british airways world traveller food

British Airways

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SPECIAL MEALS

Do British Airway s short haul flights include meals?

Not really. British Airways provides a complimentary bottle of water, tea, coffee, and a small snack on short-haul flights departing from London Heathrow and Gatwick airports.

Additional food items can be pre-ordered or purchased during your flight (subject to limited stock).

Flights to/from Amman and Cairo offer complimentary meals and bar service.

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British Airways has collaborated with renowned Michelin-starred chef Tom Kerridge from the United Kingdom to create an exclusive in-flight menu. To enjoy these offerings, passengers must pre-order their meal and drink from the Speedbird Café before their flight.

Here are some of the choices available:

Tom Kerridge Ham Hock and Smoked Cheddar Sandwich £4.50

Tom Kerridge Coronation Chicken Sandwich £4.70

Tom Kerridge Sweet & Spicy Falafel Wrap £4.80

Tom Kerridge Three Cheese & Chutney Sandwich £4.50

Do British Airways long haul flights include meals?

Yes! Meals on long-haul British Airways flights are included in the ticket price. Main meals are typically served within two hours of take-off, with a smaller meal served within two hours of landing. On overnight flights, breakfast is provided. Flights under 8.5 hours receive a small snack as the second meal service.

Do you get free alcohol on British Airways ?

Both non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages are complimentary on British Airways long haul flights. (Short haul offers a paid bar service)

Meal Timings

Breakfast for flights departing before 09:30

Brunch for flights departing between 09:30 and 11:59

Lunch for flights departing between 12:00 and 13:59

Afternoon Tea for flights departing between 14:00 and 16:59

Dinner for flights departing after 17:00

Premium Economy (World Traveller Plus)

For passengers flying from London in premium economy, meals are sourced from the business class cabin. On Asian or African routes, locally inspired dishes may also be offered to premium economy passengers. These meals can be pre-ordered through the BA website .

British Airways offers a variety of special meals to accommodate the dietary preferences and restrictions of its passengers. However, please note that not all special meal types are available on every flight, and there may be instances where your chosen meal cannot be provided.

Lacto-ovo-vegetarian: This is a vegetarian meal that may include eggs and dairy products.

Vegan vegetarian: This is a strictly vegetarian meal that is entirely free of animal products, including honey, eggs, and dairy products.

Asian vegetarian: A vegetarian meal with flavors inspired by spices from the Indian subcontinent, typically mildly spiced.

Hindu: Prepared according to the requirements of the Hindu religion, this meal does not contain beef products and is flavored with spices from the Indian subcontinent. It is mildly spiced.

Halal: Halal meals are prepared following Halal guidelines and do not contain pork, pork by-products, or ingredients containing alcohol.

Jain: This is an Indian vegetarian meal prepared in accordance with Jain principles, using appropriate vegetables and grains.

Kosher : Prepared according to Jewish dietary laws. However, it is not available on certain routes.

Child meal: Suitable for young travelers between the ages of 2-12 years, this meal may contain beef and pork products.

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Baby meal : On long-haul flights, baby bottle/food warming facilities are available, along with a limited stock of baby food and milk. Passengers are advised to carry their own baby food and equipment in their hand baggage, as it is not possible to order baby meals or sterilize bottles on board.

Diabetic: Designed for passengers with diabetes, this meal contains minimal sugar content and maintains an equal balance of proteins, fats, fiber, and complex carbohydrates. Information about meal service times is provided to help passengers plan their medication during the journey.

Gluten intolerant: This meal is suitable for customers on a gluten-free diet and does not contain wheat, wheat flour, barley, oats, rye, bread, cakes (unless wheat-free), pastry, or any flour-based products.

Low calorie: Intended for passengers on a low-calorie diet, this meal excludes fried or fatty foods, sugar, full cream dairy products, fatty meats, sweets, and certain sauces such as mayonnaise and salad dressing.

Low fat: Designed for passengers on a low-fat diet, this meal contains limited amounts of saturated fat.

Low salt: For passengers on a low-sodium diet, this meal is prepared without added salt during preparation.

Low lactose: Tailored for passengers who are lactose-intolerant and cannot consume dairy products like cheese and milk.

Order your special meal here.

BUSINESS CLASS

Passengers travelling in Club World on most flights can select their meal before their flight. Orders can be placed from 30 days up to 24 hours before your flight via the manage your booking function.

A new service concept was recently launched in Club World, which will see the cabin crew hand running most meals or using new carts. Expect to have your starter and the main meal ordered at the same time; there will be no more service trolleys in the cabin.

Starters and desserts are now chosen from the new carts in the cabin. Special meals are now delivered at the same time as everyone else’s meals. The airline is investing heavily in the inflight catering, so expect quality catering, especially from Heathrow from their partner Do&Co.

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You can view sample menus from Club World right here .

Menus are now changed fortnightly with a focus on more British themed options. Expect to see Union Hand-Roasted coffee, Twinings Tea and other great British brands served in the cabin. For morning departures you will have the choice of up to three breakfast options including cured meats or smoked salmon, a hot English breakfast or a hot vegetarian breakfast.

Lunch and dinner will include an appetiser, main course choice and premium dessert. On shorter flights, you will have a choice of two fresh main course salads. Longer flights will offer three main course options ( two being hot offerings) and salad.

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Simple Flying

British airways' world traveller plus premium economy cabin: everything you need to know.

A look at the UK flag carrier's premium economy offering.

Today we will look at British Airways World Traveller Plus premium economy and see what it offers and if it is worth the extra money. While the concept of a premium economy cabin may sound relatively new, the idea of providing a nicer economy cabin has been around for just over 30 years. Taiwanese carrier EVA Air introduced premium economy seating on its Boeing 747-400s. Instead of calling it premium economy EVA Air called it "Evergreen Class."

EVA Air's upgraded economy seating did not go unnoticed by other airlines and was soon copied by the United Kingdom-based airline Virgin Atlantic in 1992. British Airways did not want to be outdone by a rival and created its premium economy product shortly afterward.

Premium economy allows you a free second suitcase

Before we talk more about British Airways World Traveller Plus premium economy, it's worth pointing out that "economy" is the key word here. While you may have a slightly bigger, more comfortable, reclining seat and extra legroom, it is in no way comparable to flying business class.

There are, however, advantages to flying premium economy over regular economy. The first is being able to check in a second suitcase for free. British Airways would charge extra for a second bag, which, in some cases, may result in the same total price as what it would cost you to book premium economy.

A friend recently flew on TAP Portugal from Miami to Lisbon and needed to bring two suitcases. When he saw what the Portuguese carrier wanted for the second piece of luggage, it was a no-brainer upgrading to premium economy as it was nearly the same price.

Wider seats and more legroom

British Airways premium economy passengers also get priority boarding which means you are in tier three, with first and business class passengers boarding first. British Airways' World Traveller Plus cabin is between business and economy classes and configured in a 2+4+2 layout.

It offers 18.5-inch seats with an 8% recline, which is great for sleeping but not so good if the person in front of you wants to recline fully, as it intrudes on your personal space. Each seat has individual charging points, and legroom is a generous 38 inches with a footrest. Each seat has a 10.6-inch inflight entertainment screen allowing you to watch hundreds of the latest movies and TV shows.

Want answers to more key questions in aviation? Check out the rest of our guides here !

WiFi is available on British Airways flights, but sadly even though you are flying in World Traveller Plus, you still have to pay for it. World Traveller Plus passengers also get noise-canceling headphones and an amenity kit. Unfortunately, the World Traveller Plus cabin has no restrooms, so you share the toilets with economy passengers.

Food and drinks

World Traveller Plus passengers are offered a welcome aboard drink: water, orange juice, or sparkling wine. Meals vary depending on the time of the day. If you are flying from New York to London, for example, flights are generally in the evening so you arrive in the UK early in the morning.

After taking off, the cabin crew comes round with the drink trolley, and then a little while later, the meal service begins. If you expect to get the kind of food served in business class, you will be disappointed as it is only marginally better than what is provided in economy. Later in the flight, before landing, a second meal service is given, which is more like a snack than a meal.

British Airways

A smooth ride across the Atlantic: A review of British Airways World Traveller Plus on the new daytime flight from Newark to London

I have a secret to avoiding jet lag when flying across the Atlantic.

While most flights from the East Coast of the U.S. to London depart in the evening and arrive in the United Kingdom the following morning, there are a handful of daytime flights that depart in the morning and land in the evening of the same day. And I cannot recommend them enough .

These flights are commonly under six hours in length, so too short for a good night's sleep regardless of the cabin. But by taking a daytime flight I can easily stay awake for the fairly short trip, sleep in a real bed in London at a normal bedtime hour when I get there and wake up the following morning with no jet lag.

When British Airways recently announced a new daytime service to Heathrow Airport (LHR) from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), it became a prime opportunity for me to revisit the airline's premium economy service on my preferred schedule and see what the product was like these days. Here's how the experience went.

Related: Why I don't think premium economy is worth the ticket price

British Airways operates two to three daily services from Newark to London depending on the time of year. While at least one service departs in the evening, the new daytime flight departs Newark at 7:55 a.m. daily, arriving in London at a civilized 7:45 p.m. It is scheduled at seven hours in length, though the flight is usually at least one hour faster than this because of the tailwinds.

Round-trip cash fares in British Airways World Traveller Plus (the formal name for its premium economy product) on this route start at $2,076 during the quieter winter months, about three times the price of World Traveller (economy) for the same dates.

One-way fares start from $940 in World Traveller Plus, or $586 in World Traveller, though you can expect to pay almost twice this much on busy summer dates.

There was good award availability for this new flight, so my ticket was booked using 26,000 Avios and $298 in taxes, fees and those pesky British Airways fuel surcharges for a one-way flight on an off-peak date. The fees, taxes and surcharges were paid with The Platinum Card® from American Express , which earns 5 Membership Rewards points per dollar on purchases made directly with airlines (on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year), picking up an additional 1,490 Membership Rewards points, worth $29.80 by TPG's current valuations .

You can earn enough Avios required to book this flight round-trip with a single welcome bonus. The British Airways Visa Signature Card earns 75,000 Avios after you spend $5,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening. There's also a 10% discount on British Airways flights originating in the U.S. when booking through a dedicated site, up to $600 per calendar year in statement credits for those frustrating award flight fees year, and the ability to earn a Travel Together ticket after you spend $30,000 on the card in a calendar year. Cardmembers will receive a $100 statement credit per reward flight booking in economy (World Traveller) or premium economy (World Traveller Plus), or an up $200 statement credit for all other reward flight bookings in business (Club World) and First.

British Airways has the frustrating policy of charging for seat selection in all cabins except First. Prices for my flight to London ranged from $60 for a center seat in the back rows up to $95 for a window seat in the front few rows of the cabin. Executive Club and Oneworld elite members, fortunately, can select their seats free of charge at the time of booking. So, with my Oneworld Sapphire status, I opted for a window seat in Row 18 at no charge.

Ground experience

I regularly fly out of New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) , but this was only my second time at Newark and my first time at Terminal B, which was quiet as the sun rose for my early departure to London.

Terminal B had check-in areas spread over three different levels which, as a new visitor, I found very confusing. It took me quite some time from Level 3, where my Uber dropped me off, to find the British Airways check-in desks, which were relegated to a back corner next to luggage belts down on Level 1 with LOT Polish Airlines and Icelandair.

Oddly, there was no separate queue for World Traveller Plus passengers, as the signage directed them to use the regular World Traveller economy lane. However, there were dedicated World Traveller Plus desks, but no World Traveller desks. With the low ceilings, basement-like atmosphere and odd setup, it was not a glamorous start to my journey.

I was helped quickly as there were few other passengers around. World Traveller Plus passengers receive two 50-pound checked bags though I avoid checking in my luggage wherever possible.

Given British Airways' impressive check-in setup at JFK Terminal 7 , I think I'd choose JFK for my next departure from New York on the airline.

Security was very quick and I was through in minutes. British Airways' Newark flights operate from the B50-B58 gates pier, where the airline also operates its own lounge (immediately after security and up one flight of stairs). Lounge access is not included with a World Traveller Plus premium economy ticket, so instead, I wandered through the compact but pleasant terminal. I especially liked the huge dome where the gates were located as the sun rose on another New York morning.

There was plenty of seating around my gate area and a relaxed atmosphere.

Two boarding lanes were set up with groups 1 to 3 able to use the right lane, and groups 4 to 9 using the left lane. World Traveller Plus passengers were assigned to Group 3.

Boarding commenced slightly later than the scheduled time, around 30 minutes before departure, with groups 1 and 2 invited to board together, and after that was my Group 3. The flight departed slightly late but still managed to arrive around an hour early, as usual, because of the strong tailwinds.

