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BA "classes"

33 replies

laughoutquiet · 29/11/2020 23:14

Hi

Has anyone travelled in all or any of the four classes long haul. If so, which is the best value in your opinion?

There's not a massive price difference between economy and premium economy but then quite a big leap to club and then first.

Am I better sucking up economy and then having more money for the holiday?

(For ref: London to Las Vegas)

Thanks Smile

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Billericaydicky · 29/11/2020 23:24

Business or club is lovely, leg room is fabulous and the flat bed is so relaxing. I've done one trip in first and wouldn't pay the extra over business, it's not worth it.
In my opinion the premium economyisn't worth it, I'd try and get an exit seat in economy by checking in as soon as it opens and paying to reserve one.
So I'd either go economy or business.

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laughoutquiet · 29/11/2020 23:27

Thanks @Billericaydicky I was erring towards club Smile I have Avios points too so might do premium economy and then upgrade?

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PegasusReturns · 29/11/2020 23:35

For long haul I generally fly club, it’s significantly better than economy and the lie flat beds, champagne and food make it worth it.

I have flown first several times but only on upgrades or when someone else has paid. I wouldn’t use my own money. It’s very much more expensive and IMO it’s not worth it. I think the main differences most recently were PJs with “first” embroidered on them v temperley satin trimmed PJs (which actually look nicer I think) Leather Liberty print toiletry bags v cotton bags and dinner served on a laid table as opposed to a cloth cover tray.

For short haul I’m not that fussed about economy, club is ok in that the middle seat is empty but the food is ropey and so I’d rather pay for an M&S sandwich.

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movingonup20 · 29/11/2020 23:40

Depends on your budget. I flee economy and it was fine, you can upgrade your meal if you don't want dried chicken or veggie pasta which seem to be all they serve these days (or cheat as I do and order South Asian vegetarian!)

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KimchiLaLa · 29/11/2020 23:50

Yes I have. I wouldn't say premium is worth it. Club and first yes but the jump is high. BA do have sales where the cost between club and first becomes minimal, look out for those.

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TheUnquestionedAnswer · 29/11/2020 23:52

Business but years ago before it got better

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MrsMiaWallis · 29/11/2020 23:53

Club is amazing

I much prefer premium economy to economy.

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MrsKingfisher · 30/11/2020 00:02

Club is worth it for long haul, premium isn't much better than economy.

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MrsMiaWallis · 30/11/2020 00:03

I've travelled premium ec 6 times and been upgraded to club 5 times.

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laughoutquiet · 30/11/2020 09:40

@MrsMiaWallis

I've travelled premium ec 6 times and been upgraded to club 5 times.


Do you mean you upgraded yourself? Did you use Avios points?
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mdh2020 · 30/11/2020 10:14

Premium economy can be worth as it isn’t always full. I flew with a friend and she was able to move to the middle row and lie down across all three seats and go to sleep.

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Bathroom12345 · 30/11/2020 14:43

Virgin have a massive sale at present including Upper Class. Most flights including East and West Coast US, are £996 return! I thought Premium Eco had a solid base between seats that meant you couldnt lie down across the seats but I went a while ago and maybe things have changed.

Having said that I would suck up Eco or splash out and book Club.

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Hairbrush123 · 30/11/2020 20:37

Hello. I fly very frequently (until the pandemic struck) so I'll try to answer your question as best as I can! I have travelled in Economy and Club World more times than I can count.

Economy depending on which aircraft you're flying on (probably 777) is fine. I flew to Tel Aviv in economy on a 777 back in February with BA's new upgraded economy experience and I was quite impressed! Plump cushion - far better than its predecessor (piece of paper comes to mind), the blanket was thicker than the old one, improvement on dining and decent legroom. I think the "soft" experience is definitely a massive improvement however the "hard" product is good. I'm 6ft and I found it alright legroom wise. I can't comment on premium as I've never travelled on it.

