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Intro
In my European summer escapade, I had the pleasure of flying business class for the first time home. And not just with any airline, but with British Airways - an airline with marketing for sophistication and a world-class service. Was the experience different from flying economy? Absolutely! But the golden question still remains: is flying business class worth it?
Read on for my review of my journey from Athens to JFK via London on British Airways Business Class.
First Off, How Did I Get This Ticket?
So, you're probably wondering how I managed to snag this incredible trip to JFK from Athens, Greece for practically pennies (well, points and $5!). Let me spill the travel hacking beans – it all comes down to the magic of credit card points! ✨
Yep, you read that right. I snagged this amazing flight using just 50,000 points and a measly $5 thanks to my trusty American Express Platinum card. Now, before you start picturing me swimming in points, hear me out – it wasn't pure luck! If you're interested check out this American Express offer HERE!
I've been strategically collecting and using travel points for a while now, and let me tell you, it's a game-changer. I use a website called point.me religiously to check for upcoming flight deals and point hacking.
It also helps that they have a large sign on bonus when you spend a certain amount of money within months of opening the credit card. Let me know if you'd like to hear more about trip hacking in the comments!
BA price score: 8/10
The Pre-Flight Experience at Athens International Airport
My adventure started at Athens International Airport, where I got to experience the SkyServ lounge for the first time. This airport does not have its own British Airways lounge and has been permanently closed for a couple years. Despite the frequent buzz, the lounges impress with their high-quality complimentary food and drinks. Expect a selection of hot meals, a well-stocked salad bar, and a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages to quench your thirst. Bonus points for the clean and well-maintained toilet facilities, ensuring a comfortable pre-flight experience.
It was the perfect spot to unwind and mentally prepare for the long flight ahead. The staff were both professional and friendly, making sure I was comfortable and had everything I needed. All in all, the pre-flight experience pretty neat.
BA lounge score: 7/10
The First Time Flying in the In-Flight Business Class Cabin and Seat
The first leg of the flight from Athens to London Heathrow was not as luxurious with seating in a normal airplane with normal economy seats, but they do space you out enough to have ample leg room and space around the sides. So, I don't really have much to say here other than I was a bit underwhelmed.
As soon as I set foot on the second leg from London to New York, I was promptly directed to my luxurious, business class accommodation. The seat itself was more of a personal cubby near the window, complete with its own privacy screens and ample legroom.
However, Club World's 2-4-2 configuration with alternating forward and backward facing seats has its quirks. While it offers privacy for couples in pairs, solo travelers may encounter some inconveniences.The window seat presents a hurdle as exiting requires clambering over the aisle passenger in the row behind. This can be particularly awkward if they're fast asleep, forcing a tiptoe over their slumbering form. While inconvenient, it could be viewed as a chance to interact with your neighbor! Ultimately, the layout's appeal depends on your priorities. If you value privacy and travel with a companion, it might be ideal. However, solo travelers like me seeking ease of movement and minimal disruption might find it frustrating.
The seat was a fully flat bed covered in plush, inviting fabrics that just begged for a nap. The business class bedding was plush and comfy, ensuring a good night's sleep during the flight. The TVs are basic pull-out models, not touchscreens, and occasionally experience glitches. The footrest is separate and requires manual adjustment. This is to each their own and I didn't have any problems with it.
Beyond the functionality of the seat, there were delightful, thoughtful extras that added to the experience. The amenity kit was a charming surprise - filled with top-notch skincare products, sleep aids, and other travel essentials. These were all high-quality items that felt like an exclusive treat and came in handy during the flight. You are also provided with a blanket and sheet for the seat.
All these elements, from the stylish decor to the practical features, made the seat a comfortable and enjoyable place to spend several hours. The result was an in-flight experience that was more akin to a personal suite in the sky, rather than a typical plane seat.
So, whether I was working on my laptop, catching up on the latest tv show, or enjoying a peaceful sleep, the business class cabin on British Airways made the journey not just bearable, but actually enjoyable. This is a far cry from the usual cramped, uncomfortable plane journeys we're all used to, and it's a difference that truly sets business class apart.
fun fact: see that duty free bag on the floor in the first pic.... yeah it got left there of all my Greece souvenirs I got in the Athens airport RIP :(
BA seat score: 5.5/10
Food and Beverages - A Gourmet Experience in the Sky
I'd heard stellar reviews about their food offerings, and I don't typically love airline food so let me tell you it lived up to the hype. Start your journey with a personalized touch! Choose from a refreshing orange juice or a celebratory glass of champagne to accompany your pre-flight snack.
