to skip ahead!

What is the difference between Fare Class and Travel Class?

“Travel class” is which cabin you are flying in. First Class, Business Class, Premium Economy or Economy Class.

“Fare class” is what specific price your ticket is purchased at, and the restrictions imposed on it, represented by the letters mentioned throughout this post.

What Fare Classes does British Airways have?

There are a myriad of fare classes, which can be confusing for those who do not (yet) know how British Airways prices their tickets.

As with most other airlines, usually the more expensive the ticket the more flexibility it buys in terms of advance purchase requirements, ability to change flights, refunds on cancellations, shorter minimum stays and longer maximum stays. And in the lower travel classes, you need to be buying more expensive fare classes in order to be able to upgrade

At the more extreme levels of pricing, you may sometimes find that fares in a higher travel class are actually cheaper than buying in a lower travel class. E.g. non-refundable business class cheaper than fully-flexible premium economy.

First Class :

From most to least expensive: F, A

Club World / Europe (business class) :

From most to least expensive: J, C, D, R, I

World Traveller Plus (Premium Economy) ,

From most to least expensive: W, E, T

World/Euro Traveller (Economy) :

From most to least expensive: Y, B, H, K, M, L, V, S, N, Q, O, G – Note that G is specifically reserved for Travel Agents (including BA Flights and Holidays) or BA staff bookings.

Which Fare Classes do redemptions book into?

Avios or other partner airline redemptions book into the following fare classes

• First Class: Z
• Club World/Europe (business class): U 
• World Traveller Plus (premium economy): P
• World/Euro Traveller (economy): X

How Many Avios and Tier Points will I earn?

For slightly easier formatting, and to ensure up-to-date information, I advise going directly to one of the following:

• British Airways Avios and Tier Points Earnings Tables
• British Airways Avios and Tier Points Earning Calculator

The latter being good if you have a specific route in mind, and will also calculate the bonus Avios you get if you have Bronze, Silver or Gold British Airways Executive Club status.

But to make this a one-stop shop…

First Class:

• F – 300% Flown Distance. Minimum 1250 Avios, 100% Tier points
• A – 250% Flown Distance. Minimum 1250 Avios, 100% Tier points

Club World / Europe (Business Class):

• J – 250% Flown Distance. Minimum 1250 Avios, 100% Tier points
• C – 250% Flown Distance. Minimum 1250 Avios, 100% Tier points
• D – 250% Flown Distance. Minimum 1250 Avios, 100% Tier points
• R – 150% Flown Distance. Minimum 750 Avios, 100% Tier points
• I – 150% Flown Distance. Minimum 750 Avios, 100% Tier points

World Traveller Plus (Premium Economy):

• W – 150% Flown Distance. Minimum 750 Avios, 100% Tier points
• E – 100% Flown Distance. Minimum 500 Avios, 100% Tier points
• T – 100% Flown Distance. Minimum 500 Avios, 100% Tier points

World / Euro Traveller (Economy Class):

• Y – 100% Flown Distance. Minimum 500 Avios, 100% Tier points
• B – 100% Flown Distance. Minimum 500 Avios, 100% Tier points
• H – 100% Flown Distance. Minimum 500 Avios, 100% Tier points
• K – 50% Flown Distance. Minimum 250 Avios, 50% Tier points
• M – 50% Flown Distance. Minimum 250 Avios, 50% Tier points
• L – 50% Flown Distance. Minimum 250 Avios, 50% Tier points
• V – 50% Flown Distance. Minimum 250 Avios, 50% Tier points
• S – 50% Flown Distance. Minimum 250 Avios, 50% Tier points
• N – 50% Flown Distance. Minimum 250 Avios, 50% Tier points
• Q – 25% Flown Distance. Minimum 125 Avios, 25% Tier points
• O – 25% Flown Distance. Minimum 125 Avios, 25% Tier points
• G – 25% Flown Distance. Minimum 125 Avios, 25% Tier points

As with most airlines, redemptions do not earn any Avios. This includes V  fares which Gold members can sometimes book into as a reward fare.

Bronze members get 25% extra Avios, Silver gets 50% extra Avios and Gold gets 100% extra Avios. This is calculated in addition to the Avios earned in the fare class calculations above.

Bottom Line

Understanding British Airways' fare classes is important for knowing how many Avios and Tier Points you will earn. If you are coming from Star Alliance or Skyteam you will also notice that the order of the letters is different, so take note!

Share this:

Hey Tim – booked and paid for Club World, and upgraded to First, but the class is now showing as Z. Seems that it doesn’t earn anything… thoughts?

You will get the original Tier Points and Avios for your original Club World booking!

Is there any way to get BA to send me something that shows the orig booking class? I want to have my backup incase I don’t get credit.

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British Airways World Traveller Plus Review [2023]

After a rocky flight across the pond, I decided to do a British Airways World Traveller Plus Review. Is it worth the cost? Read on.

There are few things that make me happier while travelling than getting an upgrade on a long flight. That is what happened in this British Airways World Traveller Plus review…and I’m not sure why. I have theories and will share them in a post soon, but for now, know that this British Airways World Traveller Plus review is by no means sponsored but did make this guy one happy flier.

That said, let’s find out if Is BA World Traveller Plus worth it.

Table of Contents

BA World Traveller Plus Review Summary

British Airways World Traveller Plus is a premium economy class that offers extra legroom, a wider seat, and other amenities. The cabin features a 2-3-2 seating configuration, personal in-flight entertainment screens, and a complimentary amenity kit.

The food and service are generally regarded as good, and passengers can also enjoy priority boarding and additional baggage allowance. However, the seats may not recline as much as some passengers would like, and the cost may be relatively high compared to other premium economy offerings.

Overall, British Airways World Traveller Plus is a solid option for those looking for a more comfortable travel experience without breaking the bank.

What Is The Difference Between British Airways Premium Economy & Business Class?

Economy Plus should really be thought of as “Business Class M inus .” For the most part, the service is the same minus the lay flatbeds. From what I saw while boarding and exiting the British Airways 747-400 on a recent trip to Europe, the Business Class seats are not that spread out and looked crowded…at least more so than flying Swiss Air or EgyptAir . Curious, and as I always do, on my return trip I spoke with the agent at the customer service desk. “How much for an upgrade to Business Class?” I said with a smile. To my horror, the agent said it would be over $7,000!

Paying an additional $7,000 at check-in seems incredibly dumb. An extra $390 for premium economy on a 9 1/2 hour flight, not so much. Thankfully, I didn’t have to do either and got an upgrade for free.

With that in mind, here is my British Airways World Traveller Plus review and why I think it offers some serious value.

Route: London to Vancouver Aircraft: 747-400 Seat: 35B Highlights : Entertainment and High Tea Low lights:  Meals

How to Upgrade to BA World Traveller Plus

To upgrade to BA World Traveller Plus, you can do so in a few ways:

• During booking: When booking your flight, you can choose to upgrade to World Traveller Plus during the booking process. You will see the option to upgrade if it is available for your flight.
• Online: If you have already booked your flight, you can check to see if an upgrade is available through the Manage My Booking section of the British Airways website.
• At the airport: You may also be able to upgrade to World Traveller Plus at the airport on the day of your flight, subject to availability.

Keep in mind that upgrading typically comes at an additional cost, so you should weigh the benefits against the extra expense to determine if BA World Traveller Plus is worth it for you.

British Airways World Traveller Plus Review – Seats

British Airways website boasts wider seats and more legroom in Premium Economy which, although true, is by no means spacious. There is ample legroom, decent recline, and a footrest for stretching out. 

Note: seats are  2×4×2 on the BA 747–400 so ensure to book seats A/B or H/J for maximum comfort!

British Airways World Traveller Plus Review – Service

Essentially, the meal service, amenities, and entertainment system are the same as Business Class. Seats include USB power and standard outlets (Europe and UK style). Where British Airways Economy Plus really differs from Economy Class is the seats and entertainment system.

  READ MORE:     Turkish Air Business Class Review

The amenities bag on this World Traveller Plus review was standard but lacking compared to those I found on Swissair , EgyptAir , and  Turkish Airlines.  Inside you will find earplugs, socks, a toothbrush and paste, a pen, and an eye mask.

Also inside you will find premium headphones, a nice touch, however, I prefer to stick to my favourite travel companion – the Bose-QuietComfort-25.

One negative on this World Traveller Plus review was the dinner tray. Mine sagged heavily in the middle which made eating and writing a bit awkward. A minor annoyance in the end but an annoyance nonetheless.

BA World Traveller Plus Review –  Food & Drink

Meals in Premium Economy are similar to what is served in Business Class except that they are not presented as nicely…or so I hope. Beyond the sloppy presentation, the food was just OK. I had an overcooked piece of beef with salty gravy and a neon salad.

The highlight of the meal service aboard this British Airways flight was the highest High Tea I have ever had. Well played BA.

World Traveller Plus Review –  Entertainment

The entertainment system is a huge upgrade over those found in Economy. The screen is much larger, brighter, and more responsive than those found in coach. My screen on the flight to Europe in Economy was so bad I could not get through a single movie. No worries, I made up for it in World Traveller Plus.

   READ MORE:  Norwegian Airlines Premium Economy Review

So, is British Airways World Traveller Plus Worth it?

Given my experience in Economy ( and recent reports of bedbugs! ), I believe an upgrade to British Airways World Traveller Plus is worth it for the extra pounds, especially if you are flying long distances. If you are looking to just sleep and can do so in cramped spaces then there’s not much for you in an upgrade.

As mentioned, I was upgraded but feel that BA World Traveller Plus is worth it for the extra comfort, meals, and space.

If you want to enjoy business-class services and amenities at a fraction of the cost (minus the lay flatbed) then the upgrade to British Airways World Travel Plus is highly recommended.

   READ MORE:  WestJet Premium Economy Review

What say you? Thoughts on this  British Airways W orld Traveller Plus Review ? Let’s hear it!

For more luxury travel reviews from business class and beyond see HERE .

So how does British Airways World Traveller Plus rank?

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Discover the world with British Airways World Traveller! With an extensive route map, British Airways connects you to fascinating destinations across the globe. Embark on unforgettable journeys and explore new horizons with the renowned British Airways service.

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February 2024

Eight reasons to upgrade to World Traveller Plus

Positioned comfortably between our e conomy (World Traveller) and business (Club World) cabins, World Traveller Plus allows for extra leg-stretching and more baggage-boasting compared to its economy counterpart – making it the most attainable upgrade for those not in need of business or First. Ready to make your next journey with us that bit more exclusive? Let’s go.

Skip the queues

We’ve all been there: running a little behind schedule, approaching the check-in desks only to gaze upon a queue rather more mighty than one we would have preferred. Not so for World Traveller Plus passengers arriving at Terminal 5, who can head straight to the – typically less populated – premium check-in desks for an altogether speedier experience. Please note this varies depending on the terminal. 

Get there quicker

Upgrading to premium economy means starting your trip with that extra little spring in your step. You’re excited – and not just for the cabin. That’s because you know you’ll be boarding hot on the heels of our business and First passengers – no later than Group 3, in fact, which is quite the edge given economy passengers can find themselves boarding as far back as Group 9.  The good news for Bronze, Silver or Gold Tier passengers is that, no matter your cabin, y ou’ll get priority boarding, too. 

