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British Airways Club/First worth the money?

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HST Power

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We're planning on a long haul flight next year and trying to choose an airline.

I've flown with a lot of carriers but the last time I used BA it was only on a short-haul from London to Athens. I wasn't impressed. This time, we're looking at getting an upgrade to Club World, their 'Business Class' accommodation.

Nonetheless, I'm looking at the photographs, and it really doesn't look all that. Compared to Emirates or Ethihad, who fly the same way (and charge less) I don't see anything that stands out.

So my question is - has anyone used BA before flying Club or First? Was it worth the money?
 
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1E05

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I've upgraded on a short haul flight when BA had their £89 offer on and thoroughly loved very minute of it. So much so that I'm planning my next Club Europe trip soon.

Further afield I wouldn't know so ill leave it to the experts.
 

Butts

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We're planning on a long haul flight next year and trying to choose an airline.

I've flown with a lot of carriers but the last time I used BA it was only on a short-haul from London to Athens. I wasn't impressed. This time, we're looking at getting an upgrade to Club World, their 'Business Class' accommodation.

Nonetheless, I'm looking at the photographs, and it really doesn't look all that. Compared to Emirates or Ethihad, who fly the same way (and charge less) I don't see anything that stands out.

So my question is - has anyone used BA before flying Club or First? Was it worth the money?


It depends how much money you've got :p

Seriously the imposition of ever higher APD is a killer for bargain Club Flights.

If you can afford it the further you go the more it is worth it - a bit like on the Train.

I have only been to Switzerland and Iceland Club Class , the best bit for me was being able to use the lounges - with even the beggars ones being like The Ivy compared to any TOC.

Actually onboard a Club Europe Flight it's "a curtain job" but I did get a little bottle of Champagne as a momento <D
 

HST Power

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It depends how much money you've got :p

So I started checking out the prices.....

BA are asking for £5,000 at least. :o

In contrast, Etihad will take me for £3,500, which includes a more up to date aircraft....and they'll send a car.

Emirates will do it for a little over £3000.

I should probably point out that this is a treat - I have flown a lot, but never above Premium Class.

My findings would suggest a significant saving if I fly via the UAE. So I'm putting BA aside for now.
 

starrymarkb

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I understood Emirates business is rather lacking from posts elsewhere. Many of their aircraft don't even have lie flat seats in Business! Also their onboard service can be lacking going on recent Airliners.net reports.

Also with these car pickups, is there any distance limit. Would they send one to Exeter?
 
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HST Power

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I understood Emirates business is rather lacking from posts elsewhere. Also their onboard service can be lacking going on recent Airliners.net reports.

I have heard this also - but from what I understand, it depends on the aircraft? The 777s are a bit outdated, with no bed as you say, but the A380 is better. The bulk of my journey (should I go) will be on-board the latter.

Also with these car pickups, is there any distance limit. Would they send one to Exeter?

70/90 miles for Emirates/Etihad respectively - I'm within range.
 

AndrewP

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In my experience I think that as a rule on long haul business class is worth it and first class is not.

I have travelled a lot with Emirates to Dubai and the business class is excellent and better than many other airlines. The A380 with bar is especially nice but the 777s and 330s from Newcastle are ok. If you want the A380 fly from Manchester or London.

I have also flown in economy to Dubai with Emirates (on points) and that is as good as economy gets with decent food, acceptable leg room and good entertainment so you may wish to consider treating yourself in the UAE. If the flying is for the treat find an A380 even if the airport is further away.

Its a while since I last flew BA but hear a lot of good things about them at present and I have never heard a bad word about Etihad

For the Emirates chauffeur service expect an E class of S class Mercedes. They also pick up beyond the free mile zone but you get charged for the extra miles.
 
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stut

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The hard product on BA Club World is pretty decent - although it's not the trailblazing product it used to be. The key thing is that you not only get a flat bed, but one with a good amount of privacy - you are definitely in your own space (the centre two of a 2-4-2 excluded) and that means you can sleep in peach. The rear-facing ones are arguably more comfortable, given the angle of attack of the aircraft.

The soft product varies - the lounges are decent (the arrivals lounge at Heathrow can be a godsend for a decent shower and breakfast after a red-eye). The crews are generally very good, but the food etc is pretty dire.

That said, I've never paid for it - I'm usually on an Avios redemption (the upgrade from WT+ is particularly good value!) And for work, I get WT+ at best.