Cabin and seat

The British Airways 777-200 aircraft that flew me to London had 235 seats in four classes of service. Behind First and Club Suites , there were 40 World Traveller Plus premium economy seats in a 2-4-2 configuration across five rows. The cabin felt small and intimate, a key selling point of this cabin class compared with the large economy cabin behind me. The navy blue seats with herringbone fabric were smart both in appearance and their ability to hide stains and spills.

The seats were 18 1/2-inches wide, which was not overly generous given this was only 1 inch wider than the economy seats in the cabin behind, though I enjoyed slightly more elbow room thanks to the double armrest in between my seat and the one next to me. Legroom was 38 inches (normal for premium economy these days) and there was a comfortable fold-down footrest, though unfortunately, British Airways opted not to install leg rests on the premium economy seats.

The seat reclined a generous 8 inches. This is both a blessing and a curse: If you want to sleep, it's great to have your seat go back as far as possible, but it also means the passenger in front of you can recline a long way into your personal space.

The recline function was operated by a single button on the center console. Be aware that if you have a personal electronic device like a laptop open on your tray table, the seat in front can recline quickly and without notice, potentially damaging your device. You may wish to ask the passenger in front to give you a heads-up if you want to ensure any devices remain safe.

I liked how well cushioned the headrest was. The sides could be adjusted slightly in and out to cradle your head, and the entire headrest could move up and down and remain in place.

Storage was sorely lacking around the seat — beyond a large literature pocket in the seatback in front of me, there was nowhere else to place personal items. The bi-fold tray table, which stowed away in the center console, was large enough for my 13-inch Macbook, but you should forget about trying to work or watch anything on a laptop when the passenger in front has reclined their seat all the way.

Individual universal charging points were provided at each seat (with two in the center console I shared with my seat neighbor). There were also those odd audio-visual plugs I've never seen anyone use on an aircraft.

While the seat was not especially wide, and the lack of leg rest was a shame, it was still a comfortable and fairly well-designed seat.

Amenities and inflight entertainment

Awaiting me on my seat was an (unwrapped) fleecy pillow and blanket, an amenity kit and a pair of plastic-wrapped headphones. Both the pillow and blanket were a good size and soft to the touch, despite initially looking a little disheveled on the seat.

The headphones were terrific and a real highlight of the flight, as they were comfortable, well cushioned and high quality, even though they did not have active noise-canceling functionality.

A basic amenity kit is an industry standard in international premium economy, and British Airways' version contained an eye mask, sleep socks, a toothbrush with a tiny toothpaste, a pen and Scaramouche + Fandango lip balm. The "washbag" pouch the items were housed in was made from recycled plastic bottles but looked far more stylish than the crumpled, recycled washbag Virgin Atlantic provides its premium economy passengers .

The 10.6-inch seatback entertainment screen could be tilted up and down at an angle, which was handy when the passenger in front was reclined. It was both touchscreen-operated and could be navigated with the dated remote control housed in the center console. There were 44 new-release movies available, including "Ambulance," "Marry Me" and "Lost City." Among the 24 television series box sets, I enjoyed a few episodes of the latest season of "Britain's Got Talent." Two USB charging points were provided under the screen for each passenger.

Wi-Fi was offered on my flight to London with three different packages available, from 4.99 pounds (about $6) for one hour up to 14.99 pounds (about $17) for the full flight, and limited to one device. The Wi-Fi speeds were the fastest I have ever registered on an aircraft — an astonishing 60Mbps download with a reasonable 4.03Mbps upload. This allowed me to be both very productive throughout the flight and also refresh the BBC news homepage regularly as this flight took place the day Queen Elizabeth II passed away, so I wanted to keep up with events.

Related: In pictures: The queen's life in travel

There were, unfortunately, no dedicated bathrooms for World Traveller Plus passengers, so we shared the two immediately behind our cabin with the World Traveller economy cabin. These bathrooms were standard in size and amenities but were kept clean and as the flight was not full (a perk I've found on my daytime flights across the Atlantic), there was rarely a wait to use them.

Food and beverage

Drinks were offered during boarding with a choice of sparkling wine, orange juice or water. I chose orange juice, which was served in glassware. No bottled water was waiting at my seat.

Flight attendants served the main meal of breakfast shortly after takeoff with a smaller second meal before landing. Breakfast consisted of fruit yogurt and fresh fruit with a choice of three entrees: scrambled eggs with sausage, bacon, mushrooms and tomato; cheese and chervil omelet; or apple pancakes with strawberry compote and vanilla anglaise.

In a vague attempt at a healthier option than sausage and bacon, I asked for the omelet. I was also offered a fresh croissant and my choice of beverage. I again selected orange juice.

A neatly arranged tray packed full of items was handed to me. The range of colors of my meal was visually appealing, though it was, in reality, just a neatly presented economy-class breakfast served on china with metal cutlery.

I've eaten countless airplane breakfasts like this over my decades of travel and it all tasted ... fine. The main dish was piping hot, though it was a little bland so I needed the salt and pepper sachets.

The crew passed through the cabin again to offer tea or coffee after the meal. I chose a coffee to keep me awake right through to London and I was surprised to see the hot drinks served in a takeaway paper cup. Given that the other drinks throughout the flight were served in proper glassware, I wish British Airways provided ceramic cups for these hot drinks.

About 75 minutes before arrival, the trolleys appeared again. The only choices were sandwiches with either chicken and cheese, or just plain cheese. They were served with a packet of sour-cream-and-chive baked pretzels and a choice of drink from the bar. I decided to raise a glass to the (now late) Queen Elizabeth II with a very British gin and tonic. British Airways serves Aviation Gin, which I like for both the name and the taste.

The small sandwich tasted fine and was stuffed with plenty of chicken — I just wish it had been larger. The second meal service on daytime flights this length tends to be too small for me, no matter the airline, and I was still hungry when we landed in London.

The crew members on my flight to London were all upbeat, welcoming and friendly. I found the service to be slightly more formal than in Virgin Atlantic's premium economy cabin, with the British Airways crew referring to me as "sir" with every interaction. There were no lapses in the service throughout the flight.

What I will remember most about this flight was that, 90 minutes before landing, I refreshed the BBC news homepage to learn that Buckingham Place had just announced the death of Queen Elizabeth II. I noticed a few shocked faces around the cabin as those passengers who had connected to the Wi-Fi during the flight learned the momentous news.

As the crew members wheeled the trolleys into the cabin around 15 minutes later for the second meal service, it appeared they had not been advised of the news by the captain as they were as chipper and full of smiles as ever despite some truly glum passenger faces in the cabin.

I was curious to see if and how the pilot might announce the news before we landed in London. It was definitely one of those "where were you when you heard the news" moments in world history, especially for anyone living in the U.K. (the death of Princess Diana and the tragedies of Sept. 11 being others I vividly remember). As we began our descent into Heathrow the pilot advised passengers of the queen's passing over the loudspeaker in a solemn, respectful and very British way.

As an avid traveler living in London, it felt oddly fitting to learn this news on a British Airways flight.

Overall impression

This was a solid premium economy experience on British Airways. The check-in area at Newark needs some work, and for that reason alone I would probably choose to fly from JFK next time. But other than that, it was fairly smooth sailing for the rest of my day across the Atlantic. I still prefer these daytime flights, and woke up at a normal time in my own bed the following morning without jet lag.

British Airways' World Traveller Plus seat provides decent comfort and legroom along with its deep recline and clever headrest. The Wi-Fi download speeds were the fastest I've experienced on a flight, making for a productive workday. The first meal was filling, if not refined, though the second meal was too small, as I have encountered on most flights between New York and London. The headphones, blanket and pillow were all more suited to business class than economy, which was a treat.

Having recently flown Virgin Atlantic's Premium on the same daytime route , I found British Airways to be slightly better mainly because of the superior seat recline, amenities, food quality and consistent service.

I still believe premium economy is overpriced for what you actually get, especially for cash fares two or three times the cost of economy. However, if you are choosing premium economy, British Airways is a smart choice.

Flight Review: British Airways World Traveller Economy Class from London to Houston

Departure Airport

Boarding is from gate A18. There is a short delay but this is well communicated by the gate staff. Various stages of priority boarding are applied. This begins with First Class and Emerald / Gold card holders, followed by Club World and Sapphire / Silver and finally Ruby / Bronze. After this, general boarding begins and there is no zonal approach for this. There is no priority boarding for families, elderly etc. The gate service is quite polite and efficient and despite the delay boarding is complete on-time.

Airplane & Cabin flown

Boeing 747-400 in Economy Class was at approximately 70% capacity. This aircraft is the renovated cabin with new seats and IFE.

Baggage Allowance

According to www.britishairways.com the free checked baggage allowance for a World Traveller standard fare is 1 bag (max. 23kg / 51lb per bag). Onboard, customers can take 1 handbag / laptop bag (max. 23kg / 51lb and up to 40x30x15cm / 16x12x6in) plus 1 additional cabin bag (max. 23kg / 51lb and up to 56x45x25cm / 22x18x10in).

The Economy Class Seat

The Economy Class seat has a 32-inch seat pitch and the living space feels comfortable without the forward seat reclined. The width is good and comfortable and there is also an adjustable headrest. The seat has a 9-inch PTV (widescreen) and integrated USB socket – there is no 110v socket for larger devices. The seat condition is satisfactory – the covers are clean with strong colours (e.g. not faded), there are some marks on the armrest and when I try to adjust the headrest it comes clean off the bracket – which is a surprise.

Cabin & Toilets

The cabin is clean on boarding. The seat covers are well presented, as are the carpets and these appear to have been renewed. The overhead bins and other cabin panels have not and as such not as presentable. There are 4 washrooms for the Economy Class cabin at the rear of the aircraft – these are clean on boarding but again, have older fixtures and fittings but are well presented.

The flight pushed back about 25-minutes late and departed 45-minutes behind schedule however, the captain mentioned that we should arrive with just a short delay into Houston.

Food & Drink

About 30-minutes after departure 2 carts enter the cabin – 1 per aisle and a bar service is offered. This offers a full range of beverages including beer, wine and spirits – as well as soft drinks, water and juices. I was intrigued by BAs recently introduced “Book the Cook” style service for Economy Class passengers and ordered the “Taste of Britain” option prior to the flight for 16 GBP. This is marketed as an upgraded dining experience and offers 6 options – Gourmet, Taste of Britain, Healthy, Asian, English Breakfast and Vegetarian meal trays. Having tried and been impressed by the service on BA’s sister airline Aer Lingus, I was keen to see how it matched-up. Unfortunately, despite reconfirming with BA customer service prior to the flight, the meal is not loaded.

I reported this to the cabin crew and they are quick to offer a meal from Club World. Whilst it was not what I ordered it was an obvious upgrade from the standard Economy Class fayre. Being fortunate enough to travel in Business Class on many trips, I was surprised by what British Airways is passing off as a long-haul premium catering nowadays. It tasted fine, but in my opinion, the presentation and quantity of food is pretty basic by business class standards of 2017.

For the second “meal” I was back to the standard Economy Class offer, and this is an afternoon tea snack box, which is quite nicely presented in a faux picnic hamper and miniature gingham rug. It contains half a coronation chicken sandwich and scone with jam and clotted cream – again, the quality of food is good but I cannot help but feel this is the bare minimum food for a 10-hour flight, particularly as BA has cut the free galley snacks. However, one can purchase a cinema priced bag of sweets from the cabin staff.

Entertainment

This Boeing 747-400 offers personal AVOD IFE at each seat with a 9-inch screen. The programming selection is extensive – not only in terms of Hollywood / British movies but there are also a vast range of foreign language options. TV programming is also wide ranging with a number of boxset options of the most popular US / TV series. Headsets are the in-ear type and given complimentary.

Pillows and blankets are available on each seat prior to boarding and the quality is meeting a satisfactory standard – there is no comfort pack (eye mask etc). There is standard pipe soap in the washroom.

Staff Service

I was quite happy with the staff service overall, and the crew were quite cheerful and polite. They respond very quickly to my missing meal order and said they had reported the issue. In fairness, I was refunded without having to chase up customer service, which I was surprised about. Outside of the main services they did tend to stick to the galley, so for any additional drinks you had to fetch them yourself. As the flight wasn’t too busy this was fine as it was easy to move in and out of my window seat. It was an above average experience in terms of the crew interaction, but it was just a shame there wasn’t a bit more of it.

Arrival Service

Upon arrival into Houston, there is the usual throng of ground staff with wheelchairs that are an inevitable presence for any US arrival nowadays. Once past this, it was a short walk to immigration which took about 20-minutes – bags have started to arrive as I reach baggage claim and my own luggage comes out less than 5-minutes after this.

Overall, the missing meal order aside, the flight experience wasn’t bad. The staff dealt with this issue well. They were very apologetic and as it turned out, their internal reporting system meant that I didn’t have to again deal with the BA call centre, which I found the experience to be consistently poor leading up to this trip.

I like the Heathrow Terminal 5 experience – it is nearly always efficient for departure which is my main concern.

