does ba world traveller include baggage

British Airways World Traveller Plus Review: Is it Worth It?

By: Author Amanda OBrien

Posted on Last updated: 19/03/2024

In 2017 I flew premium economy with Qantas Sydney to Hong Kong return. It was a fantastic experience.

In fact, it was so good it made me question if I could really justify the extra amount to fly business class if it wasn’t an Australia – Europe/US flight.

So when was looking at flying from London to New York – and then Los Angeles to London return – I thought I would give British Airways World Traveller Plus a shot. Which I did back in 2018 and I recently flew with British Airways World Traveller Plus post-Covid in 2022.

I’m going to kick off with an update from 2022 when I flew from Portland to London Heathrow with British Airways in premium economy. My older review involved flying out of London Heathrow so it has quite a bit of information on checking in at Heathrow etc.

⇒ Click here for Prices and Deals on British Airways

British Airways World Traveller Plus 2022 update

After a long break flying with British Airways in World Traveller Plus I signed up again to try them out in July of 2022. I was flying from London to Washington DC, and then home to London out of Portland. I received an offer that was too good to refuse to upgrade to business class on the flight from Heathrow to Washington DC. This review update covers the Portland to London Heathrow leg in premium economy.

I somehow managed to end up on British Airways’s first (not sure if this is the first ever flight but it was certainly the first for a while) direct flight out of Portland to Heathrow. Everyone was in a great mood and there was even cake and sandwiches at the boarding gate for everyone!

As such, we had a very nice new 787 that I believe was a Dreamliner. Few things make me happier than realizing that I am on a relatively new plane as it always means a huge improvement in the premium economy experience.

When I mentioned to the crew that Virgin Atlantic offers its premium economy passengers prosecco the attendant even went and got me a glass of champagne from business class! As I said, all were in a joyous mood.

To be honest, not a lot has changed since the last time I flew World Traveller Plus with British Airways. The 787 I was on had only three rows of premium economy seats. I quite liked this as it normally means faster service and I feel more of a sense of space when the area is smaller. The seat layout was 2-3-2.

I had booked in my window seat when I booked the flight as I always do on overnight flights (I find it worth it to pay a bit extra at booking to achieve this).

One thing that has improved is the quality of the headphones in premium economy which are now noise cancelling. Also, the quality of the food on offer has improved. I enjoyed a very nice steak.

The Dreamliner 787 also has new touch-operated window screens and better cabin pressurization. If you are able to choose your flight and can see the different planes available, I suggest checking to find the Dreamliner 787 option for world traveller plus as it is definitely a step above premium economy on some of BA’s other planes.

British Airways World Traveller Plus Review (2017): Online Check-In

Unfortunately, things with British Airways World Traveler plus did not get off to a good start. Two days before my flight I went on to the British Airways app and was able to reserve one of the aisles British Airways Premium Economy seats – great.

The next day, when I went to actually check in online I was told that my passport number was wrong and that I wasn’t able to check in.

I then had issues with my uber so only arrived at the airport 90 minutes before my British Airways flight.

British Airways Premium Economy: Bag Drop and issues arise

I went and used the check-in machine for my premium economy British Airways flight and my seat had changed to a window – which was good news for me. Then I went to the desk for bag drop.

When the attendant is on the phone for some time when all you do is drop your bag, it is not a good sign. I was told by the attendant that I had been “sneaky” taking the window seat.

I was quite annoyed by this and asked how could I be sneaky when the app had done this for me. I was then told that they had overbooked business class and that seat had been meant for someone who was being downgraded to premium economy on British Airways – which meant they now wanted to move me to British Airways economy class.

I was so annoyed. It really makes me furious when airlines do this. Or should I say when British Airways do this as they are the only airline that has tried to bump me from flights several times due to overbooking.

In what other industry would an organization take your money ahead of time and then when you turned up to experience that service be told that you couldn’t as they had overbooked – and that apparently this was fine?

It is a major problem as a solo traveler as we are at the top of the list when it comes to who gets bumped first when it comes to air travel.

A British Airways staff member once told me that the safest people were those also flying with British Airways from a connecting airport eg Manchester to London and then on to say NY, followed by groups, followed by families and then by couples.

Only the male solo traveler is worse off than the female solo traveler. My annoyance was greater as I had injured my ankle in Nepal earlier that year and absolutely could not have sat in an economy seat for several hours without problems.

Luckily I had a letter from my doctor with me (I had it in case my ankle got worse and I needed medical treatment) so I was able to produce this and say I had to stay in British Air premium economy.

I ended up in British Airways Economy Plus but not without quite a bit of undue stress and frustration. This experience alone has been enough to really put me off flying with British Airways.

I do find it outrageous that you can be potentially bumped like this – and that the staff always seem to act like this is of no consequence and why are you getting upset? OK rant over!

British Airways Premium Economy Review: Getting to the Gate

Anyway, the flight was then at Gate A10 at Terminal 5, which means a very long bus trip. I thought we were driving to New York.

BA World Traveller Plus also means no lounge access and no priority seating.

British Airways World Traveller Plus Review: The plane and the seats

The British Airways World Traveller Plus 777 plane was a little old and compared to Qantas it felt a lot less spacious. The seat layout was 4 in the middle and 2 on each side.

I was on the side thank goodness. I would have been very unhappy to have paid for premium economy and to have had one of the extreme middle seats.

I often wonder who ends up in these seats – are they the people that don’t make sure they do early online check-in? Or maybe they are more tolerant than me.

BA World Traveller Plus Review: In-flight amenities

British Airways Premium Economy 747 has good quality headphones which were nice. The British Airways premium economy product also does have a very good in-flight entertainment system.

The British Airways Premium Economy in-flight amenity kit was not bad – socks, eye mask, earplugs, toothbrush and a pen. Great idea to have a pen as everyone needs one on a flight.

There is a lot of legroom and the seats are comfortable on the British Airways 787 Premium Economy flight. I was also pleased to see that there were 2 USB ports in the seat ahead and then 2 power points between the seats.

The food was a big positive for this World Traveller plus review 777 writer. It did feel like an upgrade from economy. We were also offered a lovely glass of sparkling wine before take-off.

Premium Economy British Airways Review: Some Positives

One of my favourite features of British Airways premium economy 777 is that they have a very useful brochure which explains all the features and benefits of the world traveler plus seat – this is such a good idea.

Every premium economy and business class seat is different and you don’t want to miss out when good features can be used.

There was also a good-sized storage locker next to the window which was handy – another reason trying to get the window seat is one of my top tips.

World Traveller vs World Traveller Plus

In March 2018 British Airways made major upgrades to its World Traveller and British Airways Premium Economy 777 cabins at Gatwick on their Boeing 777s.

Both cabins have had their entertainment screens increased by 50% in size. I’m looking forward to checking out the new six-way headrest.

Interestingly these new planes will feature a considerable increase in the number of World Traveller Plus seats – coming from a reduction in Club World. Premium Economy is on the rise.

So what about the rest of the fleet? World Traveller Plus is a major improvement on World Traveller, which doesn’t offer the best seats. Also, there are few opportunities to upgrade within World Traveller – apart from the exit rows.

If you have a long flight or an overnight flight I think the upgrade cost is absolutely worth it.

Upgrading to British Airways Club World

Theoretically, being in BA World Traveller Plus means it is easier/more likely that you can be upgraded to Club World. BA does offer paid opportunities for upgrades but not all the time – and not necessarily at the best prices.

The best way to check if this is an option for your flight is to visit the Manage My Booking page. The price generally varies between 400 and 700 GBPs.

For frequent flyers, Avios points are a good option for upgrading – or combining Avios points with payment. It is not normally the best use of Avios to upgrade (they tend to be their most effective for less-visited longer trips in economy class in my experience) but it is a good option.

Finally, if you are a frequent flyer and flying World Traveller Plus there is a greater opportunity for an upgrade. This will most likely happen when World Traveller Plus has been booked out and business class has seats.

British Airways Premium Economy: The Verdict

Overall, the seat itself is the key difference between world traveller and world traveller plus on British Airways.

On Qantas and other airlines, there does feel like there is more of a difference between the two cabins – particularly when it comes to service.

I was flying with British Airways when they were having extensive problems as an airline so it could not have been fun to be working for them at that time.

However, I am paying the extra and in my view, I do expect a slightly better service. I would hesitate to take British Airways Premium Economy again – mostly driven by nearly being downgraded to economy.

I don’t want to have to worry about this when I am headed to Heathrow. I, of course, would fly with them if there was a good enough deal, but they have certainly moved down my list after this experience.

Here is BA’s full rundown on their premium economy offer and The Telegraph’s Comparisons of Premium Economy Offers including British Airways Premium Economy Reviews

⇒ Prices and Deals on British Airways

British Airways World Traveller Plus Frequently Asked Questions

What class is world traveller plus on ba.

World traveller plus on British Airways is premium economy. This is a class between economy and business class.

Do you get lounge access with British Airways World Traveller Plus?

No, you do not get lounge access with a British Airways World Traveller Plus ticket.

Does World Traveller Plus on British Airways get priority boarding?

Yes, World Traveller Plus travelers on British Airways get priority boarding and check-in.

Does World Traveller Plus on British Airways get to use the fast track queue for security?

No, World Traveller Plus customers on British Airways do not get to use the fast track queue for security.

How wide are the World Traveller Plus British Airways seats?

The seats in British Airways World Traveller Plus generally have a 38 inch pitch and are 18.5 inches wide. The seats are 1 inch wider than economy and the pitch is 7 inches greater than economy.

Booking Flights:

I use Skyscanner for all my flights – from economy through to business – click here to Check out SkyScanner 

Boutique Hotels in London

Artist Residence is located in Pimlico which is fabulously central. It is in a gorgeous 5 store regency building and has a cute bar.

⇒ Read reviews on TripAdvisor ⇒ Book Now

The Portobello Hotel is located in one of London’s best known and cutest neighbourhoods Notting Hill. This is also the hotel where Kate Moss and Johnny Depp filled up the bath with champagne.

The hotel is located on a quiet street but is a great location.

The Great Northern Hotel is ridiculously close to Kings Cross and St Pancras stations which is incredibly convenient. The hotel dates back to 1854 but has had a major refurb so it feels fresh and modern.

The Hoxton hotel is in the heart of East London in Shoreditch and is a perfect base for exploration. The rooms aren’t huge but the location makes up for it – as does the great value for London with rooms starting at £99 a night.

Who Paid for What in this British Airways World Traveller Plus Post

I covered the cost of my flights on British Airways Premium Economy. This post on British Airways world traveller plus contains affiliate links. That means if you click on them and end up making a purchase on that website I will receive a small commission. I wanted to make sure you were aware of this.

READ NEXT: American Airlines PREMIUM ECONOMY REVIEW

If you like this British Airways world traveller plus post Why Not Pin It?

Amanda O’Brien is the creator and editor of The Boutique Adventurer. She has visited 80 countries and is a member of the British Guild of Travel Writers as well as the IFTWTA. She is passionate about wine had has just completed Level 3 of the WSET. Born in Australia, she lives in London.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Journeying John

Sunday 5th of March 2023

Glad your food was ok and an upgrade but I have to reportthe reverse, bith in and oit of India, there was no choice and what was actually served was worse than mkat carriers economy meals. As for BA's IT systems and contempt for customers who habe paid for a service they don't recieve. Your experience is far from unique and I wonder if you would ever have got any form of compensation had you not had the ankle injury. BA or the UK brand of IAG are #BestAvoided today.