If you're going via the ME, also have a look at Qatar Airways. They're very keen, and have some good business class deals. Doha airport is a mess (they're still waiting for the new one) but at least if you're flying at the pointy end, you get to use the premium-only terminal, on a separate (and rather more civilised) bus. Do make sure you're on newer aircraft, as their business class does vary on older ones.
 

HST Power

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I have travelled a lot with Emirates to Dubai and the business class is excellent and better than many other airlines. The A380 with bar is especially nice but the 777s and 330s from Newcastle are ok. If you want the A380 fly from Manchester or London.

I'll definitely go from London. Are all the London flights A380?

Its a while since I last flew BA but hear a lot of good things about them at present and I have never heard a bad word about Etihad

Etihad has been temporarily disqualified owing to their new stance on Israelis. It doesn't bother me personally but it does bother my fellow passengers.....

For the Emirates chauffeur service expect an E class of S class Mercedes. They also pick up beyond the free mile zone but you get charged for the extra miles.

I didn't know that. Thank you for the information, much appreciated. :)
 

MCR247

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I believe it says on the emirates website which flights are A380s
 

306024

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Just like the railway, it can be fashionable to knock BA. Personally I've no complaints, they are the Ford Focus of flying, nothing flash but reliable. Some of their crew have been excellent and the food has been fine, but I'm easily pleased.

Being able to lie flat on a long flight is luxury, if it is affordable do it, but once you've closed your eyes you could be anywhere. Club class on BA is very good in my experience, but flying with a 'foreign' airline is more of an adventure, and if it is £1,500 cheaper it is no contest.

Yet to try a A380 but have a flight in a few weeks time on a BA A380 so looking forward to seeing how that compares with a 747. With BA I think BA 25/26 to and from Hong Kong are diagrammed A380, otherwise you'll have to go to LA or Jo'burg for the A380 experience.
 

Bald Rick

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I've heard several excellent reports about Emirates to Dubai (and further) on the A380s - and with that price difference it is the only option.

Personally I wouldn't touch BA with the proverbial, but that is a personal prejudice based on very poor service 10 years ago (grudge, moi?)
 

306024

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Funny enough I have the same view of Virgin, due to a dog of an aircraft some years back, and all a bit too chummy for my liking.
 

flymo

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I'll definitely go from London. Are all the London flights A380?

The 5 daily Emirates flights from Heathrow to Dubai are scheduled to be A380; the 3 daily Emirates flights Gatwick to Dubai are scheduled to be B777.

Edit: One of the 3 flights from LGW-DXB (EX 9/ EK 10) is an A380 from 30/3/2014 - 31/7/2014 but don't know about next year yet though..

Incidentally, whereabouts are you actually flying to??
 
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HST Power

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I believe it says on the emirates website which flights are A380s

Yes it does, just checking to be sure.

The 5 daily Emirates flights from Heathrow to Dubai are scheduled to be A380; the 3 daily Emirates flights Gatwick to Dubai are scheduled to be B777.

Edit: One of the 3 flights from LGW-DXB (EX 9/ EK 10) is an A380 from 30/3/2014 - 31/7/2014 but don't know about next year yet though..

Incidentally, whereabouts are you actually flying to??

I'll be flying on to Male. Sorry I didn't make that clear. I known that Dubai - Male is worked by the triple seven so an A380 on the leg to Dubai would be the ideal arrangement.

I'll have a few hours to spare at Dubai but if it saves money that isn't an issue. I also hear that Dubai lounge is quite an impressive sight.

Thanks for all the help everyone. :)
 

flymo

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Flightstats.com and flightradar24.com (amongst others) are invaluable resources I find for checking flight data down to which aircraft is flying the leg. Good luck on your flight planning and enjoy Male.
 

welshpax

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I gave up flying BA in Club and First many years ago...In my opinion the product does not justify the fare.

Last year I did 11 trips to the UAE for work and used a mixture of Emirates and Swiss, this year I have done 2 trips so far with Etihad.

If I were to choose an option for you it would be Etihad, firstly with business the chauffeur will collect you for 100 miles from Heathrow (as compared to 75 miles with Emirates) and the service is much better compared to Emirates.

One other tip I will give you if you want to save money is to book Etihad and fly from Dubin> Next week I am flying DUB-AUH-BKK-AUH-DUB for £1600.00 compared to £2500.00 from LHR. Getting a cheap flight to Dublin for £200 has saved my company over £700.00 overall...Ok it may add on a little bit your journey but for those savings it is well worth it!


Happy Travels!
 
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