British Airways 787 premium economy

Navigating the world of long-haul flights often presents a dilemma: how do you balance comfort with cost? For many, the answer lies in British Airways 787 premium economy, a cabin class designed to offer a significant upgrade from standard economy without the full price tag of business class. If you're considering a more comfortable journey on the iconic Boeing 787 Dreamliner, this comprehensive guide is for you. We'll delve into what makes this cabin special, its benefits, and whether it's the right choice for your next adventure.

Unveiling British Airways 787 Premium Economy: World Traveller Plus

British Airways refers to its premium economy cabin as "World Traveller Plus." It's positioned as a distinct class between economy (World Traveller) and business class (Club World), aiming to provide enhanced comfort and amenities for long-haul flights.

So, what exactly sets it apart? Imagine a dedicated, smaller cabin, often quieter and more intimate than the main economy section, typically located right behind Business Class. This separate space immediately offers a sense of exclusivity and a more relaxed atmosphere.

Why Choose Premium Economy on the 787 Dreamliner?

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner itself contributes significantly to the enhanced experience. Known for its advanced features, the 787 offers a quieter cabin, larger windows with dimmable glass, and improved air quality and humidity levels, which can help reduce the effects of jet lag. When you combine these aircraft benefits with the specific upgrades of British Airways' World Traveller Plus, you get a compelling proposition for long-distance travel.

Delving into the British Airways 787 Premium Economy Seat

The heart of any premium economy experience is the seat itself, and British Airways' 787 premium economy seats are designed for noticeable comfort improvements over standard economy.

Seat Dimensions and Comfort

You'll find significantly more legroom in World Traveller Plus, with a seat pitch of 38 inches – that's 7 inches more than economy class. The seats are also wider, measuring around 18.7 inches, providing more shoulder room. This increased personal space is a game-changer on longer flights, allowing you to stretch out and feel less confined.

While not lie-flat like business class, the seats offer a generous recline, which can significantly enhance your ability to rest or even sleep comfortably during your flight. Many passengers find the improved comfort alone justifies the upgrade.

Key Seat Features:

• Adjustable Headrest: A 4-way adjustable headrest provides better neck support. Some older 787-8 aircraft might have a fixed-wing headrest, which offers less adjustability.
• Footrest and Legrest: Most World Traveller Plus seats on the 787 come with a fold-out legrest and a fold-down footrest, allowing you to elevate your legs for better circulation and comfort. However, some older 787-8s might only have a footrest, with the calf rest being absent.
• Power Outlets: Each seat typically has its own power supply, including universal 110V AC outlets and USB-A ports, ensuring your devices stay charged throughout the flight.
• Personal Entertainment System: Enjoy a larger personal screen, often 10-12 inches, compared to economy class, with a wide selection of movies, TV shows, music, and games. Noise-cancelling headphones are usually provided, enhancing your viewing and listening experience.

The cabin layout on the 787 Dreamliner for World Traveller Plus is typically a 2-3-2 configuration, meaning two seats by the windows and three in the middle section. This arrangement often feels less dense than the 3-3-3 or 3-4-3 layout in economy.

Beyond the Seat: Elevated Amenities and Service

The British Airways 787 premium economy experience extends beyond just a more comfortable seat. You'll also receive a range of amenities and services designed to make your journey more pleasant.

Enhanced Dining Experience

Prepare for an upgraded culinary experience. In World Traveller Plus, you can expect two delicious meals, often starting with a glass of sparkling wine after take-off. Meals typically include a starter, main course, and dessert, with a choice of options. While the first meal is generally a hot, premium offering, the second might be a lighter, cold meal, depending on the flight length. Complimentary bar service, including alcoholic drinks, is also available throughout the flight. You'll often receive proper cutlery and glassware, a nice touch that elevates the dining experience.

