British Airways Premium Economy Review

Flying long-haul can be a test of endurance, especially when you're squeezed into an economy seat. But what if there was a middle ground – a way to elevate your travel experience without the hefty price tag of Business Class? Enter British Airways Premium Economy, known as World Traveller Plus.

This comprehensive British Airways Premium Economy review will dive deep into what this cabin offers, helping you decide if it’s the right choice for your next journey. We'll explore the comfort, perks, and overall value, giving you all the information you need to make an informed decision.

What is British Airways Premium Economy (World Traveller Plus)?

British Airways' Premium Economy cabin, officially named World Traveller Plus, is designed to bridge the gap between standard Economy (World Traveller) and Business Class (Club World). It's a distinct, smaller cabin located closer to the front of the aircraft, offering a more exclusive and comfortable experience for long-haul flights.

Think of it as an upgraded economy, providing enhanced comfort and services that make a noticeable difference, particularly on longer journeys.

The British Airways Premium Economy Experience: What to Expect

From the moment you arrive at the airport to when you touch down, British Airways Premium Economy aims to provide a more relaxed and enjoyable travel experience.

Pre-Flight Perks

Your journey in World Traveller Plus often begins with a smoother airport experience.

• Dedicated Check-in: You'll typically find dedicated check-in desks for Premium Economy passengers, which can mean shorter queues and a quicker start to your airport experience.
• Increased Baggage Allowance: A significant advantage for many travelers is the generous baggage allowance. British Airways Premium Economy tickets usually include two checked bags, each weighing up to 23kg (51 lbs), plus your standard cabin bag and a personal item. This is double the allowance of many standard economy fares.
• Priority Boarding: You'll enjoy priority boarding, typically joining Group 3, which means you'll board before most Economy passengers and have ample time to settle into your seat and stow your belongings without a rush.

It's important to note that, unlike Business Class, complimentary lounge access is generally not included with a British Airways Premium Economy ticket unless you hold British Airways Silver or Gold status, or Oneworld Sapphire or Emerald status. However, you can often purchase lounge access via services like Lounge Pass.

Onboard Comfort

Once on board, the difference in comfort is immediately noticeable.

• Spacious Seating: The cornerstone of the Premium Economy experience is the seat itself. World Traveller Plus seats are significantly wider than those in Economy, offering more personal space. You'll typically find a 2-3-2 or 2-4-2 cabin configuration, meaning fewer seats across and often more desirable pairs of seats by the windows.
• Generous Legroom: With a seat pitch of 38 inches, you get an impressive 7 inches more legroom compared to Economy's 31 inches. This extra space allows you to stretch out considerably.
• Enhanced Recline & Support: The seats offer a greater recline than Economy, often around 8 inches, which can make a big difference for rest on long flights. Many seats also feature a fold-out leg rest and a fold-down footrest, along with a 4-way adjustable headrest, providing better overall support and comfort.
• Power Outlets & Storage: Each Premium Economy seat typically comes with a universal power outlet and a USB port, allowing you to keep your devices charged throughout your flight. You'll also find convenient storage trays for small items like your phone or passport.
• Amenities: Upon boarding, you'll usually find a comfortable pillow, a stylish blanket or quilt, and an amenity kit. These kits often include essentials like socks, an eye mask, lip balm, a pen, a toothbrush, and toothpaste.
• In-Flight Entertainment: While the entertainment content is generally the same across cabins, Premium Economy passengers benefit from larger, brighter 12-inch touchscreen displays and complimentary noise-canceling headphones.

Dining and Drinks

The food and beverage service in British Airways Premium Economy is a notable upgrade from Economy.

• Enhanced Meal Service: You'll typically receive two delicious meals on long-haul flights, often starting with a pre-departure beverage (water, orange juice, or sparkling wine) and a hot towel service. Meals are served on stylish, contemporary tableware with proper cutlery and glassware, rather than the foil trays found in Economy. You'll usually have a choice of two to three main courses, including a vegetarian option, with some routes offering dishes akin to those in Business Class.
• Complimentary Bar Service: Throughout the flight, you can enjoy a complimentary bar service, including a selection of alcoholic beverages, such as wine, spirits, and even signature cocktails or mocktails. Snacks are also regularly offered, and on some aircraft, you can even find a self-service snack bar at the back of the cabin.

Service Quality

Due to the smaller and more intimate cabin size (typically 4-7 rows), the service in World Traveller Plus can feel more attentive and personalized compared to the larger Economy cabin. Flight attendants can often provide quicker and more frequent food and beverage service, enhancing the overall experience.

