Is BA Premium Economy Worth It

Flying long-haul can be a grueling experience, especially when you're squeezed into an economy seat for hours on end. The allure of business class is strong, but often, the price tag is simply out of reach for many travelers. So, what's the middle ground? Enter British Airways Premium Economy, known as World Traveller Plus. But the big question remains: Is BA Premium Economy Worth It for your next journey?

This comprehensive guide will break down everything you need to know about British Airways Premium Economy, helping you decide if the upgrade is truly worth the investment for your travel style and budget.

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

British Airways' Premium Economy cabin, officially called 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 noticeable step up in comfort and service from economy without the full cost of business class.

The Key Benefits: What You Get for Your Money

When you choose British Airways Premium Economy, you're investing in a more comfortable and enjoyable flight experience. Here's a breakdown of the primary advantages:

More Space & Comfort

This is often the main draw for travelers. BA Premium Economy seats are significantly more spacious than those in economy.

Increased Legroom: You'll typically get 38 inches of seat pitch, which is a generous 7 inches more than the 31 inches found in standard economy. This extra room allows you to stretch out considerably.
Wider Seats: Seats are wider, generally around 18.5 to 19 inches, compared to the tighter 17.1 inches in economy.
Deeper Recline: Premium Economy seats offer a more substantial recline, up to 8 inches, making it easier to relax or even sleep, especially on overnight flights.
Enhanced Features: Expect a fold-out leg rest and a fold-down footrest, adjustable headrests with wings for head support, and large, fixed armrests between seats, eliminating the dreaded armrest battle.
Power Outlets: Universal power outlets are available at each seat, along with USB outlets, so you can keep your devices charged throughout the flight.

Enhanced Dining Experience

While not quite business class, the food and drink service in World Traveller Plus is a step above economy.

Pre-departure Drinks: Your elevated experience begins before takeoff with complimentary pre-departure beverages, served in real glassware.
Two Meals & Bar Service: On long-haul flights, you'll typically receive two delicious meals, often with more choices than in economy, served on upgraded tableware with linen napkins.
Complimentary Bar: Enjoy a complimentary bar service, including sparkling wine and signature cocktails or mocktails, throughout your flight.

Improved Service & Amenities

The smaller, dedicated cabin often translates to a more attentive service experience.

Dedicated Cabin: The World Traveller Plus cabin is separated from economy, creating a quieter and more intimate atmosphere.
Priority Boarding: You'll typically board in Group 3, after business and first class passengers, allowing you to settle in without the rush.
Amenity Kit: Receive a stylish amenity kit, often made from recycled plastic bottles, containing essentials like socks, an eye mask, lip balm, a pen, a toothbrush, and toothpaste. Earplugs are usually available upon request.
Pillow & Blanket: A comfortable pillow and blanket are provided for your journey.
Noise-Cancelling Headphones: Enjoy the in-flight entertainment system with a pair of complimentary noise-cancelling headphones.

Generous Baggage Allowance

A significant perk for many travelers is the increased baggage allowance.

Checked Bags: British Airways Premium Economy typically includes two checked bags, each weighing up to 23kg (51 lbs), which is double the allowance for most economy fares.
Carry-on: You can also bring one full-sized cabin bag plus a personal item (like a laptop bag or handbag) on board.

Who is BA Premium Economy For?

Is BA Premium Economy Worth It for everyone? Not necessarily. It truly shines for specific types of travelers and situations:

Long-Haul Flights: The benefits of extra space and comfort are most pronounced on longer journeys, especially those exceeding 6-7 hours. For transatlantic or overnight flights, the ability to recline more and stretch out can make a huge difference in arrival comfort.
Travelers Seeking More Comfort Without the Business Class Price Tag: If business class is out of your budget but economy feels too restrictive, Premium Economy offers a comfortable compromise.
Business Travelers on a Budget: For those whose company policy doesn't cover business class but allows for a step up from economy, Premium Economy is an excellent option for productivity and arrival readiness.
Families Needing a Bit More Room: Traveling with children can be challenging in cramped spaces. The extra room in Premium Economy can provide much-needed comfort for both kids and adults.
Tall Passengers: With 7 inches of additional legroom compared to economy, taller individuals will find the experience significantly more comfortable.

Comparing Premium Economy to Economy and Business Class

To truly assess if BA Premium Economy is worth it, let's look at how it stacks up against its neighboring cabins.

Economy vs. Premium Economy

The difference is substantial. Economy (World Traveller) seats are tighter with less recline and basic service. Premium Economy offers a dedicated cabin, more spacious seats with better recline and leg/footrests, improved meals and drinks, priority boarding, and a more generous baggage allowance. It's a tangible upgrade in overall comfort and experience.