Bring more than before

Perhaps one of the biggest perks of World Traveller Plus is the extra (free) baggage allowance. It’s particularly ideal for those taking longer holidays, bulky ski trips or visiting destinations with several weather conditions to placate. In this cabin, you can put not one, but two 23kg bags in the hold. On board, take your cabin bag (which can go in the overhead lockers) and a handbag/laptop bag (something you can tuck under the seat), too.

Roomy yet intimate: the cabin

Inside the smaller, more exclusive World Traveller Plus cabin, you’ll find wider seats that recline luxuriously further than those in economy, plus lumbar support, a fold-out leg rest and fold-down footrest, plus seven inches more leg room and even a water bottle holder. Depending on your aircraft, you’ll travel in a 2:3:2 or 2:4:2 configuration, making this great for couples who want to sit together, sans neighbours. As with economy, universal power outlets by each seat mean you can stay charged up.

Premium menu and service

Sip your sparkling wine, chosen by our own Master of Wine, Tim Jackson, after take off. Watch as your starter, main and dessert arrive with metal cutlery and ceramic dishes. It’s a step-up from World Traveller fare while still channelling the very best of Britain from a flavour and provenance perspective. Throughout the flight, hot and cold snacks, plus any drinks you might fancy (including alcoholic beverages), can be yours. 

Details that elevate

All the details of World Traveller, with that little bit extra on top. In World Traveller Plus, you’ll receive a pillow and thick, quilted blanket adorned in our signature blue and red herringbone pattern. Pair this with our plastic-free-packaging amenity kit – complete with lip balm, an eye mask, pen, socks, toothbrush and toothpaste – and you’ll feel as if you’re fresh from a surprise shopping trip, ready to work, snooze or just sit back and relax.

Binge a gripping series or film

With a large, bright 12-inch touchscreen and noise-cancelling headphones, you can comfortably spend your flight in World Traveller Plus making the most of our Paramount+ TV subscription (home to critically acclaimed shows such as  Mayor of Kingstown  and  Yellowstone ), or simply dig into hundreds of the latest films, shows, music, audio books, podcasts and games. Plus, most aircraft will allow you to pay to browse the internet and stream, should you wish to stay connected.  

You can use Avios to upgrade

If you’re flying long haul, why not dedicate some of those hard-earned Avios towards an upgrade in World Traveller Plus? Make the whole thing that bit more special? Avios can be used to upgrade the cabin either at the time of booking or applied to an existing flight. A more luxurious cabin may help mitigate general weariness on the return leg, or be splashed out on for both journeys – whichever you’d prefer. Finally, Avios can also be put toward upgrades on Reward Flights.  

Learn more about World Traveller Plus

Have an opinion on The Club that you’d like to share? Let us know

This article has been tagged BA

More from previous issues

How do you prevent back pain while flying.

Chiropractor Julian Keel is full of good advice for staying supple in the sky

The nine aviation trends to know this year

We round up the innovative ideas coming down the runway in the very near future

Match maker: baggage combos for every kind of traveller

Pack like a pro and bag yourself a new set for the new year with this guide to the most dazzling duos on the market

Behind the wheel with Bill Bailey

The British comedian and musician on his dream car and why every teenager needs a road trip

British Airways World Traveller Plus Review: Is it Worth It?

By: Author Amanda OBrien

Posted on Last updated: 19/03/2024

In 2017 I flew premium economy with Qantas Sydney to Hong Kong return. It was a fantastic experience.

In fact, it was so good it made me question if I could really justify the extra amount to fly business class if it wasn’t an Australia – Europe/US flight.

So when was looking at flying from London to New York – and then Los Angeles to London return – I thought I would give British Airways World Traveller Plus a shot. Which I did back in 2018 and I recently flew with British Airways World Traveller Plus post-Covid in 2022.

I’m going to kick off with an update from 2022 when I flew from Portland to London Heathrow with British Airways in premium economy. My older review involved flying out of London Heathrow so it has quite a bit of information on checking in at Heathrow etc.

⇒ Click here for Prices and Deals on British Airways

British Airways World Traveller Plus 2022 update

After a long break flying with British Airways in World Traveller Plus I signed up again to try them out in July of 2022. I was flying from London to Washington DC, and then home to London out of Portland. I received an offer that was too good to refuse to upgrade to business class on the flight from Heathrow to Washington DC. This review update covers the Portland to London Heathrow leg in premium economy.

I somehow managed to end up on British Airways’s first (not sure if this is the first ever flight but it was certainly the first for a while) direct flight out of Portland to Heathrow. Everyone was in a great mood and there was even cake and sandwiches at the boarding gate for everyone!

As such, we had a very nice new 787 that I believe was a Dreamliner. Few things make me happier than realizing that I am on a relatively new plane as it always means a huge improvement in the premium economy experience.

When I mentioned to the crew that Virgin Atlantic offers its premium economy passengers prosecco the attendant even went and got me a glass of champagne from business class! As I said, all were in a joyous mood.

To be honest, not a lot has changed since the last time I flew World Traveller Plus with British Airways. The 787 I was on had only three rows of premium economy seats. I quite liked this as it normally means faster service and I feel more of a sense of space when the area is smaller. The seat layout was 2-3-2.

I had booked in my window seat when I booked the flight as I always do on overnight flights (I find it worth it to pay a bit extra at booking to achieve this).

One thing that has improved is the quality of the headphones in premium economy which are now noise cancelling. Also, the quality of the food on offer has improved. I enjoyed a very nice steak.

The Dreamliner 787 also has new touch-operated window screens and better cabin pressurization. If you are able to choose your flight and can see the different planes available, I suggest checking to find the Dreamliner 787 option for world traveller plus as it is definitely a step above premium economy on some of BA’s other planes.

British Airways World Traveller Plus Review (2017): Online Check-In

Unfortunately, things with British Airways World Traveler plus did not get off to a good start. Two days before my flight I went on to the British Airways app and was able to reserve one of the aisles British Airways Premium Economy seats – great.

The next day, when I went to actually check in online I was told that my passport number was wrong and that I wasn’t able to check in.

I then had issues with my uber so only arrived at the airport 90 minutes before my British Airways flight.

British Airways Premium Economy: Bag Drop and issues arise

I went and used the check-in machine for my premium economy British Airways flight and my seat had changed to a window – which was good news for me. Then I went to the desk for bag drop.

When the attendant is on the phone for some time when all you do is drop your bag, it is not a good sign. I was told by the attendant that I had been “sneaky” taking the window seat.

I was quite annoyed by this and asked how could I be sneaky when the app had done this for me. I was then told that they had overbooked business class and that seat had been meant for someone who was being downgraded to premium economy on British Airways – which meant they now wanted to move me to British Airways economy class.

I was so annoyed. It really makes me furious when airlines do this. Or should I say when British Airways do this as they are the only airline that has tried to bump me from flights several times due to overbooking.

In what other industry would an organization take your money ahead of time and then when you turned up to experience that service be told that you couldn’t as they had overbooked – and that apparently this was fine?

It is a major problem as a solo traveler as we are at the top of the list when it comes to who gets bumped first when it comes to air travel.

A British Airways staff member once told me that the safest people were those also flying with British Airways from a connecting airport eg Manchester to London and then on to say NY, followed by groups, followed by families and then by couples.

Only the male solo traveler is worse off than the female solo traveler. My annoyance was greater as I had injured my ankle in Nepal earlier that year and absolutely could not have sat in an economy seat for several hours without problems.

Luckily I had a letter from my doctor with me (I had it in case my ankle got worse and I needed medical treatment) so I was able to produce this and say I had to stay in British Air premium economy.

I ended up in British Airways Economy Plus but not without quite a bit of undue stress and frustration. This experience alone has been enough to really put me off flying with British Airways.

I do find it outrageous that you can be potentially bumped like this – and that the staff always seem to act like this is of no consequence and why are you getting upset? OK rant over!

British Airways Premium Economy Review: Getting to the Gate

Anyway, the flight was then at Gate A10 at Terminal 5, which means a very long bus trip. I thought we were driving to New York.

BA World Traveller Plus also means no lounge access and no priority seating.

British Airways World Traveller Plus Review: The plane and the seats

The British Airways World Traveller Plus 777 plane was a little old and compared to Qantas it felt a lot less spacious. The seat layout was 4 in the middle and 2 on each side.

I was on the side thank goodness. I would have been very unhappy to have paid for premium economy and to have had one of the extreme middle seats.

I often wonder who ends up in these seats – are they the people that don’t make sure they do early online check-in? Or maybe they are more tolerant than me.

BA World Traveller Plus Review: In-flight amenities

British Airways Premium Economy 747 has good quality headphones which were nice. The British Airways premium economy product also does have a very good in-flight entertainment system.

The British Airways Premium Economy in-flight amenity kit was not bad – socks, eye mask, earplugs, toothbrush and a pen. Great idea to have a pen as everyone needs one on a flight.

There is a lot of legroom and the seats are comfortable on the British Airways 787 Premium Economy flight. I was also pleased to see that there were 2 USB ports in the seat ahead and then 2 power points between the seats.

The food was a big positive for this World Traveller plus review 777 writer. It did feel like an upgrade from economy. We were also offered a lovely glass of sparkling wine before take-off.

Premium Economy British Airways Review: Some Positives

One of my favourite features of British Airways premium economy 777 is that they have a very useful brochure which explains all the features and benefits of the world traveler plus seat – this is such a good idea.

Every premium economy and business class seat is different and you don’t want to miss out when good features can be used.

There was also a good-sized storage locker next to the window which was handy – another reason trying to get the window seat is one of my top tips.

World Traveller vs World Traveller Plus

In March 2018 British Airways made major upgrades to its World Traveller and British Airways Premium Economy 777 cabins at Gatwick on their Boeing 777s.

Both cabins have had their entertainment screens increased by 50% in size. I’m looking forward to checking out the new six-way headrest.

Interestingly these new planes will feature a considerable increase in the number of World Traveller Plus seats – coming from a reduction in Club World. Premium Economy is on the rise.

So what about the rest of the fleet? World Traveller Plus is a major improvement on World Traveller, which doesn’t offer the best seats. Also, there are few opportunities to upgrade within World Traveller – apart from the exit rows.

If you have a long flight or an overnight flight I think the upgrade cost is absolutely worth it.

Upgrading to British Airways Club World

Theoretically, being in BA World Traveller Plus means it is easier/more likely that you can be upgraded to Club World. BA does offer paid opportunities for upgrades but not all the time – and not necessarily at the best prices.

The best way to check if this is an option for your flight is to visit the Manage My Booking page. The price generally varies between 400 and 700 GBPs.

For frequent flyers, Avios points are a good option for upgrading – or combining Avios points with payment. It is not normally the best use of Avios to upgrade (they tend to be their most effective for less-visited longer trips in economy class in my experience) but it is a good option.

Finally, if you are a frequent flyer and flying World Traveller Plus there is a greater opportunity for an upgrade. This will most likely happen when World Traveller Plus has been booked out and business class has seats.

British Airways Premium Economy: The Verdict

Overall, the seat itself is the key difference between world traveller and world traveller plus on British Airways.