Amanda OBrien

Wednesday 15th of March 2023

I doubt it on the compensation front John! Luckily BA seems to be getting better but I am still nervous about being kicked off flights when I am travelling solo

Jean-Pierre

Tuesday 21st of February 2023

Interesting you had problems with entering your passport information when checking-in. This has happened twice to me using the BA website. The two occasions have been years apart so BA have not fixed their website.

I eventually found a telephone number to call for website support and after about 40 minutes the agent was able to get my passport info to take. It was very frustrating, especially after paying for the upgrade to World Traveler Plus, the taking more money part of their website works very well.

Like this post? Why Not Share It?

Thanks for Sharing!

Flight Review: British Airways World Traveller Economy Class from London to Houston

Departure Airport

Boarding is from gate A18. There is a short delay but this is well communicated by the gate staff. Various stages of priority boarding are applied. This begins with First Class and Emerald / Gold card holders, followed by Club World and Sapphire / Silver and finally Ruby / Bronze. After this, general boarding begins and there is no zonal approach for this. There is no priority boarding for families, elderly etc. The gate service is quite polite and efficient and despite the delay boarding is complete on-time.

Airplane & Cabin flown

Boeing 747-400 in Economy Class was at approximately 70% capacity. This aircraft is the renovated cabin with new seats and IFE.

Baggage Allowance

According to www.britishairways.com the free checked baggage allowance for a World Traveller standard fare is 1 bag (max. 23kg / 51lb per bag). Onboard, customers can take 1 handbag / laptop bag (max. 23kg / 51lb and up to 40x30x15cm / 16x12x6in) plus 1 additional cabin bag (max. 23kg / 51lb and up to 56x45x25cm / 22x18x10in).

The Economy Class Seat

The Economy Class seat has a 32-inch seat pitch and the living space feels comfortable without the forward seat reclined. The width is good and comfortable and there is also an adjustable headrest. The seat has a 9-inch PTV (widescreen) and integrated USB socket – there is no 110v socket for larger devices. The seat condition is satisfactory – the covers are clean with strong colours (e.g. not faded), there are some marks on the armrest and when I try to adjust the headrest it comes clean off the bracket – which is a surprise.

Cabin & Toilets

The cabin is clean on boarding. The seat covers are well presented, as are the carpets and these appear to have been renewed. The overhead bins and other cabin panels have not and as such not as presentable. There are 4 washrooms for the Economy Class cabin at the rear of the aircraft – these are clean on boarding but again, have older fixtures and fittings but are well presented.

The flight pushed back about 25-minutes late and departed 45-minutes behind schedule however, the captain mentioned that we should arrive with just a short delay into Houston.

Food & Drink

About 30-minutes after departure 2 carts enter the cabin – 1 per aisle and a bar service is offered. This offers a full range of beverages including beer, wine and spirits – as well as soft drinks, water and juices. I was intrigued by BAs recently introduced “Book the Cook” style service for Economy Class passengers and ordered the “Taste of Britain” option prior to the flight for 16 GBP. This is marketed as an upgraded dining experience and offers 6 options – Gourmet, Taste of Britain, Healthy, Asian, English Breakfast and Vegetarian meal trays. Having tried and been impressed by the service on BA’s sister airline Aer Lingus, I was keen to see how it matched-up. Unfortunately, despite reconfirming with BA customer service prior to the flight, the meal is not loaded.

I reported this to the cabin crew and they are quick to offer a meal from Club World. Whilst it was not what I ordered it was an obvious upgrade from the standard Economy Class fayre. Being fortunate enough to travel in Business Class on many trips, I was surprised by what British Airways is passing off as a long-haul premium catering nowadays. It tasted fine, but in my opinion, the presentation and quantity of food is pretty basic by business class standards of 2017.

For the second “meal” I was back to the standard Economy Class offer, and this is an afternoon tea snack box, which is quite nicely presented in a faux picnic hamper and miniature gingham rug. It contains half a coronation chicken sandwich and scone with jam and clotted cream – again, the quality of food is good but I cannot help but feel this is the bare minimum food for a 10-hour flight, particularly as BA has cut the free galley snacks. However, one can purchase a cinema priced bag of sweets from the cabin staff.

Entertainment

This Boeing 747-400 offers personal AVOD IFE at each seat with a 9-inch screen. The programming selection is extensive – not only in terms of Hollywood / British movies but there are also a vast range of foreign language options. TV programming is also wide ranging with a number of boxset options of the most popular US / TV series. Headsets are the in-ear type and given complimentary.

Pillows and blankets are available on each seat prior to boarding and the quality is meeting a satisfactory standard – there is no comfort pack (eye mask etc). There is standard pipe soap in the washroom.

Staff Service

I was quite happy with the staff service overall, and the crew were quite cheerful and polite. They respond very quickly to my missing meal order and said they had reported the issue. In fairness, I was refunded without having to chase up customer service, which I was surprised about. Outside of the main services they did tend to stick to the galley, so for any additional drinks you had to fetch them yourself. As the flight wasn’t too busy this was fine as it was easy to move in and out of my window seat. It was an above average experience in terms of the crew interaction, but it was just a shame there wasn’t a bit more of it.

Arrival Service

Upon arrival into Houston, there is the usual throng of ground staff with wheelchairs that are an inevitable presence for any US arrival nowadays. Once past this, it was a short walk to immigration which took about 20-minutes – bags have started to arrive as I reach baggage claim and my own luggage comes out less than 5-minutes after this.

Overall, the missing meal order aside, the flight experience wasn’t bad. The staff dealt with this issue well. They were very apologetic and as it turned out, their internal reporting system meant that I didn’t have to again deal with the BA call centre, which I found the experience to be consistently poor leading up to this trip.

I like the Heathrow Terminal 5 experience – it is nearly always efficient for departure which is my main concern.

In terms of the aircraft, I am a fan of the Boeing 747-400 and it is always a treat (albeit quite rare) to come across one nowadays. It is nice that the seats and IFE have been upgraded but there are certainly areas where the aircraft is showing its age.

Having travelled with many of the transatlantic majors in the last 12 months, British Airways Economy Class catering is pretty average in terms of the quantity and quality is fine. For those that partake, it is nice that one can still get a decent gin and tonic without being charged extra, but it remains to be seen if BA will remove this perk in the future!

In terms of value for money, I just fail to see it any more with the fares that British Airways charge. They have almost cut back to the bare essentials in Economy Class and aside from the IFE / bar product, everything is average or below. The fare was north of 750GBP return from a travel agent. From BA, it was more than 1000GBP. This was not, by any means a last-minute reservation (6 weeks in advance). I didn’t get my original afternoon flight (on the newer Boeing 787) as it was cancelled and I was moved to a less sociable early morning departure. For this I received a standard copy / paste non-apology from BA stating they had fulfilled their T&Cs – despite the inconvenience to me. It was a disappointingly poor, non caring response.

Ranked as a 4-Star Airline, the continuing cuts to British Airways business and economy class product standards makes their rating look unsustainable. The BA staff service is about the only saving grace at this time, but morale seems to be dropping there as well.

This flight report is based on fully paid tickets, not airline discounted or complimentary tickets.

Related Links

» British Airways customer reviews » News Headlines » Special features

World’s Best Airlines in 2024

British Airways World Traveller Plus Review [2023]

After a rocky flight across the pond, I decided to do a British Airways World Traveller Plus Review. Is it worth the cost? Read on.

There are few things that make me happier while travelling than getting an upgrade on a long flight. That is what happened in this British Airways World Traveller Plus review…and I’m not sure why. I have theories and will share them in a post soon, but for now, know that this British Airways World Traveller Plus review is by no means sponsored but did make this guy one happy flier.

That said, let’s find out if Is BA World Traveller Plus worth it.

Table of Contents

BA World Traveller Plus Review Summary

British Airways World Traveller Plus is a premium economy class that offers extra legroom, a wider seat, and other amenities. The cabin features a 2-3-2 seating configuration, personal in-flight entertainment screens, and a complimentary amenity kit.

The food and service are generally regarded as good, and passengers can also enjoy priority boarding and additional baggage allowance. However, the seats may not recline as much as some passengers would like, and the cost may be relatively high compared to other premium economy offerings.

Overall, British Airways World Traveller Plus is a solid option for those looking for a more comfortable travel experience without breaking the bank.

What Is The Difference Between British Airways Premium Economy & Business Class?

Economy Plus should really be thought of as “Business Class M inus .” For the most part, the service is the same minus the lay flatbeds. From what I saw while boarding and exiting the British Airways 747-400 on a recent trip to Europe, the Business Class seats are not that spread out and looked crowded…at least more so than flying Swiss Air or EgyptAir . Curious, and as I always do, on my return trip I spoke with the agent at the customer service desk. “How much for an upgrade to Business Class?” I said with a smile. To my horror, the agent said it would be over $7,000!

Paying an additional $7,000 at check-in seems incredibly dumb. An extra $390 for premium economy on a 9 1/2 hour flight, not so much. Thankfully, I didn’t have to do either and got an upgrade for free.

With that in mind, here is my British Airways World Traveller Plus review and why I think it offers some serious value.

Route: London to Vancouver Aircraft: 747-400 Seat: 35B Highlights : Entertainment and High Tea Low lights:  Meals

How to Upgrade to BA World Traveller Plus

To upgrade to BA World Traveller Plus, you can do so in a few ways:

• During booking: When booking your flight, you can choose to upgrade to World Traveller Plus during the booking process. You will see the option to upgrade if it is available for your flight.
• Online: If you have already booked your flight, you can check to see if an upgrade is available through the Manage My Booking section of the British Airways website.
• At the airport: You may also be able to upgrade to World Traveller Plus at the airport on the day of your flight, subject to availability.

Keep in mind that upgrading typically comes at an additional cost, so you should weigh the benefits against the extra expense to determine if BA World Traveller Plus is worth it for you.

British Airways World Traveller Plus Review – Seats

British Airways website boasts wider seats and more legroom in Premium Economy which, although true, is by no means spacious. There is ample legroom, decent recline, and a footrest for stretching out. 

Note: seats are  2×4×2 on the BA 747–400 so ensure to book seats A/B or H/J for maximum comfort!

British Airways World Traveller Plus Review – Service

Essentially, the meal service, amenities, and entertainment system are the same as Business Class. Seats include USB power and standard outlets (Europe and UK style). Where British Airways Economy Plus really differs from Economy Class is the seats and entertainment system.

  READ MORE:     Turkish Air Business Class Review

The amenities bag on this World Traveller Plus review was standard but lacking compared to those I found on Swissair , EgyptAir , and  Turkish Airlines.  Inside you will find earplugs, socks, a toothbrush and paste, a pen, and an eye mask.

Also inside you will find premium headphones, a nice touch, however, I prefer to stick to my favourite travel companion – the Bose-QuietComfort-25.

One negative on this World Traveller Plus review was the dinner tray. Mine sagged heavily in the middle which made eating and writing a bit awkward. A minor annoyance in the end but an annoyance nonetheless.

BA World Traveller Plus Review –  Food & Drink

Meals in Premium Economy are similar to what is served in Business Class except that they are not presented as nicely…or so I hope. Beyond the sloppy presentation, the food was just OK. I had an overcooked piece of beef with salty gravy and a neon salad.

The highlight of the meal service aboard this British Airways flight was the highest High Tea I have ever had. Well played BA.

World Traveller Plus Review –  Entertainment

The entertainment system is a huge upgrade over those found in Economy. The screen is much larger, brighter, and more responsive than those found in coach. My screen on the flight to Europe in Economy was so bad I could not get through a single movie. No worries, I made up for it in World Traveller Plus.

   READ MORE:  Norwegian Airlines Premium Economy Review

So, is British Airways World Traveller Plus Worth it?