In terms of the aircraft, I am a fan of the Boeing 747-400 and it is always a treat (albeit quite rare) to come across one nowadays. It is nice that the seats and IFE have been upgraded but there are certainly areas where the aircraft is showing its age.

Having travelled with many of the transatlantic majors in the last 12 months, British Airways Economy Class catering is pretty average in terms of the quantity and quality is fine. For those that partake, it is nice that one can still get a decent gin and tonic without being charged extra, but it remains to be seen if BA will remove this perk in the future!

In terms of value for money, I just fail to see it any more with the fares that British Airways charge. They have almost cut back to the bare essentials in Economy Class and aside from the IFE / bar product, everything is average or below. The fare was north of 750GBP return from a travel agent. From BA, it was more than 1000GBP. This was not, by any means a last-minute reservation (6 weeks in advance). I didn’t get my original afternoon flight (on the newer Boeing 787) as it was cancelled and I was moved to a less sociable early morning departure. For this I received a standard copy / paste non-apology from BA stating they had fulfilled their T&Cs – despite the inconvenience to me. It was a disappointingly poor, non caring response.

Ranked as a 4-Star Airline, the continuing cuts to British Airways business and economy class product standards makes their rating look unsustainable. The BA staff service is about the only saving grace at this time, but morale seems to be dropping there as well.

This flight report is based on fully paid tickets, not airline discounted or complimentary tickets.

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British Airways Food and Drink Menus: Dining Over the Clouds

When you fly in the pointy end of the plane with British Airways, the dining experience aims to be just as first class as the amenities. Across all cabins, British Airways focuses on providing quality inflight cuisine that’s innovative, fresh, and full of flavor.

In this extensive post, we’ll take an in-depth look at the food and drink menus and dining experience in each British Airways cabin class. Read on for a taste of the first-class cuisine, premium wines, and impeccable service that set British Airways apart.

Overview of British Airways’ Dining by Cabin:

• In Economy class, expect complimentary light meals, snacks, or full breakfast/dinners
• World Traveller Plus (premium economy) offers upgraded multi-course meals with appetizers
• Club World business class features fine dining with champagne, premium entrées, and desserts
• The most luxury inflight dining experience comes in exclusive First Class
• Across all cabins, British Airways’ menus focus on quality, freshness, and locally-inspired flavors
• From a scone in coach to a 5-star tasting menu up front, British Airways satisfies all appetites

An Introduction to Dining with British Airways

First, let’s provide some quick background on meals and refreshments when flying British Airways.

Complimentary dining is offered across all classes on long-haul international and transatlantic British Airways flights. The cuisine ranges from simple snacks in economy to indulgent multi-course meals in first class.

Their menus change quarterly to reflect seasonal ingredients. British Airways also adjusts offerings based on destinations to incorporate local flavors. Whether you’re flying economy, premium economy, business, or first, you can expect dining tailored specifically to your cabin and route.

Now let’s explore those cabin-specific British Airways food and drink menus in more depth.

Economy Class Dining

Even in economy, British Airways serves up complimentary food and beverages focused on freshness and variety. Here’s an overview of what to expect:

Light Meals

On shorter flights and off-peak services, the economy menu includes satisfying light bites like:

• Breakfast: Pastry filled with spinach, feta, and pine nuts; fruit salad; Greek yogurt; coffee or tea.
• Lunch/Dinner: Chicken salad sandwich; three cheese ploughman’s sandwich; Thai prawn salad; snacks like chocolate, chips, or cheese and crackers.

On long-haul overnight flights spanning regular meal times, British Airways offers upgraded economy-class dining:

• Breakfast: Omelette or pancakes with chicken sausage; fruit salad; muffin; juices, coffee, and tea.
• Lunch/Dinner: Chicken in tomato sauce with rice; beef bourguignon with mashed potatoes; lentil coconut curry with rice; desserts such as cheesecake or fruit salad.

The economy menus offer variety, nutrition, and thoughtful touches like afternoon tea service. With complimentary beer, wine, spirits and soft drinks, it makes for enjoyable dining even in coach.

World Traveller Plus Dining

In World Traveller Plus , British Airways’ premium economy cabin, the food quality and presentation get elevated. Here’s a sample menu:

• Smoked duck salad with roasted beets, black quinoa, and citrus vinaigrette
• Carrot ginger soup with crème fraiche and chives

Main Course

• Grilled beef fillet with crushed baby potatoes, asparagus, mushroom jus
• Seared cod with spiced lentils, sautéed spinach, and lemon butter sauce
• Ricotta ravioli with tomato basil sauce, parmesan, and garlic breadstick
• Warm sticky toffee pudding with vanilla cream
• Grapes, camembert cheese, and crackers

With appetizers, upgraded entrees, desserts and premium alcoholic drinks, British Airways’ World Traveller Plus dining exceeds economy standards.

Club World Business Class Menus

In Club World , British Airways’ long-haul business class, the culinary experience steps into luxury territory with tasting menus or à la carte dining, high-end wines, champagne, and impeccable service.

A sample Club World menu could include:

British Afternoon Tea

• Finger sandwiches, scones, clotted cream, pastries, and tea

Dinner Menu Appetizers

• Seared scallops with cauliflower puree and crispy pancetta
• Cream of asparagus soup with truffle oil

Main Courses

• Filet of Aberdeen Angus beef with Madeira jus, fondant potatoes, roasted vegetables
• Loch Fyne salmon en croûte with Champagne velouté, baby spinach, and roasted rainbow carrots
• Ricotta and spinach cannelloni with tomato ragu and parmesan
• Vanilla crème brûlée with fresh raspberries
• British cheese board with fruit chutney and crackers

With elevated presentation, table settings, and multiple courses, British Airways brings luxury dining to Club World business class.

First-Class Dining Experience

In British Airways’ most premium First Class cabin, the inflight dining scales new heights. The multi-course tasting menus are curated by top chefs and come with sommelier-selected champagne pairings:

Amuse-Bouche

• Chilled pea soup with prosciutto crisps
• King crab and avocado salad, grapefruit ginger dressing ( paired with Laurent-Perrier Champagne )
• Raspberry lemon granita palate cleanser
• Seared sea bass fillet, stir-fried vegetables, coconut red curry broth ( paired with Chassagne-Montrachet white Burgundy )
• Warm chocolate fondant cake with vanilla cream ( paired with Sauternes )

With bespoke service, up to 17 food choices per flight, and the finest wines, British Airways First Class dining is an incredible culinary event in the skies.

Why Choose British Airways?

When it comes to onboard cuisine, here’s why British Airways stands out:

• Complimentary dining across all cabin classes
• Locally-inspired British and international menu options
• Seasonal dishes featuring quality ingredients
• Extensive premium wine and champagne lists
• Exceptional service with table settings in Upper-Class cabins
• Tasting menus curated by top chefs in First Class

Whether you’re craving a warm scone or an indulgent degustation, British Airways satisfies appetites in all cabins on long-haul flights.

Experience Elevated Dining with British Airways

From refreshed economy class meals to tasting menus in First, British Airways provides a dining experience as refined as their service. With quality cuisine prepared by leading chefs and customized to each cabin, savoring locally-inspired food and wine is part of the joy of flying British Airways.

So on your next international flight, relax into your seat while delighting in fresh British and global flavors. With menu choices ranging from light bites to fine dining, it’s first-class culinary journey across the skies.

Cheers and bon appétit!

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The Guide to British Airways Premium Economy

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Table of Contents

What is premium economy on British Airways?

British airways premium economy seats, food and drink in british airways premium economy, amenities and other perks of british airways premium economy, how much is premium economy on british airways, 4 ways to save money on british airways premium economy, use avios to book a premium economy ticket on british airways, is british airways premium economy worth it.

Flying in economy just isn't what it used to be. Over the decades, many airlines have reduced legroom, squeezed more seats into each row and cut back on services. Many travelers can't afford to pay for business class, but there is a Goldilocks middle ground: premium economy. Arguably, one of the better premium economy products available is British Airways premium economy, also known as World Traveller Plus.

Let's take a look at British Airways' premium economy, including what you'll find onboard, how the experience differs from economy and how you can save money on these seats.

» Learn more: The best airline credit cards right now

British Airways’s premium economy class is called World Traveller Plus. The other classes on its flights include economy (Euro Traveller and World Traveller) , business class and first class.

World Traveller Plus is situated in its own separate cabin, which is closer to the front of the plane than economy. The seats are wider and offer more legroom than the seats in economy. In addition, passengers receive priority boarding, a more generous baggage allowance, two meals, complimentary alcoholic beverages, noise-canceling headphones for the personal entertainment system and an amenity kit.

» Learn more: The guide to British Airways classes

For many passengers, the main reason to book premium economy instead of economy is the larger seats. And British Airways certainly delivers in this regard.

Compared with economy, British Airways World Traveller Plus gives you more space in all directions — more seat width, legroom and recline. Tall passengers can rejoice: British Airways premium economy provides 7 inches of additional legroom — measuring 38 inches of pitch vs. just 31 inches of pitch in economy.

(Photo courtesy of JT Genter)

In addition to a substantial recline, British Airways premium economy seats offer a fold-out leg rest and a fold-down footrest.

Throughout the cabin, you'll find a large, fixed armrest between each seat. Although this slightly reduces seat width, it means that you shouldn't need to battle your neighbor for control of the armrest. At the front of each armrest, a cup tray provides enough space for two glasses. And you'll find a water bottle holder between the footrests in each seat pairing.

Depending on the aircraft type, the British Airways premium economy cabin is either arranged 2-3-2 or 2-4-2. This means there are two seats by the windows and three or four seats in the middle column of seats. This arrangement makes British Airways premium economy a great option for couples traveling together who prefer to have their own two-seat row.

Each British Airways premium economy seat has a large, bright 12-inch touchscreen with seemingly endless entertainment options. This is a substantial upgrade from what British Airways offered prior to a recent cabin refresh.

Below the in-flight entertainment screen, British Airways installed a storage tray. This provides a convenient place to store your phone, passport, boarding pass or other items you want nearby — but not in your pockets — while in-flight.

» Learn more: Basic economy vs. main cabin

In addition to bigger and better seats, British Airways provides notably better food and drink service in premium economy compared to economy.

This elevated service starts before the wheels even leave the ground. Flight attendants pass through the cabin offering pre-departure beverages of orange juice or water, served in real glassware. Although sparkling wine is available in-flight, it's not available on the ground in the World Traveller Plus cabin.

In-flight, British Airways advertises that World Traveller Plus passengers get "two delicious meals, complimentary bar service including signature cocktails (or mocktail)."

Here's what that looks like in practice.

Flight attendants pass through the cabin shortly after takeoff to provide a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. In my experience, flight attendants proactively provide doubles of alcoholic beverages. Plus, you'll get a choice of wine to go with your dinner.

For meal choices, menus aren't provided to passengers. Instead, flight attendants note the meal options as they pass through the cabin. British Airways offers two options — typically one vegetarian and one meat-based meal. Meals are generally served with a salad, a packaged roll, a dessert and a choice between several types of wines — typically two reds and two whites.

While the first meal is hot and meets premium economy standards, the second is generally a cold, packaged meal served in a brown paper bag. Although perfectly adequate, I haven't found this meal to be particularly "delicious" — falling short of what British Airways advertises.

British Airways premium economy doesn't just provide bigger seats and better meals. British Airways World Traveller Plus passengers also get better amenities and additional perks like priority boarding.

British Airways premium economy amenity kit, pillow and blanket

At boarding, World Traveller Plus seats are typically stocked with a small pillow, blanket and a plastic-wrapped package including noise-canceling headphones and an amenity kit.

The British Airways premium economy amenity kit includes socks, an eye mask, lip balm, a pen, a toothbrush and toothpaste. Earplugs are available on request.

Other perks of British Airways premium economy

Extra baggage allowance: British Airways premium economy typically allows two free checked bags at no additional cost. Comparatively, some British Airways economy fares are "hand baggage only" and charge up to $175 each way for two checked bags.

Priority boarding: British Airways World Traveller Plus passengers board no later than Group 3 boarding. Meanwhile, economy boarding groups stretch to Group 9.

Universal power outlets: The recent refresh to British Airways economy cabins only provides USB power outlets in economy. However, you'll still find two universal power outlets between each pairing of World Traveller Plus seats in addition to a USB outlet.

Unsurprisingly, you can expect to pay more than economy — but less than business class — if you want to fly in the premium economy cabin on British Airways.

We did a fare search for a roundtrip flight from New York-John F. Kennedy to London and found that on the 7:35 p.m. flight, premium economy ($1,162) is more than double the cost of economy ($532) and only slightly cheaper than business class ($1,222).

A flight departing just 30 minutes later (and landing in London-Gatwick) was an even worse deal, offering a $608 premium economy seat, which was nearly triple the cost of economy ($233). Business class was significantly more expensive at nearly $3,000.