Premium Economy vs. Business Class

While Premium Economy is a significant upgrade from economy, it's important to manage expectations when comparing it to Business Class (Club World).

Seat: Business Class offers lie-flat seats for true sleep, along with greater privacy (sometimes with privacy screens). Premium Economy seats recline significantly but do not go fully flat.
Lounge Access: Business Class tickets typically include complimentary lounge access, a perk not generally offered with Premium Economy tickets unless you have elite status or purchase a pass.
Service & Food: While Premium Economy has enhanced service, Business Class often provides a more personalized experience, higher quality meals, and a wider selection of premium beverages.
Baggage: Business Class often allows for heavier checked bags (e.g., 32kg instead of 23kg per bag).

The key takeaway is that Business Class offers a premium, luxurious experience, whereas Premium Economy provides a significantly enhanced comfort level at a fraction of the Business Class price.

Factors to Consider Before Booking

Deciding if BA Premium Economy is worth it comes down to your personal priorities and the specifics of your trip.

Price Difference: This is often the biggest factor. Premium Economy can cost anywhere from 50% to over 100% more than a standard economy ticket. Is the added comfort worth that specific price jump for you?
Flight Duration: For very short international flights, the benefits might not justify the cost. However, for flights over 6 hours, especially overnight, the extra space can be invaluable for rest and comfort.
Your Personal Comfort Needs: Do you struggle to sleep on planes? Are you particularly tall? Do you value personal space? If so, Premium Economy's enhanced comfort features will be more appealing.
Time of Day: On overnight flights, the deeper recline and extra legroom can significantly improve your chances of getting some sleep, helping you arrive more refreshed.
Aircraft Type: British Airways Premium Economy (World Traveller Plus) is available on all their long-haul international aircraft, including Airbus A350s, A380s, Boeing 777s, and 787 Dreamliners. While the core offering is consistent, minor variations in cabin layout (e.g., 2-3-2 or 2-4-2 seating) might exist.

Tips for Getting the Best Value

If you've decided that BA Premium Economy is worth it for your next trip, here are some strategies to get the best deal:

Look for Sales and Deals: British Airways frequently offers sales, and sometimes Premium Economy upgrades can be found at a significant discount.
Consider Upgrading with Avios: If you collect Avios points, you can often use them to upgrade from economy to Premium Economy. This is usually only possible if there is "Reward Flight" availability in the Premium Economy cabin. You can check via "Manage My Booking" or by using the "Book and upgrade" form when making a new booking. Note that the lowest economy fares (Q, O, and G) are typically not eligible for Avios upgrades.
Check for Airport Upgrades: While not guaranteed, sometimes cash upgrades to Premium Economy are available at the airport on the day of departure, potentially at a lower cost than booking in advance.

Conclusion

So, is BA Premium Economy worth it? The answer, as with many travel decisions, is "it depends." British Airways World Traveller Plus offers a clear and tangible upgrade from standard economy, providing significantly more space, enhanced dining, improved service, and a generous baggage allowance. For long-haul flights, particularly if you value comfort and the ability to rest without the substantial cost of business class, Premium Economy can be an excellent investment.

Ultimately, weigh the price difference against your personal comfort needs, the duration of your flight, and your budget. For many travelers, the extra legroom, wider seats, and improved amenities make British Airways Premium Economy a worthwhile splurge for a more enjoyable journey.

Have you flown British Airways Premium Economy? Share your experiences in the comments below – we'd love to hear your thoughts on whether it was worth it for you!

Frequently Asked Questions

Does BA Premium Economy include lounge access?

No, British Airways Premium Economy (World Traveller Plus) tickets do not include complimentary lounge access. Lounge access is typically reserved for Business Class passengers or those with Oneworld Sapphire or Emerald elite status. However, you can often purchase day passes to select non-BA lounges or access them via eligible credit cards or memberships.

Is food served in British Airways Premium Economy?

Yes, passengers in British Airways Premium Economy receive enhanced food and drink service. On long-haul flights, this typically includes two meals, complimentary bar service (including sparkling wine), and pre-departure drinks. The meals are generally of a higher quality and served with better tableware than in economy.

Can I upgrade to British Airways Premium Economy with Avios?

Yes, you can often upgrade a cash booking to British Airways Premium Economy using Avios. This is subject to "Reward Flight" availability in the Premium Economy cabin. You can check for availability and process the upgrade via "Manage My Booking" online or by using the "Book and upgrade" option when making a new booking. Note that the lowest economy fares (Q, O, and G) are usually not eligible for Avios upgrades.

What is the baggage allowance for BA Premium Economy?

British Airways Premium Economy typically includes a generous baggage allowance of two checked bags, each weighing up to 23kg (51 lbs). In addition, you are allowed one cabin bag and one personal item (like a laptop bag or handbag) on board.