British A380 Premium Economy Review

Flying long-haul can be a daunting experience, especially when you're caught between the desire for comfort and the reality of your budget. Economy class often leaves you feeling cramped and restless, while Business Class can seem like an unattainable luxury. But what if there was a sweet spot in between?

Enter British Airways A380 Premium Economy, or "World Traveller Plus" as BA calls it. This cabin aims to bridge the gap, offering enhanced comfort and service without the hefty price tag of Business Class. But does it truly deliver on its promise, especially on the iconic Airbus A380? This comprehensive British A380 Premium Economy review will delve into every aspect of the experience, helping you decide if this upgrade is worth your hard-earned money for your next long-haul journey.

British Airways A380 Premium Economy Review: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

The A380 Advantage: Cabin & Seating Configuration

One of the most significant advantages of flying British Airways Premium Economy on the A380 is its location. The World Traveller Plus cabin is exclusively situated on the upper deck of the aircraft, tucked behind a smaller Club World section. This prime location offers a quieter, more spacious ambiance compared to the main deck.

The seating configuration in BA's A380 Premium Economy is a comfortable 2-3-2 layout. This is a notable improvement over the denser 3-4-3 or 2-4-2 configurations typically found in Economy (World Traveller) cabins. What does this mean for you? More personal space and easier aisle access, especially if you're in a window or aisle seat. For those in window seats on the upper deck, there's an added bonus: vast side storage compartments between the window and your seat, perfect for stowing personal items you want readily accessible during the flight.

Seat Comfort: Stretching Out in World Traveller Plus

The core of any Premium Economy review lies in the seat itself. British Airways' World Traveller Plus seats are a definite step up from standard Economy. They are wider, offer greater recline, and come with lumbar support, a headrest, and a footrest.

Let's talk numbers:

• Seat Pitch: You get approximately 38 inches of seat pitch, which is a generous 7 inches more than what you'd find in Economy. This extra legroom makes a significant difference, allowing you to stretch out more comfortably.
• Seat Width: At around 18.5 inches, the seats are about an inch wider than their Economy counterparts. While seemingly small, this extra width contributes to a less confined feeling.
• Recline: The seats recline by about 7 inches, offering 4 inches more recline than Economy seats. This deeper recline, combined with the adjustable headrest and footrest, can genuinely help you find a comfortable sleeping position, even on long overnight flights.

A note on bulkhead seats (e.g., Row 61): These seats offer a "ton of room to stretch" due to the absence of a seat in front. However, some reviews suggest the leg rest in bulkhead rows might not extend high enough to be truly functional for taller individuals. If maximum legroom is your priority and you're tall, this is something to consider.

In-Flight Entertainment & Connectivity

While the A380 is a marvel of engineering, its in-flight entertainment (IFE) system in Premium Economy might show its age compared to newer aircraft like the A350 or refurbished Boeing 777s. The seat-back screens are typically around 10.6 inches (some sources mention 8.9 inches), offering a decent viewing experience. You can control it via touchscreen or a personal remote.

British Airways generally provides a good selection of movies, TV shows, and audio content. However, some passengers have noted that the system can be a bit clunky or dated in terms of resolution.

Crucially, each seat in British Airways A380 Premium Economy comes with its own in-seat power supply (universal plug sockets) and two USB charging points. This is a fantastic perk, ensuring your devices stay charged throughout your flight, a significant upgrade from Economy where only USB power outlets might be available. Noise-cancelling headphones are also provided.

Dining Experience: A Taste of Premium

One of the pleasant upgrades in World Traveller Plus is the dining experience. Shortly after boarding, you'll typically be offered a welcome drink, with choices often including sparkling wine, orange juice, or water – a touch reminiscent of Business Class.

On long-haul flights, you can expect two meal services: a main dinner shortly after takeoff and a lighter breakfast before landing. Meals generally consist of a starter, main course, and dessert. A noticeable improvement from Economy is the presentation: meals are served on porcelain or glass dishes with stainless steel cutlery, a definite step up from the disposable options found in Economy.

While the quality can sometimes be inconsistent, many find it to be a slight premium touch compared to Economy. Throughout your flight, you can also request snacks, as well as hot, cold, and alcoholic drinks delivered directly to your seat.

