In a few months I will be travelling with a colleague and by the time of the flight I am expecting to be BA Gold (I'm silver now if it matters). We're trying to save costs and need one checked bag each and would like free seat selection. My plan is to book an 'Economy Standard' fare for myself on one reservation, thus giving me 2 checked bags, one of which my colleague can use. They can then be booked on a 'Economy Basic' fare.

I know Gold has the perk of being able to book seats for other people on the same flight but different bookings. The wording is "as long as they’re in the same travel class and on the same flight* I was wondering if Standard and Basic are considered the same class, i.e. World Traveller. Or whether they are considered different classes?

Does anyone have experience of using this perk, is it easy to apply? Thanks for any advice!