On the return leg, premium economy was $851, compared to $504 in economy and $1,540 in business class.

If you chose the more affordable outgoing option in premium economy, you’d be looking at $1,459 total for the round-trip flight, compared to $737 in economy. The cheapest round-trip business class option would cost $2,762.

There are a few ways to save money when booking the Traveller Plus cabin on British Airways.

1. Get $65-$200 off as an AARP member

If you’re a member of the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), when you book a roundtrip transatlantic flight on British Airways, you can save $65 off economy or premium economy seats and $200 off business class. Although $65 isn’t a huge discount, it could help offset the difference between economy and premium economy.

Although AARP is a nonprofit organization that offers money-saving benefits for Americans over 50, you do not need to be 50 to join. You just need to sign up and the benefits are yours to enjoy. The standard cost of the membership ranges is $16 per year, but the price could be lower depending on how long you want to commit.

Check Cashback Monitor to see if there are any shopping portals offering bonus points for signing up for an AARP membership.

2. Book a British Airways flight through a shopping portal

Another way to save money on your premium economy fare on British Airways is to purchase the ticket through a shopping portal. Browse through Cashback Monitor to see what the current savings are.

The search result shows that Top Cashback is offering up to 1.51% cash back on British Airways. However, you need to look at the details to make sure that the flight qualifies for the discount.

Clicking on the Top Cashback link shows that the discount on long-haul flights is only 1.01%. So, if you were to book a $1,000 premium economy ticket and click through Top Cashback, you would earn $10.10 in cash, which isn’t much but still provides some savings.

» Learn more: How to earn extra points & miles shopping online

3. Use a British Airways credit card to save 10% and statement credits

The British Airways Visa Signature® Card offers several money saving perks on purchase of British Airways flights.

Cardholders get a 10% discount on all British Airways flights originating in the U.S. You would need to book the flight on ba.com/chase10 and use the promotion code CHASEBA10. Assuming you book a $1,000 premium economy ticket, you’d save $100 off that flight.

Cardholders who book award flights to London can earn statement credits of $100 in economy and premium economy and $200 in first and business class. The statement credits can be earned three times per year, maxing out at $600. To earn the credits, cardholders will need to use the British Airways Visa Signature® Card to pay for award taxes, fees and carrier surcharges on the award flight.

This is a useful benefit, especially since taxes and fuel surcharges on British Airways award tickets can be extraordinarily high.

If you have British Airways Avios, you can also use those points to book an award flight. Here’s an example flight search from New York-JFK to London-Heathrow showing three available classes:

If we compare the pricing, in economy, the ticket costs 25,000 Avios + $100 in taxes. Premium economy costs 42,500 Avios + $280 in taxes. British Airways adds on high taxes and fuel surcharges so you’ll need to weigh the price in miles (+ taxes) against a cash ticket.

Using our $608 premium economy flight example from above, if you were to pay for this seat in Avios, you’d extract 0.8 cent per mile ($608 - $280 / 42,500). NerdWallet values British Airways Avios at 0.8 cent per mile when redeemed for economy fares. This probably isn’t the highest value per point you’ll find at the premium economy level, but it’s about the same number of points that you would expect to pay in economy. If the flight in cash was more expensive, using Avios for the award ticket would be much more justifiable.

Another factor to consider is that British Airways used a distance based award chart , so the cost of the flight in Avios will depend on how far away your origin is from your destination.

» Learn more: The guide to British Airways Executive Club

British Airways premium economy is found on all long-haul international aircraft. This includes British Airways:

Airbus A350-1000 aircraft.

Airbus A380-800 aircraft.

Boeing 777-200 and 777-300 aircraft.

Boeing 787-8, 787-9 and 787-10 Dreamliner aircraft.

British Airways passengers can upgrade to premium economy using cash or Avios — either in advance or at the airport. However, you cannot purchase an upgrade once onboard. The cash upgrade price generally depends on the route and availability. However, Avios upgrade prices are set based on the Avios award price difference between the two cabins.

» Learn more: How (and why) to upgrade your British Airways flight using Avios

Thanks to a recent cabin refresh, the British Airways cabin now appears fresh and sharp. British Airways premium economy consists of four to nine rows of seating — depending on the aircraft — and is found between the business class and economy cabins. Each row is configured with two window seats on each side and either three or four seats in the middle section.

Yes, British Airways premium economy earns more British Airways Avios — or miles if you credit flights to another mileage program. When crediting flights to the British Airways Executive Club, you'll earn Avios at a rate of 100% or 150% of the flight miles, depending on the fare you book. Comparatively, you earn as few as 25% of flight miles when booking economy fares.

Likewise, American Airlines flyers earn up to four times more base AAdvantage miles when booking premium economy than economy. Since Loyalty Points are based on mileage earnings, you'll also earn quadruple the elite status credits. These extra miles and elite status credits can help justify the increased cost of premium economy for those debating if it's worth upgrading.

» Learn more: How to choose which airline miles to earn from your flights

» Learn more:

How (and why) to upgrade your British Airways flight using Avios

How to choose which airline miles to earn from your flights

British Airways premium economy represents a significant step up from economy. You'll get a bigger seat with extra legroom and recline. Plus, passengers get better food and drink options along with extra perks like priority boarding and extra baggage allowance. And mileage collectors and elite status members will appreciate earning extra miles and elite-status credits.

(Top photo courtesy of British Airways)

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

On a similar note...

British Airways World Traveller Plus Review [2023]

After a rocky flight across the pond, I decided to do a British Airways World Traveller Plus Review. Is it worth the cost? Read on.

There are few things that make me happier while travelling than getting an upgrade on a long flight. That is what happened in this British Airways World Traveller Plus review…and I’m not sure why. I have theories and will share them in a post soon, but for now, know that this British Airways World Traveller Plus review is by no means sponsored but did make this guy one happy flier.

That said, let’s find out if Is BA World Traveller Plus worth it.

Table of Contents

BA World Traveller Plus Review Summary

British Airways World Traveller Plus is a premium economy class that offers extra legroom, a wider seat, and other amenities. The cabin features a 2-3-2 seating configuration, personal in-flight entertainment screens, and a complimentary amenity kit.

The food and service are generally regarded as good, and passengers can also enjoy priority boarding and additional baggage allowance. However, the seats may not recline as much as some passengers would like, and the cost may be relatively high compared to other premium economy offerings.

Overall, British Airways World Traveller Plus is a solid option for those looking for a more comfortable travel experience without breaking the bank.

What Is The Difference Between British Airways Premium Economy & Business Class?

Economy Plus should really be thought of as “Business Class M inus .” For the most part, the service is the same minus the lay flatbeds. From what I saw while boarding and exiting the British Airways 747-400 on a recent trip to Europe, the Business Class seats are not that spread out and looked crowded…at least more so than flying Swiss Air or EgyptAir . Curious, and as I always do, on my return trip I spoke with the agent at the customer service desk. “How much for an upgrade to Business Class?” I said with a smile. To my horror, the agent said it would be over $7,000!

Paying an additional $7,000 at check-in seems incredibly dumb. An extra $390 for premium economy on a 9 1/2 hour flight, not so much. Thankfully, I didn’t have to do either and got an upgrade for free.

With that in mind, here is my British Airways World Traveller Plus review and why I think it offers some serious value.

Route: London to Vancouver Aircraft: 747-400 Seat: 35B Highlights : Entertainment and High Tea Low lights:  Meals

How to Upgrade to BA World Traveller Plus

To upgrade to BA World Traveller Plus, you can do so in a few ways:

• During booking: When booking your flight, you can choose to upgrade to World Traveller Plus during the booking process. You will see the option to upgrade if it is available for your flight.
• Online: If you have already booked your flight, you can check to see if an upgrade is available through the Manage My Booking section of the British Airways website.
• At the airport: You may also be able to upgrade to World Traveller Plus at the airport on the day of your flight, subject to availability.

Keep in mind that upgrading typically comes at an additional cost, so you should weigh the benefits against the extra expense to determine if BA World Traveller Plus is worth it for you.

British Airways World Traveller Plus Review – Seats

British Airways website boasts wider seats and more legroom in Premium Economy which, although true, is by no means spacious. There is ample legroom, decent recline, and a footrest for stretching out. 

Note: seats are  2×4×2 on the BA 747–400 so ensure to book seats A/B or H/J for maximum comfort!

British Airways World Traveller Plus Review – Service

Essentially, the meal service, amenities, and entertainment system are the same as Business Class. Seats include USB power and standard outlets (Europe and UK style). Where British Airways Economy Plus really differs from Economy Class is the seats and entertainment system.

  READ MORE:     Turkish Air Business Class Review

The amenities bag on this World Traveller Plus review was standard but lacking compared to those I found on Swissair , EgyptAir , and  Turkish Airlines.  Inside you will find earplugs, socks, a toothbrush and paste, a pen, and an eye mask.

Also inside you will find premium headphones, a nice touch, however, I prefer to stick to my favourite travel companion – the Bose-QuietComfort-25.

One negative on this World Traveller Plus review was the dinner tray. Mine sagged heavily in the middle which made eating and writing a bit awkward. A minor annoyance in the end but an annoyance nonetheless.

BA World Traveller Plus Review –  Food & Drink

Meals in Premium Economy are similar to what is served in Business Class except that they are not presented as nicely…or so I hope. Beyond the sloppy presentation, the food was just OK. I had an overcooked piece of beef with salty gravy and a neon salad.

The highlight of the meal service aboard this British Airways flight was the highest High Tea I have ever had. Well played BA.

World Traveller Plus Review –  Entertainment

The entertainment system is a huge upgrade over those found in Economy. The screen is much larger, brighter, and more responsive than those found in coach. My screen on the flight to Europe in Economy was so bad I could not get through a single movie. No worries, I made up for it in World Traveller Plus.

   READ MORE:  Norwegian Airlines Premium Economy Review

So, is British Airways World Traveller Plus Worth it?

Given my experience in Economy ( and recent reports of bedbugs! ), I believe an upgrade to British Airways World Traveller Plus is worth it for the extra pounds, especially if you are flying long distances. If you are looking to just sleep and can do so in cramped spaces then there’s not much for you in an upgrade.

As mentioned, I was upgraded but feel that BA World Traveller Plus is worth it for the extra comfort, meals, and space.

If you want to enjoy business-class services and amenities at a fraction of the cost (minus the lay flatbed) then the upgrade to British Airways World Travel Plus is highly recommended.

   READ MORE:  WestJet Premium Economy Review

What say you? Thoughts on this  British Airways W orld Traveller Plus Review ? Let’s hear it!

For more luxury travel reviews from business class and beyond see HERE .

So how does British Airways World Traveller Plus rank?

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First Impressions: British Airways World Traveller Plus

I’m back home and honestly quite pleased by my 11-hour journey in world traveller plus onboard british airways’ aging 747-400. the flight exceeded my expectations..

I’ve flown British Airways so many times over the years and have yet to have a bad service encounter. Quite the contrary, I’ve had so many great interactions with caring and helpful staff, including on my A350-1000 flight last month.

In the past, I’ve flown economy class , business class, and first class , but this was my first flight in World Traveller Plus , BA’s premium economy product.

Let’s start, then, with the service. The crew was lovely; very professional and yet very friendly. They were attentive too, with frequent checks on the cabin and proactive offers for beverage refills. This was not a “mixed fleet” crew as most had more than 15-20 years of experience as a BA flight attendant.

I lucked out with BA’s classic British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC) livery on my aircraft, which made me even happier I had chosen to fly on BA.

> Read More: British Airways’ Stunning New 747 Paint Job

I chose the 747-400 not so much for the aircraft or the older premium economy seat, but due to schedule. While I would have preferred to review the new 787-9 World Traveler Plus seat for purposes of it having a longer review shelf life, it is always a joy to fly on the Queen of the Skies.

The “older” seats are plusher seats and I found the cushioning to be more comfortable than both Lufthansa and United .

Recline was decent, even in the last row (I was seated in 36G, the only non-middle seat available when I purchased my ticket less than 24 hours in advance of travel). The leg rest and fold-down foot rest were also put to good use.

Surprisingly, I ended up sleeping for the majority of the flight. The new soft blanket and pillow that British Airways recently debuted helped.

I feared I’d have an ancient IFE system like I did last time I flew the BA 747-400 from London to New York , but the seatback system was brand new and was extremely responsive and loaded with great content.

As for meals, I was warned by readers that I would be disappointed. It turns out, I was not. I was certainly disappointed I did not book far enough in advance to pre-order a meal. The choices were braised British beef, prawns in a Thai green curry, or pasta and I chose beef….specifically because it was not a steak so would not suffer from the dryness problem. Furthermore, I had eaten virtually zero protein that day. In any case, it was tasty:

Before landing, a second meal was served of chicken tikka masala or conchiglie pasta in mushroom sauce. I had the pasta and it was the better meal of the flight.

