Grand Union

Tips for Maximising the Club World Experience

With thanks to Halo for originally kicking this off.

BA offers a relatively consistent Club World hard product across its 110+ longhaul fleet. You can see photos of the historic iterations of the longhaul Business Class offering aboard BA in this post. However, there are a few anomalies, of which you should be aware before you book. This post does not cover former bmi longhaul business class flights.


Fleet Types and Club World Product Variants

The hundred or so combined 777 and 747 fleet all have the "latest" version of New Club World. A very few 777s do not offer an F cabin, on which Club is in the very forward cabin.

The 767 fleet has the previous (but still fully flat) version of the Club World bed, these are in the process of being refurbished during 2012 and though the shell remains the same, the refurbished beds feature a grey herringbone cloth covering. These are the same seats featured in Open Skies' Paris-Newark 757s. 767s no longer offer an F cabin.

BA has two all business class A318s for service London City Airport-New York JFK known as the CWLCY configuration. These also feature fully flat beds, but the seats are totally different from mainline BA, being side by side and without integrated IFE (iPads are handed out after departure). The guide below does not relate to the CWLCY experience as it's quite different from mainline ops.

As yet, there is no firm information about what Club World products will feature aboard the 787s and A380s, which start delivery during 2013.


Getting the Best Deal

Selecting non-flexible fares is obviously less expensive, but there are other ways of reducing the price charged:

• Book during a sale! There are reliable sales which start around late December, early March and mid August, as well as promotions on selected routes in between those times.
  
  
• Consider flying exEU. Though the hassle factor (and risk of weather or other delay) and cost of getting out there and back (you must use the final sector) can be considerable, it may be worth your while reviewing the exEU sticky in the ULTIMATE Guide. Handy if you need extra TPs. Ensure you're transiting the same London airport, as transferring LGW/LCY-LHR is less than ideal. Note that APD is now charged on London layovers longer than 24hrs, so you'll need to keep under this.
  
  
• Use a discount code. Often distributed during Taste of London, sometimes includes taxes and fees as well and combinable with sale fares.
  
  
• Use a shareholder discount. No longer available to new IAG shareholders but former BA shareholders get a 10% discount (for now) on the fare element of flights booked online, for up to nine fellow travellers, STRICTLY BA metal only. This scheme may end at any time.
  
  
• Book via quidco - from time to time discounts of between 1% and 2% are offered; not a huge amount, but can add up to a free lunch!
  
  
• Book accommodation at the same time. In an effort to offer "bundled" travel, BA may not reduce the cost of the flight significantly, but may offer highly discounted hotel rates - sometimes just tens of pounds extra for several nights in decent four or five star property. Note that this makes your booking a BA Holidays Booking, which can restrict your ability to upgrade with avios online via MMB, but mileage upgrades can be achieved (again, subject to availability) by calling up. BA Holidays also sometimes come with a bonus amount of avios (usually 10,000 for F or J class of travel). Bundling can reduce the cost of your holiday considerably, and is increasingly where the best bargains are to be found in sales.
  
  
• Stay over a Saturday night. To attempt to stop corporates booking the leisure fare classes, the least expensive inflexible fares often require a Saturday night stay. So relax and make a weekend of your trip! You'll often save enough to fly your partner out with you in economy, or permit a higher class of travel for you on your return.
  
  
• Upgrade Using Avios UUA (formerly Miles for Upgrade MFU). Depending on your route it takes, for instance, just 10,000 Avios to upgrade one sector from London to New York from WT+ Premium Economy to Club World, subject to availability. This is best done online at the time you book, though check back to MMB regularly in case availability opens up nearer your travel time.
  
  
• Upgrade from WT+ using cash via MMB or at Check-In.
  
  
• Full Redemption. You can of course redeem your avios, but APD taxes and other fees and charges make this less valuable than was the case in the past; for a few hundred pounds extra, you can go the UUA/MFU route and earn and burn at the same time, often resulting in a neutral avios cost for Gold card holders, especially when purchasing using the BA Amex card.
  
  
• If you purchase BA metal premium tickets on a regular basis and have an actively trading small/medium size business registered at Companies House you should consider joining www.ba.com/onbusiness

Before you Fly

• As outlined above, pick your aircraft type carefully (on routes where multiple daily frequencies mean there's a choice), as the ambience will vary. Generally FTers prefer 747s to 777s, because the 747 offers a more exclusive 2-2 layout on the Upper Deck while the 777 2-4-2 cabin has been described as being somewhat dormitory-like. The 767s are marginally slower (which can be good on a night flight) and feature the original CW beds. Some people like its more intimate cabin, especially aboard the refurbished aircraft.
  
