British Airways Club World

[aus_flyer]

Any feedback on what these seats are like?

Looking at the info on the BA website, a definite plus is that they are flat and perfectly horizontal.

BUT some photos available elsewhere on the net make it all look pretty cramped.

Feedback?
(thanks in advance)

 

[vaccav]

odoherty,

I have flown on the BA Club World quite a number of times and been able to compare it to the Qantas Skybed. My comments are:

- It was introduced first
- Yes, it is flat and definitely horizontal
- This can be a big plus if the slight incline on Qantas bothers you.
- I don't sleep well on 'planes and find that the horizontal bed lets me sleep more easily than the Qantas bed.
- It is much less cramped than Qantas:
A.The incline on the Qantas skybed effectively puts your feet underneath the seat of the passenger in front (albeit only slightly)
B. On BA there is no incline and your feet aren't under that seat, they are instead in a wide open area
C. As a result you actually get a much much greater (cubic) volume of airspace to yourself on BA.
D. This makes the seat feel more spacious and and makes it easier getting in and out if you're at the window.

- However, I believe the Qantas bed may be fractionally longer than the BA bed (say 6' 2'' versus 6' 1'' - someone can correct me here) and that may be important to some.
- In addition, I think the Qantas skybed is newer, more solid and well put together in comparison to the BA bed.
- Also - half of the BA seats face backwards instead of forwards. Some people get concerned about this but it didn't bother me.

In conclusion, I much prefer the BA bed because:
- It's flat and I sleep better
- It's more spacious
- And in general, I think the BA service in business is good.

I think you also get the same number of points and status credits as you do if you are flying Qantas .. .. .. but someone can confirm / correct me on that.

Happy flying !

vaccav

 

[PaulZ]

Club World Experience

I travelled from Sydney to Hong Kong with Qantas in Business (the old seats) back in July. Whilst these seats weren't flat and a little harder to get comfortable in (I can’t really sleep on a plane anyways!), the service was remarkable. The cabin staff almost went over the top trying to meet my every need.

(I even stupidly left the phone on the plane, only to realise it once in the QP. Luckily the staff were great and sent someone to fetch it for me. Phew )


We went with BA from HK to LHR. This leg was in Club World. I wasn't very satisfied at all.

It felt like we were squashed in like sardines. I hated the fact the window seats were backwards - meant you had to jump over someone's feet, almost tripped in the dark, to get out into the aisle.

The service was absolutely terrible - felt like I was in economy. Food not too good either.

The seat was a bit short for me when in flat position - I am about 6"3', but I guess I am over average and they cant really accommodate for the minority. Because of that little foot stool, my feet were pressed up against the seat in front. Very annoying when I wanted to try and sleep.


On the return flight LHR - BKK - SYD I was in BA First Class. What a difference. I must commend BA on their service and product. It was fabulous. The seat was fantastic, bigger and long enough and much more comfortable. The service and food was outstanding. A significant difference to the Club World product – I actually felt noticed.


I must say that First is the only way to fly - though I wont be paying the extra $4,000 for it - points all the way (unless I plan on going on a year trip RTW)


I wouldn't mind trying the sky bed on QF when I go to USA next year, have to wait and see what that is like.


I think for Europe I will support QF in the future.


Hope I haven't waffled too much.


On a side note - how is it possible for QF/BA to charge like 10,000 for a J RTW when Malaysia Airlines charge like 6,000. Is Malaysian Airlines a comparable product in J?

Paul

 

[NM]

In addition of the comments from vaccav, I will add the following:

The BA seats are narrower and shorter than the QF seats. This is not a problem for me as I am neither extra long nor extra wide. But I do notice the extra length and width on the QF Skybeds.

I like the rear facing window BA seats at the rear of each cabin section. These have easy access without having to step over the adjacent person's legs. The rear facing seats at the back of the upper deck cabin sections are particularly private.

People often quote the fact that a 744 flies with a nose-up attitude of about 3 degrees. This is often quoted in relation to the effective slope of the seat. If this is correct, then half the BA seats slope feet down at 3 degrees and half slope head down at 3 degrees in flight. Another good reason to go for the rear-facing seats as feet down is likely to be more comfortable than head down.

I always struggle with where to store my water bottle on the BA seats. QF have solved this problem.

And in addition to the seats, I generally find the QF food is better than BA (this is more true in the last 12-18 months, was not much different before then - BA has deteriorated). And BA always carry a reasonable single malt scotch in Club World, while I am yet to be on a QF flight in business class where they actually carry The Glenlivit that is listed on the menu.

 

[Hugh]

And let's not forget the Skybed massage function....Qantas also have noise reduction headphones in J, but BA does not (or did not on my flights.) All in all, Skybed is very comfortable and functional - it's a shame they didn't incorporate a little bit of style a la Air France or even LH.

 

[NM]

And let's not forget the Skybed massage function....Qantas also have noise reduction headphones in J, but BA does not (or did not on my flights.) All in all, Skybed is very comfortable and functional - it's a shame they didn't incorporate a little bit of style a la Air France or even H.

You are correct that BA does not have noise cancelling headphones in J. The QF ones are pretty good, too.

I do like the Morris Liqueur Muscat on the QF J menu. It is very good and has been my substitute when they don't carry The Glenlivit.

I also think the QF J amenties kit is better than BA's kit.

 

[HardieBoys]

Last September I flew Sydney to London on QF, returning on BA. QF is better...

1. the seats are wider on QF. QF fit 5 seats across the main cabin, whereas BA fit 6 across. The BA seats, whilst lying flat, are too narrow for me across the shoulders.

2. the facing back/facing forward configuration on BA is fine if you're travelling with a companion, but if you're seated next to a stranger, the configuration is a little intimate when you're both seated upright.

3. the cocoon aspect of the QF beds means that you've a greater sense of privacy on the aisle seats, whereas the narrowness of the BA beds leaves you feeling a little exposed on the aisles.

4. I agree with comments about headphones in QF.

You can find this out for yourself by doing what I did. I've done it once now, and will be flying QF or CX from now on.

 

[PaulZ]

Last September I flew Sydney to London on QF, returning on BA. QF is better...

1. the seats are wider on QF. QF fit 5 seats across the main cabin, whereas BA fit 6 across. The BA seats, whilst lying flat, are too narrow for me across the shoulders.

I am sure that when I flew Hong Kong - London with BA that in Club World the seat configuration was 2x4x2 = 8 per row. (Only 2 seats less than Economy, where there are 3x4x3=10)

Confirmed by going to http://www.britishairways.com/travel/seatcwfb/public/en_gb

I agree with your dislike of the Club World seat (as commented above in this topic).

 

[NM]

I am sure that when I flew Hong Kong - London with BA that in Club World the seat configuration was 2x4x2 = 8 per row. (Only 2 seats less than Economy, where there are 3x4x3=10)

And note that World Traveller Plus is also 2x4x2=8 seats across.