On Qantas and other airlines, there does feel like there is more of a difference between the two cabins – particularly when it comes to service.

I was flying with British Airways when they were having extensive problems as an airline so it could not have been fun to be working for them at that time.

However, I am paying the extra and in my view, I do expect a slightly better service. I would hesitate to take British Airways Premium Economy again – mostly driven by nearly being downgraded to economy.

I don’t want to have to worry about this when I am headed to Heathrow. I, of course, would fly with them if there was a good enough deal, but they have certainly moved down my list after this experience.

Here is BA’s full rundown on their premium economy offer and The Telegraph’s Comparisons of Premium Economy Offers including British Airways Premium Economy Reviews

⇒ Prices and Deals on British Airways

British Airways World Traveller Plus Frequently Asked Questions

What class is world traveller plus on ba.

World traveller plus on British Airways is premium economy. This is a class between economy and business class.

Do you get lounge access with British Airways World Traveller Plus?

No, you do not get lounge access with a British Airways World Traveller Plus ticket.

Does World Traveller Plus on British Airways get priority boarding?

Yes, World Traveller Plus travelers on British Airways get priority boarding and check-in.

Does World Traveller Plus on British Airways get to use the fast track queue for security?

No, World Traveller Plus customers on British Airways do not get to use the fast track queue for security.

How wide are the World Traveller Plus British Airways seats?

The seats in British Airways World Traveller Plus generally have a 38 inch pitch and are 18.5 inches wide. The seats are 1 inch wider than economy and the pitch is 7 inches greater than economy.

Booking Flights:

I use Skyscanner for all my flights – from economy through to business – click here to Check out SkyScanner 

Boutique Hotels in London

Artist Residence is located in Pimlico which is fabulously central. It is in a gorgeous 5 store regency building and has a cute bar.

⇒ Read reviews on TripAdvisor ⇒ Book Now

The Portobello Hotel is located in one of London’s best known and cutest neighbourhoods Notting Hill. This is also the hotel where Kate Moss and Johnny Depp filled up the bath with champagne.

The hotel is located on a quiet street but is a great location.

The Great Northern Hotel is ridiculously close to Kings Cross and St Pancras stations which is incredibly convenient. The hotel dates back to 1854 but has had a major refurb so it feels fresh and modern.

The Hoxton hotel is in the heart of East London in Shoreditch and is a perfect base for exploration. The rooms aren’t huge but the location makes up for it – as does the great value for London with rooms starting at £99 a night.

Who Paid for What in this British Airways World Traveller Plus Post

I covered the cost of my flights on British Airways Premium Economy. This post on British Airways world traveller plus contains affiliate links. That means if you click on them and end up making a purchase on that website I will receive a small commission. I wanted to make sure you were aware of this.

READ NEXT: American Airlines PREMIUM ECONOMY REVIEW

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Amanda O’Brien is the creator and editor of The Boutique Adventurer. She has visited 80 countries and is a member of the British Guild of Travel Writers as well as the IFTWTA. She is passionate about wine had has just completed Level 3 of the WSET. Born in Australia, she lives in London.

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Journeying John

Sunday 5th of March 2023

Glad your food was ok and an upgrade but I have to reportthe reverse, bith in and oit of India, there was no choice and what was actually served was worse than mkat carriers economy meals. As for BA's IT systems and contempt for customers who habe paid for a service they don't recieve. Your experience is far from unique and I wonder if you would ever have got any form of compensation had you not had the ankle injury. BA or the UK brand of IAG are #BestAvoided today.

Amanda OBrien

Wednesday 15th of March 2023

I doubt it on the compensation front John! Luckily BA seems to be getting better but I am still nervous about being kicked off flights when I am travelling solo

Jean-Pierre

Tuesday 21st of February 2023

Interesting you had problems with entering your passport information when checking-in. This has happened twice to me using the BA website. The two occasions have been years apart so BA have not fixed their website.

I eventually found a telephone number to call for website support and after about 40 minutes the agent was able to get my passport info to take. It was very frustrating, especially after paying for the upgrade to World Traveler Plus, the taking more money part of their website works very well.

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Review of British Airways Premium Economy

British Airways was one of the first airlines to introduce a Premium Economy cabin on its long-haul aircraft - branded as World Traveller Plus . As such, many of its cabins are showing their age, but still serve their purpose well by offering extra space, better meals and more personalised service. The airline is retrofitting these cabins and upgrading the hard product, but this will take time, so in the interim be prepared for a mix of old and new.

The United Kingdom’s largest airline takes pride in offering reliable and friendly service while carrying the British flag to far corners of the globe.

British Airways is a founding member of the oneworld alliance, which means fliers can earn and redeem Avios points on its many partners. Conversely, members of other alliance member airlines can earn and redeem their miles with British Airways.

Airport experience

All British Airways flights pass through London with primary hubs at London Heathrow and London Gatwick airports (and a smaller operation at London City). London airports are known for stringent and sometimes overzealous security procedures, which can be frustrating for passengers adding extra time to the journey. Unfriendly airport security agents are enough to convince some travellers to fly another airline when booking international travel.

World Traveller Plus passengers can access individual check-in desks and a greater baggage allowance – two bags for the hold plus a cabin bag and laptop bag onboard. They do not enjoy lounge access once airside, though. Still, top oneworld elite status cardholders can use the lounges on eligible international itineraries no matter what cabin they are flying. These lounges include open bars offering cocktails, soft drinks, wine, and beer, service desks for assistance with tickets, a wide selection of magazines and newspapers, workstations with computers and free Wi-Fi, and buffets with warm and cold food selections.

Priority boarding is part of the Premium Economy experience.

Cabin & Seat

British Airways fly a combination of Airbus and Boeing aircraft, with World Traveller Plus available on each long-haul aircraft. The Airbus A380 World Traveller Plus cabin is found on the Upper Deck behind the Club World cabin in a 2-4-2 configuration over nine rows, while the Airbus A350 has seven rows in a 2-4-2 configuration. The Boeing 777 fleet varies between three and six rows in a 2-4-2 design, while the Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft differs between four and six rows and is always in a 2-3-2 configuration.

Even the original iteration of the Premium Economy seat has plenty of space. It varies depending on the plane, but expect a wider seat – typically 18.5 inches (47 centimetres), more leg room with a pitch of 38 inches (97 centimetres), including a foot and leg rest, lumbar support, a recline of around 8 inches (20 centimetres), a small side table and headrest with adjustable wings for better resting positions. Unfortunately, many seats have equipment for the entertainment system that impedes your legroom, which makes it challenging to store carry-on bags or wiggle your feet around during the flight.

World Traveller Plus occupies a more intimate cabin of no more than nine rows with a dedicated lavatory and curtains separating it from economy and Business Class. There are middle seats, which are worth avoiding unless travelling with a companion.

Bulkhead rows prevent someone from reclining their seat into your space, but it does mean that carry-on luggage must be stowed overhead for takeoff and landing. These seats also have television monitors that fold out from the armrest, and they cannot be used on the ground or during takeoff and landing for safety reasons. Four bassinet points are available on the front cabin bulkhead, with another two at the rear of the Airbus A380s.

Not all tickets are eligible for advance seat selection, although those purchasing flexible fares and travellers with oneworld alliance elite status can choose a seat for free in advance. Others must wait until check-in to assign a seat.

Waiting at each seat on boarding is a thick pillow and wrapped blanket, and power and USB  and power outlets are available for each passenger. 

The flight search on BusinessClass.com includes images, videos, and seat maps for most airlines and aircraft Search results also include details such as seat pitch, width and recline. This way, you can see the seat and cabin configuration of the flight in which you are interested before making your choice .

British Airways offers a lovely inflight service on fine china and metal cutlery. World Traveller Plus passengers are served some of the same entrees as those seated in Business Class, representing a significant upgrade from economy meal service.

Delivered on a single tray with real drink glasses (instead of plastic), most flights have two meals, including a hot meal after takeoff.

They include a salad and appetiser plus warm bread. Two main course dishes are protein or vegetarian, and the plated dessert offers a sweet finish. Flight attendants can provide snacks and drinks between meals, and passengers can visit a snacking station for self-service.

Before landing, a second meal is served depending on the time of day, which can consist of a hot or cold dish based on the length of the flight.

More than a dozen special meals are available for Premium Economy passengers, including Halal, Kosher and vegetarian options.

After takeoff, flight attendants offer glasses of sparkling wine before rolling out the beverage carts with a variety of complimentary drinks including beer, wine (two white and two red options) and cocktails. Coffee from London’s Union Coffee and an array of Twinings teas round off the menu.

Before the main meal, an aperitif service comes with mixed nuts and a choice of beverage.

Flight attendants are friendly, but have a lot of passengers to serve compared to Business Class. Expect the typical British-reserved service delivery you might find in a hotel or restaurant in the United Kingdom. Many passengers find that the crew adapts to the conversation and informality level of each person throughout the flight. Show them that you like to chat, and they will chat. Show British formality, and they will return the respect.

On flights where a foreign language is spoken at the destination, expect that someone on the crew will be ready to converse in that native tongue. British Airways also has overseas-based cabin crew on many flights; Indian flights, for example, often have crew based in India, which helps with cultural service details.

Entertainment

The seatback screen is adjustable so that if the person in front of you reclines, you can tilt it for better viewing. Noise-reducing headsets complement the solid selection of  entertainment programming , including the latest Hollywood movies, television programs, box sets, a global music collection, audiobooks and games. Screens respond to the touch but can also be adjusted via remote control.

Wi-Fi is available on most of British Airways' long-haul fleet, with  prices available  for hourly service or sometimes for a package to cover the flight. A cheaper offering that covers messaging or texting is also an excellent option for staying connected with loved ones.

The flight search on BusinessClass.com includes information on Wi-Fi and inflight entertainment .

Amenities & Facilities

Small amenity kits feature essential products – eye mask, ear plugs, toothpaste and toothbrush, lip balm, flight socks and pen, and a wrapped blanket and pillow are a fluffier upgrade to what is available in the economy cabin. Credit to the airline for making the small stylish amenities bag from recycled plastic.

On long-haul flights, families with infants can pre-reserve a bassinet to use. Children can also enjoy everything from cartoon and youth-themed shows to special toys and gifts to keep them busy.

Short & Medium Haul

British Airways’ short and medium-haul flights do not sell Premium Economy seating, but if the aircraft is flying a shorter route, these are excellent seats worth paying extra to enjoy the extra space that they afford. Most of the long-haul amenities (like hot meals, free drinks and noise-reducing headphones) are not available though. Buy-on-board service in economy class is standard on shorter European flights, which means the only benefit of paying for this seat on those flights is the extra space.

Sustainability

The airline is investing in the most fuel-efficient planes and focuses on reducing emissions both inflight and on the ground. Recycling programs in its lounges and inflight are another eco-friendly measure.

British Airways aims for net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, and the carrier invests in  carbon-neutral projects  in many of the destinations it serves. On its flights, it has switched to bamboo alternatives instead of plastic stirrers, reduced plastic use for amenity kits and headsets, and serves water bottles made from recycled materials. The airline sends less than one per cent of non-catering waste to landfills. BA's new uniforms are made from more than 90 per cent sustainable fabrics from recycled polyester and only use manufacturers of the 'Better Cotton' initiative. The old uniforms will be donated to charities, recycled into children's toys or contributed to the airline's museum.

