- Introduction: A Pleasant Voyage To Geneva
- Review: TAP Air Portugal Business Class Airbus A330-900neo (MIA-LIS)
- Review: TAP Air Portugal Business Class Airbus A320neo (LIS-GVA)
- Review: Four Seasons Geneva Hotel Des Bergues
- Review: Marriott Geneva Hotel, Switzerland
- Review: British Airways Business Class Airbus A319 (GVA-LHR)
- Review: American Airlines Business Class Boeing 777 (LHR-MIA)
To kick off the return journey of our trip to Geneva, we flew British Airways’ Airbus A319 business class (often referred to as Club Europe) on the 1hr20min flight from Geneva (GVA) to London (LHR).
While intra-Europe business class is not much to write home about, I had a positive experience. The aircraft had power ports and Wi-Fi, the crew was friendly, and the food exceeded expectations. What more could one ask for on a short flight within Europe (since a better seat is too much to ask for)?
In this post:
How I booked my British Airways business class ticket
I booked the return portion of our itinerary from Geneva back to Miami using American AAdvantage miles. Specifically, I ticketed the following in business class for 57,500 American AAdvantage miles plus $90.90 in taxes and fees per person:
3/12 BA723 Geneva to London departing 6:35AM arriving 7:25AM
3/12 AA57 London to Miami departing 11:15AM arriving 5:10PM
It goes without saying that this was an excellent value, even if it wasn’t the most aspirational or glamorous redemption. In a separate installment, I reviewed the American business class flight to Miami.
British Airways business class lounge & boarding
Given our early morning departure, we had spent the night at the Marriott Geneva, located near the airport. We arrived at Geneva Airport at around 5AM, plenty early for our 6:35AM flight. We checked our bag and were through security in a matter of minutes, so had time to spare.
While British Airways operates a lounge in Geneva, unfortunately the lounge only opens at 5:45AM. Boarding for our flight was scheduled for 5:55AM, and the gate is quite a distance from the lounge, and you also have to go through passport control.
Unfortunately the only aspect of the lounge I can review is the exterior, and there’s not much to report there. 😉 You’d think that the airline could open the lounge 30 minutes earlier, so that passengers on all British Airways flights can actually use it. What’s the variable cost of opening the lounge a bit longer?
Anyway, our flight was departing from gate C63, at the very end of the terminal, so it was quite a haul. Boarding started at exactly 5:55PM, as scheduled, 40 minutes ahead of our departure time. Boarding was quite orderly, with business class passengers and elite members being invited to board first.
British Airways A319 business class cabin & seats
British Airways’ Airbus A319s are equipped with a total of 143 seats, spread across 24 rows in a 3-3 configuration.
As is standard on intra-Europe flights, business class consists of economy seats with blocked middles. This gives airlines lots of flexibility to adjust the size of the cabin based on demand (and it’s also why Europe doesn’t have a culture of unlimited space available upgrades for elite members, unlike in the United States).
On this particular flight, there were seven rows of business class, for a total capacity of 28 seats. The business class cabin was ~60% full, with 17 of the 28 seats occupied. Up through the exit row, the seats feature 30″ of pitch, while behind the exit row, the seats feature 29″ of pitch. So those in business class (and sometimes those in the front of economy) receive marginally more legroom.
I assigned us seats 7A and 7C, the window and aisle seat in the last row of business class on the left.
I was pleased to see that there was a tray table on the center seat, which is a useful place to store things without using your tray table.
Interestingly the seats across from us didn’t have that table, presumably because the crew knew the seats would be empty (though later in the flight I ended up sitting in the far window, so that Ford and I could each look out the window).
Each seat boasted a standard tray table, plus a literature pocket.
The seats also had AC and USB-A outlets, which I love to see, as it’s not as common on short haul flights in Europe as you’d hope.
The overhead console had both reading lights and individual air nozzles (which I’m always happy to see).
As I said above, short haul interiors within Europe aren’t exactly exciting, but between charging ports, okay comfort, and a tray on the center seat, I was quite happy. I also have to say that for a 23-year-old jet, I thought the interior was in pretty good condition (I was flying on the A319 with the registration code G-EUPS).
British Airways A319 business class entertainment & Wi-Fi
British Airways offers Wi-Fi on its Airbus A319s, which still isn’t something you’ll consistently find on airlines within Europe. You can connect to the Wi-Fi by opening your browser and typing in shop.ba.com.
As far as Wi-Fi pricing goes, there were a few options:
- You could buy a messaging pass available for the entire flight for £1.99 (in the meantime, this is now free for Executive Club members)
- You could buy a streaming pass for one hour for £4.99, or for the entire flight for £6.99
British Airways A319 departure from Geneva
Initially we were making good progress on our departure. At 6:25AM it was announced that boarding was complete, which was 10 minutes ahead of our scheduled departure time.
Unfortunately five minutes later, the first officer announced that Heathrow was experiencing delays, and we’d have to wait about 25 minutes for our slot. He also provided a detailed explanation of our route for the flight — I find British Airways pilots are always great about being communicative, perhaps almost to an extreme. For example, they even consistently make an announcement after you arrive at the gate.