One of the standout features was the flexibility of meal times. As a business class passenger, I had the luxury to decide when to dine, giving me the freedom to plan my time according to my preference.
The exceptional food and beverage offerings in the British Airways business class brought a whole new dimension to in-flight dining. The freshness of the ingredients, the skillful preparation, and the elegant presentation all combined to create a gourmet experience in the sky. One of the things I truly adore about BA business class is their Club Kitchen concept. Forget announcements calling for meal service – here, it's all about self-service snacking heaven! Craving a mini quiche? Grab one! Fancy a refreshing fruit salad? Go for it! Feeling adventurous? The freezer section might surprise you with ice cream!
BA food score: 7/10
In-Flight Entertainment and Connectivity
Once comfortably settled in my seat, I delved into the in-flight entertainment on offer. Even though sometimes I can just go a whole flight on the flight map setting (lol). British Airways really goes the extra mile to ensure that boredom never strikes. With a diverse selection of latest blockbusters, binge-worthy TV series, addictive games, and eclectic music, the entertainment system was a treasure trove of content. Whether you're a movie buff, a music lover, or a serial gamer, there's something to cater to every taste and mood.
One of the highlights of the entertainment system was the top-of-the-line, noise-canceling headphones. These were a game-changer, making it easy to tune out cabin noise and lose myself in the world of my chosen movie or music. The sound quality was superb, creating an immersive audio experience that enhanced my enjoyment.
In a nutshell, whether you want to kick back and relax with a movie, stay productive with some work, or stay connected with the world below, British Airways' in-flight entertainment and connectivity options have you covered. I was truly impressed with the effort put into creating a comprehensive and enjoyable in-flight experience.
BA entertainment score: 6/10
The Layover in London - A Welcome Break
My trip took an enjoyable pitstop in London, where the layover was a welcome breather amidst the long journey. If you're a food lover like me, the dining options here are nothing short of great. With a menu that could rival many restaurants, the lounge catered to every palate and preference.
But the indulgence didn't stop at the food. The lounge also housed an array of spa facilities, designed to rejuvenate and refresh travelers in the most luxurious way possible. Whether you prefer a soothing massage or a refreshing facial, the options were endless and catered to every desire.
The Concorde Room was more than a rest stop. It was a sanctuary of luxury, making the layover not just bearable, but actually something to look forward to. So if you find yourself flying British Airways Business Class and have a layover in London, make sure to pencil in some time to experience this oasis.
The Final Leg - Arrival at JFK
Navigating through JFK upon landing was a breeze, thanks to the perks of flying business class with British Airways. The preferential treatment began right as we disembarked, where business class passengers were given priority, sparing us from the long lines typically encountered on arrival.
Speaking of luggage, another standout perk of flying business class was the priority tagging of my bags. This meant that they were among the first to be unloaded and ready for pick-up. It was a relief not having to wait for ages by the carousel, especially after a long flight. Instead, I was able to collect my bags promptly and make my way out of the airport without any unnecessary delays.
So, from touchdown to baggage collection, it was smooth sailing all the way.
So, Is Flying Business Class Worth It?
After embarking on this journey, I can confidently say, the answer is a yes do it at least once in your life! Traveling business class with British Airways completely transformed my perception of air travel. From the lavish lounges in Athens and London to the extra personal space and comfort onboard, and from the food to the efficient arrival process at JFK, everything was designed to offer the highest level of comfort and convenience.
If you're contemplating taking the leap and trying out business class, I can assure you, based on my personal experience, you will not be disappointed (depending on the airline obviously).
Certainly, the price tag associated with business class is higher than economy, but considering the benefits and amenities you receive, it is a worthy investment to do at least once, especially for long-haul flights. It takes the stress out of travel, allowing you to arrive at your destination refreshed and relaxed, which in my opinion, is priceless.
In conclusion, based on my journey from Athens to JFK via London, business class on British Airways was a game-changer, and one that I would possibly choose again. If comfort, indulgence, and a hassle-free travel experience top your list of travel priorities, then business class is definitely worth every penny.
Remember, unexpected situations can arise during any trip, regardless of class. Having travel insurance like SafetyWing Nomad Insurance can provide valuable peace of mind and financial protection in case of medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost luggage.
BA overall score: 7/10
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