The airline also collects loose change from passengers on its long-haul flights to support the non-profit organisation Flying Start. It supports less-fortunate children around the world. British Airways is also the first airline to build a waste-to-fuel plant converting everyday consumer waste to sustainable fuel.

A partnership with the Born Free Foundation has the airline advocating against the captivity of wild animals. British Airways Holidays helps to create a safe sanctuary space for rescued wild animals.

The flight search on BusinessClass.com includes information on CO2 emissions for each flight. Our quality algorithms also give a higher score to flights operated by the most modern and environmentally friendly aircraft.

What We Love

• Footrests and adjustable headrests to make it easier to sleep
• Business class-quality meals serving British products
• A nice selection of mid-flight snacks as well as an open bar throughout the flight

Read the BusinessClass.com review of British Airways Club World Read the BusinessClass.com review of British Airways First Class

BusinessClass.com searches hundreds of travel sites at once to help you find the best premium travel offers for both flights and the finest hotels.

Is Premium Economy British Airways worth it?

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Review: British Airways 747-400 World Traveller Plus (Premium Economy)

I have to admit, i really enjoyed world traveller plus (premium economy) on british airways. on a daytime flight, it is a nice hybrid between economy and business class..

My day began in Istanbul with a business class flight to London. After a six hour layover, I was anxious to board my nonstop flight home to Los Angeles. I booked using Avios, at a cost of 49,500 Avios and $269.61 for both segments. The LHR-LAX segment was 32,500 Avios alone, though I had taken advantage of a 40% transfer bonus from American Express Membership Rewards, effectively brining the price to about 23,000 AMEX points.

My flight departed from Heathrow Terminal 5 and I was elated to find that my aircraft featured the classic BOAC livery. Boarding began late, but I finagled my way toward the front of the boarding queue so I could have a few moments to take pictures onboard before the cabin filled up.

British Airways 269 London (LHR) – Los Angeles (LAX) Tuesday, October 01 Depart: 04:15 PM Arrive: 07:20 PM Duration: 11hr, 05min Aircraft: Boeing 747-400 Seat: 36G (“World Traveller Plus” Premium Economy Class)

Onboard, I was warmly welcomed by the purser and directed to my seat. Two flight attendants waiting in the cabin also greeted me. The crew turned out to be remarkable on this flight.

British Airways World Traveller Plus Seating

The premium economy cabin featured three rows of eights seats across in a 2-4-2 configuration. Legroom is 38 inches and seat width is 18.5 inches, 1.5 inches more than economy and 1.5 inches less than “Club World” business class. The seats have footrests. In the first row (34) they extend form the seat itself. In rows 35-36, they fold down from the seat in front. I don’t care for these type of footrests and did not use mine.

Seat recline was adjustable via manual buttons below the armrest. An IFE remote control was also present there. Power ports were located in-between seats. Even in row 36 the seats fully recline.

BA’s 747s feature the older World Traveller Plus seats, cloth-covered and a bit better padded than the new(er) seats found on the 787 and A350. I found the seat well-padded and frankly very comfortable for the journey. I ended up snoozing for several hours and while it simply cannot compare to a lie-flat, I found it immensely better than economy class, which I’ve also reviewed here .

British Airways recently updated its soft product in World Traveller Plus. One of the upgrades was better bedding and pillows. Indeed, the blanket was better than what some airlines offer in business class and the pillow was plush and nicely sized.

Being an older 747, overhead bin space is limited, as the compartments are not meant for larger rollerboard bags.

British Airways World Traveller Plus IFE + Wi-Fi

Last time I flew the BA 747 was in first class and the IFE was woefully outdated. Since then, BA has updated its IFE to a new system with a higher resolution and instant response via touchscreen. A modern IFE system makes the flight so much more enjoyable and I enjoyed a couple movies including Anna and 100 Dinge (things), a thought-provoking German movie about consumption. Games, audio, and TV programming was also available as well as a moving flight map.

I was not expecting wi-fi, but it was also available and worked well. Pricing was not exactly cheap, but the signal was strong enough for me to have (discreet) phone calls over FaceTime audio and stay on top of email.

Noise-cancelling headphones were acceptable, though not excellent. They appear to be the same ones that BA uses in business class and are a big upgrade over the disposable ones in economy class.

British Airways World Traveller Plus Dining

Sparkling wine (a £ 6.00 bottle of  Prospero Brut  available at Tesco )  was offered prior to takeoff in glasses.

Shortly after takeoff, menus were distributed. Today’s selection included three choices:

• Braised British beef
• Prawn Thai green curry
• Autumn pumpkin and parsnip hotpot

Meal service began with drinks, a bag of pretzels, and a hot towel. One of the flight attendants recommended I try the red wine, remarking that it was “actually very good”. Since I planned to order the beef option, I took him up on his offer. The Vina Albali Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 sells for about £4 .00/bottle, but I found it to be perfectly acceptable.

Meals are now served on porcelain, though arrived wrapped in foil.

The plate contained a beet salad, crackers and cheese, cake, and a warm bread roll.

As always seems to be the case on British Airways, the main course looked like a cafeteria-style dish, but tasted good. The beef was tender and the vegetables flavored nicely by the chasseur sauce.

I awoke from my nap just in time for ice cream service, served about halfway through the flight. The Magnum ice cream bar may not have been healthy, but it hit the spot.

About an hour later, a snackbox was served. It included a potato chips, popcorn, and a Twix chocolate bar.

Finally, about 90 minutes before landing a pre-arrival dinner was offered. The choices were chicken tikka masala or conchiglie pasta with mushrooms and sweet red peppers. I opted for the pasta and found it even tastier than teh first meal. It was served with bread and a packaged banana loaf.

I was (pleasantly) surprised by the amount of food offered onboard British Airways in World Traveller Plus. You won’t go hungry in this cabin.

British Airways Premium Economy Amenity Kit

A stylish amenity kit was distributed before takeoff which included:

• Toothbrush + toothpaste

British Airways Premium Economy Lavatory

The lavatory was a bit grimy and certainly showing its age, but stayed clean for the duration of the flight. No extra amenities were offered.

British Airways World Traveller Plus Service

Lastly, a warm shoutout to the crew onboard. The crew was lovely; very professional and yet very friendly. They were attentive too, with frequent checks on the cabin and proactive offers for beverage refills. This was not a “mixed fleet” crew as most had more than 15-20 years of experience as a BA flight attendant.

A particular shoutout to Gail, who worked my side of the aisle and could not have been friendlier. I appreciate that this crew took time to engage with the guests onboard: it was clear they were not just going through the motions. A good-natured crew makes any flight a better flight.

When I boarded, I found my tray table was broken. Gail took it very seriously and immediately found a maintenance worker who was fixing a seat cushion in economy class. It took just a few moments for him to tighten up the screws and solve the issue.

We landed at LAX ahead of schedule and I was soon in my car heading home. I’ve now flown British Airways in all four cabins (first, business, premium economy, and economy) and quite honestly have had pleasant experiences across the board. I will not hesitate to fly British Airways again or recommend it to others. The high award fees in premium cabins are a huge disincentive to fly on BA when redeeming miles, but expect a good flight if you do end up on BA.

> Read More: Lufthansa Premium Economy Review > Read More: United Premium Economy Review

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About author.

Matthew Klint

Matthew is an avid traveler who calls Los Angeles home. Each year he travels more than 200,000 miles by air and has visited more than 135 countries. Working both in the aviation industry and as a travel consultant, Matthew has been featured in major media outlets around the world and uses his Live and Let's Fly blog to share the latest news in the airline industry, commentary on frequent flyer programs, and detailed reports of his worldwide travel.

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13 comments.

“the signal was strong enough for me to have (discreet) phone calls over FaceTime audio”

I can promise you, that unless the cabin was empty, they were not discreet and probably annoyed at least someone.

I just don’t understand the need.

Completely agree. They also usually say that voice calls are prohibited. It’s a shame to hear the flight attendants aren’t enforcing this.

The decay of social etiquette continues.

Matthew, I am waiting for you to do a one month challenge in eating only the more exotic dishes served on planes. You are funny with your predictable ordering of meat or pasta. Next time go Chicken Tikka Masala!

Especially after encouraging airlines to add more Indian dishes!

Sorry, but my journey from Denver to London in a 23 year old 747 was an utter nightmare! Grubby, shoddy and poorly delivered premium service. I wish I’d flown in economy and not been robbed and insulted by the worst flight in my life.

Voice calls are not permitted on board. Frankly this is disappointing coming from someone who has posted before about passenger shaming.

That only works if someone else is supposed to be shamed lol

It would be interesting to have you fly more premium economy and/or at least rank the ones you have flown so far.

Wow! After several years of headline making horror stories (for example, inedible meals, cuts to meal service, urine soaked seat cushions & multiple incidents of passengers arriving at their destination bitten by bedbugs) and many bloggers bemoaning BA’s slide towards another era where “BA” was short for “Bloody Awful” (as it was back in the day before Lord King & Sir Colin Marshall reshaped into the self-proclaimed, but well deserved slogan, as the “World’s Favourite Airline” in the late 1980s & into the ‘90s), it’s nice to see BA once again offering a quality product that’s more like its award winning era as the “World’s Favourite Airline” than when its service was so awful most derisively referred to it as “Bloody Awful”!

Here’s hoping this “upgraded & improved” version of BA is with us for the long-haul! 🙂

The older Premium Economy seats on BA were wider, and there were individual reading lights, which I loved. I’ve been fly6this class for about 10-12 years, and I have found that the seats are getting smaller and closer. It’s not nearly as good of a deal as it used to be.

Great review!

Two “addendums” (if you will):

1.) Assuming you were aboard BA’s “Super High ‘J’” 747-400 (based on the photos seen in your post above), I’m pretty sure the configuration for WTP cabin varies slightly from the “three rows of eight seats across in a 2-4-2 configuration” (for a total of 24 seats in WTP/PE class) as follows:

a.) four rows for the “A/B” left side window/aisle pair and the center four “D/E/F/G” grouped seats

– and –

b.) three rows of seats for “J/K” right side window/aisle pair

– For a total of 30 seat in WTP/PE;

2.) With your seat, 36G, adjacent/across the aisle from a lavatory, and directly in front of a galley separating WTP from the Main Cabin, were there any negatives being in close proximity to either the loo or the galley?

Just wondering?

Personally, I can’t see the appeal of 2-4-2 seating in Club World over 3-4-3 in regular economy class. There’s no way I’d be forking out extra cash and risk running being sested in the two middle seats at the centre of the Club World cabin. It would feel just like World Traveller, regardless of the “enhanced” soft product…

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Refreshed but with room for refinement: A review of British Airways World Traveller Plus on the refurbished 777

Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here .

[tpg_rating tpg-rating-score="74" ground-experience="7" cabin-seat="23" amens-ife="27" food-bev="12" service="5" pros="New fabrics, fantastic bedding and a huge inflight-entertainment selection." cons="Limited foot space, disappointing second meal and awkward service flows." /]

A lot of excitement in British Airways' 100th year has centered around its new Airbus A350 aircraft with the long overdue and highly publicized new Club Suite business-class product. BA has a huge task ahead to install this seat in more than 100 existing wide-body aircraft, a process that will take years.

