British Airways business vs first class comparison: which one should you choose?

Are you planning to travel first class or business class via a British Airways flight from the UK? We’ll cover everything you need to know about the differences between travelling business vs first class.

What are the differences between business class and first class on British Airways?

Both travel classes offer plenty of comfort, so what are the main differences? The first class will offer you more privacy and provide more amenities.

One important thing to consider is that the British Airways fleet is made up of both older and newer planes. This can mean that you’ll have a different experience depending on the model you’re flying.

This is most noticeable with the business class flights, where the new product is called “Club Suite” and the old one “Club World”. Club Suite offers a very different experience with an upgrade in comfort, technology, and design.

To make things slightly more complicated, there’s one more business class available called “Club Europe”. This is the British Airways business class product for short-haul flights that uses standard economy seats with blocked-out middle seats for added personal space.

In case you’re worried about the dress-code, there are no specific rules you need to follow on British Airways first class and business class flights. Just wear whatever you feel most comfortable in, especially for those long-haul flights.

Amenities and services

British Airways gives you the option to have your luggage picked up from your doorstep and checked in to your flight via AirPortr. Talk about comfort!

Both business and first class customers are free to then travel to the airport sans baggage and head straight to security. AirPortr is available for flights departing from London Heathrow, Gatwick, Geneva, Zurich, and Vienna.¹ ²

Once you reach the airport you can take advantage of the dedicated check-in desks for business and first class travellers. Heathrow, Gatwick, and New York JFK airports have a fast-track security lane you can use for an even smoother boarding experience.

In London Heathrow Terminal 5, first class passengers, along with Executive Club Gold members and oneworld Emerald flyers, get access to the exclusive First Wing. This dedicated space has a private check-in area, two exclusive security lanes, and a walkway into the Concorde Room and Galleries First Lounge.

The British Airways baggage allowance is generous for both business and first class.

If you’re travelling in business class, you can check in 2x32kg bags. First class passengers can check in 3x32kg bags.

Gold and Silver Executive Club members along with oneworld Emerald and Sapphire members may be eligible to check in extra luggage.

All travellers can also bring one cabin bag (up to 23kg) and a handbag (up to 23kg).

A note on travelling with partner airlines: if your flight begins with anything other than “BA”, you’re travelling with a partner airline that will likely have a different luggage allowance. ³

When it comes to keeping yourself entertained on the flight, you’ll have plenty of options. British Airways gives you access to hundreds of films and shows, music, and audiobooks, including Paramount+.

First class passengers have 15-inch screens, ports to connect their own devices to, and noise-cancelling headphones.

If you want to get online, Wi-Fi is available on most flights. Using Wi-Fi is free for first class passengers and Executive Club members get free messaging service (sending messages on apps or emails that contain only text) in business class.

There are different packages available, let’s have a closer look.⁴

British Airways paid Wi-Fi plans	Fee⁴
Messaging package	£1.99 - £2.99 on short-haul flights £2.99 - £4.99 on long-haul flights
Browse & Stream package	£4.99 - £11.99 on short-haul flights £4.99 - £21.99 on long-haul flights

On all the double-decker Airbus A380 flights, the first class is located on the main deck and the business class seats are located on both the upper deck and main deck.⁵

First class passengers travelling in their suites will, of course, have direct access to the aisle. But let's look at the Club World, Club Suite, and Club Europe business class travellers.

Club Suite passengers can enjoy the ‘suite’ concept - similarly to first class, each person has direct access to the aisle.

Club World travellers have seats facing in opposite directions in different configurations, such as 2-4-2 or 2-3-2. While many Club World seats have been phased out in favour of the Club Suite seats, there are still some around.

And, as already mentioned before, the seats on Club Europe flights are economy class seats with the middle seat blocked out, meaning not everyone gets convenient aisle access.

Suite’s comfort, space, and privacy

First class suites offer comfortable and private travel. The high walls and door give you your own space to relax in while enjoying delicious food and top-notch entertainment.

Club Suite seats are a level above the older Club World ones. These are much closer to the first class seats (it’s in the name, after all), giving you a more private experience with the option to close the door. As a reminder, all of these seats have direct access to the aisle.

Club World seats are comfortable, but they do not have the same level of privacy as Club Suite and first class seats.

Both business class and first class seats can be turned into fully flat beds. The first class bed is 6ft 6in long and comes with a quilted mattress, cotton duvet, and pillow.

