While our website often explores the heights of luxury travel, we understand that luxury is subjective. For many families and travellers, Premium Economy represents the pinnacle of comfort they are willing to consider. Approximately 15-20% of my own international flights each year are in Premium Economy, and British Airways markets this cabin class as World Traveller Plus.
Having experienced numerous Premium Economy products across various airlines, I’ll be sharing my insights on these experiences, starting with this review of British Airways World Traveller Plus.
What to Expect When Flying World Traveller Plus?
British Airways World Traveller Plus offers a step up from economy, bridging the gap to business class with several enhanced features:
- Exclusive Cabin: A dedicated, smaller cabin situated between Club World (Business Class) and World Traveller (Economy).
- Enhanced Seating: Wider seats, measuring approximately 18.5 inches compared to the standard 16.5-17.5 inches in economy. Enjoy significantly more legroom with a 38-inch seat pitch versus 32-33 inches in economy, plus a greater recline.
- Upgraded Entertainment: A larger In-Flight Entertainment (IFE) screen paired with noise-cancelling headphones for a more immersive experience.
- Added Comforts: An amenity kit containing essential travel items to enhance your flight.
- Power at Your Seat: Access to in-seat power outlets to keep your devices charged.
- Generous Baggage Allowance: A more substantial free baggage allowance of 2 X 23KG, double the standard economy allowance.
- Priority Boarding: Expedited boarding privileges to settle in sooner.
With these features outlined, let’s delve into a detailed review of a recent World Traveller Plus flight experience.
Flight Details: My World Traveller Plus Journey from Austin to London
Route: Austin – London Heathrow
Flight No: BA190
Date: 01.05.2024
Departure Time: 18:15
Flight Duration: 9 hours 25 minutes
Aircraft: Airbus A350-1000
Seat: 22K
Airport Experience: Check-In and Lounge Access in Austin
Arriving at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport two hours before departure, I found the check-in area remarkably quiet.
British Airways Check In Austin
While British Airways typically provides dedicated check-in desks for World Traveller Plus at London Heathrow, this isn’t always the case at outstations. Thanks to my status, I was able to utilize the Club World – Business Class check-in desks, offering a smoother start to the journey.
Unlike some airlines like Japan Airlines that include lounge access with Premium Economy, British Airways does not. However, my status granted me lounge eligibility. Unfortunately, British Airways lacks its own lounge in Austin, and their American partner, American Airlines, only operates an Admirals Club, as Austin is not an AA hub.
Crowded Admirals Club Lounge Austin: Space was limited, and the lounge felt cramped.
The Admirals Club was disappointingly small and overcrowded. It was so packed that capturing a photograph of the main seating area was impossible. The food options were minimal, primarily consisting of basic snacks.
Admiral Club Lounge Austin Fruits and Snacks
The lounge did feature a small bar offering complimentary drinks and, specifically for British Airways passengers, a choice of two hot dishes.
Admiral Club Lounge Austin Hot Dish For BA Pax
After a brief 40 minutes, I decided to head to my gate. The Admirals Club in Austin ranks as one of the least impressive lounges I’ve experienced.
Boarding the British Airways A350 in Austin
Our aircraft arrived ahead of schedule, basking in the warm Texas sunshine, ready for our flight to London.
BA A350 at Austin, ready for flight to London
BA A350 In Austin
The flight was nearly at full capacity, resulting in a somewhat lengthy boarding process. I took a short walk to stretch my legs, and upon returning, found that most of the Premium Economy cabin had already boarded.
British Airways Premium Economy Seats and Cabin on the A350
Due to the near-full flight, capturing comprehensive cabin photos during boarding proved challenging. The following images are from a previous, less crowded flight to illustrate the World Traveller Plus cabin.
British Airways Premium Economy Cabin
British Airways’ A350 aircraft features 56 World Traveller Plus seats configured in a 2-4-2 layout. This configuration ensures that even in a window or aisle seat, you are only ever one seat away from the aisle.
Legroom in World Traveller Plus is generous, providing ample space to stretch out. The seats are well-padded and feature adjustable headrests for enhanced comfort. Slightly wider fixed armrests between seats offer a bit more personal space.
British Airways Premium Economy A350
BA Premium Economy IFE Screen
The IFE screen was sharp and responsive, offering British Airways’ extensive High Life entertainment selection, consistent across all cabin classes.
As we settled into our seats, the cabin crew offered a choice of water or orange juice as a welcome drink.
BA Premium Economy Welcome Drink
A convenient water bottle holder is located directly in front of each seat for easy access throughout the flight.
BA Premium Economy Bottle Holder
The IFE remote and seat controls are conveniently positioned on the side panel.
Seat and Entertainment Controls: Intuitively placed for easy adjustment and access.
Waiting at each seat were a comfortable blanket, an amenity kit, and noise-cancelling headphones.
