- Introduction: A Trip Of Downgrades, Suspensions, And Delays
- Review: Lufthansa Lounge Newark Airport (EWR), Including First Dining
- Review: Lufthansa Allegris First Class Airbus A350 (EWR-MUC)
- Review: Koenigshof Munich, Marriott Luxury Collection (I’d Return!)
- Review: Airport Lounge World Munich Airport (MUC)
- Review: British Airways Club Europe Business Class Airbus A320neo (MUC-LHR)
- Review: Park Hyatt London River Thames (Solid Generic Luxury Hotel)
- Review: American Flagship Suite Business Class Boeing 787 (LHR-ORD)
For the next segment of my trip of downgrades, suspensions, and delays, I flew British Airways’ Airbus A320neo Club Europe business class on the 1hr35min flight from Munich (MUC) to London (LHR).
Intra-Europe business class isn’t much to get excited about, but British Airways does a solid job on these sectors, with power ports, Wi-Fi, friendly service, and a full hot meal. While not my favorite airline for intra-Europe business class (I’m a fan of Aegean and Air France), I do consider British Airways to be above average in this regard.
In this post:
How I booked my British Airways business class ticket
I booked this flight as a standalone segment, and redeemed British Airways Club Avios for this flight. Specifically, I booked the following for 16,250 Avios plus $25 in taxes & fees:
7/27 BA947 Munich to London departing 7:20AM arriving 8:30AM
Compared to the cash cost of $600 for this flight, redeeming points was definitely the better value (not that I would’ve spent that amount for a cash ticket).
British Airways business class lounge & boarding
In a previous installment, I reviewed Airport Lounge World Munich, which is the contract lounge that British Airways sends its premium passengers to. For a contract and Priority Pass lounge, it’s actually a pretty nice facility.
My flight was departing from gate B17, just a short walk from the lounge. This is an absolutely horrible gate setup, as there’s not actually a proper gate seating area. Instead, this gate is along a narrow hallway, and there are just a few dozen seats along the side of that.
There I spotted G-TTNL, the roughly five-year-old Airbus A320neo that would be my ride to London.
Boarding was scheduled for 6:50AM, 30 minutes before departure, and sure enough, that’s exactly when boarding started. Business class passengers were invited to board first.
British Airways A320neo business class cabin & seats
I was greeted by the friendly crew at the forward door, and turned right into the cabin. As is standard on intra-Europe flights, the size of the business class cabin varies based on demand. On this flight, the first six rows of seats were Club Europe (British Airways’ name for short haul business class), for a total of capacity of up to 24 people.
I assigned myself seat 6F, the window seat on the right side in the last row. While middle seats are blocked in business class, there was no tray on the center seat, as you’ll find on some airlines. Business class was about 75% full, and as usual, the aisle seat in my row remained empty as well.
These are pretty standard economy seats, as they have 30″ of pitch and nearly 18″ of width. So there are worse seats out there, but these aren’t exactly spacious.
As you’d expect, the seat back had a literature pocket, plus a tray table that folded down.
Each business class seat had an AC power outlet plus a USB-A outlet, so I appreciate the charging opportunities, as those are still not consistently available on flights within Europe. Note that while USB-A outlets are available throughout the plane, the AC power outlets are only available in the first 12 rows.
The overhead console was modern, and had reading lights and individual air nozzles.
So in terms of hard product, I’d say this was a pretty typical experience, in line with what you’ll find on most carriers.
British Airways A320neo business class entertainment & Wi-Fi
British Airways offers Wi-Fi on its Airbus A320neos, 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 can buy a messaging pass available for the entire flight for £1.99, though this is free for British Airways Club members
- You can buy a streaming pass for one hour for £4.99, or for the entire flight for £6.99
That pricing is reasonable, if you ask me, though there’s really not much use for Wi-Fi on flights this short, especially if you partake in the meal service. Unfortunately there’s not any streaming entertainment beyond that.
