Hello from London, as I’ve kicked off my review trip to Hong Kong. I just flew British Airways’ Boeing 777-200ER Club Suites business class, on the 6hr15min flight from Washington (IAD) to London (LHR).
It has been quite some time since I’ve flown British Airways’ long haul business class product, and I was looking forward to checking it out, especially as the airline has made great progress with rolling out its Club Suites product.
So, how was the experience? All things considered, I’d describe it as solid. The crew was excellent. The seats are comfortable (though no longer cutting edge). The amenities are good. The food is fine. I’d gladly fly this product again, and perhaps aside from the new Air France 777 or A350 business class, it’s probably the best European business class product that’s widely available.
In this post I want to share some initial thoughts, and then soon I’ll have a full trip report.
British Airways’ 777 business class seats are comfortable
British Airways’ Club Suites business class product should look familiar, because it’s the Collins Aerospace Super Diamond seat with a door. The Super Diamond seat is one of the most common business class products out there, and a select number of airlines have now slapped a door on the product as well (Etihad has done the same on its A350s).
This is ultimately a comfortable, reliable business class seat.
Now, a couple of things. First of all, it’s definitely noticeable how quickly seat tech has improved in recent years. Club Suites was introduced in 2019, and the tech doesn’t feel cutting edge at this point. There’s no bluetooth audio, wireless charging, etc.
Furthermore, the Super Diamond product is good, but isn’t as spacious as the new Collins Aerospace Elements seat, which you’ll find on carriers like Starlux. In particular, the footwell feels a bit on the tight side, especially if you’re a side sleeper.
Good bedding from The White Company helped with getting comfortable, as it includes a large pillow, a good blanket, and a (thin) mattress pad. Since there were nearly 20 empty seats in business class, I could even grab a second pillow from the seat next to me.
Ultimately this is among the best hard products you’ll find on a European airline, in my opinion, so kudos to British Airways for that.
British Airways’ entertainment & Wi-Fi are good(ish)
On the plus side, British Airways offers an extensive entertainment selection in business class, with a wide variety of movies and TV shows. The catch is that the system (at least on the nearly 30-year-old jet I was flying) was super slow. Like, when you’d make an entertainment selection, the system’s response was anything but instant.
It’s not a big deal at all, but it makes you realize, once again, how much technology has improved in recent years. I believe British Airways is updating the entertainment system on many jets, so not everyone will have this issue.
The airline also offers inflight Wi-Fi, with free messaging for Executive Club members, and a full Wi-Fi pass with no data limits for £17.99. Speeds are reasonably good.
British Airways’ business class food is fairly decent
I’d describe the food in business class on this flight as being edible but unmemorable. In the past, I recall actually having very good food in British Airways business class, given the partnership with DO & CO. Does anyone know if that’s maybe just not available from some outstations, if I just had bad luck, or if the quality isn’t what it once was?
Anyway, on this flight dinner was served after takeoff. Service began with some packaged mixed nuts and a drink. I decided to have a glass of sparkling wine. While Castelnau Reserve Brut is the carrier’s business class champagne, I decided to try Wiston Brut, the English sparkling wine on order. I figured I should try to “drink local,” and I was impressed.
There was a choice of three appetizers, and I selected the balik salmon with red potato salad and Asian slaw, which was tasty, probably the best part of the meal. That was served with a side salad containing roasted peppers, artichokes, and pumpkin seeds, plus some bread. I had a glass of South African sauvignon blanc to accompany it.
There were three main course choices, and I chose the pan seared grouper fillet with steamed black rice, kale, roasted yellow beetroot, and herb cream sauce. This was okay, but the fish was kind of flavorless and overcooked. In fairness, the crew was very apologetic, and explained that one of the business class ovens had broken, so they had to heat it up in a different oven. I’m not sure if that contributed to the taste.
Lastly, there was the choice of two desserts, a cheese course, or a fruit plate. I chose the pumpkin cheesecake, which was small but tasty.
For breakfast there was just one choice, which was a streaky bacon and cheddar sandwich on grilled ciabatta, with chia strawberry budding and a banana muffin. I ultimately got this just for the picture, since I don’t eat pork, and I also wasn’t hungry just a few hours after dinner.
I do wish there would be a vegetarian or non-pork option, though. I know Americans and Brits love their bacon, but that excludes a lot of people (people who are Jewish, Muslim, love pigs, etc.). 😉
British Airways’ business class service was excellent
Some people like to call me a British Airways hater, and suggest I’m unfairly biased. For example, when I flew British Airways’ 777 first class some time back, I had genuinely sloppy and awful service. I call things as I see them.
I’m happy to report that this flight had the polar opposite service. The entire crew couldn’t have been lovelier. They were friendly and informal while still being professional and attentive, and there’s nothing I can critique about the service.
The flight attendant working my section constantly checked on all passengers, clearing plates as people finished their meals, offering drink refills, and more. This was a stellar crew. Of course the challenge is that British Airways is consistently inconsistent, just as we have on airlines in the United States. Sometimes you get great service, and sometimes you don’t.
Bottom line
I had a pleasant flight in British Airways’ 777 Club Suites business class. British Airways has finished retrofitting its 777s with these seats, and suffice it to say that it’s a massive improvement over the carrier’s old product.
There’s nothing about this product that’s cutting edge or amazing, though the seats are comfortable and private, the amenities are solid, the entertainment is pretty good, and the food is decent. On this flight, I also had very good service.
I still think Air France is the best among European carriers in business class, but I’d certainly take this over what you’ll currently find on most Lufthansa Group flights…
What do you make of British Airways’ 777 Club Suites business class?