Given my experience in Economy ( and recent reports of bedbugs! ), I believe an upgrade to British Airways World Traveller Plus is worth it for the extra pounds, especially if you are flying long distances. If you are looking to just sleep and can do so in cramped spaces then there’s not much for you in an upgrade.

As mentioned, I was upgraded but feel that BA World Traveller Plus is worth it for the extra comfort, meals, and space.

If you want to enjoy business-class services and amenities at a fraction of the cost (minus the lay flatbed) then the upgrade to British Airways World Travel Plus is highly recommended.

   READ MORE:  WestJet Premium Economy Review

What say you? Thoughts on this  British Airways W orld Traveller Plus Review ? Let’s hear it!

For more luxury travel reviews from business class and beyond see HERE .

So how does British Airways World Traveller Plus rank?

That Time I Slept in a Cave | Kale Konak Cappadocia Cave Hotel Review

You may also like.

Review: ANA Business Class Lounge – Haneda, Tokyo

Staying Open Minded in Vienna – Magdas Hotel Review

Beyond the City Walls with Dubrovnik Top Tours

Is Norwegian Airlines Premium Class Worth the Upgrade? Let’s find out

A Peek Inside the Cairo Gienah Lounge

A Peek Inside the Toronto Maple Leaf Lounge

Discover the world with British Airways World Traveller! With an extensive route map, British Airways connects you to fascinating destinations across the globe. Embark on unforgettable journeys and explore new horizons with the renowned British Airways service.

Comments are closed.

More Stories

Dim Sum and Diversity – Why A Wok Around Chinatown is The Best Food Tour in Vancouver

London Air Travel

London's airlines, airports and routes.

Flying British Airways World Traveller Plus

What’s it like to fly World Traveller Plus premium economy on British Airways and how does it compare on different aircraft and routes?

London Air Travel » British Airways » British Airways World Traveller Plus » Flying British Airways World Traveller Plus

Some 15 years ago, our first ever long-haul flight on BA was in its premium economy cabin, World Traveller Plus. Having flown in the cabin on every type of BA long-haul aircraft, a review is long overdue.

At the time, BA and Virgin were virtually the only airlines to offer premium economy. Having overcome their fear of cannibalising business class revenue, most European and Asia Pacific airlines have followed suit. On the other side of the Atlantic, American Airlines, Delta and United are also rolling out premium economy.

More than any other cabin on BA, the value of World Traveller Plus is very subjective. Some see little difference from economy. Others see it as a welcome relief. There are also significant differences depending on which aircraft you are flying.

So here’s our guide based on a number of flights over the past 12 months or so.

Quick Links

World Traveller Plus on BA

World Traveller Plus is available on every BA long-haul flight from London Gatwick and Heathrow.

The one exception are flights on Airbus A321 aircraft to Amman, Beirut and occasionally Cairo, Moscow and Tel Aviv.

Ground Services

The one relative weakness compared to other airlines, notably Virgin Atlantic, is that you don’t get much extra in terms of ground services.

You do have an increased checked luggage allowance of two bags. There is priority boarding of sorts as you will board before economy under the group boarding system. But that’s about it. Some airports outside of London may have dedicated check-in desks, but that’s the exception rather than the rule.

After the 2008 financial crisis, BA did trial paid for lounge access for World Traveller Plus passengers at New York JFK but this was not extended.

The World Traveller Plus Cabin

Here’s the cabin you find on the the Airbus A380, Boeing 777-300, 787-8, 787-9, and the majority of four class Boeing 777-200 aircraft.

On the majority of aircraft, the cabin is in a 2-4-2 configuration. However, on the Airbus A380 and Boeing 787, the cabin is a 2-3-2 configuration. Here are the seat maps on ba.com

Boeing 747 aircraft, three class Boeing 777-200 and some four class Boeing 777-200 aircraft have the original World Traveller Plus seat which you can see below:

However, Boeing 747 aircraft with 86 business class seats have had the original seats recovered and at seat power upgraded to USB and a universal plug. Aircraft that have not been upgraded have Empower at seat power sockets which require a PhD in electrical engineering to find an adapter that will work with your devices.

BA is also in the process of upgrading its Gatwick Boeing 777-200 with a new World Traveller Plus cabin.

There is also one peculiarity. On Boeing 747 aircraft with 52 business class seats, the cabin is actually located between First and Club World. This was done intentionally to allow BA to add another 16 business class seats to these aircraft.

The Cabin Environment

As World Traveller Plus has become more popular, the number of seats on newer aircraft has increased significantly.

On three class Boeing 777-200 aircraft there are just three rows of World Traveller Plus. On Airbus A380, there are nine. Whilst the Airbus A380 is a great aircraft to fly on, it does lose its “demi-cabin” feel.

The one bonus on the Airbus A380 is that there are side bins along the windows for storage. However, beware passengers behind you using them as a foot rest. Ugh!

If the cabin is not full, and there is little by way of through traffic from other cabins, it can feel very peaceful and relaxing during the flight. If not, it can be much less so.

The main features of the seat are:

– Seat pitch of 38 inches and width of 18.5/20 inches – 10.6 inch in flight entertainment screen. – Adjustable “hammock style” headrest – At seat cocktail table – A fold-out half/full tray table – Adjustable foot rest – Adjustable leg rest (front row seats only) – Universal and USB plug sockets

Needless to say, the front rows offer the best seats. The worst seats are centre seats and those towards the back of the cabin where you do risk noise from the front row of World Traveller.

It should also be noted that the recline of the seat is quite deep. Whilst this is good for sleeping, some passengers struggle to get out of their seats if the seat in front is fully reclined.

In-flight Service

The in-flight service is essentially an enhanced version of BA’s World Traveller service, as served by the same crew.

The principal differences are:

– Noise cancelling headphones – Pre take-off drinks of water, juice and sparkling wine – Hot towels – Printed menus – An enhanced first meal tray with bread from a basket and a main course from the Club World menu served in a china dish

Extra drinks runs and, to use BA lexicon, “surprise and delight” moments for frequent flyers depend very much on the crew on the day. There are no dedicated snack bar type areas for World Traveller Plus. You can of course go the World Traveller galleys for tuck boxes where these are available.

If there was one criticism in particular is that the 2nd meal, particularly on inbound overnight flights to London, could be more substantial (and with lower sugar content).

Update January 2019: Please see here for details of BA’s new catering service from February 2019.

Here’s a selection of menus and meals from the past on three different transatlantic routes in the past 12 months or so:

How does it compare to World Traveller?

Can I let you in a secret?

No, dear reader, please don’t write in. What can be said with confidence is that having observed the World Traveller cabin on the Boeing 787-8, the seating does look incredibly tight. As are the aisles. So, by any measure, World Traveller Plus is a significant upgrade on this aircraft.

One difference between BA and many other airlines is that it does not offer any “economy comfort” type seats with extra leg room. Bar exit row seats in World Traveller, this is the only option for improved comfort.

Upgrading to Club World

Arguably one the main benefits of World Traveller Plus is it can be an easy way of upgrading to Club World. This can be done in three ways:

1. Operational Upgrades

These are most likely for Silver and Gold Executive Club members. If BA has oversold either World Traveller or World Traveller Plus, some World Traveller Plus passengers will be upgraded to Club World. This will depend very much on the profile of the route and seasonal demand patterns. Overselling is a long-standing and sophisticated revenue management technique all within the control of BA, so please don’t ask for an upgrade.

2. Paid-for Upgrades

BA does offer paid-for upgrade offers to Club World in the Manage My Booking tool and the BA smartphone app.

These will come and go at any point from the time of purchase. From experience, these are only offered when flying direct to and from the same airport. So if you are flying to New York JFK and back from Boston, you will not see any of these offers.

Again, these will depend very much on the profile of the route and seasonal demand patterns. The price will very from around £400 to £700+ one-way, which is probably beyond what most would consider reasonable. These are a convenient way for BA to convert what would otherwise be free operational upgrades into paid for upgrades. From experience, a lower price indicates BA has oversold the cabin. A higher price indicates BA sees no need to offer discounted Club World seats. You may also see promotional signs at some airports.

3. Upgrade using Avios

You can use Avios to upgrade, subject to availability.

The cost is the difference between the number of Avios needed to book a reward flight in Club World and the number of Avios needed to book a reward flight in World Traveller Plus on your route.

So, on London Heathrow to New York JFK, it would cost 60,000 Avios minus 40,000 Avios (20,000 Avios) to upgrade one-way. This is not the best value use of Avios, but it’s there if you need it.

It should also be said that if your booked to fly in World Traveller, all of the above are also available to use to upgrade to World Traveller Plus.

Is it worth it?

This is very subjective. It is if:

1. You value being in a smaller and quieter cabin 2. You value guaranteed extra seat-width, leg-room and a better at seat table 3. You are travelling with a partner and want seats alone together 4. You don’t sleep easily in economy 5. You are able and willing to upgrade to Club World if the opportunity is available 6. You want to earn extra tier points and Avios.

In our view, it’s at its best when seated in an exit row on either the Airbus A380 or Boeing 787.

On a day flight, the only thing it really lacks compared to Club World is personal privacy. On a night flight, whilst the seat is obviously not comparable to a flat bed, combined with a more comfortable cabin environment on newer generation aircraft, it is adequate for a reasonable night’s sleep.

More to read on British Airways:

Here are our latest posts on BA:

• British Airways Launches Gatwick – Vancouver
• British Airways Overnight Bag Drop Changes
• British Airways Suspends London City – Luxembourg
• British Airways Launches Gatwick – Aruba & Georgetown
• British Airways Moves To Terminal C At Orlando Airport
• British Airways Adds Winter Seasonal Routes At Gatwick
• British Airways’ 2022 Half Year Results
• IAG Orders More Airbus A320neo Aircraft
• British Airways Relaunches London Gatwick – Cape Town
• British Airways Heathrow Long Haul Winter Schedule Changes
• British Airways Closes Amsterdam Lounge
• British Airways Suspends London Heathrow – Bangkok
• Airportr Expands BA Luggage Collection Service To Geneva
• BA Adds Flexibility For All Heathrow Passengers
• British Airways Suspends London Gatwick – Manchester

Share this story:

• Share on Tumblr

One thought on “Flying British Airways World Traveller Plus”

Do agree that cash upgrades are best using this cabin or even better using avios to upgrade if there is availability in Club World. Would like to see a review on the new premium economy dining when it arrives.

We welcome any thoughts and comments below: Cancel reply

Discover more from london air travel.

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Type your email…

Continue reading

• Credit cards
• View all credit cards
• Banking guide
• Loans guide
• Insurance guide
• Personal finance
• View all personal finance
• Small business
• Small business guide
• View all taxes

You’re our first priority. Every time.

We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence. And while our site doesn’t feature every company or financial product available on the market, we’re proud that the guidance we offer, the information we provide and the tools we create are objective, independent, straightforward — and free.

So how do we make money? Our partners compensate us. This may influence which products we review and write about (and where those products appear on the site), but it in no way affects our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in thousands of hours of research. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services. Here is a list of our partners .

British Airways Baggage Policies and Fees

Many, or all, of the products featured on this page are from our advertising partners who compensate us when you take certain actions on our website or click to take an action on their website. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

British Airways is one of the largest airlines when it comes to flying across the Atlantic, offering travelers the option to "cross the pond" in options including economy to true first class. It's the class of service that determines your British Airways baggage allowance — from no free checked bags up to three checked bags of 70 pounds each.

Let's dive into the details of British Airways' checked baggage and carry-on bag policies and fees.

