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Metro
4 days ago
- Metro
I flew business class for the first time — here's what nobody tells you
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Metro's First-Person and Opinion Editor, Jess Austin, recently flew business class from London to Toronto with British Airways. She'd never 'turned left' before, and was keen to see if it was worth splurging on an upgrade. Now, having had a taste of the finer things, she shares her verdict on whether almost-excessive leg room, White Company freebies, and endless snacks are worth the extra dosh. Jess, over to you. The background: I'm not the best flier. For me, the holiday starts when I land; the flight itself is just the means to an end. But then again, I've always flown economy. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. That all changed on my recent British Airways flight from Heathrow to Toronto, where I was upgraded to business class – or Club World, as they call it. And, after finally 'turning left', I have to say, I see the appeal. What were the highlights? From the ridiculous amount of leg room, to the fully reclining seats, and the giant multimedia screens, it was like travelling on a much nicer version of my sofa — bliss. What other perks do you get? Things got off to a good start when, after arriving at Heathrow, I discovered there was a separate check-in desk for Club World passengers. An extra 50 steps and I was ushered through to a bag drop terminal, before walking straight into a priority security line. What is the cabin actually like? I was lucky enough to be flying Club Suite – the newly renovated Club World cabins – which have direct aisle access (with a door for privacy) and a seat that converts into a 6ft 6inch bed. Greeted with a choice of orange juice or champagne, I settled into my seat, exploring all the secret storage compartments (I counted three but there could definitely be more). You mentioned White Company freebies — what were they? In my seat, a White Company goodie bag awaited, with the expected toothbrush and toothpaste, eye mask and socks, but also lip balm, a gentle moisturiser, and a relaxing pulse point roller. Little perks that left me excited for my long flight, rather than waiting for it to be over. What was the food like? As soon as I sat down, I scoured the menu. I'm actually not averse to plane food. I'm never expecting greatness so I'm always pleasantly surprised, especially when it's hot and cheesy. When you fly Club World, it's a whole other level. There's silver cutlery and three course meals served on proper plates. Wild. I started with a red lentil soup, followed by grilled cod with Bombay potatoes, broccolini, spinach and a tomato and coconut sauce, before finishing up with a lemon meringue bar. The cod, especially, was delicious and the coconut sauce was really light and fragrant. I honestly didn't think in-flight meals could be so fresh. Then there were mocktails, and later in the flight a really tasty sarnie to keep the hunger at bay (not to mention the snacks that were readily available throughout). Anything else? Usually, post-food is the time I'd try and force myself to sleep for the rest of the flight, trying to blot out as much as possible but this time, I didn't want to. I reclined my chair, and settled in for a movie marathon. The lack of Crazy Rich Asians (if you know, you know) was made up for by Wicked, Miss Congeniality, and About Time, and the fact that there was a quality White Company blanket and (what I assumed was a) quilted seat cover. What didn't you like so much? While I'd genuinely struggle to find aspects of the trip I didn't enjoy, I would say that I could take or leave lounges. I'd never experienced one before, and while I appreciated being able to secure a guaranteed seat and have a bit of free food, it took a while to find one (there are multiple lounges, who knew?) with space. Ok, it sounds great. How much does business with BA cost? Club World flights to Toronto start at £1,302 for the same date in May 2026, compared to £767 in economy. It's not something I could personally afford to do regularly, but for long-haul trips where you want to make the most of every moment, it could be the perfect treat. Final thoughts? More Trending Tucked up in my cocoon, aware that my bladder wasn't going to annoy my seat neighbours (because I had none), surrounded by lovely flight attendants and fully sated, I didn't feel tense or scared, which is quite something for someone with a fear of flying. I think the best word to describe the experience would be 'smooth'; it felt like I could decompress and arrive at my destination relaxed. This flight certainly didn't feel like the means to an end. We're doing our best to bring you the inside scoop on what every airline offers. And our Lifestyle Editor, Kristina Beanland, recently flew business class from London to Chicago with Aer Lingus. It was her first time travelling outside economy, and the experience was a world away from the flying she's accustomed to. From take-off champagne to pillows and metal spoons, you can read her honest review here. MORE: I always play 'check-in chicken' on flights – it works a treat MORE: Plane forced to land unexpectedly after passenger tries to open door mid-air MORE: Plane crashes at Olympic National Park killing one and injuring two
Scottish Sun
23-06-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
British Airways scraps free bottles of water for economy passengers in new eco trial