  
• You can select your seat for free at the time of booking if you're a Silver or Gold card holder, or at T-7 days if you're a Bronze cardholder. If you don't have any status, it's free at T-24hours (when check in opens) or you can choose to pay to select your seat in advance of that.
  
  
• Club World has a unique Ying/Yang configuration, so some seats (window seats and main deck middle seats) face backwards. Not everyone enjoys sitting backwards, but you get an excellent view of the engine and wing on many flights, and the centre seats are great if travelling as a couple.
  
  
• BA's Gold and Silver elites get free online seat selection via MMB (Manage My Booking) as do oneworld equivalents (though they may need to call up). Others will have to pay to select their seats in advance, though you have free selection of what's leftover on checking in at T-24 so it's worth setting an alarm to get the best selection of seats. On 747s go for the more select Upper Deck cabin, unless you are travelling with young children when you might prefer the lower cabin (allegedly ).

At the Airport

• Ensure you use the Premium Club World check in area, to the South of T5 or the further (but not furthest) end of the new Gatwick Premium Check In area. If you have a BA Gold Card oneworld Emerald you can of course check in at the First check in.
  
  
• When you are using Manage My Booking (MMB) after booking, or prior to your day of departure or during online check-in you may be offered an opportunity to upgrade to First for cash. This usually costs around £349-£399 per sector, and you'll receive full avios and TPs for the new cabin you've upgraded to. If you're not successful online (and this is not yet offered for multi-sector flights), it's still worth asking at check-in, where the agent should also be able to tell you if there's new F or old F on your flight.
  
  
• Be sure to get your Club World bag tags for both checked and hand luggage.
  
  
• At T3, T5 and LGW use dedicated the Fast Track security - your Boarding Pass is sufficient to get you Fast Track access.
  
  
• Make sure you visit the Lounge(s), and where available the Elemis Spa. Spas are located at LHR T3 and T5, and JFK T7 (as well as the Arrivals Lounge in T5). Lounge locations can be checked here and also in http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/briti...-database.html thread.
  
  
• There are two Galleries Club lounges in T5A (at opposite ends of the main terminal) and one Galleries Club in T5B. You can visit them all, but DO NOT proceed to T5B unless your flight departs from there, or you risk not getting back to the main terminal in time for your flight. The best T5A lounge is above the First lounge, in the south part of the terminal, is significantly larger and has more amenities as well as being close by the Elemis Spa. Both T5A Galleries have their own showers.
  
  
• Note that at LGW, there is a No.1 Traveller lounge (underneath the Galleries Club lounge) which can be accessed for those with a Priority Pass or by paying a fee (discounted online in advance) - handy if you're en famille and not everyone is travelling Club.
  
  
• Where there are Spas go immediately and book a free treatment. As many people turn up around 3 hours prior to travel, these are the busiest times; turning up even an extra 30 mins in advance of this can markedly increase your chances of getting a treatment.
  
  Be warned though that treatments are not pre-bookable, it’s first come first served. Best to try for one but not to expect one - then you could be pleasantly surprised. There is a Spa in T5B, and if you can't get a treatment in T5A and your flight is departing T5B then ask the receptionists if T5B has space BUT it's not as good a lounge as T5A so weigh up whether you want to head over there. If a therapist is not available, there is the option to use the automated massage seats, which are a pleasant alternative.
  
  There is no Spa at LGW, but you can pay for treatment in the No.1 Traveller lounge.
  
  You do not need to remove your underwear for any of the Spa Treatments! ;
  
  
• Champagne is available on request by the glass in the Terraces/Galleries at LHR/LGW from the attendants - just ask.
  
  
• While you're in the lounges, check out the artwork on display. Some of it is museum quality, and there's often a selection of vintage BEA/BOAC advertisements as well.
  
  
• Some flights scheduled to depart late in the evening/nighttime are designated as a "Club World Sleeper Service". If you are on a Sleeper Service you will be expected to dine pre-flight in the Lounges, there is no main meal service on board (snacks are available on demand). Due to particularly late departure times (often post midnight) there is no Pre-flight Supper available from the Middle East. All special meals on North American services are catered for through the selection on offer in Pre-flight Supper, with the exception of kosher meals. If you have ordered a kosher meal please mention this to your host in the Terraces/Galleries Lounge.
  
  
• Showers are available in all T5A, T5B, T3 and LGW lounges and also in many (though not all) outstation lounges. Check the lounge directory for info. Shower gel, shampoo and towels are provided, but not normally conditioner. Disposable razors, combs, shaving foam and toothbrushes are available on request.
  