» Learn more: The best airline credit cards right now

How to find your British Airways baggage allowance

If you've already booked your flight, the easiest way to find your baggage allowance is by logging into your reservation via Manage My Booking . After entering your booking reference number and last name, select your flight to see the details of your booking. As shown in the example below, under "Your flight choices," you'll find your seat selection and baggage allowance.

Whether you've booked a flight or not, you can always check your baggage allowance using the baggage allowance tool on British Airways' website . You'll need to enter the route, departure date, ticketing date and booking class.

As an example, I searched for a premium economy seat on a flight from New York to London on Feb. 1, 2024 (ticketed on August 1, 2023). This ticket would get two free checked bags up to 51 pounds (23 kilograms) measuring up to 35 x 30 x 17 inches (90 x 75 x 43 centimeters).

Generally, the British Airways baggage policy depends on what fare type you booked:

Economy Basic: No checked bags.

Economy: One checked bag up to 51 pounds (23 kilograms).

Premium economy: Two checked bags up to 51 pounds each.

Business: Two checked bags of up to 70 pounds (32 kilograms) each.

First: Three checked bags up to 70 pounds each.

British Airways overweight and oversized baggage fees

You may need to pay an overweight bag fee if your bag weighs more than 51 pounds (23 kilograms) and you're flying in economy or premium economy. The overweight bag fee depends on the currency used in the country that you're departing from. The primary options are:

65 Great British pounds.

100 U.S. dollars.

100 Canadian dollars.

If you're departing from a country that uses a different local currency, the GBP amount will be converted to that local currency.

Note that British Airways doesn't accept any checked bags weighing more than 70 pounds (32 kilograms).

However, British Airways does accept some oversized bags — those measuring larger than 35 x 30 x 17 inches (90 x 75 x 43 centimeters) — as part of your standard baggage allowance and without additional fees. However, you'll need to check these "out-of-gauge bags" at a special bag drop at least 90 minutes before departure.

The maximum size for British Airways checked baggage is 74 x 29 x 25 inches (190 x 75 x 65 centimeters).

» Learn more: The guide to British Airways fees

What are British Airways carry-on bag size dimensions?

All British Airways tickets include a "cabin bag" and "hand bag." The maximum weight and dimensions differ between these two types of British Airways carry-on bags.

Your "hand bag" — also known as a "personal item" on other airlines — can measure up to 16 x 12 x 6 inches (40 x 30 x 15 centimeters) and weigh up to 51 pounds (23 kilograms). This bag is guaranteed to fly in the cabin with you. So be sure to pack your essential items in this bag — such as electronics, medicines, travel documents and battery packs.

Meanwhile, your "cabin bag" can measure up to 22 x 18 x 10 inches (56 x 45 x 25 centimeters) and weigh up to 51 pounds (23 kilograms). This bag may need to be checked depending on how full your flight is, so don't pack anything critical in it.

» Learn more: The guide to British Airways Executive Club

How to increase your British Airways checked baggage allowance

What if the current British Airways baggage allowance isn’t cutting it for your trip? Here are a couple of ways that you can boost your baggage allowance with British Airways.

Oneworld alliance elite status

Travelers with Sapphire or Emerald Oneworld elite status get an extra checked bag on most British Airways fares. If you have Oneworld Sapphire elite status, you'll get two checked bags up to 70 pounds (32 kilograms) each, regardless of which cabin you booked. Oneworld Emerald travelers get one additional checked bag up to 70 pounds (32 kilograms), plus up to 70 pounds (32 kilograms) on all other checked bags.

Critically, British Airways opts out of providing these Oneworld elite benefits on its "hand baggage-only" basic economy fares. Travelers who book these basic economy fares won't get a free checked bag regardless of their elite status.

For reference, the following airline elite statuses grant Oneworld Sapphire status:

British Airways Silver.

American Airlines Platinum .

Alaska Airlines MVP Gold .

And the following elite status members get Oneworld Emerald benefits:

British Airways Gold.

American Airlines Platinum Pro and Executive Platinum .

Alaska Airlines MVP Gold 75K and MVP Gold 100K .

Remember that you can get American Airlines AAdvantage elite status solely from spending on an eligible AAdvantage credit card. That means you can potentially spend your way to free baggage allowance on British Airways without taking a single flight.

» Learn more: American Airlines Loyalty Points: How to earn AAdvantage elite status

Upgrade your booking class

If you're facing steep extra baggage fees, it may be worth checking the cost to upgrade your ticket to a premium cabin . Upgrading from standard economy to premium economy will get you a second free checked bag up to 51 pounds (23 kilograms).

Meanwhile, switching from premium economy to business class will boost your per-bag allowance from 51 pounds (23 kilograms) to 70 pounds (32 kilograms) each. And upgrading from business class to first class gets you a third checked bag of up to 70 pounds (32 kilograms).

Check the terms associated with your ticket to ensure you're actually getting the additional baggage allowance as part of the upgrade.

Final thoughts on British Airways checked baggage allowance

British Airways includes a free carry-on bag and personal item with all tickets. However, you won't be able to check a bag for free if you book one of its cheapest basic economy fares. All other fares include at least one checked bag of up to 51 pounds (23 kilograms) — or up to 70 pounds (32 kilograms) on business and first class fares.

Oneworld elite members may get an additional checked bag on British Airways, depending on their status tier and the booking class. However, even top-tier elites can't avoid British Airways' restriction on basic economy fares.

(Top photo courtesy of British Airways)

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

On a similar note...

Everything you need to know about British Airways’ fare classes

Editor's note: This story has been updated with new information.

Have you ever heard someone say something along the lines of, "I'm flying in J" and wondered what on earth they could mean?

Or, have you checked your flight on ExpertFlyer and been surprised by the sea of letters showing for each British Airways flight when you know there are only four actual classes the airline flies — First , Club World / Club Suite (business), World Traveller Plus (premium economy) and World Traveller (economy)?

Follow The Points Guy on Facebook and Twitter , and to ensure you never miss anything, subscribe to our daily newsletter .

Why so many fare classes?

British Airways has 22 fare classes and four redemption classes. Revenue fare classes are bookable for cash whilst redemption fare classes are for Avios or mileage bookings.

Broadly speaking, the different fare classes within each cabin correlate both to the cost of the ticket as well as the flexibility of the fare offered. The lower classes usually sell first, so as a flight gets busier, the lower classes will fill up and BA will only sell higher, more expensive fare classes. Typically, the closer to your travel date, the higher the fare class — either because the plane has filled up anyway or because BA might only sell higher fare classes closer to the departure date, as it knows it can command higher prices for last-minute bookings.

BA's fare classes break down as follows:

• First: F (flexible) and A (discounted) as revenue fare classes and Z for reward redemptions;
• Club World (business class): J, C, D, R and I (with I being the cheapest) for revenue and U for reward bookings;
• World Traveller Plus (premium economy), W, E and T for revenue and P for reward bookings; and
• World Traveller (economy): Y, B, H, K, M, L, V, S, N, Q, O, G and P for revenue and X for reward bookings.

It's worth noting that based on which fare class you're booked in, the number of Avios you'll get in return will vary.

The table above shows the breakdown of Avios and Tier Points for BA's different fare classes. For example with the lowest economy classes (G, O and Q) you'll earn 25% of the miles flown and 25% of the Tier Points. A mid-range fare, such as this example roundtrip itinerary from Newark (EWR) to London (LHR), will earn you half of the miles flown. In this case, since it's an L class Basic Economy, you would earn 3,458 Avios.

If I book the same flight but choose a Premium Economy seat (a T class fare), I would earn 100% of the miles flown in Avios, which in this case would be 6,916.

It's also worth noting that G class, one of the most heavily discounted BA fare classes in economy, is reserved for travel agent bookings , including BA holidays. That's why it sometimes pays to add a car or hotel to your booking — that way, you might be able to book into G even if booking the flight on its own would only let you book into a higher fare class.

What the numbers mean

In the example above, the sea of 9s doesn't mean that there are only nine seats available in each class. Nine is the highest number that can be displayed for BA (for some airlines it's seven), and the fare classes are all related. For example, if you book nine seats in O class, it's highly likely that there won't be nine available in Q and that number goes down. That's why you might see BA offer four seats for sale on a flight when there's actually only one left .

Looking at a week-long trip to New York in February next year, a return ticket in Y, which is a fully flexible economy class, costs £2,291. The same ticket can be had for £301 if choosing the cheapest option, O class. The latter does not allow any bags or seat selection, and nor does it allow any changes, whilst the former is fully flexible, as the passenger can change the time, date and receive a full refund if it needs to be cancelled.

Despite the £2,000 price difference between the two tickets, the seat and food for those two tickets would be exactly the same. Of course, there are good and bad seats in each — our guides help you pick the best seats in any BA cabin .

The crazy thing about the fully flexible example economy price is that discounted premium economy can be had for £587, and even discounted business class can be had for £1,333 — a saving of £700 from that fully flexible economy seat. Now, that's a sale price (and a decent one from London ) and has no flexibility. In other words, you couldn't change dates nor get a refund.

Bottom line

Understanding fare classes and how you can use them in conjunction with ExpertFlyer can help you find cheaper flights. If the particular flight or day you are looking for doesn't have the price you were expecting or hoping for, it's worth having a browse on ExpertFlyer to find a date that has lower fare classes available. In addition to also helping you understand what you'll earn on the flight, you'll be able to impress your AvGeek friends at the next dinner party.

BA World Traveller Plus – Is This Premium Economy Worth It?

The British Airways premium economy class service known as BA World Traveller Plus provides more space and comfort than the regular economy class service. But is it worth the extra money? Let’s take a closer look. You’ll see that, on balance, I would still pay for this service even though it has declined.

I’m rarely a business air traveller so most of my flights are holiday flights. These are short haul into Europe or long haul to the Caribbean. As I don’t fly often enough, and with the impact of travel restrictions during the pandemic of 2020/2021, my formerly Silver BA Executive Club membership has been downgraded to Bronze due to the fact that I haven’t collected enough tier points.

In another post, I’ve compared BA to Virgin but in this one, I’m going to explain how things have declined in BA’s premium economy service. These impressions are based on the experience of flying from London Heathrow to Barbados and back. Other flights, particularly the longer flights to South Africa, Asia, or the west coast of America may be different.

What do you get with BA World Traveller Plus?

The BA website tells us that upgrading to World Traveller Plus is “exciting”. Well, perhaps I’m a little jaded but my recent experiences have left me thoroughly underwhelmed.

The Premium Economy cabin is in front of Economy and behind Business Class. You certainly do get a wider seat, greater seat pitch, a foot rest, and extra leg room. There’s a cushion for that all important lumbar support on a long flight, and blanket for the night flight home.

There is a greater baggage allowance and priority boarding for World Traveller Plus, after First, Business, and families with young children and those who require extra support. 

The BA website tells you that you can expect two “delicious” meals. This was not the case in my experience. There is a complimentary bar service though you may have a wait a while to get served.

The noise reducing headphones supplied with each seat are an improvement from those of a few years ago. This is probably the only thing that has improved in a British Airways Premium Economy seat. I used to fly with a pair of Bose noise cancelling headphones but I won’t bother to take them any more if I’m flying BA World Traveller Plus.

The entertainment system is good. It contains a wide selection of the latest films, TV, music, audio books , and games, so there’s enough there to keep most people occupied for most flights.

You’re also supposed to receive an amenity kit but I don’t recall seeing any, and there were no separate toilets for World Traveller Plus passengers on our flight aboard a Boeing 777. The only option were those behind the curtain separating Economy from Premium Economy.

London Heathrow LHR to New York JFK

What did you use to get with ba world traveller plus.

