A review of British Airways Premium Economy (World Traveller Plus)
Ever wondered whether the extra cost of travelling World Traveller Plus in the Premium Economy cabin on a British Airways flight is worth it?
The enhanced experience promises wider seats, more legroom and extra recline. Plus a quieter cabin, a welcome drink and superior food options. So we decided to pay the extra on an overnight flight from Miami to London. Here's what we thought.
1. Boarding the flight
Having only ever flown Economy before, I've always joked about being instructed to turn left once on board a plane. And thanks to the configuration of the 747 we were flying on, I finally got my wish.
The Premium Economy cabin is sandwiched between First and Business Class, which made boarding and exiting the aircraft extremely quick. This was a huge bonus when we arrived in London as we were one of the first off the aircraft and at the front of the crowd heading to immigration.
British Airways don't tend to offer Priority Boarding to passengers travelling on a World Traveller Plus ticket. However, once inside the cabin, you can rest assured the upgrades are more evident.
2. Relax in a smaller cabin
The most noticeable feature of the Premium Economy cabin is the size. With just 36 seats in a 2-4-2 configuration on our recently refurbished aircraft, it immediately created a more relaxed environment. We were promptly offered a glass of fizz, orange juice or water, and left to settle in.
3. Enjoy more comfortable seats
As expected, the seats were wider than those in the Economy cabin, with a noticeable amount of extra legroom - 38 inches as opposed to 30-31.
There are also foot rests which pull down from the seat in front. But what we all loved were the leg supports which swung up when you reclined the seat. This was particularly useful on the overnight flight. The seats didn't recline as much as we expected. However, we were all able to settle into a more comfortable position thanks to the extra support from the leg rests.
Each seat has it's own charging point, trays which are stored in the armrest, and larger than average screens situated in the seat in front. We deemed these to be much more responsive than those we'd experienced in Economy class on our outbound flight. The range of movies, TV programmes, music and games was sufficient enough to keep everyone entertained.
4. Upgraded Extras
Further upgrades were evident in the higher quality of blanket and pillows issued in the Premium Economy cabin. Another plus for an overnight flight. The noise cancelling headphones are also a huge improvement on the ear bud style handed out in Economy.
An additional benefit were the smart fabric amenity packs we discovered on our seats. These contained an eye mask, socks, lip balm, toothbrush and toothpaste, plus a pen.
5. Food & Drink
As with Economy class, food and drink are complimentary to all passengers. Where it differs is in the standard and selections on offer. As well as a welcome drink, there's also the option of ordering cocktails and mocktails, alongside the usual beer, wines, spirits, and soft drinks from the bar.
Another noticeable upgrade was the standard of meals provided during the flight. Hot towels are provided prior to the service beginning, a selection of warmed breads are offered from a basket - not a cellophane wrapped dry roll in sight - with proper cutlery and fabric napkins adding to the experience.
We were extremely impressed with the quality of food. The salad starter was surprisingly good, and we all gave our main meals a thumbs up. The beef short rib was perfectly tender with extremely tasty accompaniments completing the dish.
None of us were in the mood for the breakfast which was offered prior to landing, so we can't give our opinions on what smelt good, but looked like the usual rubbery eggs.
6. Premium Economy Service
Exceptional is the best way to describe the service we received throughout our flight. Although we were mostly attended to by just one member of cabin crew, he was extremely friendly and efficient.
In the Premium Cabin, you're dealt with more on a one-to-one, as required, basis. From the moment we were offered a glass of fizz upon arrival, then pre-dinner drinks. Through to the meal, and hot cup of tea I was handed when I woke up towards the end of the flight, our every need was catered for. It certainly created a more enjoyable, relaxing way to fly.
7. Luggage Allowance
British Airways are one of the more generous airlines when it comes to baggage allowance. Most flights permit one 23kg hold baggage per passenger, plus a cabin bag (up to 56 x 45 x 25cm / 22 x 18 x 10inches). As well as an extra, smaller bag such as a handbag or laptop bag.
As a family of 4 travelling to the US for over 2 weeks, we've always remained well under the allowance. However, if you require extra, upgrading to a World Traveller Plus ticket will entitle you to 2 x 23kg hold baggage allowance per person.
8. Cost of flying British Airways Premium Economy
We paid around an extra £260 in total for the 4 of us to upgrade to Premium Economy. As it was a noticeably improved experience to flying Economy, we deemed it worth the increase.
As per usual with flight prices, upgrades to Premium Economy vary quite considerably. This is why we decided against paying the extra £1000 it would have cost us to travel this way on our outward journey. I'm glad we didn't as, for us, that much of a price hike didn't justify the extras. However, thanks to exceptional service, extra legroom and good food, we would certainly choose to fly this way again for the right price.
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