Is British Airways Premium Economy Worth the Upgrade?

This is the million-dollar question for many travelers. The value of British Airways Premium Economy largely depends on your priorities, budget, and the length of your flight.

• Cost vs. Value: Premium Economy is, as expected, more expensive than Economy but significantly less than Business Class. The price difference can vary greatly depending on the route, time of booking, and specific promotions. Many travelers find the upgrade worthwhile, especially for long-haul flights (over 6 hours) where the extra comfort for sleeping and stretching out becomes invaluable.
• Who is it for?
  • Long-haul travelers: If you're facing a transatlantic or other extended flight, the added legroom, recline, and improved amenities can make a significant difference to your arrival comfort.
  • Taller passengers: The 38 inches of pitch provides much-needed space for taller individuals to avoid feeling cramped.
  • Budget-conscious comfort seekers: If Business Class is out of reach but Economy feels too restrictive, Premium Economy offers a compelling middle ground for enhanced comfort without breaking the bank.
  • Those with extra luggage: The double baggage allowance can be a huge benefit, potentially saving you money on checked bag fees that might otherwise negate a cheaper Economy fare.
• Comparison to Economy and Business Class:
  • Vs. Economy: Premium Economy is a clear step up with more spacious seats, better food and drink service, increased baggage, and priority boarding.
  • Vs. Business Class: While a significant upgrade from Economy, it's crucial to remember that Premium Economy is not Business Class. You won't get lie-flat seats or full lounge access (unless you have elite status). However, for the price point, it delivers a comfortable and elevated experience that many find to be excellent value.

Tips for Booking British Airways Premium Economy

Considering the upgrade? Here are a few tips to help you secure your World Traveller Plus seat:

• Book in Advance: As a smaller cabin, Premium Economy seats can sell out quickly, especially on popular routes. Booking well in advance often gives you the best chance of securing your preferred dates and potentially better fares.
• Look for Sales and Offers: British Airways frequently runs sales, and Premium Economy can sometimes be included in these promotions, offering a great opportunity to snag a deal.
• Consider Using Avios: If you collect Avios points, you might be able to upgrade an existing Economy ticket or book a Premium Economy fare directly using your points, which can sometimes represent excellent value.
• Check Aircraft Type: While BA aims for consistency, slight variations in seat design and cabin feel can exist between different aircraft types (e.g., Boeing 777, 787, Airbus A350). While the core product remains, some travelers have preferences.

Conclusion

British Airways Premium Economy, or World Traveller Plus, offers a compelling proposition for travelers seeking a more comfortable and refined long-haul flight experience without the premium price tag of Business Class. From the moment you check in with dedicated desks and benefit from extra baggage allowance, to enjoying wider seats, increased legroom, enhanced dining, and attentive service in a quieter cabin, it's a noticeable upgrade from standard Economy.

While it doesn't offer the lie-flat luxury of Business Class or complimentary lounge access for all, the added space, comfort, and improved amenities make it a truly worthwhile investment for many, especially on those challenging overnight or ultra-long-haul journeys.

Have you flown British Airways Premium Economy? Share your experiences in the comments below! Or, if you're planning your next trip, consider exploring British Airways World Traveller Plus for a more relaxed and enjoyable journey.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is food and drink included in British Airways Premium Economy?

Yes, absolutely! British Airways Premium Economy includes two delicious meals on long-haul flights, often with a choice of main courses, served with proper cutlery and glassware. You'll also enjoy a complimentary bar service throughout your flight, including sparkling wine, spirits, cocktails, and soft drinks, along with snacks.

2. What is the baggage allowance for British Airways Premium Economy?

Passengers in British Airways Premium Economy (World Traveller Plus) typically receive a generous baggage allowance of two checked bags, each weighing up to 23kg (51 lbs). In addition, you can bring one full-sized cabin bag and a smaller personal item (like a laptop bag or handbag) on board.

3. Do you get lounge access with British Airways Premium Economy?

No, complimentary lounge access is generally not included with a British Airways Premium Economy ticket. Lounge access is typically reserved for Business Class (Club World) or First Class passengers, or those holding British Airways Silver/Gold status or Oneworld Sapphire/Emerald elite status. However, you may be able to purchase day passes to select lounges or access them through certain credit card benefits.

4. How much more expensive is Premium Economy compared to Economy on British Airways?

The price difference between British Airways Premium Economy and Economy can vary significantly based on the route, demand, time of booking, and specific fare rules. While it's always more expensive than Economy, it's considerably less than Business Class. On some routes, it might be double the cost of Economy, while on others, the premium might be smaller, especially during sales or when booking well in advance.