Lastly, the flight was provisioned with wi-fi, and it worked well (19.99GBP for a flight pass).

I had a nice flight on British Airways World Traveller Plus. I’ll provide far more details in my full review, but can wholeheartedly endorse this product (at the right price point, of course) after my great LHR-LAX flight.

About Author

Matthew Klint

Matthew is an avid traveler who calls Los Angeles home. Each year he travels more than 200,000 miles by air and has visited more than 135 countries. Working both in the aviation industry and as a travel consultant, Matthew has been featured in major media outlets around the world and uses his Live and Let's Fly blog to share the latest news in the airline industry, commentary on frequent flyer programs, and detailed reports of his worldwide travel.

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20 comments.

Am surprised by your review of WTP. I’m gold with BA and so I buy it quite frequently but don’t think much of it at all. For non status holders the deal is actually quite mediocre; no priority check in, airport amenities, like Virgin Atlantic.

Looks like they’ve improved the meal service substantially. I enjoyed the comfy seats flying MAA-LHR nearly 6 years ago, but the food was nothing to write home about. A “mixed grill” for breakfast that looked quite sad and didn’t taste much better.

In any event, getting on the BOAC 747 would have made my month, regardless of the on-board product!

One thing that is rarely mentioned in reviews is the air quality. I notice I sleep better and feel less drained flying on modern aircraft, A380 particularly but also B787 particularly. This influences the flights I take. Does this influence other travelers?

You’re absolutely right.

I often feel short of breath and need to yawn a lot on long 747 flights, but after returning from Thailand on board Lufthansa’s A380 upper cabin (both ways) I can honestly say it was the most comfortable fresh airplane cabin I’ve ever flown in.

So, yes, there have definitely been big improvements in air quality in the latest generation of aircraft, compared to the ageing workhorses like the older 747’s.

I have found that the great improvement in food on BA has made me like it much more now than is probably justified. I wish United would learn from that.

The shared armrest between the seats appears to be only a tiny bit wider than economy. In real premium economy it should be about six or seven inches wide.

I’ll fly this route, BUD-LAX (via LHR) in December, I’ve just booked it a few days ago, at a discounted, 750 USD rate for the return. Thats decent I think. I also recently flew BA business class to SEA, and the braised beef with mashed potatoes was exactly the same dish as yours on the picture (with a fairly nicer presentation, on a bigger plate, but slightly smaller portion). BA’s renewed catering is really a huge improvement.

It looks soft and comfortable. I like the leg rest on all seats. I would only book this if I could get bulkhead row on most premium economy cabins. I have short legs and find the flip up foot rest doesn’t help me as much as a full leg rest. On BA I’d choose this for price, or, old First or new business for true comfort. Never the old business- too coffin-like!

I’m with you in that the bashing of BA has never made sense to me. I’ve never been on a BA flight with bad service.

Perhaps my American accent yields unintentionally friendlier service as I suspect an English accent might on an AA flight from TUL-DFW.

Nonetheless, BA and their great fares ex-ME are such a great option for this OWE.

Is the food itself an upgrade from economy meals, or is it just economy food served on nicer china and plating (like Lufthansa and Singapore’s premium economy meals)?

It is an upgrade, especially the pre-arrival meal where economy class just received a small pastry sandwich.

My wife used to fly 2-3 times a year round trip from Tampa to Glasgow almost exclusively via BA.

After most recent trip just flew Norwegian Airlines and it was far, far superior to recent trips on BA in all facets.

Strongly advise folks to give Norwegian a try … you may never go back to BA.

Just flew Norwegian premium last night Ord to Barcelona direct. Was fairly no frills but you don’t need much more for 8hrs overnight. Was very impressed with the seats. Tons of room. Family of five pretty good deal!!

Great review loving the pics and view of seats . Nice to see review of BA good news

So lucky you got one of the retrojets. I’ve used LHR six times in the last six months (not T5) and I’ve yet to see one. I did see Negus coming into land at LHR while out having a coffee one Sunday afternoon, but that’s the weakest of the four (IMHO)

Great review – many thanks! Does anyone have experience with WTP‘s window seats? Booked the LHR-SFO flight for February next year and recognized that the whole cabin is located at the wing… So is the view worth the extra paying for a window seat?

I greatly prefer a window generally, but I must say it was so nice to have the aisle and be able to get in and out when I wanted.

I’m flying in seat 36G next week. Did you notice that area of the cabin smells bring so close to the toilets?

I was worried about that, but there was no issue.

Thank you for getting back to me.

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British Airways World Traveller Plus Review: Is it Worth It?

By: Author Amanda OBrien

Posted on Last updated: 19/03/2024

In 2017 I flew premium economy with Qantas Sydney to Hong Kong return. It was a fantastic experience.

In fact, it was so good it made me question if I could really justify the extra amount to fly business class if it wasn’t an Australia – Europe/US flight.

So when was looking at flying from London to New York – and then Los Angeles to London return – I thought I would give British Airways World Traveller Plus a shot. Which I did back in 2018 and I recently flew with British Airways World Traveller Plus post-Covid in 2022.

I’m going to kick off with an update from 2022 when I flew from Portland to London Heathrow with British Airways in premium economy. My older review involved flying out of London Heathrow so it has quite a bit of information on checking in at Heathrow etc.

⇒ Click here for Prices and Deals on British Airways

British Airways World Traveller Plus 2022 update

After a long break flying with British Airways in World Traveller Plus I signed up again to try them out in July of 2022. I was flying from London to Washington DC, and then home to London out of Portland. I received an offer that was too good to refuse to upgrade to business class on the flight from Heathrow to Washington DC. This review update covers the Portland to London Heathrow leg in premium economy.

I somehow managed to end up on British Airways’s first (not sure if this is the first ever flight but it was certainly the first for a while) direct flight out of Portland to Heathrow. Everyone was in a great mood and there was even cake and sandwiches at the boarding gate for everyone!

As such, we had a very nice new 787 that I believe was a Dreamliner. Few things make me happier than realizing that I am on a relatively new plane as it always means a huge improvement in the premium economy experience.

When I mentioned to the crew that Virgin Atlantic offers its premium economy passengers prosecco the attendant even went and got me a glass of champagne from business class! As I said, all were in a joyous mood.

To be honest, not a lot has changed since the last time I flew World Traveller Plus with British Airways. The 787 I was on had only three rows of premium economy seats. I quite liked this as it normally means faster service and I feel more of a sense of space when the area is smaller. The seat layout was 2-3-2.

I had booked in my window seat when I booked the flight as I always do on overnight flights (I find it worth it to pay a bit extra at booking to achieve this).

One thing that has improved is the quality of the headphones in premium economy which are now noise cancelling. Also, the quality of the food on offer has improved. I enjoyed a very nice steak.

The Dreamliner 787 also has new touch-operated window screens and better cabin pressurization. If you are able to choose your flight and can see the different planes available, I suggest checking to find the Dreamliner 787 option for world traveller plus as it is definitely a step above premium economy on some of BA’s other planes.

British Airways World Traveller Plus Review (2017): Online Check-In

Unfortunately, things with British Airways World Traveler plus did not get off to a good start. Two days before my flight I went on to the British Airways app and was able to reserve one of the aisles British Airways Premium Economy seats – great.

The next day, when I went to actually check in online I was told that my passport number was wrong and that I wasn’t able to check in.

I then had issues with my uber so only arrived at the airport 90 minutes before my British Airways flight.

British Airways Premium Economy: Bag Drop and issues arise

I went and used the check-in machine for my premium economy British Airways flight and my seat had changed to a window – which was good news for me. Then I went to the desk for bag drop.

When the attendant is on the phone for some time when all you do is drop your bag, it is not a good sign. I was told by the attendant that I had been “sneaky” taking the window seat.

I was quite annoyed by this and asked how could I be sneaky when the app had done this for me. I was then told that they had overbooked business class and that seat had been meant for someone who was being downgraded to premium economy on British Airways – which meant they now wanted to move me to British Airways economy class.

I was so annoyed. It really makes me furious when airlines do this. Or should I say when British Airways do this as they are the only airline that has tried to bump me from flights several times due to overbooking.

In what other industry would an organization take your money ahead of time and then when you turned up to experience that service be told that you couldn’t as they had overbooked – and that apparently this was fine?

It is a major problem as a solo traveler as we are at the top of the list when it comes to who gets bumped first when it comes to air travel.

A British Airways staff member once told me that the safest people were those also flying with British Airways from a connecting airport eg Manchester to London and then on to say NY, followed by groups, followed by families and then by couples.

Only the male solo traveler is worse off than the female solo traveler. My annoyance was greater as I had injured my ankle in Nepal earlier that year and absolutely could not have sat in an economy seat for several hours without problems.

Luckily I had a letter from my doctor with me (I had it in case my ankle got worse and I needed medical treatment) so I was able to produce this and say I had to stay in British Air premium economy.

I ended up in British Airways Economy Plus but not without quite a bit of undue stress and frustration. This experience alone has been enough to really put me off flying with British Airways.

I do find it outrageous that you can be potentially bumped like this – and that the staff always seem to act like this is of no consequence and why are you getting upset? OK rant over!

British Airways Premium Economy Review: Getting to the Gate

Anyway, the flight was then at Gate A10 at Terminal 5, which means a very long bus trip. I thought we were driving to New York.

BA World Traveller Plus also means no lounge access and no priority seating.

British Airways World Traveller Plus Review: The plane and the seats

The British Airways World Traveller Plus 777 plane was a little old and compared to Qantas it felt a lot less spacious. The seat layout was 4 in the middle and 2 on each side.

I was on the side thank goodness. I would have been very unhappy to have paid for premium economy and to have had one of the extreme middle seats.

I often wonder who ends up in these seats – are they the people that don’t make sure they do early online check-in? Or maybe they are more tolerant than me.

BA World Traveller Plus Review: In-flight amenities

British Airways Premium Economy 747 has good quality headphones which were nice. The British Airways premium economy product also does have a very good in-flight entertainment system.

The British Airways Premium Economy in-flight amenity kit was not bad – socks, eye mask, earplugs, toothbrush and a pen. Great idea to have a pen as everyone needs one on a flight.

There is a lot of legroom and the seats are comfortable on the British Airways 787 Premium Economy flight. I was also pleased to see that there were 2 USB ports in the seat ahead and then 2 power points between the seats.

The food was a big positive for this World Traveller plus review 777 writer. It did feel like an upgrade from economy. We were also offered a lovely glass of sparkling wine before take-off.

Premium Economy British Airways Review: Some Positives

One of my favourite features of British Airways premium economy 777 is that they have a very useful brochure which explains all the features and benefits of the world traveler plus seat – this is such a good idea.

Every premium economy and business class seat is different and you don’t want to miss out when good features can be used.

There was also a good-sized storage locker next to the window which was handy – another reason trying to get the window seat is one of my top tips.

World Traveller vs World Traveller Plus

In March 2018 British Airways made major upgrades to its World Traveller and British Airways Premium Economy 777 cabins at Gatwick on their Boeing 777s.

Both cabins have had their entertainment screens increased by 50% in size. I’m looking forward to checking out the new six-way headrest.

Interestingly these new planes will feature a considerable increase in the number of World Traveller Plus seats – coming from a reduction in Club World. Premium Economy is on the rise.

So what about the rest of the fleet? World Traveller Plus is a major improvement on World Traveller, which doesn’t offer the best seats. Also, there are few opportunities to upgrade within World Traveller – apart from the exit rows.

If you have a long flight or an overnight flight I think the upgrade cost is absolutely worth it.

Upgrading to British Airways Club World

Theoretically, being in BA World Traveller Plus means it is easier/more likely that you can be upgraded to Club World. BA does offer paid opportunities for upgrades but not all the time – and not necessarily at the best prices.

The best way to check if this is an option for your flight is to visit the Manage My Booking page. The price generally varies between 400 and 700 GBPs.

For frequent flyers, Avios points are a good option for upgrading – or combining Avios points with payment. It is not normally the best use of Avios to upgrade (they tend to be their most effective for less-visited longer trips in economy class in my experience) but it is a good option.

Finally, if you are a frequent flyer and flying World Traveller Plus there is a greater opportunity for an upgrade. This will most likely happen when World Traveller Plus has been booked out and business class has seats.

British Airways Premium Economy: The Verdict

Overall, the seat itself is the key difference between world traveller and world traveller plus on British Airways.

On Qantas and other airlines, there does feel like there is more of a difference between the two cabins – particularly when it comes to service.

I was flying with British Airways when they were having extensive problems as an airline so it could not have been fun to be working for them at that time.

However, I am paying the extra and in my view, I do expect a slightly better service. I would hesitate to take British Airways Premium Economy again – mostly driven by nearly being downgraded to economy.