Plus, how you can still fly like a gold member with the change to British Airways Executive Club WATER WORKS British Airways scraps free bottles of water for economy passengers in new eco trial Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) BRITISH AIRWAYS has conducted a trial of its in-flight drinks service - and it's bad news if you like your free bottles of water. The trial that took place last week affected certain passengers travelling from London Heathrow to Miami, Boston and Los Angeles who were not provided with plastic water bottles during their flight. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Passengers in certain cabins were given paper cups rather than plastic bottles Credit: Alamy 4 The trial lasted just one week Credit: Alamy Thirsty passengers wanting to hydrate were provided with water in paper cups instead. The change was for those on long-haul flights heading to the three US cities who were sitting in economy and premium economy. It did not affect flyers in BA's Club World or First Class. British Airways confirmed the one-week trial was reduce single-use plastic onboard, and it took place from June 16 to June 22. A spokesperson for British Airways told The Independent: 'This is a one-week trial on three routes as part of efforts to reduce plastic waste. "The views of our customers are very important to us, and we'll be listening very carefully to their feedback.' On FlyerTalk, passengers took to the forum to express how they felt about the changes. One wrote: "I read about this trial, seems ridiculous I know but BA are looking for ways to save plastic, I can't see it being accepted." Another however added that it was a "good idea" to get rid of plastic bottles with someone else adding they had never used one on a flight. Last year, British Airways scrapped three-course meals in its business cabin on late take-offs. British Airways launches new safety video that people are likening to a mini Bridgerton 4 As part of the trial, plastic water bottles were not handed out Credit: Alamy Starters have gone and the choice of main courses and desserts has been reduced. Two of the four mains on a Club World menu after 9pm are cheese and crackers, and soup. One of the puddings on offer is chocolate chip cookies. British Airways sources said passengers receive the same premium food and drink offering on board. It was said that the menu changes on flights leaving after 9pm was aimed at helping passengers who were keen to get to sleep. About the changes to the in-flight service, a spokesperson for British Airways told The Sun: 'We're incredibly proud of our premium dining experience, which includes a wide range of meal options to suit the preferences of our customers depending on the time of day they're travelling. 'We trialled our new brunch offering with thousands of customers across numerous routes and received extremely positive feedback on both the quality and variety of options offered.' British Airways recently made a big change to its Executive Club - but here's how you can still fly like a gold member. And one holidaymaker discovered how to buy a British Airways flight for just £1. Plus, the six times you should never recline your plane seat, according to ex-BA flight attendant.
The Sun
23-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
British Airways scraps free bottles of water for economy passengers in new eco trial
BRITISH AIRWAYS has conducted a trial of its in-flight drinks service - and it's bad news if you like your free bottles of water. The trial that took place last week affected certain passengers travelling from London Heathrow to Miami, Boston and Los Angeles who were not provided with plastic water bottles during their flight. 4 Thirsty passengers wanting to hydrate were provided with water in paper cups instead. The change was for those on long-haul flights heading to the three US cities who were sitting in economy and premium economy. It did not affect flyers in BA's Club World or First Class. British Airways confirmed the one-week trial was reduce single-use plastic onboard, and it took place from June 16 to June 22. A spokesperson for British Airways told The Independent: 'This is a one-week trial on three routes as part of efforts to reduce plastic waste. "The views of our customers are very important to us, and we'll be listening very carefully to their feedback.' On FlyerTalk, passengers took to the forum to express how they felt about the changes. One wrote: "I read about this trial, seems ridiculous I know but BA are looking for ways to save plastic, I can't see it being accepted." Another however added that it was a "good idea" to get rid of plastic bottles with someone else adding they had never used one on a flight. Last year, on late take-offs. British Airways launches new safety video that people are likening to a mini Bridgerton 4 Starters have gone and the choice of main courses and desserts has been reduced. Two of the four mains on a Club World menu after 9pm are cheese and crackers, and soup. One of the puddings on offer is chocolate chip cookies. British Airways sources said passengers receive the same premium food and drink offering on board. It was said that the menu changes on flights leaving after 9pm was aimed at helping passengers who were keen to get to sleep. About the changes to the in-flight service, a spokesperson for British Airways told The Sun: 'We're incredibly proud of our premium dining experience, which includes a wide range of meal options to suit the preferences of our customers depending on the time of day they're travelling. 'We trialled our new brunch offering with thousands of customers across numerous routes and received extremely positive feedback on both the quality and variety of options offered.' British Airways recently made a big change to its Executive Club - but here's how you can still fly like a gold member. And one holidaymaker discovered how to buy a British Airways flight for just £1. Plus, the six times you should never recline your plane seat, according to ex-BA flight attendant.
