I already reviewed my experiences traveling overseas in KLM Business Class and United Polaris Business Class. Now, I’m spilling the tea on my experience with British Airways Business Class, AKA Club World.
Review: Traveling in Club World British Airways Business Class
First off, I must explain that I did not actually book Club World with British Airways. I had booked my trip through United and was set to return to the US on a Lufthansa flight. Due to weather in the States, my flight was delated by three days. This meant I had to stay in an airport hotel in Oslo until my new flight date. However, BA moved up the connecting flight which made it impossible to board the final leg of my flight in London. Good news it that all of my expenses for those days were covered by the airlines and I got to spend a night (and catch a show) in London! Even better, I was reimbursed for a portion of my flight by BA (over $600) due to the fact that I was delayed over three hours. This is a UK law so if this ever happens to you, be sure to make a claim with your airline.
Lounge Access
The British Airways Club World lounge at Heathrow is outstanding, There are so many seating areas, tons of food options and a full serve yourself bar. Since I was flying in the morning, there was even a champagne/ prossecco and mimosa bar set up. I took full advantage of that! Like their competitors – and as highlighted in my other airline reviews – they also offer showers for those with longer layovers.
Seats
Seats in Club World Business Class are on par with the other airlines I’ve already reviewed. The one thing that was a first for me is that their business class compartments include a door that you can close. This was not the case for me with United or KLM. According to the flight staff, the Airbus A350-1000 we were flying was a brand new plane! I have no complaints – especially since the cabin was only about half full. Because of that, the staff was even more attentive than normal.
Club Suites on the A350 are arranged in 14 rows of 1-2-1 seats in a reverse herringbone configuration. I found there to be no bad seats, though the very front seats is a little too close to the attendant area. Rows 1 to 11 are in a larger, front business class cabin while rows 15 to 17 were in the smaller rear cabin. I chose to sit in the larger cabin because I find that attendants usually start serving from the front of plane. Plus, the rear cabin has more activity due to the galley and the bathrooms.
Amenities
When you arrive at your seat, you’ll find a pillow and bedding kit. It’s not as nice or robust as United Polaris but it works. There’s also an amenity kit, provided by The White Company. It includes things like socks, an eye mask, ear plugs, etc. It’s fine, but not it’s not as good as the ones you get on KLM and United. The biggest perk of Business Class, though, is you get free Wi-Fi!
Food and Drink
Perhaps we lucked out with the menu that day, but, contrary to reviews I had read, the food was quite good (see pictures). In between meals, there are snacks available in the galley – like chips (or crisps as the Brits say), popcorn, nuts, and other things like that. There are also bottles of water available.
Takeaway
I have no complaints about British Airways Club World Suites, or the flight experience over all. If the price is right, I would fly them again. The staff on this particular flight was exceptional – though we all know this is hit or miss.
One other thing I’d like to point out is that the instructional video that plays pre-flight is produced as a period piece. It’s both creative and entertaining. How often do you hear that about an instructional video. Thanks for the smile, BA!
