As avid Avios collectors and holders of several British Airways American Express companion vouchers, we’ve embraced a slightly unconventional approach to planning our travels. Instead of choosing a destination first and then searching for flights, we let the availability of First or Business Class redemptions decide where we go. Call it opportunistic or just plain genius, but this strategy has taken us on unforgettable adventures to Peru, Brazil, Mexico City, Canada… and most recently, the Maldives.
When we found two Business Class redemptions from London to Male, we didn’t hesitate. The only catch? We had to go for two weeks. But let’s be honest – “Oh no, two whole weeks on a tropical island” isn’t exactly the worst problem to have. We locked in those seats faster than you can say “Club Suites.”
We were also thrilled to discover we’d be flying on the newly refurbished British Airways 777 Club Suites, featuring 76 Business Class seats. With that many seats, it’s practically a flying business lounge! Naturally, our expectations were sky-high. But did the experience live up to them? Here’s everything you need to know about this flagship product.
In this review:
Flight Details
- Flight No: BA061
- From/To: London (LHR) to Male Velana Airport (MLE)
- Departure time: 18:20
- Ticket Class: Business
- Flight time: 9 hours 50 minutes
- Frequent Flyer Points: XX
- Status Points: 140
- Aircraft reg: G-STBI
- Aircraft type: Boeing 777-300ER
- Number of seats in flying class: 76
- Seat: 5A and 6A
Airport Experience
We arrived at Heathrow Terminal 5 in the mid-afternoon, about three hours before our flight. The departure area was surprisingly quiet, likely because it was just before schools started – apparently enough to scare off most travellers. Confidently, we made our way to the First Wing at the southern end of the terminal, fully expecting a smooth check-in experience. But, as with all good stories, things didn’t go quite as planned. Despite the lack of queues, the system flat-out refused to recognise our baggage as part of the booking – a “persistent IT issue,” one staff member explained rolling their eyes.
Then came something even more unexpected: the person helping us received a call from the union mid-check-in. Initially, we thought it was about us or the mysterious “ghost baggage” situation, but it turned out the staff had bigger fish to fry. As the union representative, he had to juggle our booking woes while fielding multiple phone calls about staff issues. At one point, he had several phones ringing at once. Eventually, he passed us off to a colleague and dashed off.
After 20 to 25 minutes of system hopping between the main and backup system, we received our baggage tags. The staff were apologetic and candid, admitting they were just as frustrated as we were, thanks to the persistent IT issues making their jobs even more difficult.
Lounge
Once the baggage ordeal was sorted, we headed to the Galleries First Lounge to get a bite to eat before boarding. The lounge was very quiet – in fact, the quietest we’ve seen it – perhaps post Christmas and everyone’s still at home. We found the usual: champagne, light bites, and a decent selection of wines, but the food quality was poor (dried crusty sandwiches!). Still, it provided a quiet escape from the terminal chaos.
Boarding & Welcome
Our flight departed from gate B47 in the satellite B terminal, which meant a transit train ride from the main terminal followed by a short walk to the pier. When we arrived, the final boarding call was in full swing, making us feel like contestants in an airport-themed game show. Luckily, we breezed through and boarded the aircraft with no delay. We entered through a single door, turned left into the cabin, and quickly settled into our seats, 5A and 6A.
No sooner had we sat down than a glass of champagne appeared – practically before we could buckle our seatbelts. It seemed like BA’s way of saying, “Drink up and let’s get moving.” Shortly after, we were handed a cold towel. While I didn’t feel a burning need for one, it’s always nice to have. Usually, I find these towels come in handy for wiping down the seat, but on this occasion, the seat was clean, so I could finally use it for its intended purpose instead.
As Executive Club Gold members, we usually receive a personal greeting from the cabin service manager, but this was missed on this flight. It’s always hit or miss with BA – sometimes you feel like royalty, and other times, it’s as if they’ve forgotten who you are entirely. But all in all, we departed the gate on time.
Seat on British Airways 777 Club Suites
The British Airways 777 Club Suites represent a significant upgrade from the airline’s older Club World seats – you know, the ones where you awkwardly lock eyes with your neighbour in a silent battle over who will raise the screen divider first. With fully enclosed Club Suites, direct aisle access for every passenger, and lie-flat beds, the design prioritises privacy and comfort. There is also lots of storage space and USB charge points. This aircraft features 76 business class seats arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration across 18 rows, offering a modern and functional layout. The smaller cabin behind First Class, where rows 5 and 6 are located, feels noticeably more exclusive and tranquil.