The delay ended up dragging on a bit longer, and at 7:05AM we finally began our pushback, at which point the crew performed a safety demonstration. Hi, Ethiopian Airlines Airbus A350, headed to Manchester!
Then at 7:10AM we began our short taxi. Hi, (presumably former at this point) Aeroflot Airbus A321, headed to nowhere!
Then at 7:15AM we were cleared for takeoff on runway 22.
It was quite a powerful takeoff, and steep climb out. Even though it wasn’t the prettiest day, I still enjoyed the views, as the area around Geneva is stunning.
While we hit a couple of bumps after takeoff, the seatbelt sign was turned off about five minutes after takeoff. The crew then closed all the curtains, and then began the inflight service.
British Airways business class breakfast
After takeoff, the crew passed through the cabin to first offer each passenger a meal. There were three choices — a continental breakfast, an omelet, or a full English breakfast. Two things:
- I appreciate how British Airways serves a hot breakfast on most short flights, as many other airlines in Europe don’t
- I appreciate how British Airways has meal options, as many other airlines in Europe don’t (and not just two options, but three!)
We both ordered the omelet, which was quite good. The egg dish was tasty, and it came with a small cup of fruit, a warm croissant, and a blueberry breakfast bar. Given the length of the flight, I was impressed.
Once food was served, the crew passed through the cabin with a drink cart. I had a cup of coffee and a still water.
British Airways A319 business class lavatory
There was a lavatory at the front of the A319 cabin, reserved exclusively for business class passengers. The lavatory was pretty standard, and at least wasn’t too tight, unlike lavatories on many of the newer jets nowadays.
I also appreciated how there were elevated toiletries, from The White Company.
British Airways business class service
There were two flight attendants working business class on this flight, and they were efficient and friendly. What more could one ask for on a flight of this length, where there are quite a few people to serve?
British Airways A319 arrival in London
At 7:05AM London time (there’s a one hour time change, so that’s 50 minutes after takeoff), the first officer was back on the PA to announce that we were at 37,000 feet, and that we’d be landing in 30 minutes. Moments later, we began our descent.
At 7:25AM the seatbelt sign was turned on, and at that point the crew prepared the cabin for landing. Goodness, it sure wasn’t a very pretty day in London, not that this is surprising for a spring morning.
We ended up having a smooth touchdown at Heathrow Airport at 7:40AM.
From there we had a five minute taxi to our arrival gate at Terminal 5.
We bid farewell to the crew, and then took the bus over to Terminal 3, where our American 777 flight to Miami would be departing from.
Bottom line
We had a solid flight in British Airways’ A319 Club Europe business class. While the hard product is what it is, everything else was solid, from friendly service, to a choice of food (including hot options), to power ports, to Wi-Fi. I’d fly British Airways Club Europe again in a heartbeat.
What’s your take on British Airways’ A319 business class?
Flew on a BA A319 in Club Europe from KRK to LHR five years ago and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Choice of meals, free-flowing champagne, and excellent crew.
I agree the lounge should be open before any and all departing flights. I wonder if the wifi fee includes landing and taxi until you are at the gate. For such a short flight, the minutes matter to the cost.
I think it would make the posts more interesting if the two of you did not order the same dishes. Furthermore, do you really care about the tray in the middle for an hour flight. Consider how after you got up in the air, several minutes later they started to land.
The tray is always useful and especially on short flights where the service is kinda rushed. It's very practical for drinks, etc.
Ben, luckily you missed the human being ingested by a KLM aircraft at Amsterdam?
I saw that Aeroflot A321 there last August. I’m surprised the lessor hasn’t taken it.
Your BA experience is also spot on. Not exciting but does the job.
BA short-haul business is usually good and worth spending Avios for. (not to be mistaken for BA Cityflyer, which is a no-go in business class!!!).
With the introduction of Elisabeth Line the Heathrow Airport became more appealing as well.
So no mention of the "seamless" (Not!) transfer between BA T5 and AA T3 (and vice-versa) security/passports/long walks/etc? One good reason to avoid transfers between BA and AA at LHR.
I actually find transiting LHR with an US passport isn’t too bad if you don’t have any issues getting a gate. It generally is simple going landslide and doing fast track security vs. taking the bus unless if one quickly appears
There's no passport control for I-I transfers at LHR if you use the signposted "Connections" route. You do unfortunately have to go through security, which is ridiculous considering almost all other European countries trust (as a minimum) other European countries' security screening.
Some BA short-haul routes operate into T3 so the transfer is less painful that way.
Nice review, thanks!
A couple of questions:
When did you book (I.e how many days before departure).
I’d close in, did you have a back up?
I fly short-haul business class in BA quite often, and I am always impressed by service. Do&Co catering then it’s the cherry on the cake. Once, on a 2h flight to Southern France, I think they refilled my Champagne glass 4 times. The crew is most of the times very friendly and attentive.
"Boarding started at exactly 5:55PM"
Ruins the narrative flow of the lounge not opening early in the morning
What is the fare difference between Club Europe and Club Traveller on this intra Europe leg? For a reheated omelette on a one hour flight, I likely would not spend much to "upgrade".