Club World seats can be turned into beds that are 6 ft long and Club Suite seats convert to larger 6ft 6in fully flat beds. A soft mattress cover and duvet will make falling asleep easier and much more comfortable.

On flights departing after 21:30, you can use the Club World Goodnight Service. You can request a night cap, get express dining, or order a snack. If you prefer, you can still get the full meal (starter, main course, and dessert).

Club World business class travellers get exclusive amenity kits designed by The White Company and first class passengers receive skin and body-care products from Elemis.

As a nice treat, first class passengers on British Airways flights get pyjamas for long-haul flights.⁶

Menu: food and drinks

Feel free to indulge in the complimentary drinks and food offered in first class and business class.

First class passengers can order food on demand from the a la carte “Dine Anytime” menu that features signature dishes. You can also order mocktails, cocktails, Champagne, spirits, and wines.

Club World travellers can choose their main course which is served with a starter, dessert, and cheese. During the flight, you can order snacks, hot and cold beverages as well as alcoholic drinks. On some routes, you’ll be able to have the British Airways signature afternoon tea.

If you’re flying short haul with Club Europe, the High Life Café has a selection of treats and drinks available. But, if you pre-order your meal you’ll find special offers and a wider range of options, including a gourmet range from Michelin-starred chef Tom Kerridge.

If you have any special dietary requirements, let the airline know in advance. British Airways has a wide selection of meals available, including kosher, vegan, and halal.

The food and drinks are served from exclusive crockery, cutlery, and glassware designed for British Airways by famous British designers such as William Edwards from Studio William.⁷

Customer service and personalisation

British Airways has a dedicated first class helpdesk called “You First”. Customers can nominate someone else to manage their booking through the You First team.

The dedicated helpline is open 24 hours per day, seven days a week.

The You First team can also be contacted via email through the British Airways website. ⁸ ⁹

British Airways business vs first class price comparison

Flying first class might be costly, but it can offer the same luxurious feeling as hiring a private jet – at a lower price. Business class is cheaper, but let's see how the two compare.

At the time of our research, a round trip (June 8 - June 20) from London Heathrow to New York JFK would cost around 3,529 pounds in business class and 4,392 pounds in first class.

On the same dates, a round trip to Melbourne would cost about 8,096 pounds in business class and 12,132 pounds in first class.¹⁰

And while you’re travelling abroad, consider checking out the Wise account to save money on spending in foreign currency. Wise lets you send, spend and convert money in 40+ currencies with low fees and mid-market exchange rates.

You can also get a Wise card which automatically converts your pounds into local currency in over 150+ countries using the same mid-market exchange rate, only adding a small, transparent currency conversion fee. Or, if you already have the local foreign currency on your account, it’s free.

You can also securely send large transfers with Wise for low fees and great exchange rates - making it ideal if you’re making an international transfer.

How to get upgraded to British Airways business and first class?

If you’re looking to get an upgrade, you can either buy one or use Avios to upgrade an existing booking.

Already in the airport? Ask the nearest staff member and they’ll be able to tell you if there are any upgrades available for your flight.¹¹ ¹²

British Airways loyalty and frequent flyers programs

The British Airways membership is called the “Executive Club”. It’s free to join and once you do, you’ll start collecting Avios – these are points you can use on upgrades, flights, and hotels.¹³

Conclusion: Is it worth upgrading to business or first class on British Airways?

Travelling in business class can be a nice step up in comfort – especially on long flights. But is the Club World worth it as much as Club Suite?

That’s for you to decide. And while the privacy and luxury of first class might seem worth it to some, it may seem like a waste to others. In the end it all comes down to personal preference and opinion, and of course – the budget.

Safe travels!

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Sources used:

1. British Airways – First | Travel classes
2. British Airways – Club World | Travel classes
3. British Airways – Baggage essentials
4. British Airways – Onboard Wi-Fi
5. British Airways – Aircraft seat maps
6. British Airways – The BA experience
7. British Airways – Food and drink
8. British Airways – First | Travel classes
9. British Airways – You First
10. British Airways – Book Flights, Holidays, City Breaks & Check In Online
11. British Airways – Spending Avios
12. British Airways – Cabin upgrades
13. British Airways – Join the Executive Club for free

Sources last checked on date: 18-Apr-2024