The very first of the existing aircraft to complete the refurbishment was a Boeing 777-200, which was then assigned on the prized route from London Heathrow (LHR) to New York JFK. I got to try Club Suite on this aircraft , so I also wanted to try out the World Traveller Plus (premium economy) service. Having heard whispers this cabin was also receiving a refresh, I wondered: How would the product compare to other BA WTP flights?

World Traveller Plus flights between London and New York can be a great use of Avios, with one-way redemptions costing 26,000 Avios per person on off-peak days plus about $400 in fees, taxes and surcharges.

We ended up paying the charges using the Platinum Card® from American Express, which earned 5x Membership Rewards points per dollar spent on airfare when booked directly with the airline and with American Express Travel. And with BA as a transfer partner of both American Express Membership Rewards and Chase Ultimate Rewards , it's easy to amass the points required to book flights. Plus, there are often lucrative transfer bonuses between one (or both) of the programs and British Airways, meaning you'd need even fewer points to score an award.

[flight_stats ticket-class="econ" review-stat-section="Ground Experience" tpg-rating="7" tpg-rating-max="10" tail="G-RAES" age="22" departure="12" departure-2="10" duration="7" duration-2="02" live-tv="0" tailcam="0" headphones="0" comp-alcohol="0" extra-pillows="0" turndown-service="0" /]

I arrived at Heathrow Terminal 5, the home of British Airways, around two hours before departure.

Having checked in online but still needing a boarding pass, I tried out the check-in kiosks.

These were efficient, and I had my boarding pass in no time. I headed through Terminal 5 security, which despite the terminal being busy, was quick and efficient. I have never waited more than five minutes at any London airport security in my several years of living there.

From there, it was downstairs to find my gate. No lounge access is included with a World Traveller Plus ticket without any airline status, so I wandered around the terminal itself. The gate areas in the A Pier were heaving on a Thursday morning.

My flight was departing from the B gates, so I headed underground to take the transit train.

The B gates had more seating, though there were no power outlets at each seat.

Shortly after I arrived at the gate, around 60 minutes before scheduled departure, an announcement was made that boarding would be delayed around one hour due to an engineering issue.

Passengers in Club and First cabins were invited to return to the BA lounge in Terminal 5, but with no lounge for me, I decided to just stay at the gate and get some work done.

Despite the supposed hour's delay, boarding was delayed only 30 minutes, and I hoped we might even make up the time in the air for an on-time arrival into JFK.

Boarding was strictly maintained by group numbers. Groups 1 and 2 were boarded before me, and I was one of the first Group 3 members to board.

Other than the slight boarding delay, it was a civilized and organized ground experience and boarding process.

[flight_stats ticket-class="econ" review-stat-section="Cabin and Seat" tpg-rating="23" tpg-rating-max="30" configuration="2" configuration-2="4" configuration-3="2" width="18.5" pitch="38" tray="14" tray-2="16" lavs="4" live-tv="0" tailcam="0" headphones="0" comp-alcohol="0" extra-pillows="0" turndown-service="0" /]

I walked through the huge Club Suite cabins, which took up around half the aircraft, and then made it to the World Traveller Plus cabin behind it.

This was laid out in a 2-4-2 configuration. I was excited to see the seat fabrics were brand-new following the refurbishment, and the navy blue color looked smart.

The cabin was completely full on my flight, and with only a few seating options, I chose an aisle seat midway back in the cabin.

On closer inspection, I was disappointed to see that the refurbishment of the seats appeared to start and finish with the seat fabric. The casing of the seat had not been refreshed and was scuffed and dented. The IFE screens were also evidently previous-generation, as the buttons were quite faded.

Legroom was definitely a step above economy, and I liked the adjustable footrest.

The problem was there was very limited foot space under the seat in front of me. I do have big feet, but there was little room to fit these under what I expected would be a spacious seat.

There were two seat power sources to share between my seat neighbor and me.

There was a bifold tray table, which in upright position was able to accommodate my 13-inch laptop easily.

The recline of the seat was good, and I was able to fit in a comfortable, quick nap. Note that the seats recline deeply an abruptly: Both my seat neighbor and I were startled when the people in front of us reclined their seats.

The passenger in front of me was restless during the flight, and the seat shook significantly each time he tossed and turned. I could just manage to do some work on my laptop when the seat in front was fully reclined, though my concentration was interrupted numerous times when the seat in front wobbled and rattled because of the passenger's movements.

Although boarding commenced around 30 minutes late, we ended up departing almost an hour late, as the secondary screening for those with a dreaded 'SSSS' on their boarding pass was not set up properly at our gate at boarding time (perhaps because the delay in boarding ended up being far less than expected), so there were still passengers trickling on board well after I thought boarding had been completed.

With the Club Suite cabin taking up so much of the aircraft, the 777-200 featured a surprisingly small single World Traveller (economy) cabin in a tight 3-4-3 configuration -- this was the entire economy cabin.

There were no bathrooms dedicated to the WTP cabin. There was a pair of bathrooms at the back of our cabin shared between both cabins, though they were marked as out of order from boarding until several hours into the flight before a crew member noticed the stickers, checked the bathrooms and decided they were serviceable.

There was a curtain separating the premium and economy cabins, though this wasn't closed until halfway through the flight, which added to the feeling that there was little differentiation between the World Traveller Plus and World Traveller cabins.

[flight_stats ticket-class="econ" review-stat-section="Amenities and IFE" tpg-rating="27" tpg-rating-max="30" screen="12" live-tv="No" tailcam="No" wifi="5.7" wifi-2="0.36" headphones="Yes" comp-alcohol="0" extra-pillows="0" turndown-service="0" /]

This was the area where the flight really shone. I arrived to find several goodies waiting for me on my seat.

First was a plush, decent-sized pillow, which would not have looked out of place in business class.

There was a matching blanket, which was plush and large. Both had a really cool blue-and-white striped design that was fresh and stylish.

There was also a matching amenity kit in the same fun design, and headphones.

The headphones, while not noise-canceling, were of good quality and produced good sound. There was also the standard inflight magazine, duty-free magazine and sick bag in the seatback pocket.

While the IFE screens had not received an upgrade in the refurbishment, there were still hundreds of movies and TV shows to choose from. I certainly didn't get bored!

Though the flight map was fairly basic, considering the plane had just been refurbished.

The selections could be navigated by remote control.

Bathrooms were a good size and pretty standard, though I noticed that the mirrors were filthy, even at the start of the flight.

Wi-Fi was available shortly after takeoff and had good speeds: I was able to get quite a bit of work done on the flight.

[flight_stats ticket-class="econ" review-stat-section="Food and Beverage" tpg-rating="12" tpg-rating-max="20" live-tv="0" tailcam="0" headphones="0" comp-meal="2" meals-purchase="No" comp-alcohol="Yes" extra-pillows="0" turndown-service="0" /]

During the boarding process, poured drinks were offered from a tray. The cabin crew said they had "water, juice or Champagne." This immediately struck me as odd, because I didn't think BA served actual Champagne in World Traveller Plus (few airlines do). This is nitpicking, but if it were prosecco or English sparkling wine the crew member really should have described it as such. In any case, it wasn't very cold.

With an 11:20 a.m. departure, I expected a full lunch service followed by an afternoon tea meal shortly before landing, like I had experienced on other carriers on the same route, albeit with slightly later departure times.

As expected, lunch was served shortly after takeoff, beginning with a drinks service. All passengers were offered a premeal drink (a Bloody Mary for me) and asked to select wine for their meal. I asked for a white wine and was told there was only a sauvignon blanc. This was served with sour cream-and-chive pretzels.

There were three entrees. I would normally go for beef but decided to mix it up and selected a Thai prawn green curry.

BA serves World Traveller Plus meals still with the plastic and foil on top of containers. This really affects the presentation, and I wish they would tidy up the tray before handing it to the passengers ( Virgin Atlantic does the same thing).

This is the difference five seconds of tidying would make:

One of the big selling points of British Airways World Traveller Plus catering is that the entree is from the Club World kitchen, meaning you can expect a business-class main course. Unfortunately, while Club Suite passengers on this flight received meals plated in the galley, the same could not be said for WTP meals, which were reheated in the same dishes they were loaded onto the plane in.

This resulted in a fairly unappetizing-looking dish that tasted OK but was dried out around the edges because of the reheating.

I did like the starter, a goat cheese, orange and beetroot tartare. The goat cheese especially was a premium and refined touch. The cookie-dough cheesecake for dessert was also decent and got me ready to be in New York City.

Midflight, a small ice cream was served.

It was already pretty cracked when I opened it.

Around 90 minutes before landing, a second meal was served. I was expecting some sort of afternoon tea like on other flights to New York, but it was a lonely pizza, with tea or coffee offered this time.

While the main dish from lunch was promised "from the Club World kitchen," this was about as economy as it got.

The taste was decent, better than a frozen supermarket pizza and dense enough that it at least filled me up. I found the switch from proper china at lunch to paper cups for the second meal to be strange.

[flight_stats ticket-class="econ" review-stat-section="Service" tpg-rating="5" tpg-rating-max="10" live-tv="0" tailcam="0" headphones="0" comp-alcohol="0" extra-pillows="No" turndown-service="No" blurb="Delays and disruptions made for an uneven service flown that was little different from economy." /]

The crew on my flight were well-intentioned, but there were several frustrating elements to the flight. As the crew began serving lunch, they asked us both what we would like to drink at that moment and whether we wanted wine with our meal. I chose a Bloody Mary cocktail to start with and then white wine with my meal. This was both served to me before any food was. While that would ordinarily be fine, we then hit some turbulence, meaning the service was suspended for around 30 minutes.

This threw the entire service flow off. Most passengers drank their wine for their meal during the turbulence, and by the time their main courses were served, they had no wine left. The crew did not realize such a long delay would result in empty glasses, and, firstly, didn't both offer more wine when the meals were finally served (seeing glasses were empty), and, secondly, didn't offer any more drinks during the meal service at all.

While we were provided with coffee cups with our meal tray, the crew seemed so flustered that they completely forgot to serve any tea or coffee with lunch.

On this route that I've flown several times, I'm used to a full meal service shortly after takeoff and a lighter meal just before descent. The full lunch was served after takeoff as expected, but then midflight a single (mini) ice cream was served despite us having been served a normal dessert just a few hours earlier. I was confused why I was served two desserts so close together and initially thought that may be the entire second meal. But then around 90 minutes before landing, the crew came through a third time with a pizza, which, while filling because of its carby goodness, was not a patch on the afternoon tea usually served in World Traveller Plus on these flights.

There didn't appear to be any crew members dedicated to the World Traveller Plus cabin -- we were served first, but the same crew members then rolled down to World Traveller and served them. This added to the feeling there was little differentiation between the two cabins.

Overall impression

Given the huge improvement to the business-class cabin on this aircraft, I was hoping for more of an improvement in the World Traveller Plus cabin refresh. While new seat fabrics are nice on a 22-year-old aircraft, this was a pretty middle-of-the-road experience.

