National flag carrier a bit tight on space (British Airways in general)

Member Name: Ghostkov

Product:	British Airways in general
Date:	24/09/09 (46 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Good reward system and upgrades, lots of different classes, good service in economy

Disadvantages: Poor legspace, standard air food

British Airways is the national flag carrier of the UK and a major player worldwide as well, serving airports globally. The planes have half the British flag emblazoned on their fin tail.

I've been with British Airways for two years now and have been flying only on international long-haul routes in World Traveller and World Traveller Plus cabins, so can't tell you too much about their higher classes.

British Airways has both airport and online check-in systems as most other major airlines. Usually, online check-in ensures you get the seat you want, including emergency exit seats, but using online check-in mean that you normally cannot get a seat upgrade, as these are limited to customers that check-in at the airport only. Unlike other airlines, the upgrades are not on a first come first serve basis but distributed randomly among applicants who must have a British Airways membership card. Upgrades are often announced at the gate with lucky winners called forward to the desk for their upgrades.

The British airways membership cards have benefits associated to them just like other membership cards. In particular, they can be used to collect points by shopping at One World at the airport.

The queues for British Airways tend to be very long and rather slow moving, as its widely popular both at home and abroad for trips to and from Britain. Note that the economy queue is usually really long, and unless you are really lucky, or have a frequent flyer card of the appropriate level, you may not be able to check-in at the higher class booths. Still, if a higher class booth is idle, they often have it serve lower class customers as well, which is a bonus.

The lounge tends to be rather average and only serve basic snacks and fruits along with some drinks. Nothing stellar, so in that respect its lagging behind some of its competitors. It is of course possible that their first-class lounge is great, but I have not managed to get that far yet!

Legroom increases only slightly across classes, and in economy class (i.e. World Traveller) you better not be claustrophobic or even slightly overweight. Their World Traveller Plus is just a tad bigger, but not generally quieter than Wold Traveller as its usually populated either by screaming babies or loud tourist groups. The higher classes, on mere passing through, seemed to be laid out professionally and seem worthy upgrading to. During the flight, you can walk to where the stewardesses rest and often grab one of many types of cookies and sweets and if you are lucky, a few sandwiches too.

The entertainment program has a limited selection of movies, TV shows, documentaries, news and music and of course some games, but I found the game controller to be ridiculously difficult to use and the games very unresponsive, so its not fun to play at all.

The food is not too bad, just your standard airline fare and if you are unlucky like me, by the time they reach you, they may have run out of certain foods so you don't get a choice... Last but not least, the cabin crew is exceptionally courteous and well-mannered and even in economy class will respond quickly when you press the service button.

All in all, British Airways is a good standard airline and with its membership card, you may just be lucky and be regularly upgraded.

Summary: If you don't know which airline to take and want to play it very safe British Airways may be for you