British Airways A320neo departure from Munich
Boarding was efficient, and took around 20 minutes, wrapping up by 7:10AM. The plane was roughly equally full in economy and business, so it wasn’t a totally full flight. At 7:15AM, the first officer made his welcome aboard announcement. British Airways pilots always give mighty detailed announcements, both in terms of the amount of information shared, and the frequency with which they make announcements.
He informed us of our flight time of 1hr35min, and our roughly 10-minute taxi to our westerly departure runway, along with our cruising altitude of 38,000 feet.
We started our pushback at 7:20AM, and around that time the manual safety demonstration was performed. We then started our taxi at 7:25AM. Unfortunately the weather wasn’t great, which made it difficult to get good pictures out the window.
We made it out to runway 26R by 7:40AM, and were immediately cleared for takeoff.
Despite the nasty looking weather outside, it was a smooth climb, and the seatbelt sign was turned off around 10 minutes after takeoff.
As always, the weather looks a lot nicer above the clouds!
British Airways business class breakfast
Once the seatbelt sign was turned off, the crew closed the curtains between the cabin and galley, and sprung into action to start the breakfast service. British Airways deserves credit for offering hot meals even on most short flights, which isn’t the case on many other European carriers.
In theory, there were two breakfast options — the full English breakfast, or a cheese omelet. Unfortunately since I was seated in the last row, only one of the choices was remaining, so I ended up with the full English breakfast. That doesn’t have a lot of appeal to me, but I know it’s something that others enjoy.
This was served with a side of fruit, a croissant, and a packaged apple breakfast bar.
Drinks were then offered from a cart, and I asked for a glass of water and a cup of coffee.
I even received a coffee refill, and was offered some shortbread cookies to go along with that.
British Airways A320neo business class lavatory
Before landing, I decided to check out the lavatory. The business class lavatory was located at the front of the cabin by the flight deck, and was reserved for Club Europe passengers.
It was pretty basic, though it did have some soap and hand cream from The White Company.
British Airways business class service
The crew working business class on this British Airways flight was excellent. They were attentive and friendly, and addressed passengers by name at virtually any interaction. When you get a good British Airways crew, they sure are great. They also hustled. Despite the short flight length, they constantly offered to top up drinks.
British Airways A320neo arrival in London
55 minutes after takeoff, at 7:35AM London time, the first officer was back on the PA to announce that we were commencing our descent, and would be at our arrival stand in 40 minutes, at 8:15AM. The views on the initial descent were nice, but nothing to get excited about…
The seatbelt sign was then turned on around 8AM. My goodness, at this point we were treated to an unbelievably beautiful aerial tour of central London. Admittedly the weather could’ve been a bit better, but at least it was a clear day. I don’t think the pictures do it justice, but my eyes were glued out the window.
We then made our westbound approach to Heathrow, and at 8:10AM local time, touched down on runway 27L.
We had a smooth touchdown, and then taxied for around 10 minutes to our gate at Terminal 5, where we parked at the middle pier.
With our 8:20AM arrival, we were 10 minutes ahead of schedule. After clearing immigration, I headed for the Park Hyatt London River Thames, where I’d be spending the night.
Bottom line
Intra-Europe business class is pretty consistent in terms of getting an economy seat with a blocked middle. So the opportunities for differentiation are fairly limited. With that in mind, this flight was above average, thanks to the power ports, Wi-Fi, friendly service, and hot breakfast. For a flight of this length, this is just about all you could ask for.
What’s your take on British Airways’ A320neo Club Europe business class?
Actually, a waste of money. Same seats in economy, no in-flight entertainment. Typically, this is the case with all narrow-body planes in the EU. I usually check the plane type before buying business.
Otherwise, it is not worth paying 2 times of a regular ticket.
I al a frequent BA Club Short Haul flyer and have a couple of comments:
- 16k avios + USD 25, dépends on how you value avios, but I'd say the best value is 9k avios + USD 50
- No meal option (and very slow service) when sitting last row is pretty typical on BA, which is why I always assign myself the available seat which is most in front
-...
