British Airways’ A380 Premium Economy, branded as World Traveller Plus, is a step up from Economy. It’s perfect if you are seeking extra comfort without splurging on Business Class fares. We recently flew from London Heathrow to Dubai aboard the iconic A380 and in this review, we explore the airport experience to the seat, service, and inflight entertainment. Read on to find out if British Airways A380 Premium Economy was worth it.
In this review:
Flight Details
- Time: 12:40
- Flight number: BA107
- Ticket class: Premium Economy
- Aircraft reg: G-XLEC
- Aircraft type: Airbus A380-800
- Flight time: 6 hours 22 minutes
- Seat: 65A / 65 B
SEAT CONFIGURATION
- 469 seats
- 14 First
- 97 Business
- 55 World Traveller Plus (Premium Economy)
- 303 Economy
Airport Experience
London Heathrow Terminal 5 was surprisingly calm for a Sunday morning, especially at 9:30 a.m. Which was quite surprising. But this might be the fact that there was also a storm brewing, so it was pretty gusty when we arrived.
As it’s quieter than usual, we breezed through check-in and security, making our way to the lounges. While Premium Economy passengers don’t receive complimentary lounge access, our BA Executive Club status granted us entry. For those without status, paid options like Plaza Premium and Aspire Lounges are available.
The BA lounge was quiet, offering a selection of hot and cold breakfast options. By contrast, the main terminal was bustling with passengers connecting from early European flights. Once we reached the C gates via the transit train, the atmosphere shifted again. This area, far quieter than the main terminal, had a few shops and a Starbucks but lacked lounges.
Boarding & Welcome
Our flight departed from the C gates, requiring a transit ride from the main terminal. While the process to queue before boarding was chaotic at first, the boarding itself was efficient once inside the gated/queue area.
Premium Economy passengers were offered a welcome drink post-boarding, with a choice of sparkling wine, orange juice, or water.
Seat
The upper deck of the A380 offers a unique experience, with its quieter atmosphere and more spacious layout compared to other aircraft. Premium Economy also benefits from a 2-3-2 seating configuration, which enhances comfort for long-haul flights. However, questions remain: does it live up to the hype, or are there areas where it falls short?
Located about two-thirds of the way down the cabin, our seats (65A and 65B) struck a good balance—far from the bassinet row and reasonably distant from the lavatories. While we preferred rows 63 or 64, they were unavailable together.
The 2-3-2 seating configuration offers a noticeable improvement over Economy. For window seat passengers, the vast storage compartments beneath the windows on the upper deck are a standout feature. These, combined with the extra legroom, provide a sense of spaciousness. However, overhead storage is limited, so early boarding is recommended.
What’s the Best Seat in BA A380 Premium Economy?
Row 61 is ideal for those seeking bulkhead seats with additional space and dual windows. However, these seats may be reassigned to families with infants. If you prefer peace and convenience, opt for mid-cabin seats away from the lavatories and bassinets. Avoid the middle seat in the 3-seat rows, as the fixed armrests and limited exit options make it less comfortable. See the seating plan on SeatGuru.
The bathroom is shared with passengers in Economy and there are four toilets dotted around the top deck for everyone.
Onboard Experience
The A380 is a great plane! It’s quiet and a smooth ride, and this flight was no exception. The spacious upper deck adds to the overall comfort. While the cabin’s temperature often stabilises after takeoff, it remained cold throughout our journey. The lack of warmth detracted slightly from the experience.
You are given an amenity kit with ear plugs, eye mask and socks onboard.
Food & Drink
The meal service began with an initial drinks round about an hour after takeoff. A variety of cocktails, wines, and spirits. Generous pours of Sauvignon blanc and gin fizz were highlights, though the service pace felt inconsistent. Some crew members were attentive and polite, while others seemed to avoid any contact with passengers, let alone serve them.
Lunch followed 90 minutes into the flight. The food was acceptable and we had a meal of tiger prawns in spiced tomato sauce, paired with rice and broccoli. A salad, cheddar and crackers, and a chocolate torte rounded out the tray. Tea and coffee were offered afterward, but many passengers struggled to get additional drinks due to what felt like deliberate rationing. We asked for a Baileys which never arrived.
It became clear that the crew’s service strategy was to stay out of sight after the meal and drinks service. While the meal itself was satisfying, the inconsistent service left much to be desired. Before, landing we were offered a pastry – which was so salty it felt like it was baked in the deadsea.
In-flight Entertainment
Unfortunately, the IFE system for the A380 shows its age. While the screen size is adequate, the resolution and responsiveness fell short. One of our screens was unresponsive, and others nearby had similar issues. Furthermore, the outdated software made navigation clunky and unappealing.
Content options included a mix of newer releases, older films, and a limited selection of games. However, the experience is due for a significant refresh. Compared to more modern systems, BA’s offering feels dated and lacks polish.
BG1 Verdict
British Airways A380 Premium Economy offers a spacious and comfortable seat, complemented by the quiet ambiance of the upper deck. However, the outdated inflight entertainment and inconsistent service weigh heavily against the experience. This cabin represents good value if you can snag a deal – especially if you’re looking for comfort but don’t want to pay top dollars for a Business Class cabin.
BG1 Tip
Board early to secure overhead bin space, as storage in Premium Economy fills up quickly. For a more comfortable experience, avoid seats near the lavatories or the middle seat in the 3-seat rows.
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