  
• If your flight departs from T5C there is not (currently) a lounge, but if you present your BP at Starbucks, you can get up to £15 of eats and drinks (including miniature Laurent Perrier champagne for £9.95) per person as an alternative. Still better to wait in T5A as long as possible.

On Board Your Flight

• If it's your first time aboard, you may want to get to the boarding gate in advance of boarding being announced; leave good time to get to T5B or C to avoid a last minute rush.
  
  
• There is priority boarding at London, and *most* outstations; just look for the sign, though single jetbridges in London mean the advantage is lost once you've had your passport checked.
  
  
• After boarding, sit back, relax and enjoy your glass of pre-flight Champagne/Water/OJ/Buck's Fizz. Note that other drinks cannot be offered at this stage for Customs reasons; if you'd prefer something else ask the crew if they could bring it to you after takeoff, though the first bar run will be along soon enough. UK and local newspapers are usually offered, too. The cabin crew can hang your coat or jacket; they'll ask for your ticket stub to put it on the hangar so have this to hand. You’re in CW. Feel suitably smug
  
  
• Note that you'll need your boarding pass to access any Arrivals Lounges in London, so don't throw it out once you've boarded!
  
  
• For those with facial furniture, a hard-body spectacle case is a good idea as there isn't anywhere convenient to store them once you bed down for the night.
  
  
• The screen between the seats is designed to slide up and down to facilitate the meal service; learn how it works the minute you board - there's a button on top which you press to raise it, and if you're facing someone you don't know, you shouldn't feel embarrassed to put the screen up immediately, or return it to the up position immediately your tray is served. It should be down for the safety demo, and personally I think it's polite to offer your seatmate the option of having it down during the final stages of descent and possibly for taxi pre-take off. Up to you.
  
  
• In CW you get an Elemis amenity bag containing sleepmask, socks, earplugs a facial wipe and three small tubes of lip balm, moisturiser and hand cream. No PJs (if you care about them).
  
  
• The area around your floor must be TOTALLY clear due to safety regulations – no shoes, pillows, blankets, papers, etc. It will really help the crew if you put everything in the overhead locker or in the little ‘laptop’ drawer at your feet (on the Upper Deck window seats, use the side bins).
  
  
• Speaking of the Upper Deck, remember not to leave anything on top of the side bins (e.g. papers) for take-off or landing…or you can watch them slide up/down the bins to someone else…you may as well put a sign that says ‘CW Newbie’ on your forehead
  
  
• Having abstained in the lounge and accepted only water pre-take off, you'll be parched so note that the standard is two bar runs on a day flight before meal service and a single bar run before meal on evening/night flight. It's as well to plan what you want to drink with your meal to avoid having to ask for a refreshed drink when the crew are busy serving up the food, so don't be afraid to ask for a glass of champers, a glass of water and a glass of white wine for with your starter, especially on the single bar run night flights.
  
  
• Although an in-flight menu may give you a choice of dessert OR cheese, a polite request for both (if you want them both) will often be met with "I'll see if we have enough" sometimes followed by production of both ^
  
  
• After dinner drinks - port, liqueurs etc - are available on request, but pudding wine is reserved for F only. If you would like a glass of champagne with your afternoon tea or indeed any other drinks/tea any other time in the flight, then push your call bell or pop into the galley nearest you and the crew will be delighted to help you. You usually get a small bottle of Highland Spring water to keep you hydrated; always ask for a glass of water with every bar run to avoid dehydration.
  
  
• Every seat has an integrated IFE screen, though there may still be some very few older 777s which do not have AVOD (Video on Demand) and so work on a loop system; these are being converted and should be AVOD by 2013. There were some issues with these beds "wobbling" when first installed but later iterations were re-enforced and so this should no longer be an issue. Some 777s do not feature F, and so the Club cabin is furthest forward. On some 747s, Premium Economy is in front of Club World, sandwiched between F and J.
  
  
• Every Club World seat has laptop power, just bring a US/UK plug and you're sorted, though the system is designed to maintain power rather than charge your laptop up.
  
  
• Passengers in WT+, Club and F are provided with BA branded Noise Cancelling headphones, these are free to use but cannot be taken off the aircraft. For some reason the Left and Right channels are transposed onboard. No idea why! If you have your own NC headphones, they're better, use them!
  
  
• If you're peckish in between meals, there's the Club Kitchen at the foot of the stairs on 747s and in the middle galley on 777s which now features Waitrose products (yoghurts, sandwiches, wraps, chocs and fruit) as well as a range of help-yourself alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Soups are also often available, which the crew can heat up for you.
  