If my memory serves me correctly then these things have been withdrawn:

• No glass of sparkling wine is offered after boarding and before take off
• No cheese and biscuits are offered with the main meal
• No extra drink offered after the main meal
• No brandy or cream liqueur is offered after the main meal
• No additional sweets or ice creams
• Sub-standard low-quality second meal (afternoon tea on the way out, breakfast on the way back)

Understandably, British Airways has had to find ways to save money after the impact of travel restrictions during the Covid pandemic. Across an airline, these cost-cutting measures would make a huge difference, but for the passengers paying higher prices each year the downgrade in terms of perks is very noticeable and weakens their loyalty to the airline.

British Airways Cabin Crew

It can’t be easy, being a flight attendant . Long hours, low pay, stress, jet lag, the threat of redundancy in a volatile industry, and all for looking after what are sometimes obnoxious and often demanding passengers.

On the other hand, without the passengers there would be no job. We rely on each other, and the fact is that, from a passenger’s point of view, a smiling and cheerful flight attendant can make a big impact on the flight experience, and therefore on the prospects of repeat custom. A surly and unfriendly face in the uniform can do the exact opposite.

I’ve experienced both demeanors while travelling with British Airways. I’ve seen courteous, professional, and cheerful flight attendants doing their utmost make the journey enjoyable. On the other hand I’ve seen crew with faces that would turn milk sour. Everyone has their bad days but it gets to the point at which you dislike the passengers and don’t look forward to work anymore then you’re in the wrong job.

BA World Traveller Plus with a baby

Passengers travelling with infants are allocated the first row of seats in the World Traveller Plus cabin. This is behind the bulkhead separating the cabin from the Business Class cabin. The seats have a pull-down table in front of them onto which the infant’s cot can be strapped. For those not wanting to sit near any parents with their babies, the best seats are those a few rows back, but not in the back row of the small cabin.

What is BA World Traveller Plus?

British Airways World Traveller Plus is the premium economy class cabin offered by British Airways. It is a step up from the standard economy class and provides passengers with additional benefits and features designed to enhance their flying experience.

Passengers travelling in British Airways World Traveller Plus enjoy wider seats with more legroom and additional recline, providing greater comfort and relaxation. The cabin is generally located closer to the front of the aircraft than standard economy, allowing for faster boarding and disembarkation.

World Traveller Plus passengers also receive a range of other benefits, including priority check-in and boarding, increased baggage allowance, noise-cancelling headphones, and an upgraded dining experience with a choice of complimentary meals, drinks, and snacks.

Does BA World Traveller Plus get lounge access?

No, there is no free lounge access with a World Traveller Plus ticket. You’ll need to be a BA Executive Club Silver cardholder or higher.

Does BA World Traveller Plus get priority check-in?

There is a separate desk for World Traveller Plus but I’ve rarely found it to make any significant difference. If you’ve already checked in online and printed your boarding pass then there’s little more to do than have these checked and drop your bags.

How does BA World Traveller Plus compare with VA Premium Economy?

In terms of seat comfort and space, both cabins offer wider seats with extra legroom and increased recline compared to standard economy. However, Virgin Atlantic’s Premium Economy cabin generally provides a bit more legroom and seat width than British Airways World Traveller Plus.

Both airlines offer similar benefits such as priority check-in, boarding and baggage handling, upgraded dining options, amenity kits, and in-flight entertainment systems.

One of the main differences between the two cabins is the type of seat that is offered. British Airways World Traveller Plus features a fixed shell seat, which provides a high level of privacy and comfort, while Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy features a recliner seat with a footrest. The recliner seat is a good option for passengers who want to stretch out and relax, while the fixed shell seat is ideal for those who want more privacy and a more business-class like experience.

How much extra is World Traveller Plus?

Ticket prices vary greatly according to demand, day of the week, time of day, and seasonal holidays. The three snapshots shown below for ticket prices for flights from Heathrow to New York in the Spring of 2023 illustrate these variations.

They also show how there is no fixed percentage for the upgrade from Economy to Premium Economy. So the answer to the question, “How much extra is World Traveller Plus?” is “It depends when you fly. You can pay a small percentage higher than the Economy ticket but it could also be nearly double.”

You can also upgrade to a British Airways World Traveller Plus seat using your Avios points. This particularly useful for the solo traveller who might be flexible about the date of travel.

Is BA World Traveller Plus worth it?

On balance, I would still buy a BA premium economy seat, particularly for long haul flights, but that’s because I’m fairly tall and I like the few extras that remain. Air travel should be stress free and enjoyable and I’ll take advantage of those things I can afford to meet that goal. More room in a smaller cabin on a longer trip is a plus.

Despite the cutbacks the majority of the benefits remain; priority check in, priority boarding, more room, etc. I like to board earlier, settle into the bigger seat with extra leg room, and hope that maybe this time the food and service will be better. But it often feels like the triumph of hope over experience.

British Airways in the media

“…we need to hark back to the days when BA planes drew gasps of admiration from our French neighbours, as hilariously depicted in one of the “Fly The Flag” commercials from the Eighties, rather than offering competition to Ryanair. If you want to sell Britain abroad it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see that a successful flapship airline is an invaluable asset.” Mariella Frostrup, The Daily Telegraph , November 2017

AIRLINE: British Airways. I have Stockholm syndrome—the worse they treat me, the more devoted I become! Mariella Frostrup, Air Mail , July 2022

Similar Posts

The Disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 in 2014: Facts & Theories

The disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 on March 8, 2014 has baffled investigators and remained an open wound for aggrieved families for nine years.  Now, a new three-part documentary series on Netflix has generated renewed interest in this aviation mystery and attracted legions of new onlookers to what remains the unexplained loss of a…

Skiplagging: Why You Should Avoid The Hidden-City Ticketing Hack

Skiplagging, also known as hidden city ticketing, is a travel hack where passengers book a flight from city A to city C with a stopover in city B.  The passenger then disembarks at city B.  Air travelers like it because it can save up to 25% on an airfare, and airlines loathe it because it…

Why Every Aviation Safety Briefing Should Include a UFO Status Report

Isn’t it time we took UFOs seriously and included them in every aviation safety briefing? In light of recent events in the USA and Canada, not to mention hundreds of other such incidents over the years, reported by both civilian and military pilots, UFOs (or UAP if you prefer the less stigmatised term) are a…

Revealed: The best airline food tips for eating at 36,000ft

Good quality food is an essential ingredient in air travel. Airlines that serve the best airline food cultivate loyalty among their frequent flyers, and those that disappoint passengers can expect to lose out to the competition.  Over the years, airline food has developed a reputation for being mediocre at best, but times have changed, and…

Play Airline Review: A Summary for the Curious Traveller

Legacy carriers have long dominated the skies, but there’s always room for budget carriers who spot an opening. The emergence of Play Airline is an example of contemporary entrepreneurship fused with Icelandic ingenuity. Founded amidst the tumult of the 21st century’s third decade, Play has rapidly sculpted a niche within the competitive airspace of transatlantic…

Sexy Flight Attendants: Separating Reality From The Fantasy And The Glamorous Myth

It’s International Women’s Day today, so you might think a blog post with the phrase ‘sexy flight attendants‘ in the title is a bit off, but bear with me on this. Flight attendants, or to use the UK terminology, cabin crew, continue to provoke fantasies in men and a sense of glamour in women. This…

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

We use cookies

We use cookies and other tracking technologies to improve your browsing experience on our website, to show you personalized content and targeted ads, to analyze our website traffic, and to understand where our visitors are coming from.

BA World Traveller Plus - worth the Avios?

20 Feb 2023

Avios Points (57)

BA Lounge (4)

Premium Economy (9)

World Traveller Plus (3)

Business Class (18)

Last Updated: 20 Feb 2024

World Traveller Plus (WTP), British Airways’ Premium Economy offering available on long-haul flights, tends to receive mixed reviews when it comes to using Avios to book them. The first question every Avios collector usually asks when they’re considering booking this cabin class is - is it worth the Avios? (it’s considerably more than standard economy). Or should they just plump for Business Class seats instead if they have enough points available? 

It really depends on what is important to the traveller and how he values that benefit. That being said, there are some good value options for Premium Economy Avios reward seats . Here we take a look at what to expect, according to travellers, as well as times it might make sense to opt for Premium Economy.

Download the RFF Mobile App

Simplify your reward flight finding journey.

Our app helps you find reward seats with the touch of a button!

Airport Check-In

Although you won’t receive access to a dedicated check-in, you’ll benefit from an extra baggage allowance - you can check in two bags weighing up to 23kg each per passenger.

This is a big bonus for families, especially those with younger children. Priority boarding is another favourable draw for parents - enabling them to get the kids on board and settled with plenty of time prior to taking off. Premium Economy priority boarding typically means you’ll be in Group 3 of 9, so whilst you’re not right up there at the front of the queue, you’ll still notice a speedier walk to your seat. 

Do you get Lounge access?

Unfortunately, Premium Economy doesn’t give you access to BA Lounges . You have to make do with the standard departure facilities pre-flight. It’s not all bad, however. Terminals typically offer a good range of places to eat, drink or shop before you board the plane, particularly London Heathrow. But be prepared for the hustle and bustle that you usually avoid by heading to the Lounge. 

If Lounge access is non-negotiable for you, you can purchase access to one of the airport Lounges. At London Heathrow, you can use Club Aspire Lounges in T3 and T5, where you can enjoy complimentary snacks, beers, wines, soft drinks and hot beverages, as well as free wifi and comfortable seating areas. Prices start from £35, per adult, for three hours. 

Cabin and in-flight experience 

This is where you’ll notice the difference between Economy and World Traveller Plus Avios reward seats. There is a separate, smaller cabin. With fewer rows, the cabin is quieter and more spacious - the seats are wider too - and it feels more exclusive and comfortable than standard economy. Pranjal Pande says that “I had a lot more legroom in WTP and could get out of my seat without bothering my neighbour”, and JT Genter says that “for many passengers, the main reason to book Premium Economy instead of Economy is the larger seats. And British Airways certainly delivers in this regard”. 

If you want a pillow and duvet, just ask and the flight attendants are happy to provide them. Premium Economy seats also benefit from the lumbar support, extra legroom and extra reclining ability to make rest and sleep a much more comfortable experience. 

How many Avios Do i need ?

Uncover the right amount for your dream trip!

You can enjoy your own personal in-flight entertainment system (Screen size 50% larger than Economy), with noise-cancelling headphones, which Pranjal Pande believes “are high quality and a step-up from the earbuds found in Economy”.

As well as in-flight entertainment, you can charge your phone, tablet or laptop using the in-seat charging points. You’ll also receive a stylish amenity kit , including an eye mask, toothpaste, toothbrush and lip balm to freshen up whenever you’d like to. 

If your flight is long-haul, you’ll get two meals during your journey, as well as a complimentary drinks service, including cocktails if you’d like to indulge a little. Your main meal will come on a real plate, with silverware, rather than the standard plastic packaging and cutlery you have in Economy. JT Genter says that “British Airways provides notably better food and drink service in Premium Economy as compared with Economy”. Dishes available on recent menus include tomato, mozzarella and pesto salad, salmon teriyaki and raspberry cheesecake. 

Cost of WTP reward seats - Is it value for Avios spend?

Long haul Economy seats represent poor value for Avios spend, due to the high cash fees and taxes. Avios collectors tend to prefer British Airways Business Class reward seats for long haul because they represent excellent value for Avios point spend and travellers can benefit from some great savings on comparable cash seats. However, if you’re flying long haul but don’t quite have the Avios balance to splurge on Business Class , booking Premium Economy reward seats does provide extra levels of comfort for your journey. 

Whether Premium Economy is worth the Avios spend really depends on the traveller’s needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a bigger seat and more legroom, or need a bigger baggage allowance, or just need greater comfort than provided in Economy, the Avios spend may well make sense to you. 

