BA's A320 Club Europe: Is It Worth the Upgrade?

British Airways Club Europe: A Traveler's Take (Updated August 2024)

Flying within Europe on British Airways? Let's talk about Club Europe, their business class offering for short and medium-haul flights. Forget sprawling suites; think enhanced comfort and service in what is essentially an Economy Class seat with a blocked middle seat.

The Seat and Cabin Experience

The seats are the same as Euro Traveller (Economy): 17 inches wide with a 30-inch pitch in a 3x3 configuration. The key difference? The middle seat is unoccupied, providing a bit more elbow room. On some aircraft, a small tray table sits between Club Europe seats. Bulkhead seats can offer more legroom, especially on shorter flights. However, on a full flight, the standard seat might feel a bit cramped.

Lounge Access and Priority Services

One of the biggest perks of Club Europe is lounge access. At Prague, for example, British Airways uses the Menzies Aviation Lounge. Istanbul Airport offers the IGA Lounge. These lounges provide a comfortable space to relax before your flight, with complimentary drinks, snacks, and sometimes even hot meals. Oneworld Sapphire and Emerald members also enjoy priority check-in and boarding.

In-Flight Dining: A Culinary Upgrade?

The in-flight dining experience has seen some improvements. While menus disappeared for a while, they've made a comeback. Recent reports (May 2022) suggest that British Airways is upgrading their Club Europe meals, with dishes like braised beef and mashed potatoes appearing on some routes. On recent flights in August 2024, I experienced Traditional Tea on some flights and a Full English Breakfast on a short hop from Heathrow to Dublin. While not always gourmet, the meals are generally enjoyable and a step above what's offered in Economy.

Entertainment and Connectivity

Entertainment options are limited. Wi-Fi is available for purchase, but streaming can be hit or miss. Consider downloading content to your device before your flight. You can access BA's High Life magazine and the buy-on-board menu for Economy Class passengers via the onboard Wi-Fi portal.

The Crew and Overall Experience

Despite limited interaction before takeoff, the flight attendants are generally pleasant and helpful. The smaller cabin size often allows for a more relaxed and personalized service. The lavatories are usually well-maintained, with amenities from The White Company.

A Note on Flight Disruptions

While flight cancellations were a significant issue in the past, the situation seems to have improved as of March 2023. However, be aware of potential disruptions due to strikes or other unforeseen circumstances.

Final Thoughts

Club Europe offers a comfortable and convenient way to travel within Europe. While the seats are the same as Economy, the added benefits of lounge access, priority services, and improved dining make it a worthwhile upgrade for many travelers. The lack of robust entertainment options is a drawback, but the overall experience is generally positive.