I al a frequent BA Club Short Haul flyer and have a couple of comments:
- 16k avios + USD 25, dépends on how you value avios, but I'd say the best value is 9k avios + USD 50
- No meal option (and very slow service) when sitting last row is pretty typical on BA, which is why I always assign myself the available seat which is most in front
- In terms of WiFi, not only it's reasonable, but for this price streaming also works (while in AF you need the 17€ WiFi to get some streaming)
I remember a time when I was flying back from Istanbul in Club. There was an American couple (obviously returning after a cruise), behind me. They were NOT happy with the seating config; loudly and constantly complaining to the the poor FA. I guess, they assumed that the seats will be similar to most American airline's domestic First Class seats.
I still wonder how most Asian and American Airlines manage to have a profitable,...
I remember a time when I was flying back from Istanbul in Club. There was an American couple (obviously returning after a cruise), behind me. They were NOT happy with the seating config; loudly and constantly complaining to the the poor FA. I guess, they assumed that the seats will be similar to most American airline's domestic First Class seats.
I still wonder how most Asian and American Airlines manage to have a profitable, 'set' business-class , with proper 2x2 lounger seats, while the Europeans still stick with flexible 3x3 business/economy seats??
How can they call it a full English breakfast? There are no beans.
Beans have NEVER been part of a traditional english breakfast
It is worth noting that Club Europe seats on most BA aircraft are a better physical seat than economy. It’s a different model seat with better padding.
*Some not most* & also worth mentioning the ongoing catering cuts... Inc cream tea with no cream, absence of customer service on the ground and failed IT systems
Realizing this was a BA European short haul Business review, and that many folks gripe generally about what they do and don’t get on European short hauls, I’m reminded of an extraordinarily good Iberia Business experience a couple of years ago, MAD-LIN (part of a routing that began and ended in BOS).
My wife and I were able to upgrade to B for about $25 each way per person on the European legs (with no...
Realizing this was a BA European short haul Business review, and that many folks gripe generally about what they do and don’t get on European short hauls, I’m reminded of an extraordinarily good Iberia Business experience a couple of years ago, MAD-LIN (part of a routing that began and ended in BOS).
My wife and I were able to upgrade to B for about $25 each way per person on the European legs (with no status and flying Premium Economy TATL). For that modest fee, we enjoyed: priority bag check in, priority security, access to the BA lounge in LIN, priority boarding, the blocked middle seat, a hot breakfast (only one selection), among the first off the aircraft, and perhaps best of all, a wonderful cabin crew experience. Outstanding value for the two 90-minute segments!
Just as a data point, I’m BA Gold (OWE Emerald) and if I’m towards the back of the cabin the crew normally checks what breakfast choice I want before they start serving non-Golds. Which I appreciate, since I also hate their take on a full English (last week the alternative was a rather nice burrata and prosciutto plate).
I don’t know if they extend the same courtesy to non-BA OWEs.
Ben, are you aware there are two different physical seat products on the BA a320? rows 1-12 are what you show, and flexible to be in business cabin or economy by moving divider. Rows 13 and back are a different model seat, that is physically narrower, has different tray tables, and is similar to a ULCC carrier seat, and does not recline. Row 13 perhaps the worst since someone can recline into your space, but...
Ben, are you aware there are two different physical seat products on the BA a320? rows 1-12 are what you show, and flexible to be in business cabin or economy by moving divider. Rows 13 and back are a different model seat, that is physically narrower, has different tray tables, and is similar to a ULCC carrier seat, and does not recline. Row 13 perhaps the worst since someone can recline into your space, but your seat does not recline to recoup space.
Also, the T5 "First" lounge has all new furniture, and a somewhat updated dining space/concept, FWIW
Club Europe is great if you're lucky - when things go right it's one of my favourite shorthaul business products outside Asia. But their breakfast offering is simply a disaster (personally I don't even bother upgrading morning flights on BA anymore), and the issue with them running out of meal choices all the time is too real.
Paying for J and then getting a choice to either eat that disgusting meal on pictures or nothing.. thanks but no thanks.
Sounds like a typical BA short haul flight, generally excellent crews and food. Sometimes the empty centre seat has a table fitted, sometimes not, but that is not the end of the world.