The Points Insider says that “little touches offered on other airlines in Premium Economy, like a welcome drink, use of the premium bathrooms, and better food and drink choices” would be a welcome addition. The Luxury Travel Diary advises that Premium Economy is worth the extra cost, particularly if you’re taking a long-haul daytime flight, but for overnight journeys, Business Class is the better option because it allows for a good night's sleep. 

Although travellers like JT Genter believe that British Airways offers one of the best Premium Economy products available, the team at RFF wouldn’t recommend spending more than 50% over the Avios points needed to book the equivalent Economy reward seat when it comes to Premium Economy, or your booking starts to represent poor cash value per Avios point. 

The best way to compare the total cost of the Economy and Premium Economy Avios reward seats is to use the general valuation of 1p per Avios. You can calculate the equivalent value for each seat before making a decision. 

Let’s use an example from London to Barbados . Using our Search Calendar and Avios calculator we can see that Off Peak Economy seats in September 2023 cost 60,000 Avios + £150, equivalent to £750. Off Peak, Premium Economy seats cost 95,000 Avios + £330, equivalent to £1280. That’s quite a hike (70%) over the economy seat cost. Premium Economy cash tickets for the same dates cost £1165. Only the traveller can decide whether paying an additional 35,000 Avios and an extra £180 is worth it. 

Create An Account

Don't miss out on your dream reward seats

If you’d like to see what World Traveller Plus Avios options might work for you, you can use our BA redemption finder at rewardflightfinder.com to find BA reward flight availability up to a year ahead, and our search calendar will even tell you how many seats are available. Our tools work like an Avios calculator, they’ll tell you the points you need to book reward seats for your journey. Better still, if you sign up for a Reward Flight Finder membership you can maximise your chances of getting your ideal British Airways Avios reward seats by setting travel Alerts, and we’ll notify you when your preferred seats are available to book.

Related Articles

29 Jun 2023

14 Sep 2023

21 Nov 2022

©2024 Reward Flight Finder Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

Euro Traveller

Welcome to Euro Traveller, our UK and European economy class which offers great value fares, an extensive network of conveniently located airports and much more.

Your Euro Traveller Experience

• High Life Café menu available to buy before you fly
• Complimentary bottle of water and a snack – and a light bite, snacks and bar service on selected longer flights
• Generous baggage allowance
• High-speed Wi-Fi on most aircraft, with free messaging on your personal device for Executive Club Members
• Pre-order duty free from our High Life Shop
• Contoured leather seats and access to in-seat power on most aircraft

Please see below for variations *

High Life Café

Discover our in-flight High Life Café menu with a selection of sweet or savoury treats and drinks. Or choose from a wider online range and take advantage of special offers and extra savings. Have your favourites, including a gourmet range by Michelin-starred chef, Tom Kerridge , delivered to your seat on board. Plus, you can pay with your Avios if you’re an Executive Club Member.

Treat yourself to the airport lounge

Sit back and relax before your flight with Lounge Pass, your key to non-British Airways airport lounges across the globe, no matter what airline you are flying with or cabin you are travelling in. Enjoy light refreshments such as alcohol and food, Wi-Fi and a selection of newspapers and magazines while you wait to board, plus Executive Club Members can collect 5 Avios per £1/€1/$1 spent.

Short-haul fares to suit you

Our fare structure gives you a choice of three fares when you fly in Euro Traveller: Basic, Plus and Plus Flex. This gives you greater flexibility and allows you to pay for only the benefits and services you need.

Economy Basic

• Generous hand baggage allowance (cabin and hand bag)
• Seat allocated when you check in
• Option of paying to add a checked bag, choose your seat, or other extras via Manage My Booking

Economy Plus

• 23kg checked baggage allowance in addition to your hand baggage allowance
• Choose your seat from 48 hours before you fly
• Change your flight on the day of travel, up to one hour before your scheduled departure time*
• Changes at any other time can be made at Manage My Booking  or via your travel agent

Economy Plus Flex

• Cancel your flight for a full refund if you need to
• Choose your seat when you book
• Change your flight at any point up to one hour before your scheduled departure time*

*Valid on direct British Airways flights where baggage has not been checked in to your original flight

*Variations

Aircraft variations Wherever and whenever you fly in Euro Traveller you can expect the same impeccable standard and warm service by our attentive crew, but some of the features and cabin elements may vary according to the time and duration of your flight and the type of aircraft in use.

Food and drink variations  If you are flying to or from Amman, Cairo and Tel Aviv you will be served with a light bite, snacks and a bar service. The High Life Cafe is not available on these routes.  If you are flying to or from Dublin on an Emerald Airlines flight, complimentary water and a snack is not available. 

Baggage allowance variation  If you're flying to or from Dublin with Emerald Airlines, you’ll have a different cabin baggage allowance. Full details will be emailed to you after booking.

Simple Flying

British airways' baggage allowance: 5 things you need to know.

Your changes have been saved

Email Is sent

Please verify your email address.

You’ve reached your account maximum for followed topics.

• British Airways offers a generous baggage allowance for passengers in all travel classes, with weights ranging from 23kg to 32kg per bag.
• Carry-on bags must adhere to size restrictions, but weight restrictions are more lenient and bags can weigh up to 23kg.
• Oversized or heavy items may incur additional charges or need to be shipped as cargo, and passengers should check with partner airlines for their specific baggage allowances.

Britain’s national airline, British Airways, is known for its hospitality and service on the ground and in the air. Part of the airline's service is its baggage allowance for air passengers. As a full-service airline, British Airways takes pride in offering a generous baggage allowance in all travel classes.

Simple Flying provides baggage information essential for passengers traveling with the airline, as highlighted by British Airways.

1 British Airways checked baggage allowance

The allowance varies based on the fare type and cabin.

The checked baggage allowance differs based on the fare type and cabin. Passengers traveling on the Economy Basic fare do not get a free checked baggage allowance. Standard Economy and Premium Economy passengers are entitled to checked baggage allowance, up to 23 kg (51 lb) per bag. Business and First class passengers receive a generous weight allowance of up to 32 kg (70 lb) per bag.

All passengers can purchase additional baggage before or upon check-in. Notably, the cost of additional baggage and the number of bags that can be purchased depending on the class of travel and destination. British Airways also follows a rather strict baggage size policy for checked baggage.

2 British Airways carry-on size

The airline restricts passengers for handbag and cabin bag sizes.

British Airways provides a specific allowance for carry-on bags. Passengers must particularly follow size restrictions for carry-on bags. The airline provides cabin bags and handbag dimensions (height, width, and depth). However, unlike many large international airlines that weigh carry-on bags upon check-in, British Airways allows generous weight for the carry-on bags.

Which Airlines Have The Most Generous Checked Baggage Allowances?

A roundup of base economy fare luggage limits, and the costs you'll incur to bring more.

Passengers can take up to 23 kg (51 lb) in the carry-on as long as the size of the bag is within the allowed dimensions. The airline may penalize oversized cabin bags, the cost of which depends on fare type and destination. It is noteworthy that the listed dimensions include straps and wheels, particularly on the cabin bags.

3 British Airways baggage contents allowance

Out-of-gauge or oversized items must be treated differently.

The airline allows passengers to travel with almost anything (except for restricted items), including sports gear and music instruments. When traveling with sports or music equipment, passengers must ensure that the size of the equipment is within the allowable limit. Small equipment can be taken onboard as a carry-on bag.

Oversized equipment can be allowed, but passengers may need to take additional steps. Anything larger or heavier must be secured properly and shipped as cargo. Other out-of-gauge pieces, such as snow sports bags, must be dropped off at the oversized baggage area at least 90 minutes before the flight time.

4 Extra weight or size

The airline charges for overweight or oversized bags.

The extra checked baggage allowance depends on the space available in the aircraft. One may wonder how much space one or two extra bags would require in an aircraft. However, airplanes must follow precise weight and balance to ensure a safe flight.

The cost of extra checked baggage depends on the class of travel and destination. Passengers are always restricted to the number of bags/pieces they can check in. In terms of carry-on bags, most passengers are allowed to carry up to two items. According to the airline,

“If you have more than two pieces of hand baggage, or they’re over the permitted size , you may have to put your larger bags into the hold as checked baggage.”

Putting the carry-on bags in the luggage hold also means extra cost per piece.

Check out all the latest European aviation news here.

5 Baggage allowance on partner airlines

Varies based on the flight number.

British Airways’ baggage policy on partner airlines varies based on the ticket type, the longest flight in the itinerary, and the first airline the passenger checks in to.

According to the airline,

“If your flight number begins with anything other than ‘BA’ (e.g. AA123456X), you’re flying with one of our partners and your baggage allowances may be different. If a journey with connecting flights includes ‘BA’ and other airline codes, your baggage allowance is generally determined by the airline that operates the longest flight in your itinerary.”

British Airways Is Now Letting American Express Cardholders Earn Tier Points On Spending

UK-based British Airways cardholders have the opportunity to reach elite status quicker now.

British Airways recommends passengers on partner airlines to check with the airline operating the first and/or the longest leg of the journey to avoid any confusion.

What are your thoughts on British Airways’ baggage policy for various travel classes? Have you traveled with the airline recently? Share your experience in the comments section.

British Airways

Advertiser Disclosure

Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive financial compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). However, the credit card information that we publish has been written and evaluated by experts who know these products inside out. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers that are on the market.  See our advertising policy here where we list advertisers that we work with, and how we make money. You can also review our  credit card rating methodology .

British Airways Baggage Fees & Tips To Cover the Expenses

Erin Miller

Content Contributor

188 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 26 U.S. States Visited: 28

Stella Shon

News Managing Editor

106 Published Articles 733 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 25 U.S. States Visited: 22

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

38 Published Articles 3331 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 47 U.S. States Visited: 28

Table of Contents

British airways carry-on allowance, british airways checked baggage allowance, additional/excess baggage fees, exclusions and waivers, can i prepay for baggage, credit cards that reimburse you for checked bag fees.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our  Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

British Airways utilizes a pretty classic baggage allowance system, dependent on cabin class.

Fees for additional luggage per piece depend on when you purchase your baggage allowance, your cabin class, and lastly (at times), whether you’re flying out of Gatwick/Stanstead or any other route.

The British Airways baggage policy can get a little confusing at times — we hope our guide clears things up a bit!

1 handbag/laptop bag: FREE 1 standard carry-on bag: FREE

Size Restrictions:

• Personal item: 16 x 12 x 6 inches (40 x 30 x 15 cm), up to 51 pounds (23 kg)
• Standard carry-on: 22 x 18 x 10 inches (56 x 45 x 25 cm), up to 51 pounds (23 kg)

Lap Infant Carry-on Policy:

• 1 additional cabin bag is permitted for items required during the flight
• Up to 22 x 18 x 10 inches (56 x 45 x 25 cm), up to 51 pounds (23 kg)

Stroller Check Policy:

• 1 stroller per child can be checked at the gate free of charge.
• A small, fully collapsible stroller (with maximum dimensions of 46 x 15 x 15 inches/117 x 38 x 38 cm (when collapsed)) can be taken to the gate and picked up outside of the destination gate on arrival.
• A stroller that collapses down into a carry bag can be taken on board in place of your standard carry-on bag , providing it does not exceed the maximum carry-on bag dimensions.
• Larger strollers checked at the gate will be available for pick up at the baggage carousel in the baggage hall.

All checked bags must adhere to a max weight of 51 pounds (23 kg) for economy and premium economy or 70 pounds (32 kg) for business and frst class fares and must adhere to max dimensions of 35 x 30 x 17 inches (90 x 75 x 43 cm). Check the airline’s baggage calculator for your accurate allowance.