Amenities & Service: The Little Extras

British Airways aims to enhance your journey with a few thoughtful amenities in Premium Economy:

• Amenity Kit: You'll receive a small amenity kit, often made from recycled plastic bottles, containing essentials like an eye mask, earplugs, a toothbrush and toothpaste, socks, and sometimes a pen and lip balm.
• Pillow & Blanket: A pillow and blanket are provided, generally of a better quality than those in Economy, adding to your comfort.
• Cabin Environment: The A380's Premium Economy cabin is frequently praised for being "extremely quiet" with minimal engine noise, contributing to a more relaxing environment.

Regarding service, while cabin crew are generally friendly, it's worth noting that there isn't a dedicated crew for the Premium Economy cabin; the same crew serves both Premium Economy and Economy passengers. This can sometimes lead to slight inconsistencies in service speed or attentiveness, though overall, the experience is generally positive.

Airport Experience & Added Perks

The benefits of British Airways Premium Economy extend beyond the aircraft cabin:

• Priority Boarding: World Traveller Plus passengers enjoy priority boarding, typically boarding no later than Group 3. This allows you to settle into your seat and stow your belongings without the rush of general boarding.
• Increased Baggage Allowance: A significant advantage for many travelers is the more generous baggage allowance. Premium Economy generally includes two free checked bags (each weighing up to 51 lbs), which is often double the allowance of standard Economy fares. This can save you considerable fees, especially on longer trips.
• Lounge Access: It's important to note that complimentary lounge access is NOT included with a British Airways Premium Economy ticket. However, if you hold British Airways Executive Club status (e.g., Silver or Gold) or equivalent Oneworld status, you may gain lounge access based on your tier. Paid lounge options are also available at many airports.

Is British Airways A380 Premium Economy Worth the Upgrade?

So, after considering all the elements, is the British A380 Premium Economy review a positive one, and is it worth the extra cost?

For many, the answer is a resounding yes, especially on long-haul flights. The upgrade offers a "clear step up from economy", providing significantly more legroom, wider seats with better recline, and a quieter, less crowded cabin environment on the A380's upper deck. The added perks like priority boarding, increased baggage allowance, and in-seat power further enhance the overall travel experience.

While it doesn't offer the lie-flat luxury of Business Class, it provides a comfortable and reliable experience that can make a substantial difference to your well-being upon arrival. If the price difference between Economy and Premium Economy isn't substantial (some reviews suggest it can be as little as £150-£300 each way more than Economy), it often represents excellent value, particularly for those who prioritize comfort and space without wanting to splurge on a Business Class fare.

Ultimately, your decision will depend on the price difference for your specific route and your personal comfort priorities. However, for a more relaxed and enjoyable long-haul journey on the magnificent A380, British Airways Premium Economy is certainly a compelling choice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the main difference between British Airways Economy and Premium Economy on the A380?

The main differences on the British Airways A380 include significantly more legroom (38-inch pitch vs. 31-32 inches in Economy), wider seats (18.5 inches vs. 16.5-17.5 inches), greater recline (7 inches vs. 3 inches), and a more spacious 2-3-2 seating configuration on the quieter upper deck. You also get enhanced amenities, better meal service, priority boarding, and a higher baggage allowance in Premium Economy.

Q2: Do British Airways Premium Economy passengers get lounge access?

No, complimentary lounge access is generally not included with a British Airways Premium Economy (World Traveller Plus) ticket. Lounge access is typically reserved for Business Class (Club World), First Class, or passengers with eligible British Airways Executive Club elite status (Silver, Gold) or Oneworld equivalent status.

Q3: Is the food better in British Airways A380 Premium Economy than in Economy?

Yes, the food in British Airways A380 Premium Economy is generally considered an upgrade from Economy. You receive a welcome drink, and meals are served on porcelain/glass dishes with stainless steel cutlery, offering a more premium feel. While individual meal quality can vary, the overall presentation and service are enhanced.

Q4: Which are the best seats in British Airways A380 Premium Economy?

Many travelers prefer window seats (A or K) in the British Airways A380 Premium Economy cabin due to the extra side storage bins on the upper deck. Bulkhead seats (e.g., Row 61) offer maximum legroom, though the leg rest might not be ideal for all. The 2-3-2 configuration generally means more comfortable seating throughout the cabin, with middle seats in the 'E' position also offering some privacy.

Ready to experience the difference? Share your thoughts in the comments below if you've flown British Airways A380 Premium Economy, or consider upgrading for your next long-haul adventure!