Our seats, 5A and 6A, were ideal choices for us, as we prefer a window view. For couples, the centre seats with a retractable divider are a great option. However, steer clear of the window seats in row 7, as they’re missing a window, leaving you with a partially obstructed view.
What’s the Best Seat on British Airways 777 Club Suites?
The best seats in this configuration are 5A and 5K or 6A and 6K for their privacy and location in the smaller, and what feels like a more exclusive cabin. However, do avoid row 7’s window seats in this smaller cabin, as it only has one window (instead of two). Check out the seating plan on Aeorplan for a better view. For an in-depth look, look at our Club Suites review when it first launched on the A350.
There’s ample storage space in the seat and in the overhead compartment.
Onboard Experience
The onboard service on this British Airways 777 Club Suites flight was functional – nothing extraordinary, but it’s kind of what you’d expect on BA these days. Overall, it was certainly efficient enough to meet our needs. The crew worked to serve the massive cabin during meal times, managing the full capacity with reasonable efficiency. Despite the number of passengers, we were well-fed, drinks flowed generously, and the service, while a bit slow at times, felt well-paced overall.
Four washrooms served the business class passengers, but the limited number felt insufficient, given the cabin’s capacity. One was notably larger, making it a convenient option for changing clothes.
The amenity kit, provided by The White Company, added a nice touch. It included spa-inspired products such as a hydrating facial mist, a lip balm, and body lotion, along with socks, an eye mask, earplugs, and a dental kit. The washrooms were also stocked with White Company hand soap and moisturiser.
Food & Drink
If we had to describe the food on this flight in one word, it would be: disappointing. With two of us onboard, we sampled a variety of options, hoping for a standout dish. Dinner began with a celeriac soup paired with Riesling, which was flavorful. The burrata salad, however, tasted fine but looked like it had been thrown together in a hurry. For mains, the beef fillet with Pinot Noir was a letdown—tough, chewy, and lacking finesse. As for the pasta, well, the pictures speak louder than words. Dessert redeemed things slightly with a chocolate praline bar, which was enjoyable but far from groundbreaking. A generously poured Baileys helped end the meal on a sweeter note, but it didn’t quite make up for the lackluster overall experience.
Service throughout the meal was slow. Drinks were served 45 minutes after takeoff, and the first meal wasn’t served until two hours in—a less-than-ideal pace for a night flight.
Breakfast was less impressive. A tray included a fruit selection, berry yoghurt with seeds, a croissant, and tea. While well-presented, the quality felt lacklustre compared to other airlines’ breakfast service.
The food presentation lacked the premium feel one expects in business class. Airlines like Qatar Airways set the standard in this area, making it all the more disappointing to see such a lapse from BA. Serving breakfast on dirty linen simply doesn’t cut it, especially when passengers expect a polished, premium experience. While this issue isn’t tied to the caterers, Do&Co, who have proven they can deliver exceptional food, the quality of meals has been steadily declining. Is this due to cost-cutting measures? Or perhaps it’s time for BA to re-evaluate this partnership to ensure they meet the standards their business class customers deserve?
In-flight Entertainment (IFE)
The 18.5-inch entertainment screen was sharp and responsive, offering a wide selection of films and TV shows, including several new releases. You could tell the cabin had recently been refurbished, as we had previously flown on an older aircraft where the responsiveness of the IFE wasn’t as good. Each seat featured two USB-A ports and a universal power socket, capable of charging a laptop. Noise-cancelling headphones were provided.
As frequent flyers, we have our own noise-cancelling headphones. To pair them seemlessly, we connect using AirFly Pro (buy it here) which connect easily and works perfectly throughout the flight.
BG1 Verdict
The British Airways 777 Club Suites offered a comfortable and private seat with responsive inflight entertainment. While the service was functional, it felt stretched by the large cabin size. Food quality and presentation left room for improvement, particularly at breakfast.
BG1 Tip
Choose seats in rows 5 or 6, located behind First Class, for a quieter and more exclusive experience. This smaller cabin layout, with just three rows, offers the best balance of privacy, service, and minimal foot traffic. These seats are ideal for those seeking a peaceful flight with a more intimate feel. Be sure to avoid the window seat in row 7, as it lacks a full window due to the seat’s vanity cupboard, which can compromise the views.
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