I appreciated the extra legroom and recline, and the awesome bedding was a lovely surprise, but this was far from a perfect flight. The lack of any real separation between the World Traveller and World Traveller Plus cabins was symbolic for the flight: While the premium cabin was served first, it felt fairly economy from start to finish. There wasn't much room for my (big) feet next to the bulky IFE box, and the turbulence with a full cabin seemed to upset the service flow, as things were simply forgotten.

The second meal service was strange: two very light and decidedly economy snacks served separately rather than a proper afternoon tea service.

This aircraft is more than two decades old, as are many flying BA's most profitable route, but in the future I'll be looking for a more modern aircraft where possible.

All photos by the author.

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This is our premium economy class, available on long haul flights.

These maps are representative of seating layouts on board, but may vary according to aircraft. Once you have made a booking, you can see the actual seating layout for your flight and choose a seat using Manage My Booking .

If you’d like to discuss your seating options and choose a seat, please contact us and we’ll be happy to help you.

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787-8 and 787-8 fitted with the new Club Suite

BA World Traveller Plus – Is This Premium Economy Worth It?

The British Airways premium economy class service known as BA World Traveller Plus provides more space and comfort than the regular economy class service. But is it worth the extra money? Let’s take a closer look. You’ll see that, on balance, I would still pay for this service even though it has declined.

I’m rarely a business air traveller so most of my flights are holiday flights. These are short haul into Europe or long haul to the Caribbean. As I don’t fly often enough, and with the impact of travel restrictions during the pandemic of 2020/2021, my formerly Silver BA Executive Club membership has been downgraded to Bronze due to the fact that I haven’t collected enough tier points.

In another post, I’ve compared BA to Virgin but in this one, I’m going to explain how things have declined in BA’s premium economy service. These impressions are based on the experience of flying from London Heathrow to Barbados and back. Other flights, particularly the longer flights to South Africa, Asia, or the west coast of America may be different.

What do you get with BA World Traveller Plus?

The BA website tells us that upgrading to World Traveller Plus is “exciting”. Well, perhaps I’m a little jaded but my recent experiences have left me thoroughly underwhelmed.

The Premium Economy cabin is in front of Economy and behind Business Class. You certainly do get a wider seat, greater seat pitch, a foot rest, and extra leg room. There’s a cushion for that all important lumbar support on a long flight, and blanket for the night flight home.

There is a greater baggage allowance and priority boarding for World Traveller Plus, after First, Business, and families with young children and those who require extra support. 

The BA website tells you that you can expect two “delicious” meals. This was not the case in my experience. There is a complimentary bar service though you may have a wait a while to get served.

The noise reducing headphones supplied with each seat are an improvement from those of a few years ago. This is probably the only thing that has improved in a British Airways Premium Economy seat. I used to fly with a pair of Bose noise cancelling headphones but I won’t bother to take them any more if I’m flying BA World Traveller Plus.

The entertainment system is good. It contains a wide selection of the latest films, TV, music, audio books , and games, so there’s enough there to keep most people occupied for most flights.

You’re also supposed to receive an amenity kit but I don’t recall seeing any, and there were no separate toilets for World Traveller Plus passengers on our flight aboard a Boeing 777. The only option were those behind the curtain separating Economy from Premium Economy.

London Heathrow LHR to New York JFK

What did you use to get with ba world traveller plus.

If my memory serves me correctly then these things have been withdrawn:

• No glass of sparkling wine is offered after boarding and before take off
• No cheese and biscuits are offered with the main meal
• No extra drink offered after the main meal
• No brandy or cream liqueur is offered after the main meal
• No additional sweets or ice creams
• Sub-standard low-quality second meal (afternoon tea on the way out, breakfast on the way back)

Understandably, British Airways has had to find ways to save money after the impact of travel restrictions during the Covid pandemic. Across an airline, these cost-cutting measures would make a huge difference, but for the passengers paying higher prices each year the downgrade in terms of perks is very noticeable and weakens their loyalty to the airline.

British Airways Cabin Crew

It can’t be easy, being a flight attendant . Long hours, low pay, stress, jet lag, the threat of redundancy in a volatile industry, and all for looking after what are sometimes obnoxious and often demanding passengers.

On the other hand, without the passengers there would be no job. We rely on each other, and the fact is that, from a passenger’s point of view, a smiling and cheerful flight attendant can make a big impact on the flight experience, and therefore on the prospects of repeat custom. A surly and unfriendly face in the uniform can do the exact opposite.

I’ve experienced both demeanors while travelling with British Airways. I’ve seen courteous, professional, and cheerful flight attendants doing their utmost make the journey enjoyable. On the other hand I’ve seen crew with faces that would turn milk sour. Everyone has their bad days but it gets to the point at which you dislike the passengers and don’t look forward to work anymore then you’re in the wrong job.

BA World Traveller Plus with a baby

Passengers travelling with infants are allocated the first row of seats in the World Traveller Plus cabin. This is behind the bulkhead separating the cabin from the Business Class cabin. The seats have a pull-down table in front of them onto which the infant’s cot can be strapped. For those not wanting to sit near any parents with their babies, the best seats are those a few rows back, but not in the back row of the small cabin.

What is BA World Traveller Plus?

British Airways World Traveller Plus is the premium economy class cabin offered by British Airways. It is a step up from the standard economy class and provides passengers with additional benefits and features designed to enhance their flying experience.

Passengers travelling in British Airways World Traveller Plus enjoy wider seats with more legroom and additional recline, providing greater comfort and relaxation. The cabin is generally located closer to the front of the aircraft than standard economy, allowing for faster boarding and disembarkation.

World Traveller Plus passengers also receive a range of other benefits, including priority check-in and boarding, increased baggage allowance, noise-cancelling headphones, and an upgraded dining experience with a choice of complimentary meals, drinks, and snacks.

Does BA World Traveller Plus get lounge access?

No, there is no free lounge access with a World Traveller Plus ticket. You’ll need to be a BA Executive Club Silver cardholder or higher.

Does BA World Traveller Plus get priority check-in?

There is a separate desk for World Traveller Plus but I’ve rarely found it to make any significant difference. If you’ve already checked in online and printed your boarding pass then there’s little more to do than have these checked and drop your bags.

How does BA World Traveller Plus compare with VA Premium Economy?

In terms of seat comfort and space, both cabins offer wider seats with extra legroom and increased recline compared to standard economy. However, Virgin Atlantic’s Premium Economy cabin generally provides a bit more legroom and seat width than British Airways World Traveller Plus.

Both airlines offer similar benefits such as priority check-in, boarding and baggage handling, upgraded dining options, amenity kits, and in-flight entertainment systems.

One of the main differences between the two cabins is the type of seat that is offered. British Airways World Traveller Plus features a fixed shell seat, which provides a high level of privacy and comfort, while Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy features a recliner seat with a footrest. The recliner seat is a good option for passengers who want to stretch out and relax, while the fixed shell seat is ideal for those who want more privacy and a more business-class like experience.

How much extra is World Traveller Plus?

Ticket prices vary greatly according to demand, day of the week, time of day, and seasonal holidays. The three snapshots shown below for ticket prices for flights from Heathrow to New York in the Spring of 2023 illustrate these variations.

They also show how there is no fixed percentage for the upgrade from Economy to Premium Economy. So the answer to the question, “How much extra is World Traveller Plus?” is “It depends when you fly. You can pay a small percentage higher than the Economy ticket but it could also be nearly double.”

You can also upgrade to a British Airways World Traveller Plus seat using your Avios points. This particularly useful for the solo traveller who might be flexible about the date of travel.

Is BA World Traveller Plus worth it?

On balance, I would still buy a BA premium economy seat, particularly for long haul flights, but that’s because I’m fairly tall and I like the few extras that remain. Air travel should be stress free and enjoyable and I’ll take advantage of those things I can afford to meet that goal. More room in a smaller cabin on a longer trip is a plus.

Despite the cutbacks the majority of the benefits remain; priority check in, priority boarding, more room, etc. I like to board earlier, settle into the bigger seat with extra leg room, and hope that maybe this time the food and service will be better. But it often feels like the triumph of hope over experience.

British Airways in the media

“…we need to hark back to the days when BA planes drew gasps of admiration from our French neighbours, as hilariously depicted in one of the “Fly The Flag” commercials from the Eighties, rather than offering competition to Ryanair. If you want to sell Britain abroad it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see that a successful flapship airline is an invaluable asset.” Mariella Frostrup, The Daily Telegraph , November 2017

AIRLINE: British Airways. I have Stockholm syndrome—the worse they treat me, the more devoted I become! Mariella Frostrup, Air Mail , July 2022

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British Airways Economy Vs World Traveller Plus: Is It Worth Paying To Upgrade?

popular post today

1. Economy Vs. Premium Economy: Price

2. economy vs. premium economy: seat selection, 3. economy vs. premium economy: check-in, 4. economy vs. premium economy: baggage, 5. economy vs. premium economy: lounges, 6. economy vs. premium economy: boarding, 7. economy vs. premium economy: seat dimensions, 8. economy vs. premium economy: seat recline, 9. economy vs. premium economy: amenities, 10. economy vs. premium economy: food & drink.

May 5 2019, 6:47 am When flying British Airways , is it worth paying to upgrade to World Traveller Plus, the BA Premium Economy seats from Economy seats on long-haul flights?

If the price is your biggest factor when making the decision on which class to fly in, you should probably choose to fly Economy. After all, the entire plane will get to its destination, whichever class you are sitting in.

Having said that, particularly for overnight flights, being stuffed in a sardine-tin, with little space to move and next-to-no recline, means that sleep is difficult. Certainly, when I have flown in Economy, I find, if I do manage to nod off, the fact that my head then drops to one side because of the lack of seat recline means that I almost always wake myself up.

The result is that you can feel pretty grotty after an Economy flight when you get to your destination. This means that you are potentially ruining the first day of your trip because you have not spent the extra on upgrading your flight.

So even if the price IS your biggest factor, Premium Economy can mean that you avoid wasting a day of your holiday, which may ultimately be worth more than the price difference.

For a better deal on Business Class flights or luxury hotels, contact our luxury travel concierge for a free quote. We offer free upgrades, free breakfasts, and free perks at hotels including Four Seasons, Park Hyatt, Ritz-Carlton, InterContinental and more.

While competitors like Virgin enable you to select your Premium Economy seat for free, this is a feature that British Airways reserves for its Gold and Silver tier members only. The situation is similar if you fly in Business Class. If you are not a Gold or Silver tier member, you can only select your Business Class seat 24 hours before departure. Gold and Silver tiers can select before “normal” Blue passengers, even if the standard member is paying a full Business Class fare, which means that normal infrequent flyers can often be left with seats apart from their family or partner. A nightmare on a long-haul flight.

If you book with a competitor like Virgin, you can book your seat in advance, which means you can sit where you want in the cabin (within reason), and crucially, you can sit with your family or partner.

There is not a dedicated British Airways Premium Economy check-in, so you have to check-in with all the Economy passengers.

You get 2 hold suitcases when traveling in Premium Economy, which is a big bonus.

When flying in Premium Economy, you do not get access to any British Airways lounges, but if you are flying out of London Heathrow, you can use your Priority Pass or pay to access to the Aspire Lounge In Heathrow Terminal 5 or the Aspire Lounge in Terminal 3 . There is no advantage to flying Premium Economy in this respect.