The Irish Sun
23-06-2025
- Business
- The Irish Sun
British Airways scraps free bottles of water for economy passengers in new eco trial
BRITISH AIRWAYS has conducted a trial of its in-flight drinks service - and it's bad news if you like your free bottles of water. The trial that took place last week affected certain passengers travelling from London Heathrow to Miami, Boston and Los Angeles who were not provided with plastic water bottles during their flight. 4 Passengers in certain cabins were given paper cups rather than plastic bottles Credit: Alamy 4 The trial lasted just one week Credit: Alamy Thirsty passengers wanting to hydrate were provided with water in paper cups instead. The change was for those on long-haul flights heading to the three US cities who were sitting in economy and premium economy. It did not affect flyers in BA's Club World or First Class. British Airways confirmed the one-week trial was reduce single-use plastic onboard, and it took place from June 16 to June 22. Read More on British Airways A spokesperson for told : 'This is a one-week trial on three routes as part of efforts to reduce plastic waste. " The views of our customers are very important to us, and we'll be listening very carefully to their feedback.' On One wrote: "I read about this trial, seems ridiculous I know but BA are looking for ways to save plastic, I can't see it being accepted." Most read in News Travel Another however added that it was a "good idea" to get rid of plastic bottles with someone else adding they had never used one on a flight. Last year, British Airways launches new safety video that people are likening to a mini Bridgerton 4 As part of the trial, plastic water bottles were not handed out Credit: Alamy Starters have gone and the choice of main courses and desserts has been reduced. Two of the four mains on a Club World menu after 9pm are cheese and crackers, and soup. One of the puddings on offer is chocolate chip cookies. British Airways sources said passengers receive the same premium food and drink offering on board. It was said that the menu changes on flights leaving after 9pm was aimed at helping passengers who were keen to get to sleep. About the changes to the in-flight service, a spokesperson for British Airways told The Sun: 'We're incredibly proud of our premium dining experience, which includes a wide range of meal options to suit the preferences of our customers depending on the time of day they're travelling. 'We trialled our new brunch offering with thousands of customers across numerous routes and received extremely positive feedback on both the quality and variety of options offered.' British Airways recently made a big change to its Executive Club - but here's how you can still fly like a gold member. And one Plus, the six times you should never recline your plane seat, 4 British Airways are attempting to reduce plastic waste Credit: Alamy
Daily Mail
22-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
British Airways trial introducing a major change to in-flight drinks
British Airways have introduced a controversial change to in-flight drinks as part of a sustainability trial. Economy passengers travelling from London 's Heathrow Airport to three major US cities, Miami, Boston and Los Angeles, will no longer be provided with water bottles while onboard. Instead, those travelling on the select routes will be served paper cups of water in a bit to 'reduce plastic waste'. The change does not affect BA's Club World and first class passengers. On a FlyerTalk forum, a passenger travelling from Miami to London's Heathrow was highly critical of the new trial, describing it as a 'cost-saving exercise under the guise of saving the polar bears'. Stating that they were 'not a happy camper', they added: 'All I asked for was a bottle of water and the response astounded me. I thought I had heard it all. Clearly not. 'I was told there were no bottles of water they could give me as BA is trialling not offering any bottles of water. Unbelievable'. British Airways confirmed that they are running the one-week trial reducing single-use plastic onboard from June 16 to June 22. A spokesperson for the airline said: 'This is a one-week trial on three routes as part of efforts to reduce plastic waste. The views of our customers are very important to us, and we'll be listening very carefully to their feedback.' It comes after British Airways controversially chose to stop serving three-course meals in its business cabin for late takeoffs in October last year, sparking significant backlash from seasoned flyers. Starters were completely stripped from the menu, while the choice of main courses and deserts was also significantly scaled back. A source close to British Airways says it cut three course meals on its Club World departures after 9pm to help passengers sleep on late-night flights. In a similar move to other airlines, they said most passengers had already eaten in the Club Lounge - and found that at that time of night most customers wanted to sleep rather than eat. However, several BA passengers were upset by the move - and expressed their disapproval at the decision. One said: 'I would love to see the amount saved per passenger from these cost cutting measures. It surely cannot be worth the damage?!' Another hit out about the 'cost cutting exercise by BA'. British Airways confirmed that they are running the one-week trial reducing single-use plastic onboard from June 16 to June 22 (file image) He added: 'Just because I am flying after 9pm from Miami doesn't mean that I want to sleep. 'If I want to drink I will – problem is now there is very little food to go with it. 'I guess they don't want the crew to work too hard.' A spokesperson for British Airways said: 'We're incredibly proud of our premium dining experience, which includes a wide range of meal options to suit the preferences of our customers depending on the time of day they're travelling. 'We trialled our new brunch offering with thousands of customers across numerous routes and received extremely positive feedback on both the quality and variety of options offered.'