BA Premium Economy Amenities
The amenity kit contained the standard flight essentials: an eye mask, flight socks, a dental kit, and lip balm.
Contents of the Premium Economy Amenity Kit: Basic essentials for a more comfortable long-haul flight.
BA Premium Economy Noise Cancelling Headphones
World Traveller Plus Service: Austin to London
Our takeoff from Austin-Bergstrom was smooth, and we ascended to cruising altitude during the beautiful sunset over Texas.
The crew initiated another drink service shortly after takeoff, providing a full view of the World Traveller Plus cabin, which was indeed completely full.
Menus were distributed for the flight, detailing the main meal service after takeoff and a lighter meal before landing.
BA Premium Economy Menu Austin London
I opted for the Dal Makhani, Paneer Korma. Dinner was served approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes after takeoff.
BA World Traveller Plus Austin to London Review Dinner
All courses were presented on a single tray, accompanied by your choice of beverage. A notable upgrade from economy is the use of proper cutlery and china. The Dal Makhani dish was surprisingly flavorful and enjoyable for an airline meal.
My seatmate selected the Braised Beef Brisket, which also appeared appetizing. The clean plates at the end of the meal confirmed its positive reception. Both meal options seemed to be a noticeable improvement over standard economy fare.
The bar menu offered a generous selection of beverages.
BA Premium Economy Drinks Menu Austin London
Overall, the beverage selection in World Traveller Plus was quite comprehensive.
Sleep Quality in British Airways Premium Economy
I must admit, I am not a proficient sleeper on airplanes or any mode of transport for that matter.
In theory, the wider seat, increased seat pitch, and enhanced recline in World Traveller Plus should facilitate a slightly better opportunity for rest and sleep.
While leg rests and calf rests are often discussed as key features, I personally didn’t find them particularly impactful on this BA flight. In some instances, these features can even feel cumbersome.
Nevertheless, I managed to sleep for approximately three and a half hours, which exceeded my expectations. This is particularly noteworthy as I sometimes struggle to achieve even that much sleep in a flat-bed business class seat on overnight flights. For example, on a recent 12-hour Singapore Airlines business class flight, I barely managed two hours of proper sleep.
World Traveller Not So Plus: Disappointing Breakfast Service
Despite being awake for a portion of the flight, I attempted to maximize rest and minimize movement. I also wasn’t hungry for snacks mid-flight.
About an hour before landing, the cabin lights gradually brightened, and the morning service commenced around 8:30 am UK time.
Unlike dinner, there were no menu choices for breakfast. This is what was served:
BA Premium Economy Light Snack Austin London
It was a single, small mini egg croissant. On a 9+ hour overnight transatlantic flight, this breakfast offering was remarkably meager, even when compared to long-haul economy experiences in recent years. It’s conceivable that the same item was served in economy, making the “Premium” in Premium Economy feel somewhat diminished at this point in the journey.
Overall Thoughts on World Traveller Plus
This World Traveller Plus flight was generally a positive experience, providing a reasonably comfortable journey home. The cabin crew were friendly and efficient, delivering a service level broadly comparable to a good economy class product, with enhancements in specific areas.
The dinner service was a highlight, offering a satisfying and noticeably elevated meal compared to standard economy. However, British Airways significantly lost points with the underwhelming pre-landing breakfast service. Upon clearing customs and baggage claim, I found myself genuinely hungry and opted for breakfast at the airport before heading home.
Having flown World Traveller Plus around 5 or 6 times in recent years, I’ve observed that the price difference compared to economy can vary considerably. Sometimes, it represents a substantial 60-100% price increase. At other times, it’s a more reasonable 30-40% premium, which, in my opinion, can represent better value. The additional cost primarily buys you a larger seat, increased baggage allowance, and extra frequent flyer points. Service levels, beyond the slightly enhanced meal service, shouldn’t be a primary expectation.
I’ve had experiences on flights from the Middle East where, after sleeping through the main meal service, attempts to request tea via the call bell went unanswered for an extended period, requiring me to physically get up and seek assistance – a service lapse unacceptable for any reputable carrier, even in economy.
So, is World Traveller Plus worth it? Ultimately, it depends on your individual priorities and budget. For me, the three and a half hours of sleep made it worthwhile on this occasion. However, it’s important to acknowledge that superior Premium Economy products and seats exist, notably offered by airlines like Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines, and EVA Air. When those airlines are viable alternatives, I would generally favor them over British Airways World Traveller Plus.
Faze
Faze, founder of Wander Up Front and Elevate Your Stay, is a London-based travel specialist with a deep passion for aviation. With over 2 million miles flown, he has spent the last 7 years focusing on First and Business class experiences.
Faze provides straightforward, no-frills insights into premium airline products and services, sharing what matters to help travellers make informed choices.
Follow him on his adventures and behind the scene stories on Instagram !
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