Virgin offers priority boarding all over the world for Premium Economy passengers. By comparison, BA only offers priority boarding out of Heathrow. So yes, this is an advantage when you fly out of the UK, but not when you fly from any other airport.

When you book British Airways Premium Economy, check the specific aircraft you will be flying on as BA offers two versions of their World Traveller Plus product.

The old Premium Economy seats look tired and worn with a poor in-flight entertainment system and can be found on some Boeing 767 and 777-200 aircraft.

The British Airways Premium Economy seats are on their Airbus A380, Boeing 787/777-300ER, and retrofitted Boeing 767/777-200 aircraft and offer increased recline, personal in-seat power, and a 60% larger IFE monitor.

Taking the Boeing 777-200s as an example, the dedicated Premium Economy cabin has 40 recliner seats in a 2-4-2 layout. Dimensions are 18.5 inches in width and 38 inches in pitch. That’s an upgrade over the Economy seats with 17.5 inches of width and 31 inches in pitch. Still, neither Economy nor Premium Economy offers a leg rest, so if this is a deal-breaker, choose another airline.

This does not look good when compared with one of their main competitors, Virgin’s Premium Economy, which has seat dimensions are 18-21 inches seat width, 38 inches legroom. In comparison, Virgin’s Economy offers a “generous” width of up to 17 inches, with seat pitch or legroom of up to 31 inches, almost identical to BA.

So purely on seat dimensions, Virgin’s Premium Economy gives you much more room than Premium Economy or “World Traveller Plus” on BA, even though Virgin’s Premium Economy seat pitch is particularly average.

For me, the extra elbow room in the Premium Economy seats enables me to work more comfortably on my laptop, making the width worth paying for and making Virgin Premium Economy a better choice than BA’s Premium Economy when flying out of Heathrow or Gatwick. Equally, BA’s Premium Economy wins over Economy when directly compared as I can type better in Premium!

While Virgin’s Premium Economy seat seats have 7-8 inches of recline Vs. Virgin’s Economy and Economy Delight recline of 4-6 inches, it is much harder to work out the seat recline on British Airways without getting out your tape measure onboard.

The Premium Economy seats recline more than the Economy seats, so for seat recline, Premium Economy wins. BA’s Premium Economy gives you more room to recline your seat, which will make it easier to sleep as your head is less likely to drop to one side because the seat is more horizontal. This recline is a huge advantage when compared to the seats in Economy, and the seats on newer planes, on their Airbus A380, Boeing 787/777-300ER, and retrofitted Boeing 767/777-200 aircraft offer increased recline, over the older Boeing 767 and 777-200 aircraft. So if recline is a dealbreaker, make sure you don’t book onto the 767 and 777-200.

As part of Premium Economy, you get an oversized pillow, a blanket, a small amenity kit, and a large pair of headphones. The amenity kit contains just the essentials: a toothbrush and toothpaste, an eye mask, a pair of socks, earbuds, and a pen. The blanket is plush but not too thick. The headphones were the noise-canceling type that would normally be distributed in business class and above, so that is a real advantage if you are choosing between flying in Economy Vs. Premium Economy.

A big bonus traveling on BA in Premium Economy is that you get ClubWorld standard meals (with fewer choices) served on proper crockery with a real napkin. You also usually get a welcome drink and another round of drinks with the meal, along with tea and coffee during/after the meal.

Depending on the flight length, if it is overnight, you sometimes get breakfast served, although I believe that this is the same as in Economy. On shorter flights, you just get a drink and a mars bar (or similar).

Conclusion: I would say that the British Airways Premium Economy is a good product and worth paying the extra if you can afford it. I have flown in Premium Economy and would not hesitate to fly it again.

British Airways Premium Economy Reviews

Review: Premium Economy On British Airways Dreamliner 787-9

In this review, I review British Airway’s World Traveller Plus, also known as Premium Economy, on their new Boeing 787-900 Dreamliner on my trip from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to London. This product was newly launched a few months before, and I was eager to try it. We have also reviewed First Class On The British Airways Dreamliner B787-9 as well as Business Class on the B747 Jumbo and Business Class on the B777. The Premium Economy cabin is located right behind the Business Class cabin. There are a total of 6 rows of seats.

Best Premium Economy Seats On British Airways Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner

I am often asked which are the best seats to choose on a flight, or in this case, what are the best Premium Economy or World Traveller Plus seats on the British Airways Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner? This is a subjective question, but after much time spent studying the seating plan of the British Airways Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, I have concluded the best and worst seats on this Dreamliner. Please note the picture above is a stock photo of Premium Economy or World Traveller Plus on the British Airways A380 Airbus.

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Note: Benefits & upgrades subject to availability. Benefits offered correct at the time of writing. Terms & conditions apply. Enquire for more information. Benefits offered correct at the time of writing but may be amended at discretion of the vendor. Posts may be sponsored by the proprietor or brand being appraised. All opinions remain our own & are in no way influenced.

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A tale of two classes: British Airways World Traveller and WTP

By fintan horan-stear →.

Unfortunately, on a recent roundtrip between London Heathrow and Newark, New Jersey, starting with LHR-EWR in World Traveller economy class, these flashes of PaxEx brilliance were overshadowed by appalling service on the outbound across the Atlantic. 

Having already checked in online, I arrived at Heathrow’s Terminal 5 and went straight to the self-service bag drop system, which worked flawlessly. There were no queues. Unfortunately, the same could not be said for security, which took 35 minutes to get through. 

The automated bag drop was simple to use. Image: Fintan Horan-Stear

Once through security, I waited in a paid access lounge for my gate to be called. When the announcement finally came, roughly 20 minutes late, I was pleasantly surprised to see that my flight would be leaving from the A gates closest to the terminal. That is until I learned I was simply headed to a bus gate. I waited patiently at the cramped gate lounge as the stream of premium passengers trickled past and into the bus.

Fifteen minutes before our scheduled departure, my group was called, and we made our way to the vehicle. Unfortunately, once we arrived at our Boeing 777, boarding was a scrum. During the process, a crew member chided passengers for their bag arrangements in a rude and passive-aggressive manner.

The 777 is a mainstay of BA’s fleet, but it’s still surprising to see BA use remote stands for them. Image: Fintan Horan-Stear

Inside, I took a hot second to inspect my World Traveller economy class seat, part of a seat pair near the back of the aircraft. Though the seat is older, and perhaps past its prime — as evidenced by the small inflight entertainment screen — it has a lot of personal space and in fact, I found it to be quite comfortable.

A blanket, pillow, and disposable headphones of poor quality awaited me. The seat has no individual air gasper, as is often the case these days aboard widebodies.

The seat was a solid product, but it is in need of a refresh on British Airways. Image: Fintan Horan-Stear

I went to the lavatory to freshen up before takeoff, and, shockingly, the bathrooms were filthy. We hadn’t even left at this point. 

One can only assume the delay in boarding meant a short turnaround. Image: Fintan Horan-Stear

Once we were in the air, I decided to peruse the IFE selection, which had a variety of blockbusters and UK original series. I settled on Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade , and the 1989-era picture quality of the film suited the ancient IFE screen perfectly. Alas, the Wi-Fi and USB power port in the seat did not work.

Whilst the selection was a bit limited, I was grateful for the classics on British Airways. Image: Fintan Horan-Stear

Despite some tired fixtures, the seat itself was good enough. Even when the seat in front of me was fully reclined, I had enough legroom, and as a 6’4 (193cm)-sized person, I fitted in the space. Having said that, the pan of my seat continuously slid forward throughout the flight, causing my legs to ache from keeping them tense. 

Legroom was sufficient, with clear space even for a tall person. Image: Fintan Horan-Stear

One hour into the flight, the drink service began, with BA serving World Traveller Plus premium economy passengers first before moving onto World Traveller economy. I had sparkling water and white wine. The Chilean Sauvignon Blanc was soft and fruity. I also snagged a sparkling Italian wine that was too sweet. The two crew members serving the drinks were friendly. 

Two hours into the flight, the meal began. Special meals were hand-delivered first. My Asian vegetarian meal consisted of a buckwheat salad starter, Daal curry, cheese and crackers, and mango parfait, which were all tasty and satisfying. However, my enjoyment was dampened when a crew member, who had arrived to assist with meals, scolded the passenger beside me for having his headphones in and not clocking that he had missed the meal. 

It was not an isolated incident, as I overhead flight attendants grumble audibly about passengers during the flight — presumably they assumed the passengers couldn’t hear them because of the headphones, ironically enough.

The meal was the highlight of the BA flight. Image: Fintan Horan-Stear

Following the meal service, I tried to remain in the background as much as possible to avoid raising the ire of the crew. 

The IFE was buggy and slow, so I spent the rest of the flight watching Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom and questioning my life choices.

I certainly identified with the heroine of The Temple of Doom on this flight. Image: Fintan Horan-Stear

Ninety minutes before landing, a snack service arrived, including an Indian-flavored vegetarian Wellington that was not bad. 

I was grateful that British Airways could offer a hot snack equal to the meat version on board. Image: Fintan Horan-Stear

As we prepared to land at Newark, I felt downtrodden by the abject rudeness of the crew. I hoped that, on my return flight to London in World Traveller Plus premium economy, the experience would improve.

The ground experience at Newark was a pleasant surprise. Checkin was faultless, with no queues and friendly staff.

Security was also a breeze; advanced scanners meant no decanting of items out of my bag. And I had some time to relax before boarding.  

After amusing myself at the terminal, I arrived at the gate 45 minutes before departure. The mood was calm, and boarding began 20 minutes later. I took my seat just five minutes before we were due to leave.

The aircraft was a three-year-old Boeing 787-10, and I was excited to be on board a relatively new and modern aircraft. World Traveller Plus premium economy is located in a sub-cabin behind the cavernous Club World space, with 35 seats across five rows. The seats are wide and comfortable with a large IFE screen, seat controls in the armrest, power ports, and a cocktail table.

The cabin is conservative but quite airy. Image: Fintan Horan-Stear

I was grateful for the noise-cancelling headset and an amenity kit. And the legroom was impressive, with both legrests and footrests provided for extra comfort.

The seat provided ample legroom for this 6’4 (193cm) journalist. Image: Fintan Horan-Stear

Before boarding, we were presented with a glass of water or orange juice. As we taxied, I inspected the bedding; the pillow and blanket were beautifully soft with a blue and red herringbone design that felt soothing in the hand without being too heavy.

The amenity kit had a matching design and felt soft and sturdy. It contained the usual flight socks, eye mask, lip balm, pen, and toothbrush.

The amenity kit and bedding were frankly wonderful. Image: Fintan Horan-Stear

I tried out the IFE on takeoff, which unfortunately didn’t work initially, but, as we turned out of Newark, and with a very loud rendition of the Flower Duet playing in the cabin, the IFE came to life.

If the blasting of BA’s anthem song over the PA didn’t wake people up, the shock of the IFE system sending us to Johannesburg, South Africa might have given passengers a surprise. 

