British Airways Unveils New Business Class
In recent years, British Airways business class known as remarkably mediocre. When British Airways first introduced their Club World seat in 1999, it was one of the first to offer fully a lie-flat bed in business class. However, the seat has since been lapped by the competition. British Airways is hoping to change that perception with their new business class seat.
The New Seat
British Airways Club World Suite (courtesy of British Airways)
On Monday, British Airways unveiled their new “Club World Suite”. All I can say is wow. This completely blew away my expectations of what I thought British Airways would deliver. British Airways will join Qatar and Delta as the only airlines with doors on their business class seats.
Per British Airways, each suite will include:
- 40 per cent more storage than existing Club World seats
- Vanity unit and mirror
- 18.5-inch HD entertainment screens with gate-to-gate programming
- PC / USB power ports
British Airways Club World Suite (courtesy of British Airways)
The new business class cabin will consist of 56 suites in a 1-2-1 reverse herringbone layout. This is a massive improvement over their current 2-4-2 layout on many of their widebody aircraft. The new A350s will not feature a first class, though the new Club World Suite is arguably better than their current first class seat.
British Airways A350 Business Class Layout (courtesy of British Airways)
These seats will debut when British Airways takes their first A350 delivery in June. The aircraft will operate between London and Madrid for several months to allow crews to familiarize themselves with the aircraft. It will begin long-haul operations on October 1st, flying between London and Toronto.
British Airways plans to add three more A350s and retrofit two existing 777s with the new seats by the end of 2019.
The Best Deals
To book these flights between London and Toronto, you’ll want to make to check the following things:
- You’re booking for October 1st or later
- BA93 from London to Toronto
- BA92 from Toronto to London
If you’re using the Legroom with Google Flights extension in Chrome, you’ll also see these flights listed with an “individual suite†instead of “lie-flatâ€.
Business class fare from London to Toronto
The best deals from London to Toronto are available in November and December. Flights around Thanksgiving will run £1,459 (~$1,927) or £1,381 ($1,824) around Christmas and New Years. The same flights from Inverness will run £1,300 ($1,716) in November and £1,223 ($1,614) in December.
Business class fare from Inverness to Toronto in December
Booking with Points
The best way to book these flights with miles is using Avios. You can also book these flights directly between London and Toronto for 50,000 Avios each way. Taxes and fees are going to be steep $386 from Toronto and $531 from London. If you’re booking round trip, it’s going to run you 100,000 Avios and $843.
Booking with Avios carries a steeeeeeep surcharge
Unfortunately booking through AAdvantage or Alaska Mileage Plan won’t save you here either. You’ll be shelling out more points and just as much cash for the honor.
Unless you plan to book a one-way or your Avios are burning a hole in your pocket, I wouldn’t recommend booking with points.
British Airways Club World Suite (courtesy of British Airways)
British Airways Club World Suite (courtesy of British Airways)
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