Baggage Allowance

One of the significant perks of British Airways premium economy is the more generous baggage allowance. Passengers typically receive two checked bags, each weighing up to 23kg (51lb), at no additional cost. This is a substantial improvement over many economy fares, which might only include hand baggage or one checked bag. You can also bring one cabin bag and a personal item (like a laptop bag or handbag) onboard.

Priority Benefits

World Traveller Plus passengers enjoy several benefits on the ground that streamline the airport experience:

• Dedicated Check-in: You'll have access to dedicated check-in counters, which are often less crowded than those for economy passengers.
• Priority Boarding: You'll typically board the aircraft earlier, usually in Group 3, after business class passengers and before the bulk of economy passengers. This allows you to settle in without the rush.
• Amenity Kit: A stylish amenity kit is provided, often made from recycled materials, containing essentials like an eye mask, socks, a pen, toothbrush, toothpaste, and lip balm.

Is British Airways 787 Premium Economy Worth the Upgrade?

The question of whether the upgrade to British Airways 787 premium economy is "worth it" largely depends on your priorities and the price difference.

For long-haul flights, especially overnight journeys, the extra legroom, wider seat, and increased recline can make a significant difference in comfort and your ability to get some rest. The enhanced dining, additional baggage allowance, and priority boarding also add tangible value.

Consider it a good investment if:

• You value personal space and comfort on long flights.
• You need to work or relax without feeling cramped.
• The price difference from economy is reasonable for your budget.
• You appreciate the added perks like improved meals and extra baggage.

While it's not a business class experience, World Traveller Plus offers a comfortable middle ground, providing a more relaxed and enjoyable journey than standard economy.

Tips for Maximizing Your British Airways 787 Premium Economy Experience

To make the most of your British Airways 787 premium economy flight, keep these tips in mind:

• Select Your Seat Wisely: While the cabin is generally good, some seats might be better than others. Bulkhead seats (like Row 10) often offer even more legroom but might have limited under-seat storage. Window seats on the 787 can offer great views, but be aware that the cabin sits over the wing, which might obstruct some views.
• Utilize Amenities: Don't forget to use the provided amenity kit and noise-cancelling headphones. If you have your own high-quality headphones, you might prefer those for better sound.
• Stay Hydrated: Even with improved humidity on the 787, long flights can be dehydrating. Make use of the complimentary drinks service throughout your journey.
• Check for Wi-Fi: While many 787s offer Wi-Fi for purchase, it's not always guaranteed, especially on older aircraft. If connectivity is crucial, check the specific aircraft details for your flight.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the main difference between British Airways 787 Premium Economy and Economy?

A1: The primary differences are significantly more legroom (38 inches vs. 31 inches), wider seats, greater recline, a smaller and quieter dedicated cabin, enhanced meal service with complimentary alcoholic drinks, a more generous baggage allowance, and priority boarding.

Q2: Do British Airways 787 Premium Economy passengers get lounge access?

A2: No, standard British Airways Premium Economy tickets do not include lounge access. Lounge access is typically tied to your fare type or elite status (e.g., British Airways Executive Club Silver/Gold or Oneworld Sapphire/Emerald status).

Q3: What kind of meals are served in British Airways 787 Premium Economy?

A3: Passengers typically receive two meals on long-haul flights: a main meal with a starter, main course, and dessert, and a second, lighter meal before landing. Complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are served throughout the flight, often including sparkling wine after takeoff.

Q4: Are the headphones provided in British Airways 787 Premium Economy noise-cancelling?

A4: Yes, British Airways generally provides noise-cancelling headphones in its World Traveller Plus cabin, which are often of better quality than those in economy and sometimes comparable to those in business class.

Conclusion

Choosing British Airways 787 premium economy for your next long-haul flight can significantly enhance your travel experience. With more space, upgraded amenities, and a more attentive service in a dedicated cabin, it offers a compelling balance between comfort and cost. While not a full business class experience, it provides a noticeable step up from standard economy, especially on the modern and quiet Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

Have you flown British Airways 787 Premium Economy? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below!