Your guess is as good as mine. Image: Fintan Horan-Stear

I inspected the IFE offerings: it had a lot of Paramount TV box sets, as well as HBO classics and the usual BBC fare. The system was slow and a bit clunky, but not awful. The quality of the screen was fine, with bright colours, but it lacked sharp definition. I decided on The White Lotus , which was good for escapism. But as before in economy, the Wi-Fi and power outlet did not work.

Whilst better than BA’s 777 economy class IFE system, it still wasn’t state-of-the-art.  Image: Fintan Horan-Stear

Menus were passed out as we climbed, and then hot towels were distributed. Bizarrely, this was done in total darkness, so even with the reading light on it was a bit of a fumble. Thereafter, a haphazard dinner service began.

The menu was a premium touch. Image: Fintan Horan-Stear

The lights were fortunately raised for the meal service. Though two flight attendants were working the service, they didn’t bring a drink trolley with them, so options were limited. Room temperature wine from the food cart was available.

The wine was frankly unacceptable for premium economy. Image: Fintan Horan-Stear

Strangely, no bread was offered, despite there appearing to be a full basket on the cart. I asked for a sparkling wine, which was brought after the meal service; it was the same Italian Frizzante served in economy. 

I had the Asian vegetarian option, which consisted of barley salad, korma curry, and a fruit plate. The salad was fruity and sweet, but not cloying. The curry was warm and the fruit plate was fresh and cool.

The meal was perfectly fine, but nothing exciting. Image: Fintan Horan-Stear

Having finished my dinner, I got ready for sleep. I found the seat to be scratchy but the seat next to me was unoccupied so I put the spare cover over my seat for added comfort. I got a reasonable 3 ½ hours before waking an hour before landing when the breakfast service began.

I was presented with a slimy roasted vegetable inside a wet roll, which was unappetizing. An orange juice and coffee completed the meal.

Breakfast was a bit of a low point. Image: Fintan Horan-Stear

As we began our descent, I surmised that this was overall a pleasant flight. The hard product offered space to sleep, and the Boeing 787-10 — with new and modern lavs and comfortable cabin pressure — made me feel fresher on landing.

I would have appreciated an operable in-seat power port, and indeed one of those seemingly forbidden bread rolls on the cart. But BA World Traveller Plus delivered a superior experience than the outbound flight in coach, as one might expect.

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Featured image credited to Fintan Horan-Stear

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About Fintan Horan-Stear

Contributing Writer Fintan is a London-based aviation and transport ‘enthusiastic amateur’, writing about trends and developments in the industry with a specific focus on passenger experience and “soft product” elements. His interest in aviation was sparked by the golden age of Pan American and the jet age, and still feels the thrill of adventure on... Read More

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This Major U.S. Airport Is Getting a Brand-new Lounge — What to Know

British Airways will debut a whole new concept.

Joe Raedle/Getty Images

British Airways plans to open a club lounge at Miami International Airport (MIA) in 2025, debuting a brand-new location for premium passengers.

The expansive space, which will span almost 13,000 square feet once complete, will be located on the fourth floor of MIA’s Concourse E satellite terminal. This new lounge will showcase a “new lounge design concept” and ideally be positioned near the carrier’s operating gates, a British Airways spokesperson confirmed to Travel + Leisure . 

In the meantime, premium class British Airways fliers can visit the American Airlines Admirals Club before departure, including the Flagship First lounge in Concourse D. Once the new British Airways lounge opens in Concourse E, travelers can enjoy an elevated experience — and a significantly shorter walk to their gate. 

As the largest European airline in the Oneworld alliance , British Airways facilitates travel via Miami from its partners, American Airlines and Alaska Airlines. Earlier this summer, Alaska began selling British Airways fares directly on its website through an expanded partnership agreement. Likewise, select Oneworld elite status members are expected to have access to the new British Airways lounge.

The news of this lounge comes as the major European carrier has announced plans for its largest transatlantic flying schedule next summer — with more than 400 services from the U.S. during the peak travel season. From Miami alone, British Airways will operate a twice-daily service on an Airbus A380 to London-Heathrow Airport (LHR) year-round in 2025 — supplemented by American Airlines’ existing once-daily service.

More broadly across its U.S. network, British Airways plans to revamp existing lounges from popular gateway cities, including Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). While the carrier hasn’t shared too many details just yet, fliers can look forward to improved food, drink, and amenities when the overhauled spaces open throughout the coming year.   

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British Airways to open all-new Miami lounge in 2025

British airways will open new lounge in miami.

British Airways plans to open a brand-new premium lounge at Miami International Airport (MIA) in 2025. The carrier originally announced the plan in 2023, but since then, hadn’t revealed an opening date. The space will reside on the fourth floor of Terminal E, and feature a new look and feel compared to previous British Airways lounges. Here are the details.

British Airways’ new Miami lounge: Open space and natural light

The lounge will comprise 13,000 square feet, with abundant windows to let in natural light. That’ll offer more than enough space for British Airways’ elite status holders and premium passengers. The space will use a “new lounge design concept”, hinting at a contemporary setting for work, relaxation, and dining. 

Before the opening, premium class British Airways passengers can make use of the American Airlines Admirals Club, which includes Concourse D’s Flagship First lounge. Once the BA lounge opens, it’ll significantly reduce walking distances to gates. 

Another positive is British Airways’ participation in the Priority Pass program. Many of the airline’s lounges accept the pass, so passengers on any carrier — not just BA — could have access to the new lounge. 

This news follows British Airways’ announcement of its largest-ever transatlantic schedule for the summer of 2025. That translates to over 400 direct flights per week during peak periods, which includes service to 26 U.S. cities. For all of 2025, the airline will fly twice daily from Miami to London-Heathrow Airport (LHR) on an Airbus 380. 

British Airways also plans to upgrade current lounges at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), and Boston Logan International Airport (BOS). At the moment, details are scant, but travelers can expect better dining, amenities, and design once the new spaces open.

Editors’ Recommendations

• Virgin Atlantic will open a clubhouse lounge in Los Angeles
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On July 24, Alaska Airlines opened the doors to its new lounge at San Francisco International Airport (SFO). Covering 11,000 square feet, it has an elegant design and a West Coast feel, welcoming travelers to the Bay Area. Instead of enduring crowds and searching for a quiet place, passengers can unwind in a modern setting, the perfect complement to a luxurious weekend wine tasting in Napa. Alaska Airlines new SFO Lounge: A resort within an airport

The new lounge is situated in SFO’s Harvey Milk Terminal 1. Compared to the airline’s previous lounge in Terminal 2, the new design has 55% more seating, and a sleek, airy layout. The launch coincides with the carrier’s move from Terminal 2 to Terminal 1, part of a two-year, $30-million project.

Vermont’s 93-mile-long Lamoille Valley Rail Trail, which had its opening delayed by historic flooding last summer, is now ready to welcome recreational enthusiasts. Hikers, bikers, and horseback riders can venture out any time of year, while in the winter, skiers, snowshoers, and snowmobilers can join in the fun.

The trail lets people get up close to Vermont’s rustic, charming landscape, winding through 18 towns and sites like the Fisher Historic Bridge and historic railroad stations. Here’s what you need to know. Lamoille Rail Trail: A historic route everyone can experience

On June 26, Airport Dimensions unveiled its newest addition to San Francisco International Airport’s Harvey Milk Terminal 1: The Club SFO. Spanning an impressive 12,000 square feet and accommodating up to 249 passengers, The Club SFO marks a milestone as the largest and most luxurious location in The Club’s portfolio to date. This unveiling expands The Club’s presence in San Francisco, complementing its existing three lounges in International Terminal A.

"We are thrilled to welcome travelers to The Club SFO in Harvey Milk Terminal 1," said SFO Airport Director Ivar C. Satero. "Having a premium lounge concept – one that is available to all customers – is the perfect addition to our newest award-winning terminal and supports our goal to create a truly exceptional airport experience for our guests. We appreciate the expertise that Airport Dimensions provides and are confident they will be successful here at SFO."

Pregnant woman says BA passenger threatened to punch her in the face

Parul says the airline didn't deal with the threat properly and just offered her a bottle of wine in compensation

• 08:09, 19 SEP 2024
• Updated 12:10, 19 SEP 2024

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A pregnant woman who was says she was assaulted by a passenger on a plane says she was offered a bottle of champagne as an apology. Parul Patel, 35, was 11 weeks pregnant and flying back to London from Amsterdam when she says she was "shoved" by a man - while waiting to get off the plane.

Parul believes the fellow British Airways passenger wrongly thought she had pushed in before he told her: "Don't think I won't punch you in your f****** face." Parul approached a member of staff as soon as she could and was given a bottle of champagne as an apology, she says.

Parul, a business analyst, from Watford, Hertfordshire - who had been away with her partner, Dhiren Raghvani - said: "I actually felt like this man was going to hurt me. I felt I was made to be the bad guy and I now feel fearful to confront anyone about anything."

Parul and Dhiren Raghvani, 32, an IT consultant, had flown to Amsterdam to see a friend and were heading back on August 19 when the incident happened. "It was supposed to be a joyous trip, but it ended in a nightmare," Parul said.

As Parul stood in the aisle waiting to leave the plane at around 4pm, she says a male passenger pushed her out of the way and accused her of trying to cut in front of him. Parul said: "I was already standing in the aisle, and suddenly, he pushed me and said: 'Don't think I won't punch you in the f***ing face.' I was in shock."

The situation quickly escalated as the man continued to verbally assault her - making threats and using abusive language, she says. A member of cabin crew tried to console her, but the experience left Parul shaken and fearful.

"I asked them to call security," she said. "I was already in a state of shock, crying so much I could barely speak. I didn't really understand why she was giving us the bottle. It would make sense if we were talking about bad customer service, but we were dealing with common assault here."

Despite reporting the incident to staff, Parul says she felt her concerns were not taken as seriously as she would have liked. When she followed up with the airline, she says she was offered a £50 voucher. Parul said: “This wasn't about a delayed flight or lost luggage - this was a serious assault."

To make matters worse, Parul encountered the same man again in the arrivals hall. "I was in tears, and then he started again - this time with my partner, he squared up to me, swore at me, and cursed my unborn child," she said. "I was terrified - I actually felt like this man was going to hurt me and my baby."

Despite the repeated threats and aggressive behaviour, the police said they were unable to take any action, according to Parul. She said: "They said they didn't see him doing anything - except me swearing back at him."

"I struggled to sleep for a week after it happened. As a new mum and pregnant with my second child, I now feel scared to confront anyone.

"It's made me question my safety, especially as we hear so much about violence against women. It was so demoralising. I felt like I was made out to be the bad guy, when in reality, I was the one being threatened and assaulted. "

British Airways said: "We do not tolerate any kind of abuse against our colleagues or customers. A member of our cabin crew team offered assistance to our customer when this incident was brought to their attention, and it has been reported to the police."

A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said: "Police were contacted about an altercation at Heathrow Airport on 19 August. A woman reported that she had been approached by a man inside the airport following a dispute that had begun on an inbound flight.

"Officers attended but the man had left the location. Officers spoke to the relevant airline who had no record of the dispute. They also spoke to two independent witnesses who provided information that did not support the woman’s version of events.

"After assessing all of the information available, a decision was taken not to investigate further. The woman was informed of this. If any further information comes to light, this will be assessed and investigated accordingly."

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