Seattle to London, British Airways 747 Club World
We were admittedly a bit concerned when we approached SeaTac airport, as it’s one of the airports where the security lines we have noticed reached hours in wait time. Since this was a BA operated flight, we wouldn’t have any PreCheck available to us, which meant regular lines for us. Our saving grace however, as we noticed the lines WERE long but not unbearable, was that we were able to access the premium line. From luggage drop off to lounge it was about 25 minutes. All-in-all, not bad.
The lounge was pretty simplistic in design, but offered a big selection of actual food.
British Newspapers and Lounge
They had your standard cookies and coffee machines…
Cookies and Coffee
But they also offer a full bar…
Full Bar!
And a selection of sandwiches and salads…
Snacky Snacks
Sandwiches
As we were about 30 minutes from boarding, the lounge was full and finding a table was a challenge. We got the last open table, and sat to enjoy our meal while everyone else headed down for boarding.
We figured that we would have at least a good 15-20 minutes of time to enjoy ourselves, as you can’t possible shove 300+ people into an airplane in 20 minutes.
We chose seats in the upper deck of the plane since it offers a more private, quiet, relaxed atmosphere.
British Upstairs 747
British staggers their business class in a forward/back configuration. If you’re not travelling with a companion, this could be a bit awkward. The divider must remain down during take off and landing, and that leaves you staring right at the person in the seat next to you. So, if you’re not a social person, become one ☺.
British 747 Upper Deck
It should be noted that the best rows to get upstairs are 62 and 64, as you don’t have to have anyone stepping over you to get the the lav. All the other rows require a bit of acrobatics and flexible leg muscles. It’s really a pretty crappy design, in the sense that there isn’t a true “direct” aisle access for passengers.
British Club World Seat
British Club World Seat
British Club World Seat Storage
There are only 20 people seated upstairs, and you have two FA’s to attend to all 20 of the passengers. That means the service is usually quick and efficient. If you’re a couple and looking for a little privacy, sitting downstairs in the middle two seats is the best bet, as the dividers can do up on either side and you’ve got your own tiny private room.
Please note. If you’re a person of size, the bathrooms upstairs are tiny. Much like a regular coach bathroom, because of the limitations of the fuselage, they are normal sized and can get a bit cramped. The good news is that you’re still only sharing two bathrooms with 20 people. So the ratio, once again, is quite good.
British 747 Upstairs Toilet
The aisles upstairs are also larger, so if the attendants are in the aisle, you should be able to pass by with no problem.
Shortly after take off we were offered a glass of champagne.
British 747 Champagne
And the menus and (bags) amenity kits were passed out.
British Amenity Kit and Menu
For those curious about the wine selection, here’s a shot:
British Wine List
British Champagnes
As you can see by this lovely couple, the divider works as follows.
British Couple Divider
For starters we were offered a salad with parmesan cheese and a choice between a salmon or tomato tartare. We chose one of each.
Starters
Starters
We both chose the beef fillet with vegetables. Although a bit dry (as is the usual standard with British beef meals) the flavor was excellent.
Beef Filet
I chose the apple strudel cheesecake while Ben chose the cheese plate.
Apple Strudel
Cheese Plate
We reclined the seats and took a much needed 5 hour nap. We were awoken with 90 minutes go to until touchdown. Ben chose the fruit plate and I chose the bircher muesli. Despite my best efforts, I couldn’t find the pics! They must have been lost in the waking up process.
Before you know it, we were on final approach into Heathrow and taxiing into the gate. We arrived into the “A” portion of Terminal 5, and took a quick train over to the “B” portion to catch our flight to Athens.
British B Terminal
Look… British Club World/Business class is nothing glamorous. It’s a meal, some free wine, and a flat bed. It’s comfy, but it’s not exceptional. For the price that we paid, being that it was about the same as coach, I’m not complaining. We got there safely, quickly, and more importantly, not in coach ☺
Don’t hesitate to fly British in Club World if the price is right, but don’t go out of your way to seek it out.
September 14, 2016
I quite like the configuration like that but know what you mean about facing someone you don’t know. We Brits are hardly renowned for being friendly types either (except me of course!).
I love the two in the middle though precisely because it does feel like a little room. Just don’t have too much of that champagne and accidentally stumble onto someone’s outstretched legs when going to the loo.
September 15, 2016
Ok it’s BA or British Airways not “British” – unlike American (AA).
I get a bit fed up of Americans moaning about BA Club – and I am not an apologist for BA. You really do get access to incredibly cheap flights – which we do not get going the other way. By the time you apply the AARP discount which usually stacks with the cheap deal you really are getting very good value indeed. I am glad that you mention the cost element in the revue, I wish others would remember the importance of this overall. AA’s 777-300s may have a nicer seat but the service isn’t all that and I’d gladly take the cheaper BA ticket.
September 15, 2016
I’d actually argue that my review was quite… neutral. I said that they were a good option, but don’t go out of your way to fly them. I also critiqued American’s product (rightly so) and also Delta One’s crap seat and problems there too. I, for one, am THRILLED to see cheap BA flights and I’m a proud card carrying member of AARP 🙂 So, while I do get that most American’s bitch about them, I also bitch about my country’s product. And, duly noted for next time, BA it is.