I don’t want to have to worry about this when I am headed to Heathrow. I, of course, would fly with them if there was a good enough deal, but they have certainly moved down my list after this experience.

Here is BA’s full rundown on their premium economy offer and The Telegraph’s Comparisons of Premium Economy Offers including British Airways Premium Economy Reviews

⇒ Prices and Deals on British Airways

British Airways World Traveller Plus Frequently Asked Questions

What class is world traveller plus on ba.

World traveller plus on British Airways is premium economy. This is a class between economy and business class.

Do you get lounge access with British Airways World Traveller Plus?

No, you do not get lounge access with a British Airways World Traveller Plus ticket.

Does World Traveller Plus on British Airways get priority boarding?

Yes, World Traveller Plus travelers on British Airways get priority boarding and check-in.

Does World Traveller Plus on British Airways get to use the fast track queue for security?

No, World Traveller Plus customers on British Airways do not get to use the fast track queue for security.

How wide are the World Traveller Plus British Airways seats?

The seats in British Airways World Traveller Plus generally have a 38 inch pitch and are 18.5 inches wide. The seats are 1 inch wider than economy and the pitch is 7 inches greater than economy.

Booking Flights:

I use Skyscanner for all my flights – from economy through to business – click here to Check out SkyScanner 

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The Portobello Hotel is located in one of London’s best known and cutest neighbourhoods Notting Hill. This is also the hotel where Kate Moss and Johnny Depp filled up the bath with champagne.

The hotel is located on a quiet street but is a great location.

The Great Northern Hotel is ridiculously close to Kings Cross and St Pancras stations which is incredibly convenient. The hotel dates back to 1854 but has had a major refurb so it feels fresh and modern.

The Hoxton hotel is in the heart of East London in Shoreditch and is a perfect base for exploration. The rooms aren’t huge but the location makes up for it – as does the great value for London with rooms starting at £99 a night.

Who Paid for What in this British Airways World Traveller Plus Post

I covered the cost of my flights on British Airways Premium Economy. This post on British Airways world traveller plus contains affiliate links. That means if you click on them and end up making a purchase on that website I will receive a small commission. I wanted to make sure you were aware of this.

READ NEXT: American Airlines PREMIUM ECONOMY REVIEW

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Amanda O’Brien is the creator and editor of The Boutique Adventurer. She has visited 80 countries and is a member of the British Guild of Travel Writers as well as the IFTWTA. She is passionate about wine had has just completed Level 3 of the WSET. Born in Australia, she lives in London.

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Journeying John

Sunday 5th of March 2023

Glad your food was ok and an upgrade but I have to reportthe reverse, bith in and oit of India, there was no choice and what was actually served was worse than mkat carriers economy meals. As for BA's IT systems and contempt for customers who habe paid for a service they don't recieve. Your experience is far from unique and I wonder if you would ever have got any form of compensation had you not had the ankle injury. BA or the UK brand of IAG are #BestAvoided today.

Amanda OBrien

Wednesday 15th of March 2023

I doubt it on the compensation front John! Luckily BA seems to be getting better but I am still nervous about being kicked off flights when I am travelling solo

Jean-Pierre

Tuesday 21st of February 2023

Interesting you had problems with entering your passport information when checking-in. This has happened twice to me using the BA website. The two occasions have been years apart so BA have not fixed their website.

I eventually found a telephone number to call for website support and after about 40 minutes the agent was able to get my passport info to take. It was very frustrating, especially after paying for the upgrade to World Traveler Plus, the taking more money part of their website works very well.

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Book premium economy with this airline – it’s the closest you can get to business class

W e’ve all ordered the second-cheapest bottle of wine on the menu, but what about the second-cheapest cabin on the aircraft: premium economy? Is it worth the 50 to 100 per cent bump on economy fares?

The world’s largest airlines would like us to think so. They’re installing bigger, better cabins faster than you can say “upgrade”. The number of premium economy seats on all airlines on an annual basis is projected to treble from 4,000 in 2021 to 11,145 next year, aviation analysts Counterpoint say. 

But, at first glance, the argument for upgrading is not so convincing. Take a look at the cabin. You certainly don’t get 50-100 per cent more space. The seats are only a few inches bigger – although the legroom is 5-6” greater and the seats come with calf- or footrests or both and double arm rests.

The cost per square inch calculation changes, however, if you are travelling in a pair. Grab the window and aisle seat pair and you and your companion have your own row. Almost all economy window and aisle row seats on long-haul jets come in sets of three while premium is 2-4-2 or 2-3-2. 

Snag the front row and no-one can recline their seat into your face and you can get up to stretch your legs or go to the loo without disturbing your companion. Throw in the fact that some premium cabins have as few as 20-odd seats, compared with the 200-plus in economy, and the price bump suddenly appears to be much better value. 

Things get better when you consider the other perks. Most airlines allow premium economy passengers to check in using a dedicated line and to board just after business-class passengers. Baggage allowance is also more generous. 

Now that you’re sitting comfortably, what’s next? The clue’s in the name. Economy. Airlines don’t want to offer a business class-style in-flight service lest too many high-paying business class passengers opt to downgrade. Business-class cabins may make up only one third of the space on a long-haul aircraft but they generate up to 70 per cent of the profits. 

That said, service is improving. Singapore Airlines and Japan’s ANA now offer champagne and the wines on Emirates are as good as business class on some other carriers. All airlines are offering better food and drink, usually served in china crockery and glassware, not plastic. You will be also served more quickly than in economy because the cabin is smaller.

The amenities tend to be basic. You’ll get earplugs, a toothbrush, a flimsy eye shade, a slightly less cheap-feeling blanket and pillow than in economy, and headphones that cancel noise – a bit. You are better off taking your own kit. For overnight flights, I recommend sculpted foam eye shades which enable you to blink easily, Hearos earplugs, and eucalyptus oil nose drops to ward off colds. Melatonin tablets help you to nod off and Elemis instant refreshing gel wakes you up in the morning. And, not sexy I know, but compression socks do help prevent blood clots. 

Boarding and getting off is quicker and easier since the premium economy cabin is in front of economy. Emirates leads here because its premium economy cabin is at the front of the lower deck of the Airbus A380 so you can use the front left-hand door. All other passengers on the lower deck use the middle door. 

The similarities between carriers generally outweigh the differences but there are distinctions which might help you make a choice. Emirates has the snazziest cabin, with cream leather and wood veneer, and it is staffed by a team of cabin crew dedicated to premium economy passengers. On the A380, it offers the best loo-to-passenger ratio – a generous three bathrooms for 56 passengers. The Dubai-based carrier currently has 27 A380s with a premium economy cabin that serve routes between Dubai and London Heathrow, Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland, Christchurch, Singapore, Los Angeles, New York/JFK, Houston, San Francisco, Mumbai, Bengaluru, São Paolo and Tokyo Narita.

Virgin Atlantic calls premium economy Premium, which is way better than British Airways’ word salad of World Traveller Plus . Virgin’s leather seats, softer lighting and more attentive service make its Premium feel more, well, premium than BA’s. On Virgin’s new A330Neo jet the seats have wireless phone charging and there is a self serve snack bar called the Wonderwall.

BA points out that members of its Executive Club loyalty programme earn generous tier points in World Traveller Plus, so it is a good cabin to book if you want to move up from Bronze status to Silver or Gold. On a return flight from London to New York JFK, the lowest premium economy ticket earns you 140 more tier points than the lowest economy ticket.

Qantas ’ is raising the bar on its new Airbus A350 jets, which will soon start flying the 20 hours non-stop from London and New York to Sydney and Melbourne. The 40-inch pitch (the measure of leg room) is two inches more than Qantas’s current premium economy and the same offered by Emirates, currently the class leader. There’s more privacy, too. “We’re redesigning the head rest to create a more pronounced wingback chair to give more visual seclusion, which is great if you’re travelling alone,” says Qantas’s designer David Caon. Caon is also refining “a new special pillow that integrates with the headrest and becomes part of the seat.”

The new seat will aid sleep. “You get a better recline, less because the seat back goes back more, and more because the bottom of the seat tracks forward and juts up, that gives you more of a ‘slung’ position. Combined with the footrest, it’s more like the old cradle seats that airlines used to have in business class,” Caon says.  

ANA, meanwhile, is the only airline to offer premium economy passengers lounge access and drinks from the business class menu on board. 

Singapore Airlines ’ passengers can use its popular ‘Book the Cook’ service to pre-order meals, but be careful: if you pre-order a meal, it’s hard to swap seats if you spot a better one that is free, since your meal is allocated to your seat. On its Airbus A350 jets from the Lion City to New York, it also offers six coveted single window seats at the rear of the plane. There is a new Out of the Woods amenity kit on flights longer than seven hours. (It is not clear why it has this name). 

Lufthansa ’s premium-economy seats are in the same cabin as economy, which betrays a complete misunderstanding of the class system at 39,000ft. All the cabins on the major American carriers have leather seats – but somehow manage to look cheap. 

What’s the bottom line? Premium economy is not as good value as business class since, pound for pound, you get more space and more perks in business over premium economy than you do in premium economy over economy. But choose the right carrier for your needs and snag the best seats and it can be money very well spent indeed.

Premium perks 

Virgin atlantic: best for hungry fliers.

Generous service complemented by the best pantry full of snacks and drinks that you can raid at any time. You can also use the fast-track security when leaving New York’s JFK. 

British Airways: best for night flights

A generous eight-inch seat recline makes BA a good bet for night flights. Book the A380 and you’ll be sitting upstairs so you can, in effect, look down on economy passengers. (It’s the little things…) 

Emirates: closest to business class

The closest you’ll get to business class with a plush cabin, three bathrooms, class-leading food and wine. I recommend the Thai pepper beef with jasmine rice, with  a glass or two of the Château d’Aiguilhe, Côtes de Castillon 2012, St Emilion.

ANA: best for lounge access

The Japanese carrier is the only one to offer lounge access and drinks from the business-class menu.  

Singapore Airlines: best for comfort

The best seats on any carrier, provided you’re on the mammoth, 19-hour trek from Singapore to New York. There are six solo window seats at the back of the Airbus A350-900ULR that it uses for this, the world’s longest flight, with their own storage bins between each seat and the window.

Qantas: best for heading Down Under

The best value and comfort to Australia is premium economy on Qantas’s Boeing 787 direct flight from London to Perth – and soon on direct flights from London and New York to Sydney and Melbourne. After all, who wants to spend up to 20 hours in economy?

Finnair: best value for Asia

With an elegant cabin of only 21 seats on its long-haul Airbus A330s and 24 on its Airbus A350s, Finland’s flag carrier offers a smaller cabin than most carriers and is often better value than BA on routes to Asia, but you will have to change planes in Helsinki.   

This article was first published in February 2023 and has been revised and updated.

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• You could be based at London City, London Gatwick, or London Heathrow

At British Airways we all have a part to play in creating an inclusive place to work. Diverse representation among our people is really important to us and we recognise that all our colleagues are uniquely different and bring their own originality, creativity and identity to work.

Inclusion and diversity are a key driver of innovation and we’re committed to creating a culture where everyone feels that they can be themselves. We’re looking for people from all backgrounds and cultures to join us and be a part of our journey to become a Better BA as we continue to connect Britain with the world and the world with Britain.

* Please note, if we receive a significant number of applications, we will need to close applications in a shorter time frame. If you are interested to apply, we encourage you to create an application as soon as possible after the opening date

Ahead of applying, we recommend you visit the preparation section of our careers page at  Speedbird Pilot Academy Preparation (ba.com)

Below is the timeline of the assessment process. 

FTEJerez selection dates - weeks commencing 27 May and 03 June (Waterside in-person assessments); weeks commencing 17 June, 24 June and 01 July (virtual assessments)

Skyborne selection dates - weeks commencing 20 May and 27 May (virtual assessments); weeks commencing 24 June, 01 July and 08 July (Waterside in-person)

British Airways Assessment Centre - weeks commencing 22 July, 29 July and 05 August (Waterside in-person)

Please note that the dates are subject to change.

We aim to communicate the outcome to the successful candidates by the end of August 2024.

Inspired to fly

Our incredible and diverse team of pilots are driven by passion. Find out what it means to embark on a career in the skies with British Airways.

Success Profile

It takes something special to work for the nation's flag carrier. Here are some of the qualities we're looking for in a British Airways Pilot.

• Responsible
• Customer orientated

Why British Airways?

Change is always in the air at British Airways. Our story is one of endless innovation and transformation, and our pilots play a huge part in helping us evolve. It’s not just that they’re flying some of the most technologically-advanced aircraft to an ever-expanding network of destinations around the world. We empower our colleagues to take ownership of their role, push original ideas forward and find new ways to help us serve our passengers – all while delivering the exceptional service that our customers expect. We also recognise that every one of our pilots - from our newest Cadet to most experienced Captain - has had their own unique journey to the flightdeck. We celebrate these differences and always encourage our people to showcase their individual personalities and skills. However, we also understand what unites us; a pride to wear the iconic British Airways uniform, and a dedication to delivering excellence in everything we do. In return, we make sure our colleagues feel truly valued for who they are and what they contribute.