Club World (or Suite) is a massive leap up. You have access to their lounges at Heathrow and Vegas. I imagine it's a 3rd party lounge in Vegas and I haven't been to their lounge in Vegas however the BA lounge at Heathrow is often a tranquil haven (except on a Monday morning), escaping the chaos of the T5 departures lounge Grin. You get complimentary hot food, a plethora of cosy seating and access to the showers.

Onboard - you have a lie flat seat and BA use The White Company bedding, which converted me to purchase their bedding when I first tried it! The seat is comfy however you don't have really anywhere to put your belongings when you're in the lie flat position or generally, which is very annoying. Depending on the plane you're flying, it could be a 2-4-2 configuration which means you have to climb over someone's feet to go to the toilet or go into the overhead lockers to get your belongings during flight unless you're in the aisle seat (if you're travelling with someone, it won't be as much of a problem) and alas, seat selection isn't free so you might have to pay a pretty penny to seat in the perfect seat. The in flight entertainment isn't any different in business class versus any other cabin so don't factor that into your decision. Research The Points Guy or Head For Points to see reviews of BA's cabins - that might give you a better idea what value you'll get for your money.

If you're asking me - it would entirely depend on your budget. I would fly business class (Club) if my finances allowed it. Economy is still good on BA, it's improved a lot and would feel comfortable flying it to Las Vegas. Look at the sales or perhaps Virgin too. As someone else pointed out - they have aggressive sales to the USA in business class so now might be the best time to book for a good deal (make sure it's a flexible ticket or wait until the US border reopens). Good luck in your decision!

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Hairbrush123 · 30/11/2020 20:45

Oh and First Class. It sometimes isn't much more expensive than Club. The legroom is greater in First, you have direct aisle access and a smaller cabin, making it feel more intimate. Dining on demand is a nice touch and your own pyjamas. You get china tableware in both cabins but I wouldn't pay non-sale prices to fly First or if Club isn't much less than First. I normally use my Avios or wait for a sale to come out. My opinion remains the same as my previous post - Club if the price is right otherwise economy if the fare is very cheap.

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HeronLanyon · 30/11/2020 20:54

I have flown all classes.
Premium economy is worth every penny to have extra space and not feel claustrophobic on long haul.
Shorter (3 hours or less it’s less worth it I think).
First only when I’ve been upgraded. If i had limitless money I would probably choose to fly first partic fir overnight flight. The ability to sleep and arrive fresh is wonderful.

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FinallyHere · 30/11/2020 20:55

The flat bed in club outweighs all other benefits for me. I'd rather not travel if I don't get a flat bed.

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laughoutquiet · 30/11/2020 21:07

@Hairbrush123 thank you for such a comprehensive answer. Much appreciated!

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laughoutquiet · 30/11/2020 21:07

@Bathroom12345 I'll check out virgin now. Thank you!

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Cookerhood · 30/11/2020 21:19

I would always fly business class if I could afford it. One compromise is to do economy or premium on the way out on a day time flight & club over night on the way back.

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Crazycatlady83 · 30/11/2020 21:23

There are loads of airlines doing some great deals trans Atlantic. Don’t restrict yourself to BA. We have flown Upper Class with Virgin and it was great. We have also flown Club with BA and, to be honest, their service wasn’t great.

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Crazycatlady83 · 30/11/2020 21:23

Sorry should have added, we have flown First with American and their service is fantastic!

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GiraffeNecked · 30/11/2020 21:26

I flew business with aer lingus last year twice, paid to upgrade. Bloody loved it, access to the lounge was great, flat bed, good food. I’d do it again.

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Pipandmum · 30/11/2020 21:29

Premium economy on BA not worth it. On Virgin it is - must better than economy. On BA hardly noticed much difference. Business is great - wouldn't bother with first.

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laughoutquiet · 30/11/2020 21:34

@Cookerhood

I would always fly business class if I could afford it. One compromise is to do economy or premium on the way out on a day time flight & club over night on the way back.


Good plan!
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Hairbrush123 · 30/11/2020 22:38

That’s ok, OP! I’ve flown Virgin in economy and premium economy and found it an excellent option. You won’t go wrong with either airline.

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