  
• It can often get uncomfortably warm on flights at night, especially in the Upper Deck; if this is a problem for you don't just sit there unable to sleep. Use the callbell to ask the crewmember (noting their name) if the temperature can be lowered. If there's no change after five minutes, seek out the CSD in the office under the stairs on the 747. There's no point suffering in silence, and they won't know you're uncomfortable unless you say something!
  
  
• An adequate pillow is provided, but for longer night flights a top tip is to bring your own small travel pillow for extra bulk. You'll sleep like a baby!
  
  
• Something may go slightly wrong on your trip; if it does, don't store up your angst and let rip on here with a rant after the fact. Most issues are much better sorted there and then, and crew are likely to be accommodating if your request is reasonable. If you don't get satisfaction from a crew member, politely but firmly escalate to the Cabin Services Director, or Cabin Service Manager aboard Mixed Fleet flights.

Getting the Most from Your Club World Seat/Bed

It would be a real shame to spend so much money on the Club World seat only to not use it properly. So get to know how to use the seat properly and you will have a much more enjoyable and fulfilling flight.

• Your seat should come with a guide to its use in the magazine pocket. Study this guide when you get on board, and don't be afraid to ask the crew for help - that's what they're there for!
  
  
• The Footrest. The secret to getting the most comfort possible out of your Club World seat is to know how to use the footrest. It is sturdy, but not indestructible and should not be used for sitting or standing on. Factoid: the footrest contains more than 200 parts!
  
  Sometimes the footrest is a little difficult to move. Giving it a good hard tug will normally get it going. And once you have moved it once it is then easier to move subsequent times.
  
  The footrest has four possible positions. It can be moved to 'high' and 'low' positions and in each can be positioned either parallel to the floor or at an angle, described here as 'diagonal'.
  
  1. Parallel to the floor - low position: Use this position when the seat is in the lounge/take-off position to give your feet some pleasant support
  
  2. Diagonal - low position: Use this position when the seat is much more reclined but not fully flat - the so-called Z position - tilt the screen towards you when in this position and put your pillow behind your head and this is a very comfortable way to watch the in-flight entertainment. The Z position is handy for taller people who wish to relax but feel constrained by the seat length.
  
  3. Parallel to the floor - high position: Use this position when you want to put the seat in the fully flat (bed) mode.
  
  4. Diagonal to the floor - high position: No known use for this position.
  
  
• Before landing, look for the button with an aircraft icon on it on your seat controls and use it – your seat must be in the set position for take-off/landing. It’ll help the crew if you do this yourself in advance.

Upon Your Return to the UK

• If you're an overseas national, arriving on an early flight, you may be invited to use Fast Track immigration. Ask the CSD if you are not offered an invitation.
  
  
• If coming in to LHR T5 make sure you make use of the Arrivals Lounge full English breakfast, shower and Elemis Spa massage. The Arrivals lounges at LHR close at 2pm, breakfast finishes at midday. You can get a clothes-on massage and have clothes pressed whilst you take a shower, baths are available but take a while to draw and F pax have priority. There is also a radio integrated into the shower cabins for catching up on the Today programme.
  
  At LHR T3 you have access to the AmericanAirlines AArrivals lounge (you'll need to click through on that link for the video), which does at least have showers. Joy.
  
  At Gatwick you can use the showers in the nearby Sofitel Arrivals Lounge, and have a continental breakfast there, too.

After Your Journey

Avois and Tier Points (TPs) usually post between 1-4 days after you fly. If yours don't post, then use the online form initially and wait 1-4 weeks for the credit to arrive in your account. You'll need your ticket number, which is on the original receipt email BA should have sent you on purchasing your ticket, so don't delete it!

Here is the Claiming Missing Avios link, you'll need to login:

http://www.britishairways.com/travel...club/_gf/en_gb

• Where you've booked WT+ and upgraded with avios, there's a long standing glitch whereby the avios and TPs don't post at all, or post as ineligible zero avios/TP earning "redemption" bookings. If this happens, use the online form in the first instance and if the credit hasn't appeared call a week or so later and explain it was an MFU/UUA (Miles for Upgrade/Upgrade Using Avios). Call once again if not resolved.
  
  
• Only in exceptional circumstances, and once these channels have been exhausted and at least fourteen days has passed should you contact the BA Exec Club representative here on Flyertalk - can you imagine her workload if everyone PM'ed about such matters! If you do resort to PMing, include as much info as possible, booking ref, route, date of travel, BAEC number and importantly your real name!

Overall

• BA Club World can be a fantastic experience if it's your first time in a premium cabin, and even more so if it's not costing you anything because of the tricks you learned here on Flyertalk. So enjoy it ^

Links

You can find more details on the Club World service from BA's Club World website here.