Career Path

Senior First Officer

• Training Co-Pilot/Captain
• Training Standards Captain
• Management roles
• Project work: Recruitment/ Training/Sustainability
• Operational management

British Airways is a diverse airline, and I've had the pleasure of working with many different people from all types of backgrounds. There are many perks to the job, from new challenges, to exploring the world but, particularly, being able to be involved in projects outside of the flight deck.

Lovjinder G.

Staff travel

You’ll get access to discounted ‘Hotline’ tickets for yourself, friends, and family from day one, along with unlimited standby and premium standby fares for you and your nominees and an Annual Bookable Concession on completion of six months of service.

We offer a market-leading defined contribution (DC) pension. Enrolled at 2% employee contributions and 7% employer with an option to increase.

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Colleagues can access a brand new, fully maintained and insured electric car for a fixed monthly amount. Available through salary sacrifice offering tax and NI savings. You’ll be eligible for this benefit after 12 months.

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Whether you are commuting to Heathrow or heading off on holiday, you’ll be entitled to buy Express Saver tickets with a 75% discount.

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Travel Guide To Moscow

Moscow is enjoying a new gilded age but the glitter comes from more than just gold; after decades of grey Communist rule, an explosion of wealth has given the city a much-needed injection of colour. The boomtown revelry is fuelled by oil money and ignited by oligarchs. The area north of the Kremlin, from Tverskaya to Okhotny ryad, is where it's at, with a plethora of places to eat and drink.

Where to stay in Moscow

ARARAT PARK HYATT 4 Neglinnaya Street (00 7 495 783 1234 ; www.moscow.park.hyatt.com ). The best hotel in town, in a terrific location on a quiet side street in the centre of town, and with an excellent concierge service (talk to Guilia). There are 216 rooms and suites, arranged around a vast atrium. The spectacular Winter Garden suites have glass walls and rooftop terraces. The Armenian restaurant, Café Ararat, is excellent; there's also a spa and a pool. Have vodka shots on the roof, with the magical Moscow skyline behind you. Sunday brunch in winter includes Veuve Clicquot. Staff training has been excellent, they even smile. Another plus point? You can walk nearly everywhere from here, including to the best restaurants. ££ BALTSCHUG KEMPINSKI Ul Balchug 1 (00 800 426 313 55; www.kempinskimoscow.com ). Across the river from Red Square, with an amazing view from its corner rooms, this stylishly modernised 1900s establishment is all you'd expect from a top-class hotel. Its stellar guest list includes David Bowie and Michael Jackson. £££ HOTEL METROPOL Teatralny proezd ¼ (00 7 501 927 6000; www.metropol-moscow.ru ). The Metropol has an unbeatable location, opposite Red Square and the Bolshoi and next to GUM department store. Steeped in history, the ambience is old-style Russian, despite a makeover, with vast, echoey halls and liveried bell boys. There are 365 rooms and suites, suites on the third-floor have impressive antiques. The stately Metropol, with its 20-metre-high stained-glass ceiling and central fountain, was a favourite restaurant of Kim Philby in the 1960s. ££ HOTEL NATIONAL Mokhovaya ul 15 (00 7 095 258 7000; fax: 258 7100; www.national.ru ). If your taste is for historic property, the National is hard to beat - it is owned by Moscow City Government, but managed by Le Meridien. Red Square is outside your door, across the pedestrianised Manege Square, while the Kremlin's main public entrance is down the same street. The building's listed status has forestalled the possibility of squeezing in more rooms, even the standard twin rooms are rewardingly spacious. Lenin found the rooms so pleasant that he moved in permanently: his office (once preserved as an attraction during the Soviet era), is no longer on show, however. HOTEL SOVIETSKY 32/2 Leningradsky Prospekt (00 7 495 960 2000; www.sovietsky.ru ). Hotel Sovietsky is seven kilometres north-west of central Moscow, four stops away on the metro. The building features Stalinist 'Russian Empire'-style architecture, with high ceilings, marble and gilt. The hotel attracts savvy tourists and respectable Russians. There are 100 rooms and suites with high ceilings and French-style windows; the best are the apartments on the third and fourth floors. With its magnificent, double-height setting and excellent Russian cooking, the hotel's Yar restaurant is legendary; try the veal stroganoff. £ HOTEL TIFLISS Ostozhenka ul 32 (00 7 095 733 9070; fax: 733 9071). The cream of the locally managed crop, Tiflis is a charming Georgian-run hotel with a small-ish swimming pool. Ostozhenka is Moscow's Mayfair. A short walk takes you to the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour and Pushkin Fine Arts Museum. The hotel is newly built above the Tiflis Restaurant, run by the same owners and Moscow's most exclusive Georgian eaterie (guests qualify for a discount). LE ROYAL MERIDIEN NATIONAL 15/1, bld. 1 ul. Mokhovaya (00 7 095 258 7000; www.national.ru ). An Art Nouveau pile, rivalling the Metropol for splendour and high standards. £££ MOSCOW MARRIOTT ROYAL AURORA HOTEL Petrovka ul 11 (00 7 095 937 1000; fax: 937 1001; www.marriott.com" ). The gem in Marriott's Moscow crown: the location is the city's finest, scorning the ostentation of grandiose Soviet plazas for a discreet niche on historic Petrovka - a mere pirouette away from the Bolshoi Theatre. The bijou boutiques of Stoleshnikov pereulok are just around the corner. Rooms can be booked through Internet agents although you may find promotional weekend offers for less, especially when sold together with a flight. The other two Marriott properties have central locations, but aren't quite so exclusive. ££ SAVOY HOTEL Ulitsa Rozhdestvenska 3 (00 7 495 620 8555; www.savoy.ru ). The Savoy Hotel is located in central Moscow, close to the main sights and just a block from the Lubyanka, former headquarters of the KGB. It features opulent Art Nouveau interiors: a comprehensive renovation was completed in December 2005. Recent guests have included Pavarotti and Richard Gere. There are 67 rooms and suites, which although not large, are beautifully decorated with Italian wooden beds, flat-screen TVs and pink-marble bathrooms. The Hermitage bar serves excellent hot chocolate, and it is worth dining in the Savoy Restaurant for the breathtaking rococo ceiling. The food is good too. £££££

Where to eat out in Moscow

BOLSHOI RESTAURANT

Petrovka ulitsa 3/6, Moscow (00 7 495 789 8652; www.novikovgroup.ru ). Set between Kuznetsky Most and Petrovka ulitsa, this is Arkady Novikov's most recent venture. To Muscovites, Novikov needs no introduction: he is the man behind most of the city's poshest restaurants. Legend has it that he started out flipping burgers in a Moscow McDonald's and caught the entrepreneurial bug. His latest outlet offers modern Slavonic cooking. The golubtsy (a Ukrainian dish of mince rolled in cabbage) comes highly recommended.

Krasnaya ploshchad (the Red Square) 3, Moscow (00 7 495 620 3182). This Italian restaurant offers three essential services: an excellent watering hole in which to rest after exploring GUM, the huge shopping mall which runs along the northern side of the Red Square, opposite the Kremlin; fine views of Lenin's tomb; and an excellent cappuccino. The veal chop is as good as you would get in Milan, and the terrace is without a double the best summer spot in the city.

CAFE PUSHKIN

Tverskoy bul'var 26a. Moscow (00 7 495 739 0033; www.cafe-pushkin.ru ). This is the first port of call for anyone who wants to experience quality Russian food. At first glance the building appears to be a stunningly preserved 19 th -century townhouse; on closer inspection the façades are entirely fake. But this lack of authenticity is not reflected in the food, especially the outstanding meat pies and dumplings. The slickest waiters in Moscow even have a trolley with a dozen different mineral waters.

NOBU MOSCOW

Dmitrovka ulitsa 20, Moscow (00 7 495 645 3191; www.noburestaurants.ru ). The owners took the brave decision to open this outpost of the Japanese restaurant at the apex of the financial crisis. They have been rewarded for their courage by securing it a reputation as the place for oligarchs to lunch. Since the fall of the USSR, Japanese food has become a staple diet for Muscovites, and the launch of Nobu was a natural next step. The company's owners had been fending off proposals for a Russian branch for more than a decade, so the restaurant's success is no great surprise.

Tverskaya ulitsa, 3, Moscow (00 7 495 255 8888; www.ritzcarlton.com ). Under a glass dome on the top floor of the Ritz-Carlton, Moscow , this bar has the city's best close-up views of the Kremlin. The food menu includes sushi rolls and sashimi. The drinks menu is supervised by a vodka sommelier who oversees 400 varieties of the spirit. The prices are shocking.

SHOP & BAR DENIS SIMACHEV

Stoleshnikov preulok 12/2 (00 7 495 629 5702). Denis Simachev is Moscow's Malcolm McLaren, and his bar has its own fashion store. Simachev is one of a small band of cultural entrepreneurs who have created a genuinely new, 'modern Russian' brand. The main conversation piece in the bar is the mural in which the world leaders of the early 21 st century are shown dining in a prison canteen. Great international comfort food is on offer, including Moscow's best steak sandwich.

Tverskoy bul'var 26/5, Moscow (00 7 495 739 0011). It's easy to believe reports that US$40 million was spent on creating the interior of this restaurant. Spread over 14 rooms, it includes homages to Louis XVI, the Ming Dynasty and imperial Russia. The Asian fusion menu reflects the chinoiserie adorning the main dining room, whose centrepiece is a mechanical golden peacock that rotates as the all-female orchestra plays. The waiting staff wear uniforms that would not be out of place in a BBC costume drama.

What to see in Moscow

BUILDINGS AND MONUMENTS

CNT Editors

Olivia Morelli , CN Traveller

GRAVEYARD OF THE FALLEN MONUMENTS

At the State Tretyakov Gallery, 10 Krymsky Val, Moscow ( www.tretyakovgallery.ru ). Ever wondered where the statues of Soviet heroes were dumped when Communism collapsed? Many of them can be found in the grounds of the new Tretyakov gallery (see 'Museums'). The most intimidating figure is that of Felix Dzerzhinsky, founder of the Cheka - the organisation that was to become the KGB. His statue was toppled in the aftermath of the failed coup of August 1991 and removed from Lubyanka ploshchad. Open Tue-Sun, 10am-7.30pm.

STALIN'S SKYSCRAPERS

There are seven of these so-called 'wedding cake' buildings dotted across the city. Their mock-Gothic style would not look out of place in Gotham City. Stalin ordered their construction in the aftermath of World War II (and made use of free labour in the form of German POWs) to put his capital on an architectural par with the great cities of North America. The largest and most memorable is the Moscow State University building on Vorobyovy Gory (Sparrow Hills). The Hilton Moscow Leningrandskaya is housed in another.

ST BASIL'S CATHEDRAL

Krasnaya ploshchad (Red Square), Moscow (00 7 495 698 3304). The recently restored onion domes shine out from the top of the cathedral which marks the eastern border of the Red Square. Napoleon's troops ransacked the building, and it was once scheduled for demolition by Stalin. Today it's the jewel in the crown of the Russian Orthodox Church. The icons inside are well worth inspecting, but even better is the people-watching outside: young couples have their picture taken with the domes in the background on their wedding day. Open 11am-5pm, Wed-Mon.

TASS BUILDING

Tverskoy bul'var 10-12, Moscow. Before the USSR fell, nearly everything we in the West knew about Russia came out of this building, the home of the principal state-run news agency, TASS. Although it has been eclipsed by other news sources, its HQ remains a splendid example of tasteful 1960s Soviet architecture and is well worth a photo stop.

THE MOSCOW METRO

Spread across 180 stations, Moscow's underground rail system is a tribute to Soviet engineering and new Russian efficiency. With trains running every 90 seconds and the roads permanently clogged with traffic, the metro is the city's most practical form of transport. The earliest stations are architectural masterpieces, with Ploshchad Revolutsii, Kievskaya and Komsomolskaya really standing out. Visitors are advised to learn a little of the Cyrillic alphabet to help decipher the station names.

GORKY HOUSE

Malaya Nikitskaya 6/2, Moscow (00 7 495 290 5130). Despite falling in and out with the Communist Party throughout his career, Maxim Gorky was one of the Soviet era's most important authors. He was rewarded with this stunning house when he returned to Moscow from exile in Italy. The Art Nouveau building was originally the home of Ryabushinsky, an oligarch who fled to France as the Bolsheviks took power. Visitors can see Gorky's study and admire the centrepiece of the house: a limestone staircase which seems to melt into the floor. Open Wed-Sun.

