Chris Golds tells us why BA’s World Traveller Plus might be the sweet spot for long haul comfort!
I have always loved flying. Well, almost always. There was a brief period when I really didn’t enjoy it, but somehow, and honestly do not ask me how, I got over it. Now I am back to loving everything about it.
There is something wonderfully exciting about airports. The vast spaces, the friendly greeting at check in, relaxing in the lounges, and the quiet thrill of knowing that in just a few hours you could be somewhere completely new. Even returning to a favourite destination still brings that same sense of anticipation.
That said, loving travel does not necessarily mean loving every moment of long haul economy. I have done my fair share of cramped overnight flights, bad attempts at sleep and arriving at my destination feeling like I have been dug up. I always try to arrive looking impossibly fresh, even if in reality I probably don’t.
Let’s Fly
So when I had the chance to fly British Airways Premium Economy, known as World Traveller Plus, I was intrigued. Premium Economy sits in that interesting middle ground where travellers often wonder whether the upgrade is actually worth it. Should you save the money and stay in economy, or spend a little more for a noticeably better experience?
In my experience, particularly with British Airways, the answer is yes do it. Treat yourself.
The upgrade begins before you even board the aircraft. One of the small but gorgeously satisfying perks is priority check in and boarding. I will admit it. I love the feeling of doing something slightly different from the norm, even if that simply means joining a shorter queue. It immediately makes the journey feel calmer and a little more special. British Airways also includes an increased baggage allowance, usually two checked bags. For longer holidays that extra suitcase space can make a real difference. Also, hello shopping.
Hello Space.
Once on board, the biggest improvement is immediately obvious. Space. British Airways World Traveller Plus seats offer around 38 inches of seat pitch compared with roughly 31 inches in standard economy. The seats are wider and recline further too. Seven inches make a big difference.
On aircraft such as the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which operate many British Airways long haul routes from London Heathrow and Gatwick to destinations like New York, Orlando and Singapore, the cabin feels noticeably more spacious and modern. That extra room means the difference between counting down the hours of a flight and actually being able to relax, stretch out and arrive feeling vaguely human. Just another thing I think that if you ask the question, is British Airways Premium Economy Worth it? The answer is still yes.
Another benefit is the atmosphere of the cabin itself. World Traveller Plus sits in its own smaller, dedicated section of the aircraft, which naturally feels quieter and less crowded than the main economy cabin. It is a subtle change, but it contributes to a noticeably calmer environment during the flight.
Turn me on.
Entertainment is also upgraded. Premium Economy passengers enjoy larger personal screens, usually around 12 inches, along with noise reducing headphones and access to British Airways’ extensive library of films, box sets and music. On a long flight, a bigger screen and good headphones can make a surprisingly big difference when settling in for a film or two. I can’t stand watching anything on my phone for example so this really feels like it is close to a cinema experience.
Chicken or beef?
Food and drink also receive an upgrade. You’re are welcomed with a drink after boarding. Bubbles? yes please. Meals are served on proper crockery rather than standard economy trays, and menus are often inspired by British Airways’ partnerships with UK based caterers. What I ate on my last flight with BA was delicious. I had a choice and we got three courses. I think I can add airplane food to something I love about flying. In World Traveller Plus it feels like another treat. Plus during the flight the wonderful BA staff will offer you hot and cold drinks and snacks to devour. An amenity kit (which I always keep and use for overnight trips), a pillow and blanket set (which I would also like to keep but obviously don’t) are also included. These are particularly welcome on overnight flights.
Am I worth it?
Perhaps the most appealing aspect of Premium Economy, though, is the value it offers. That is it isn’t it. It’s the gap between what you pay and what you get. While British Airways World Traveller Plus costs more than standard economy, it is still significantly cheaper than Club World business class. For travellers like me who want extra comfort without stepping into full luxury pricing, it is a very appealing middle ground.
For those of us who love travel but still have a budget to consider, that balance matters.
For me, British Airways World Traveller Plus transforms flying from something you simply endure into something you actually look forward to. When the journey itself becomes part of the holiday, that upgrade suddenly feels very worthwhile.
Article and some images by Chris Golds – others provided by BA.
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