Hand Baggage Only/Basic: 0 bags included

Economy: 1 bag included (51 pounds/23 kg)*

Premium Economy: 2 bags included (51 pounds/23 kg)

Business: 2 bags included (70 pounds/32 kg)

First: 3 bags included (70 pounds/32 kg)

Children and infants (aged 2 to 11 with a booked seat): Same allowance as an adult plus up to 2 items, including a collapsible stroller, travel cot, car seat or carry harness.

Infants under 2 years: 1 bag (51 pounds/23 kg) plus up to 2 items, including a collapsible stroller, travel cot, car seat or carry harness.

*2 bags included (23kg) for economy flights:

• Flights  to/from Ghana, Kenya, and Nigeria
• Flights  between  Europe and Japan
• Connecting  between  India and U.S./Bermuda/Canada
• Connecting  between  Islamabad and U.S./Canada
• Journeys  originating in  Kuwait to the British Airways network 
• Journeys  originating in Saudi Arabia to U.S./Bermuda/Canada
• Journeys  originating in  Shanghai to London Heathrow 
• Journeys originating in the United Arab Emirates to U.S./Mexico/Canada 

British Airways no longer publishes additional baggage charges on its website and advises passengers to use its baggage calculator tool as the fee varies by route. Below are example fees from searches that we’ve run using the tool.

Economy Hand Baggage Only (Basic)

Euro Traveller (Plus and Plus Flex)

Premium Economy

World Traveller Plus

• Purchased Online/In Advance: £130/$170/€150
• Purchased at the Airport: £155/$200/€180

Business and First Class

Club Europe

• Purchased Online/In Advance: £70/€85
• Purchased at the Airport: £80/€95
• Purchased Online/In Advance: £80/€95
• Purchased at the Airport: £95/€105

Club World and First Class

• Purchased Online/In Advance: £120-£130/$170/€140-€150
• Purchased at the Airport:£140-£155/$200/€150-€180

Excess Baggage Fees

• Overweight Fee: 51 to 70 pounds ( 23 to 32 kg) £65/$100/€75
• Oversized Fee: British Airways’ website states — “You can take larger items of up to 190 x 75 x 65cm (75 x 29.5 x 25.5in) as long as they weigh no more than your permitted baggage weight allowance. If the bag weighs more than your allowance, you will be charged extra at the airport. No bag can weigh more than 32kg.”

For baggage fees related to special luggage (sporting equipment, musical instruments, etc.) please refer to British Airway’s policy .

The extra allowances apply:

• In any travel class for everyone on your booking as long as you as the qualifying frequent flyer is traveling on the booking
• Only on British Airways flights, except for hand baggage only (basic) fares and group rate bookings

Executive Club Gold/Oneworld Emerald : 1 additional free checked bag in any cabin class (excl. hand baggage only (basic) fares); weight allowance of 70 pounds (32 kg) per checked bag.

Executive Club Silver/Oneworld Sapphire : 1 additional free checked bag but maximum of 2 bags per person when traveling in economy (excluding hand baggage only (basic) fares); weight allowance of 70 pounds (32 kg) per checked bag.

British Airways does allow passengers the ability to prepay for luggage online.

Passengers need to log in to their booking on the British Airways website to do this.

Unfortunately, the British Airways Visa Signature ® Card does not offer free checked baggage as a benefit, but you can use one of the Capital One cards below to knock out some of your checked bag fees when flying British Airways. Simply use your Capital One miles to pay for your travel statement charges (e.g. baggage fees) within 90 days of purchase at a rate of 1 cent per mile.

The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is the premium Capital One travel rewards card on the block.

Points and miles fans will be surprised to see that the Capital One Venture X card packs quite the punch when it comes to bookings made through Capital One, all while offering the lowest annual fee among premium credit cards.

Depending on your travel goals and preferences, the Capital One Venture X card could very well end up being your go-to card in your wallet.

• 10x miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars purchased through Capital One Travel
• 5x miles per $1 on flights purchased through Capital One Travel
• 2x miles per $1 on all other purchases
• $395 annual fee ( rates & fees )
• Does not offer bonus categories for flights or hotel purchases made directly with the airline or hotel group, the preferred booking method for those looking to earn elite status
• Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
• Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
• Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
• Unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
• Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
• Elevate every hotel stay from the Premier or Lifestyle Collections with a suite of cardholder benefits, like an experience credit, room upgrades, and more
• Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck ®
• APR: 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)
• Foreign Transaction Fees:  None

Capital One Miles

Get 2x miles plus some of the most flexible redemptions offered by a travel credit card!

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card   is one of the most popular rewards cards on the market. It’s perfect for anyone in search of a great welcome offer, high rewards rates, and flexible redemption options.

Frequent travelers with excellent credit may benefit from this credit card that offers a lot of bells and whistles. And it offers easy-to-understand rewards earning and redemption.

• 5x miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit
• $95 annual fee ( rates & fees )
• Limited elite benefits
• Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
• Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
• Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
• Enrich every hotel stay from the Lifestyle Collection with a suite of cardholder benefits, like a $50 experience credit, room upgrades, and more
• Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs

The card offers unlimited miles at 1.25x per $1 and no annual fee. When you consider the flexible rewards, frequent travelers come out on top.

Interested in a travel rewards credit card without one of those pesky annual fees? Then say hello to the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card.

In addition to no annual fee, the Capital One VentureOne card offers no foreign transaction fees.

But is this card worth its salt, or is it merely a shell of the more popular Capital One Venture card?

• No annual fee ( rates & fees )
• No foreign transaction fees ( rates & fees )
• Ability to use transfer partners
• Weak earn rate at 1.25x miles per $1 spent on all purchases
• No luxury travel or elite benefits
• $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
• Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel
• Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day
• Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
• APR: 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable),0% intro on purchases for 15 months

To see more airline baggage fees and policies, click here .

Frequently Asked Questions

How much can my suitcase weigh on british airways.

When flying British Airways, all checked bags must not exceed 51 pounds (23 kg) for economy and premium economy passengers and 70 pounds (32 kg) for business and first class passengers. Bags that are heavier than these standard allowances will be subject to excess baggage fees. Standard carry-on baggage cannot weigh more than 51 pounds (23 kg).

Is luggage included with British Airways?

Luggage is included with British Airways on all fares apart from its economy basic fare (hand baggage only). The standard allowance is 1 bag (50 pounds/23 kg) for economy (apart from selected routes which allow 2), 2 bags for premium economy (50 pounds/23 kg each), 2 bags for business class (70 pounds/32 kg) and 3 bags for first class (70 pounds/32 kg).

How big can a carry-on bag be for British Airways?

British Airways allows passengers to bring 1 standard piece of carry-on that must not exceed 22 x 18 x 10 inches (56 x 45 x 25 cm) with a maximum weight of 51 pounds (23 kg). An additional personal item can be brought onboard that cannot be larger than 16 x 12 x 6 inches (40 x 30 x 15 cm) with the same weight allowance as a standard carry-on piece.

How much is excess baggage on British Airways?

Excess baggage fees for British Airways depend on the route. If your bag exceeds the standard baggage allowance weighing 51 to 70 pounds (23 to 32 kg) then you will be subject to a fee of $100. Baggage heavier than 70 pounds (32 kg) will not be accepted by British Airways. Baggage that is larger than the standard checked baggage allowance of 35.5 x 29.5 x 16 inches (90 x 75 x 43 cm) is permitted up to 75 x 29.5 x 25.5 inches (190 x 75 x 65 cm) and BA states that it currently waives the fee but this might come into effect at some point in the future.

Was this page helpful?

About Erin Miller

An experienced points hacker, Erin is Alex’s partner-in-crime and contributes to Upgraded Points with in-depth guides and relationship management. Erin’s work has been cited in multiple major publications.

Discover the exact steps we use to get into  1,400+ airport lounges worldwide, for free   (even if you’re flying economy!) .

We respect your privacy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA. Google's  privacy policy  and  terms of service  apply.

Related Posts

UP's Bonus Valuation

This bonus value is an estimated valuation  calculated by UP after analyzing redemption options, transfer partners, award availability and how much UP would pay to buy these points.

World Traveller Plus: What Do You Get For Your Money In British Airways' Premium Economy Cabin?

• World Traveller Plus offers upgraded seats with more space & comfort, ideal for long-haul flights.
• British Airways provides premium dining, extensive entertainment, & technology enhancements.
• World Traveller Plus balances cost and comfort, making it a popular choice for travelers.

British Airways' World Traveller Plus offers an enhanced flying experience between standard economy and business class. It is an attractive option for travelers seeking extra comfort and amenities without the premium cost of business class. We're taking a closer look at what passengers can expect when flying in British Airways' premium economy cabin, covering seat specifics, in-flight services, and overall value.

Seat specifications and comfort

Seat dimensions and layout.

One of the standout features of World Traveller Plus is the upgraded seating compared to standard economy. The seats offer more space and comfort, which are highly desirable attributes on long-haul flights.

• Seat Pitch: 38 inches
• Seat Width: 18.5 Inches
• Seat Recline: Approximately 7-8 inches
• Legroom: Increased legroom compared to standard economy, providing approximately 7 inches more space.

British Airways operates World Traveller Plus on several long-haul aircraft, each offering a slightly different experience due to their unique configurations and features. According to British Airways :

Boeing 777-200ER and 777-300

• Configuration: 2-4-2 layout
• Unique Features: The Boeing 777-300 offers mood lighting and advanced air filtration systems in an effort to reduce jet lag and deliver a comfortable cabin environment.

Airbus A380

• Configuration: 2-3-2 layout
• Unique Features: The A380 is known for its quiet cabin, which is particularly appreciated during long-haul flights. The more spacious cabin layout also contributes to a more relaxed atmosphere.

Boeing 787-8 and 787-9

• Unique Features: The Boeing 787 Dreamliner series has larger windows, providing more natural light and a better view. The advanced humidity control and improved air quality systems on the Dreamliner fleet also enhance passenger comfort on long-haul flights.

Enhanced Comfort Features

Seats in World Traveller Plus come equipped with several features specifically designed to enhance passenger comfort:

• Adjustable Headrests and Footrests: These allow passengers to customize their seating position for optimal comfort.
• Additional Recline: More recline compared to standard economy seats helps passengers relax better during long flights.
• Lumbar Support: Built-in lumbar support to reduce strain on the lower back during extended periods of sitting.

In-flight amenities and services

Dining experience.

World Traveller Plus passengers enjoy a more premium and refined dining experience, and it includes:

• Welcome Drink: A complimentary glass of juice or water upon boarding.
• Meal Service: Upgraded meal service with a multi-course menu. The meals are prepared with high-quality ingredients and include options tailored to various dietary needs, though they do differ substantially from business-class and first-class offerings.
• Complementary Beverages: An extensive selection of wines, spirits, beers, and non-alcoholic beverages are available throughout the flight.

Sparkling wine may be available in-flight but is not typically available as a Welcome Drink while the aircraft remains on the ground before take-off.

World Traveller Plus On British Airways: 5 Things To Know Before Flying

Entertainment options.

British Airways ensures that passengers in World Traveller Plus have access to a comprehensive entertainment system:

• Personal Screens: Larger in-flight entertainment screens, typically 10 to 12 inches or more, compared to standard economy.
• Noise-canceling Headphones: These are provided to enhance the audio experience and reduce cabin noise.
• Extensive Content: A wide selection of movies, TV shows, music, and games with new releases regularly added to the mix.