LENIN'S TOMB

Krasnaya ploshchad (Red Square), Moscow (00 7 495 623 5527). Arguably the most influential political figure of the 20 th century lies embalmed in a building that is most recognisable as the place from which Communist Party bosses used to watch military parades in Red Square. The authorities maintain that the body really is Lenin's and that its wax-like appearance is due to the embalming chemicals. His clothes are changed every few years so he keeps up to date with fashion, if nothing else. Open Tue-Thu; Sat-Sun.

MUSEUM OF THE GREAT PATRIOTIC WAR

Park Pobedy 3, Moscow. You'll understand how marking the defeat of Germany in 1945 has become a form of state religion when you visit this stunning museum dedicated to World War II. It's set at the heart of Park Pobedy (Victory Park) and includes an art gallery, a hall of remembrance and some fantastic exhibits. Highlights for any history buff include the Nazi declaration of surrender and the table and chairs used by Stalin, Roosevelt and Churchill during the 1943 Tehran conference. Open Tue-Sun.

PASTERNAK'S HOUSE

Pavlenko ulitsa 3, Peredelkino (00 7 495 934-51-75; www.pasternakmuseum.ru ). In Peredelkino, a small village 25 minutes by train from Kievsky station, is the dacha were Boris Pasternak lived for the last two decades of his life. The house was turned into a museum after his death, but his family still live in the grounds. On the first floor you can sit at the desk where he completed Dr Zhivago ; and on the ground floor you can see the early Soviet TV and fridge of which he was the proud owner. Open Thu-Sun, 10am-4pm; closed the last day of each month

THE STATE TRETYAKOV GALLERY

10 Lavrushinsky pereulok and 10 Krymsky Val, Moscow ( www.tretyakovgallery.ru ). These galleries - in two separate locations - house the best examples of Russian art from before and after the revolution. Most of the pieces in the old Tretyakov (at 10 Lavrushinsky pereulok) were in private hands before being nationalised in 1917. Its collection includes 'Rublev's Trinity', said to be the finest remaining Russian icon. The new Tretyakov (at 10 Krymsky Val) showcases all the main Russian art periods that followed the revolution and includes well-known works such as Petrov-Vodkin's Bathing of a Red Horse . The garden house the Graveyard of the Fallen Monuments ('Buildings and Monuments'). Open Tue-Sun, 10.30am-7.30pm.

PERFORMANCES

BOLSHOI THEATRE

Teatralnaya ploshchad 1, Moscow (00 7 495 250 7317; www.bolshoi.ru ). The Bolshoi stages operas and ballets, was the venue for Swan Lake 's première in 1877 and is home to the best-known dance company in the world. It is in fact two different theatres. The original stage is currently undergoing renovations and will not reopen until 2013 (eight years after it closed); but the new theatre has regular performances.

MOSCOW CONSERVATORY

Bolshaya Nikitskaya ulitsa 13/6, Moscow (00 7 495 629 8183; www.mosconsv.ru ). Russians take their classical music very seriously, and nowhere is more serious than the Moscow Conservatory. It's a series of concert halls and a school rolled into one. Every Russian classical star, be they composer or musician, has played or taught here, including Rachmaninov, Tchaikovsky and Richter. Tickets are relatively easy to get, either from the box office or from babushkas who sell them for a small profit on the street outside.

Things to do in Moscow

VISIT A BATH-HOUSE: SANDUNY BANYA

Neglinnaya ulitsa 14, Moscow (00 7 495 625 4631; www.sanduny.ru ). The 19 th -century decor of the Sanduny Banya bath-house is reminiscent of a gentlemen's club in London's St James's. But the experience is uniquely Russian, as are the felt hats worn to protect your hair from the steam. The steam room is a vast, wood-panelled chamber with a huge open oven. Foreigners are made welcome by regulars, who are happy to inflict a beating with birch leaves (more refreshing than it sounds). After you've had a good thrashing, the waiters will bring you anything from tea and honey to prawns and beer.

How to get to Moscow

Moscow has two airports - Domodedovo ( www.domodedovo.ru ), which was refurbished in the Noughties, is the main international hub and has good links to the city via the Aeroexpress train (Pavletsky station-Domodedovo). The other is Sheremetyevo ( www.svo.aero ), which has Aeroexpress connections from Belorussky railway station.

AIRLINES FROM THE UK

British Airways ( www.britishairways.com ) and bmi ( www.flybmi.com ) fly to Domodedovo; Aeroflot ( wwww.aeroflot.ru ) flies to Sherermetyevo.

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On holidays in Croatia, explore the mountainous Adriatic coast and its Dalmatian Islands. Visit Croatia's most fashionable holiday destination, medieval-walled Dubrovnik, and the glamorous island of Hvar. Head north to Istria for truffles and fine wine, or travel inland for Croatia's capital, Zagreb. In pretty Split, the jewel of the Dalmatian Coast, explore the atmospheric Old Town. Or stretch out on the stunning sands of the Makarska Riviera.

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Fall in love with Aphrodite's isle on your holiday. Fly to Larnaca to spot colourful fish in the crystal waters at Cyprus' rugged Cape Greco and bronzed bodies on party resort Ayia Napa's sandy Nissi Beach. Explore Venetian walls in the capital, Nicosia, and Roman mosaics in the resort of Paphos. Enjoy fresh fish and seafood at Latchi's habourside tavernas.

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You won’t be disappointed by the abundance of natural wonders that Iceland has to offer. Tick off waterfalls and geysers on a Golden Circle tour. Or enjoy a luxurious soak in the Blue Lagoon’s famous geothermal pools. Then explore Reykjavik, the world’s most northerly capital, and absorb the cosmopolitan charm of this colourful city.

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• Verona holidays

Stand on the Adolphe Bridge and you see Europe in a nutshell. Landlocked by Belgium, Germany and France, Luxembourg City might be Europe central, but it’s one European capital many of us have yet to explore. Luxembourg has several EU institutions seated in its ridiculously pretty medieval capital. The Ville Haute and Ville Basse are at the capital’s historic core, while the Ardennes provides epic natural scenery.

Clichéd as it may sound, Malta effortlessly ticks every box - with its warm temperatures, amazing scenery and fascinating history. This surprisingly diverse archipelago of rocky outcrops, Malta, Gozo and Comino, is home to ancient walled cities, glittering hidden caves and an energetic nightlife that rivals Ibiza.

Malta travel guide

Discover this compact country’s many jewels, from its stunning Adriatic coastline to its amazingly biodiverse nature spots. Sweep along the sparkling Bay of Kotor calling in at beautifully well-kept medieval towns such as Herceg Novi and Petrovac. Wander around narrow, winding cityscapes admiring the terracotta roofs and maybe call in at some wineries on the Wine Route between Podgorica and Lake Skadar.

Montenegro travel guide

Netherlands

Drive through flower-strewn lowlands and pass picturesque canals to funky capital Amsterdam with its exciting blend of culture, history and late-night partying. Or mingle in the hip bars and contemporary design shops of buzzing second city Rotterdam and you'll soon admire how the Netherlands combines the best of the old and the new.

Netherlands travel guide

• Flights to Amsterdam
• Amsterdam holidays
• Flights to Rotterdam
• Rotterdam holidays

Discover pristine natural beauty, from the deep blue fjords and vast wilderness of the Jostedalsbreen glacier to the sparsely populated Arctic islands. Cosmopolitan Oslo is packed with museums and eclectic bars, but escape the capital to find remote villages of wooden houses nestled deep in the mountains. Visit in summer to make the most of never-ending days under the midnight sun.

Norway flights Norway holidays

From the Baltic Sea's famous shipyards in Gdansk to the snowy peaks of the Tatra Mountains and Krakow's Old Town, Poland has something for everyone. The central capital, Warsaw, may not be as beautiful as Krakow, but has its own charm with some of Poland's best restaurant and club action. Explore the relative newcomer to the tourist scene, Wroclaw on the Oder River.

Poland flights Poland holidays

Holidays in Portugal take you to Lisbon's Manueline (Portuguese Gothic) Belm Tower and Porto's port wine caves. Unwind on beautiful beaches or hone your skills on championship golf courses in the Algarve. With flights to cosmopolitan Funchal, discover the mesmerising beauty of Madeira. Spectacular scenery and a warm year-round climate create this island-idyll’s enduring appeal.

Portugal flights Portugal holidays

• Flights to Faro
• Algarve holidays
• Flights to Lisbon
• Lisbon holidays
• Flights to Madeira
• Madeira holidays
• Flights to Porto
• Porto holidays

Experience Romania's extremes, from the unchanged folk traditions of the Maramures area in the north to the thriving bars of fashionable university city Cluj-Napoca. Stroll the narrow streets of baroque Brasov and discover the eclectic capital of Bucharest. Come back to go hiking in Transylvanias mountains and sunbathing on the Black Sea coast.

Romania travel guide

Soak up the beauty of Slovenia, from turquoise lakes to towering mountain peaks –and discover its ever-changing landscape. Begin with picturesque castles in Ljubljana, then journey west to the Vršič Pass. Otherwise, go south to see the Postojna Cave or west to the coastal town of Piran.

In majestic Madrid, the Prado gallery houses haunting El Greco paintings, and 20th-century art fills Frank Gehry’s Guggenheim in Bilbao. It’s easy to pack your Barcelona visit with Gaudi’s eccentric mosaics, while in vibrant Seville the royal palace Alcazar drips with Moorish influence. Snorkel in the south coast’s warm Mediterranean waters. Or discover the Canary Islands of Fuerteventura and Tenerife, with their sun-drenched sandy beaches and striking volcanic landscapes.

Flights to Spain

Spain holidays

• Flights to Alicante
• Benidorm holidays
• Flights to Almeria
• Barcelona holidays
• Flights to Bilbao
• Bilbao holidays
• Fuerteventura holidays
• Flights to Gran Canaria
• Gran Canaria holidays
• Flights to Ibiza
• Ibiza holidays
• Flights to Lanzarote
• Lanzarote holidays
• Flights to Madrid
• Madrid holidays
• Flights to Malaga
• Malaga holidays
• Costa del Sol holidays
• Flights to Mallorca
• Majorca holidays
• Flights to Menorca
• Menorca holidays
• Flights to Seville
• Seville holidays
• Flights to Tenerife
• Tenerife holidays
• Flights to Valencia
• Valencia holidays

Visit Sweden's arctic north for mountainous wilderness or the eastern Baltic coast for rocky islands. You'll find a very different feel in the south of Sweden, where the cities of Gothenburg, Stockholm and Malm ooze urban sophistication. Or visit the capital city, Stockholm, also known as the Venice of the North' find out why by exploring its striking architecture and delightful waterside setting.

Sweden flights Sweden holidays

Switzerland

Take France, Italy and Germany's best bits, mix them all together and you'll soon see why people return to Switzerland again and again. If you love the great outdoors head straight for Switzerland's snow-capped Alps, rippling mountain-framed lakes near Geneva or the winding meadow trails of Zurich. Or relax in picturesque towns sipping coffee and people watching on historic squares.

Switzerland flights Switzerland holidays

Take a holiday to Turkey to visit Istanbul's famous 17th-century Blue Mosque. Then head for the sandy beaches of the Turquoise Coast, or Cappadocia's moonscape rock formations. Turkey is all about contrasts…Ancient ruins mingle with renowned nightspots in Bodrum. Beyond the thriving resorts around Dalaman, traditional Turkish culture can be observed at its bazaars and hammams.

Turkey flights Turkey Holidays

• Flights to Antalya 
• Antalya Holidays
• Flights to Bodrum 
• Bodrum Holidays 
• Flights to Dalaman 
• Dalaman Holidays 
• Flights to Istanbul 
• Istanbul Holidays

Carefully selected European hotels

Holidays in europe, europe beach holidays, europe city breaks, all inclusive holidays.

Dei Mellini

£ 228 pp

Ikos Dassia

£ 1250 pp

Hard Rock Hotel Tenerife

£ 409 pp

H10 Marina Barcelona

£ 153 pp

Explore Europe your way

Beach holidays.

Europe’s best hidden beaches

Oh we do like to be beside the seaside… unless, of course, it means lying towel to towel with a complete stranger on a packed beach. But if you want to sunbathe in peace, escape Europe’s bucket-and-spade brigade at one of these secret stretches of sand where towel space is guaranteed. Just don’t tell everyone…

Harriet Cooper

for British Airways

City breaks

Europe’s most romantic cities

With majestic architecture, old-world grandeur and intimate streets tucked away from the crowds, Europe’s romantic appeal is undeniable. These five charming cities are guaranteed to bring back that loving feel – and make your friends jealous.

Christopher Beanland

FAMILY HOLIDAYS

Europe: six educational city breaks

Home to some of the most fascinating ancient cultures in the world, Greece makes a great break if you want to inspire your children. Have a history lesson in Athens as you tour its ancient sites – plus discover five more great educational breaks.

Discover more

If you like Spain, try the Algarve - Portugal has an equally fabulous stretch of coastline

Shake up your summer holiday

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