Depends on the days and times, but for pax without status it includes priority boarding, security and lounge access. Business class in europe is more about the experience on the ground, and even better that status passengers get 90 percent of the experience in cheap Y tickets
...plus if there isn't much of a difference if you're connecting in Business Class to a long-haul flight.
Sure but, if you're flying BA GVA-LHR-LAX, for example, it's worthwhile having the Business Class experience throughout. Personally, I'd never upgrade for such a short flight on a standalone basis.
It is usually between 100 usd and 200 usd more per leg on this route, but with Swiss it goes as low as 50 usd, not bad particularly if you have large carryons
It's not a fixed ratio, but in general you'll pay 2-3x the Basic Economy (hand baggage only) fare for Club Europe. Similar to "First" (business) for intra-US journeys.
For status holders TBH there's not much point unless the CE fare is cheap, in which case it's potentially worth it to accrue Tier Points. The only real benefits are the onboard F&B and sitting further forward for a quick getaway - though unless you can book...
It's not a fixed ratio, but in general you'll pay 2-3x the Basic Economy (hand baggage only) fare for Club Europe. Similar to "First" (business) for intra-US journeys.
For status holders TBH there's not much point unless the CE fare is cheap, in which case it's potentially worth it to accrue Tier Points. The only real benefits are the onboard F&B and sitting further forward for a quick getaway - though unless you can book row 1, you'll get less legroom than in the emergency exit row (which is usually part of the economy cabin).
For non-status holders, getting fast track security, lounge access and priority boarding in addition to the onboard catering means there's a decent business case for it.
The other advantage is being able to make a Free Change on the Day to another flight under certain circumstances, i.e. confirmed standby, which otherwise doesn't really exist in Europe (outside of IRROPS).
Upcharge at BA is almost never 2-3x the economy fare. I normally see upcharges of 80-120€ in my route (VIE).
I think they are rolling out free messaging to exec club members and iberia had it this week for ib plus too (a use for that account I only had for thr 90k bonus a few years back!!!).
Club Europe is my favourite shorthaul business product outside of Asian airlines (and TK), and one of the very few I'm willing to spend money on. However I avoid it on morning flights because Brits can't seem to be able to wrap their heads around the concept of continental breakfast. I know the cold platter option is supposed to play that role but that's once again loads and loads of heavy stuff. How they manage...
Club Europe is my favourite shorthaul business product outside of Asian airlines (and TK), and one of the very few I'm willing to spend money on. However I avoid it on morning flights because Brits can't seem to be able to wrap their heads around the concept of continental breakfast. I know the cold platter option is supposed to play that role but that's once again loads and loads of heavy stuff. How they manage to offer three different choices without offering any light option that is actually edible at 6 in the morning is beyond me... Cultural differences I guess :)
BA are very inconsistent but when they are good they are a genuinely great airline to fly with. My trip with them in F back in 2016 was atrocious, service was bad to the point I would be upset at a medium scale restaurant let alone a First Class airline flight. Staff would disappear for hours at a time, I remember asking for a tea, waiting an unreasonably long time for it, then asking for...
BA are very inconsistent but when they are good they are a genuinely great airline to fly with. My trip with them in F back in 2016 was atrocious, service was bad to the point I would be upset at a medium scale restaurant let alone a First Class airline flight. Staff would disappear for hours at a time, I remember asking for a tea, waiting an unreasonably long time for it, then asking for sugar, waiting even longer, only to not be given a spoon or stick to stir it with, so I stirred it with the handle of my dinner fork.
Fast forward to 2018 and I fly MUC-SEA via LHR and have an awesome time. Flight attendants from Munich to London were beyond friendly, service was quick, and the food was quite good. IDK why but Club Europe seats feel more comfortable than Air France or Lufthansa Business seats. Even in the old Club World layout my flight from LHR-SEA was great too. Service was substantially better than my flight in F. I remember asking when the cabin lights would be turned off, and being told that they were left on for daytime flights but that since meal service was done they would be happy to oblige anyways, and dimmed the whole cabin on request. All three flights were mixed fleet crew too.
Interestingly, the Aeroflot plane stuck at Geneva Airport on your picture made it to the runaway, but never took off as it missed the clearance by a few minutes when Europe shut down its airspace to Russia
I always find British Airways to be pretty reliable as far as inflight service is concerned. Their product is a bit basic on short haul, especially with seat comfort in both classes and inflight service for Economy (it used to be a lot better before 2016), but it still makes for an uneventful service.
Heathrow really needs to find better solutions to their continuous delays, which only inconveniences travelers, especially those connecting.
Sounds like a great product for Europe, but the WiFi pricing sounds strange. I can’t imagine you could use the WiFi for more than 1hour but the price for full flight is more expansive. In general, I would appreciate if WiFi pricing would also consider the time of availability as I often purchase it and then can only use it for a fraction of the time due to satellite problems (or in this case start + landing)
I often fly a BA route that is slightly shorter than this (average flight time of around 1 hour and 10 minutes) and they have recently removed the 1 hour option and only offers the full flight option at £ 4.99 still.
I believe that this may have been changed after Lucky’s trip in March, so could have changed on the Geneva route too.