Ref food options, I always pre book my seat in rows 2 or 3, have never had a problem with my preferred choice.
Place it in on a plastic/disposable tray and that 'business class' hot breakfast looks indistinguishable from an economy class breakfast. It even comes with a cheap looking plastic-wrapped 'breakfast bar' of some description (Lord knows how people eat those horrid things) and a small cup of fruit. So much for BA business class catering.
The meal is suspiciously similar to a low end Economy brekkie from days of yore.
Makes me appreciate Qantas domestic Business even more! Meal, lounge, real business class seat, entertainment, baggage, beer/ wine / spirits and wifi all included
Did the exact same flight a few weeks ago
The only difference was it used an Airbus 319. Club Europe is a joke. Old plane and seats worn out, should be scrapped. No leg room terrible breakfast, but nice crew
They get away with murder
I checked this article just because I was curious about the meal... and yes, it's still non-appealing as what I remember from two years ago when I think it was the last time we used BA.
LH group made a giant leap forward here with pre-select meals.
Same legroom as economy. What a joke to call this business class, it is not even premium economy.
Only up to exit rows (where it can be turned into CE). Behind that you get slightly less leg room and… believe it or not a less comfortable seat without the adjustable headrest. This truly is the best of British…
I looked up the seat pitch for this model: 30 inches! That one inch more legroom than Spirit and Frontier. I still can’t stop laughing at anyone buying a business class ticket and getting a 30’ seat pitch.
That’s one of the better Airbus NEO jets. Get one of the dozens of older CEO versions BA still uses and it’s 28”. Plus the guy in front can also recline his seat!
A 4.5 rating is too high considering those "business class" seats with no seatback IFE.
He is probably rating it within the standards of European business class.
The available legroom on the BA 320 is pitiful in any (normal) row. A319 or A321 is much more comfortable.
Ahh the famous BA hot 'nightstopper' breakfast which is brought over on the inbound flight from London the night before (hence why the packaged breakfast bar & survivable fruit pot are provided as they are stored onboard overnight.
All catering is provided on Club Europe flights from London, no out source catering.
Let's hope the hot portion is also not stored in the galley overnight but is indeed catered locally... Otherwise one might expect a generous helping of food poisoning !
Nothing is catered locally at European stations. It all comes from London the evening before. No reason for the food poisoning if it's stored properly - I have encountered situations when "fridges" went IROP during overnight and no meal was served on the inbound.
Ben I dont understand why you're paying 16k avios + $25. BA gives you multiple pricing options and in my opinion the best one is 9k + $50, no?
@ GRKennedy -- Interesting point. When I booked, I just automatically decided to use the maximum number of Avios and minimum cash. Looking at the options now, here they are:
-- 16250 Avios + $ 25.00
-- 15500 Avios + $ 35.00
-- 13250 Avios + $ 45.00
-- 9750 Avios + $ 65.00
-- 7250 Avios + $ 100.00
-- 5750 Avios + $ 130.00
There's potentially merit...
@ GRKennedy -- Interesting point. When I booked, I just automatically decided to use the maximum number of Avios and minimum cash. Looking at the options now, here they are:
-- 16250 Avios + $ 25.00
-- 15500 Avios + $ 35.00
-- 13250 Avios + $ 45.00
-- 9750 Avios + $ 65.00
-- 7250 Avios + $ 100.00
-- 5750 Avios + $ 130.00
There's potentially merit to pay more cash and redeem fewer Avios, you're right. However, I also have a sizable balance of Avios that I earned with a transfer bonus, so I don't mind redeeming them.
Please tell me more about this transfer bonus (do you have a post on this?). I have never collected Avios but it seems to make sense since intra-Europe flights on BA can be very expensive.
Sounds like typical British Airways, past 4 times I've flown with them they ran out of one or both of the business class meal options before reaching the last couple of rows. Got given economy buy on board snacks for free as their way of apologising. But why they cater such a small amount of food seems ridiculous
Would seem like BA should offer you some additional 'consolation prize' for not fulfilling their business class service by negligent catering....