British Airways guide: premium economy vs economy

There’s a reason why economy class is also known as “cattle class” – little room, packed cabins, minimal services. While the price jump to business class rules it out of contention for most of us, premium economy is a different matter.

In this guide I’ll compare British Airways’ premium economy versus economy, highlighting key differences in seating and service, perks and pricing – and of course, value for money.

In this post:

• BA economy vs premium economy direct comparison
• What does British Airways economy include?
• What does British Airways premium economy include?
• Is BA premium economy worth it?
• What are the best routes and planes to fly with British Airways?
• British Airways: premium economy vs economy FAQs

BA economy vs premium economy direct comparison

What does British Airways economy include?

British Airways (BA) calls its short-haul economy class Euro Traveller and its long-haul World Traveller.

For short-haul trips, Euro Traveller is among the best economy experiences you’ll find in Europe. A modern, well-maintained fleet, comfy leather seats and perks like a carry-on case included in the base price place it at the upper end of the budget-airline dominated market. With no premium economy available, it’s far better value than paying BA’s business class Club Europe prices.

Long-haul isn’t as impressive. Here, the quality of your experience will depend greatly on the plane you’re flying on. BA’s long-haul fleet still features several older models with cramped and dated cabins that can really impact comfort. Upgrades are ongoing, starting with its Boeing 777-200s, but my advice is to check the plane model and specs on Seatmaps before you book.

As a general rule, you can expect:

• Seats: Typically offer around 31 inches (79 cm) of legroom and are 17 to 18 inches (43 to 46 cm) wide. Expect a standard but not spectacular recline and adjustable headrests.
• Amenities: In-seat entertainment with a 10-inch (25 cm) screen and (poor quality) in-earphones, and USB-A port for charging your devices. WiFi is available at a charge and you’ll get a small cushion and blanket.
• Food and service: BA’s service is generally attentive and friendly. Standard meal service includes the ubiquitous ‘three course’ tray, with hot and cold and alcoholic drinks included. Snacks are available and on longer flights, a second smaller meal.
• Luggage: Allowances can differ by route but typically includes one checked bag, one carry-on and a personal item, like a handbag. Check though, as some routes include hand baggage only.

What does British Airways premium economy include?

Called World Traveller Plus, BA’s premium economy marks a significant upgrade over its World Traveller economy experience.

The first thing you’ll notice is the dedicated cabin, nearer the front of the plane than economy. Typically laid out in 2-3-2 or 2-4-2 configuration, it offers more space and comfier seats. And for couples, the chance to nab a dedicated row to themselves.

• Seats: With a 38-inch (97 cm) pitch, tall passengers like me really feel the seven inches of extra legroom compared to economy. The added space means the fold-out leg and foot rests add comfort rather than get in the way, as is so often the case in economy seats. You’ll get an extra couple of inches width over economy, with wider fixed armrests and cup tray. A bottle holder between footrests is a simple but useful addition every seat on every plane should have. Recline is also improved to eight inches (20 cm), which along with the four-way adjustable headrest makes sleep entirely viable.
• Amenities: In-seat entertainment improves to a 12-inch (30 cm) screen and reasonable noise-cancelling headphones (though you should still use your own). Power extends to a plug socket and USB-A port for charging your devices. The blanket and cushion are much nicer, complemented by an amenity kit with overnight essentials.
• Food and service: While BA’s premium economy food is an improvement over economy, it is still of the three-courses-on-one-tray variety. In my experience though, the second meal is cold (served in a paper bag) and snacks similar to those offered in economy. Service is much more immediate though – a benefit of the smaller cabin. A welcome non-alcoholic drink is offered before takeoff followed by full bar service directly after including sparkling wine.
• Luggage: Check two bags alongside your carry-on and personal item at no extra charge. This alone could save you a couple of hundred pounds compared to checking in the same with an economy ticket.
• Priority boarding: While priority check-in and security isn’t included, priority boarding is. World Traveller Plus tickets board no later than Group 3 (after first and business), while economy boarding goes all the way to Group 9.

Is BA premium economy worth it?

Price-wise, World Traveller Plus sits between BA’s economy and business class tickets. Depending on the route, when you book, the season, and whether the economy ticket is basic or flexible, price differences can vary wildly.

As a guideline, expect to pay anything from 100% to 150% more for BA premium economy over an economy fare. This can be less during sales periods and off season, but can go to 200% to 300% more in high season.

That higher price will give you more baggage allowance and a lot more comfort on your flight. Whether that represents good value is very much down to your budget and preference. In general, the longer the flight (and especially if it’s overnight), the better value it represents.

What are the best routes and planes to fly with British Airways?

You’ll get much better value with a premium economy fare on some routes than others, primarily because of more modern planes. The golden rule is to always check which model is flying your route before you book.

• Most worthwhile: Many of the primary transatlantic flights to the US and Canada use the Boeing 777-300R, which is BA’s most modern and best fitted premium economy experience. Try to avoid the 777-200ERs, BA’s staple workhorse for secondary and several leisure routes. Long-haul to parts of Asia and Australasia is also well served by BA’s A350-1000s and modern A380s as well as the 777-300Rs. Some of these routes are handled by partner airlines, and BA is also refitting its older 787 Dreamliner fleet.
• Less worthwhile: Many routes to the Caribbean, Africa and the Indian subcontinent are served by BA’s older 777s and 787 Dreamliners that don’t meet the same standards as the latest planes.

British Airways: premium economy vs economy FAQs