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.
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British Airways World Traveller Plus 2022 update
Table of Contents
- British Airways World Traveller Plus 2022 update
- British Airways World Traveller Plus Review (2017): Online Check-In
- British Airways Premium Economy: Bag Drop and issues arise
- British Airways Premium Economy Review: Getting to the Gate
- British Airways World Traveller Plus Review: The plane and the seats
- BA World Traveller Plus Review: In-flight amenities
- Premium Economy British Airways Review: Some Positives
- World Traveller vs World Traveller Plus
- Upgrading to British Airways Club World
- British Airways Premium Economy: The Verdict
- British Airways World Traveller Plus Frequently Asked Questions
- What class is world traveller plus on BA?
- Do you get lounge access with British Airways World Traveller Plus?
- Does World Traveller Plus on British Airways get priority boarding?
- Does World Traveller Plus on British Airways get to use the fast track queue for security?
- How wide are the World Traveller Plus British Airways seats?
- Booking Flights:
- Boutique Hotels in London
- Who Paid for What in this British Airways World Traveller Plus Post
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
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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
Boutique Hotels in London
Artist Residence is located in Pimlico which is fabulously central. It is in a gorgeous 5 store regency building and has a cute bar.
⇒ Read reviews on TripAdvisor ⇒ Book Now
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.
⇒ Read reviews on TripAdvisor ⇒ Book Now
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.
⇒ Read reviews on TripAdvisor ⇒ Book Now
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.
⇒ Read reviews on TripAdvisor ⇒ Book Now
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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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.