Technology enhancements

British Airways offers in-flight WiFi on many of its long-haul aircraft. Passengers in World Traveller Plus can stay connected throughout their flight, whether for work or entertainment, but they'll likely still have to pay for the service. Also, each seat is equipped with both power outlets and USB ports, ensuring passengers can keep their devices charged and ready to use.

Additional amenities

Amenity kits ( made from recycled bottles ), which include essentials like a toothbrush, toothpaste, socks, an eye mask, and earplugs, are provided to passengers in the premium economy cabin. Additionally, high-quality blankets and pillows are provided to help ensure a comfortable sleep during the flight. World Traveller Plus passengers also benefit from priority boarding, allowing them to settle in ahead of the main cabin passengers.

Cabin environment and additional perks

Cabin atmosphere.

The World Traveller Plus cabin is designed to be more peaceful and spacious compared to the main cabin:

• Fewer Seats: The reduced number of seats per row and per cabin makes for a quieter, more exclusive atmosphere.
• Dedicated Cabin Crew: A dedicated team of cabin crew attends to World Traveller Plus passengers to ensure prompt and personalized service.
• Ambient Lighting: Mood lighting helps create a relaxing environment and reduces the effects of jet lag.

Extra luggage allowance

Passengers in World Traveller Plus can take advantage of an increased luggage allowance, making it easier to travel with all the necessities (and then some):

• Checked Baggage: Two checked bags, each up to 23kg (51lbs).
• Cabin Baggage: One cabin bag and one personal item, with a combined weight limit that offers more flexibility than standard economy.

British Airways Makes Great Changes To World Traveller Plus Cabin

Value for your money, cost comparison.

While British Airways' World Traveller Plus tickets are more expensive than standard economy, they are significantly less expensive than business class. The added comfort, enhanced dining experience, and additional amenities serve to justify the cost difference for many travelers:

• Competitive Pricing: Often, the price of a World Traveller Plus fare is about 50% more than standard economy, but much less than the cost of a business class or first class ticket.
• Frequent Flyer Benefits: For British Airways Executive Club members, booking World Traveller Plus can earn more Avios points and Tier Points, contributing to faster tier progression and additional benefits in the future.

Passenger satisfaction

According to NerdWallet , feedback from passengers flying in World Traveller Plus is generally positive, with many highlighting the comfortable seats, better meal options, and overall enhanced travel experience. Customer reviews indicate that many travelers appreciate the balance of cost and comfort, making it a popular choice for long-haul flights. Typically, passengers who try World Traveller Plus often choose to book it again for future travels, indicating that they do, in fact, value the extra space and amenities provided.

Is World Traveller Plus worth it?

British Airways' World Traveller Plus offers a substantial upgrade from standard economy with enhanced comfort, better dining options, and additional amenities, making it a worthwhile investment for long-haul travelers. The cabin's spacious design, top-tier in-flight entertainment, and priority services enhance the overall travel experience, providing excellent value for the money.

Stay informed with our in-depth reviews and comparisons of airline offerings. Share your World Traveller Plus experiences with us in the comments, and follow us on social media for the latest updates and insights into premium travel options.

British Airways

IATA/ICAO Code: BA/BAW

Airline Type: Full Service Carrier

Hub(s): London Heathrow Airport, London Gatwick Airport

Year Founded: 1974

Alliance: oneworld

Airline Group: IAG

CEO: Sean Doyle

Country: United Kingdom

Loyalty Program: British Airways Executive Club

Region: Europe

• American Airlines
• British Airways
• United Airlines
• Google Flights
• Virgin Atlantic
• Swiss Airlines

Call us for the best deals

● Online 24/7

The Flights You Want for Much Less

Save 30-70% on Business and First Class flights. Any destination. Any airline.

Great experience! Easy booking process! I flew 3-4 times a year to Europe and I'm able to save quite a bit of money booking through these guys.

Timothy | CA , United States

Flight three

Flight four.

Children 2-11

Or call us for a faster quote: 1(888)302-0053

How does this work?

• 1 Request a FREE quote by completing the form above.
• 2 A friendly travel concierge will quicky find the best deals for you.
• 3 Book your flight and save up to 50% OFF retail prices.

Who should we send these deals to?

Why can't see my quote online?

All major airlines make us keep discounted fares offline. This means we are not allowed to display our fares online. Get a FREE quote, the savings are worth it!

British Airways Baggage Allowance

British Airways baggage allowance system depends on your ticket class and club membership. It can be a bit complicated to understand. 

Additional baggage fees depend on several complicated factors, including size, weight, whether you booked your baggage when you bought your ticket, and where you’re flying from.

Don’t worry, if you book your flight with us , we’ll make sure you have all the information you need! 

Let’s start with the basics:

Hand Baggage Allowances (aka: Carry-on or Hand Luggage)

Cabin baggage allowances apply to your British Airways  and BA City Flyer tickets, along with hand baggage only (Basic) fares and selected British Airways short and long haul flights.

Note: Your baggage allowance may be different if you’re flying on a British Airways partner airline for any part of your journey.

Free carry-on baggage allowance for adults, young adults, and children:

1 – Handbag or laptop bag

1 – A standard carry-on bag

British Airways Size & Weight Restrictions:

Personal item (purse or laptop bag): 16 x 12 x 6in (40 x 30 x 15cm), up to 51lb (23kg)

Standard carry-on: 22 x 18 x 10in (56 x 45 x 25cm), up to 51lb (23kg)

• At check-in, your bags must fit completely into the baggage gauge (including handles, pockets, and wheels).
• Each bag must be under the weight limit. A light bag cannot make up for a bag that exceeds the weight limit.
• Your bags must be light enough for you to handle by yourself. You must be able to lift your bags into the overhead locker and retrieve them on landing.
• You will always be able to carry your handbag or laptop-size bag with you in the cabin.
• The number of carry-on bags will occasionally exceed the storage capacity, and British Airways booking agents may ask you to check a carry-on at the ticket counter. As long as it is within the size limitations for carry-on allowance, you won’t be charged extra. Make sure you have no valuables or essential medication packed in this bag.
• Duty-free shopping bags and other airport purchases count as hand baggage. If you have more than your free allowance, any extra bags will be checked into the hold and you’ll be charged a baggage fee.

Carry-on Bag Allowance For Infants and Toddlers (under 2) Riding in Your Lap

1 – carry-on bag for items required during the flight.

Size and weight restrictions: Up to 22 x 18 x 10in (56 x 45 x 25cm), maximum weight: 51lb (23kg)

British Airways Hand Luggage Only Fare

For travelers who hate the baggage carousel and like to pack light, British Airways offers a lower fare on selected short and long-haul routes with no checked luggage included. Hand luggage allowance remains the same, one personal item and one carry-on bag.

With Business Class Experts , you’ll get such a deep discount, you won’t care about the extra baggage fees! 

British Airways Economy Class Checked Baggage Allowances (Euro Traveller, World Traveller)

Each checked bag can be up to 35.5 x 29.5 x 16in (90 x 75 x 43cm), including anything that sticks out, like the handle, pockets, and wheels. The maximum weight for any bag is 70lbs.

• Adults and young adults (from 12 years) – 1 bag (max. 32kg / 70lb per bag)
• Fully collapsible stroller
• Travel crib
• Carry harness (baby carrier)

British Airways Premium Economy Class Checked Baggage Allowances (World Traveller Plus)

• Adults and young adults (from 12 years) – 2 bags 

British Airways Business Class Checked Baggage Allowances ( Club Europe, Club World, First, Club World London City)

British airways first class checked baggage allowances ( club europe, club world, first, club world london city).

With a first class ticket , you are allowed extra baggage, but the rules for bags remain the same. If you upgrade to a higher class at the airport , the baggage rules for that class apply for that flight. Connecting and return flights may have different rules. Each checked bag can be up to 35.5 x 29.5 x 16in (90 x 75 x 43cm), including anything that sticks out, like the handle, pockets, and wheels. The maximum weight for any bag is 70lbs.

• Adults and young adults (from 12 years) – 3 bags 

Additional Baggage Allowances for Silver & Gold Executive Club Members (and equivalent members in other Oneworld frequent flyer programs)

Each additional checked bag can be up to 35.5 x 29.5 x 16in (90 x 75 x 43cm), including anything that sticks out, like the handle, pockets, and wheels. The maximum weight for any bag is 70lbs.

*Notes: 

• The Executive Club member must be traveling on the booking for these benefits to apply. 
• Additional bag allowances apply to British Airways flights only. 
• Infants who are traveling without their own seats do not get an extra baggage allowance. 
• Not available for group rate bookings.

Wheelchairs and Medical Equipment

You can take wheelchairs, mobility aids, and other equipment for personal use at no additional baggage charges, as long as they meet the size restrictions:

• British Airways long haul aircraft: maximum dimensions 55.1 x 33.5 x 41.7in (140 x 85 x 106cm)
• British Airways short-haul aircraft: maximum dimensions 55.1 x 33.5 x 41.7in (140 x 85 x 106cm)
• BA CityFlyer: maximum dimensions 75 x 29.5 x 25.5in (190 x 75 x 65cm)

If your wheelchair or mobility aid weighs over 551lbs, contact British Airways to verify they are able to carry it.

Increasing your British Airlines checked baggage allowance

Need to take more bags, bigger bags, or special equipment? Excess baggage or oversized items can be arranged.

• You’ll get a lower bag charge rate if you pay online in advance.
• You can ship overweight bags for an extra charge.
• You can take larger items of up to 75 x 29.5 x 25.5in (190 x 75 x 65cm) as long as they weigh no more than your permitted baggage weight allowance. If the bag weighs more than your allowance, you will be charged extra at the airport. No bag can weigh more than 70lbs. Any items larger than the above dimensions will require shipping as cargo.
• You can take sporting equipment and musical instruments .
• If you are checking in a large piece of baggage, please allow an additional 15 minutes so that the item can be safely and securely handed over to the Baggage staff.
• There are no overweight charges for personal wheelchairs, mobility aids or medical equipment. Check BA’s disability assistance or medical information for specific information.

Baggage Allowances when Traveling on British Airways Partner Airlines

When you book a British Airlines flight, some parts of your journey may be on other airlines. Your baggage allowances may follow BA rules, or may be subject to the rules of the other carrier. You can tell by the code on your ticket. If all connecting flights on your trip have a BA code (for example: BA1234) you can go by the British Airways’ checked baggage allowance outlined above, even if some or all of the flights are on other carriers. 

• If every flight in your journey has another airline’s code (examples: AA1122 or IB3210), please follow the baggage allowance for those carriers.
• If some of the flights on your trip have a BA code and connecting flights have other airline codes, you will get the allowance of the most significant carrier – usually the airline operating the longest part of the journey. For example, if you’re flying from the USA to Europe, and the first part of your trip is LAX to NYC on American Airlines, then you catch an international flight to Europe from New York on British Airways, you can follow the baggage allowance guide for British Airways.

About the author

Anthony cherkas.

Started in 2009 as a dream of providing business class & first class travelers with better service, cheaper international ticket prices , and more value than any other discount business class company on the Internet.

About the post

Airlines , British Airways

Flying New York to London Business Class

First class Flights To Italy

• Turkish Airlines
• Guide to Business Class Flights
• Business Class Flights to Europe
• Business Class Flight Deals
• Business Class Flight Consolidators
• First Class Flight Deals
• Last Minute Business Class Flight Deals
• 2-for-1 Business Class Flights
• Corporate Travel Deals
• Looking for Cheap Flights? Here’s What You Need To Know
• Business Class VS First Class
• How to upgrade to business class
• How to upgrade to first class
• Upgrade business class at airport
• Cost to upgrade to business class

(Owned and Operated by Cheap Biz Class Flights Inc CST# 2104091)