Feb 21, 2017, 4:51 am
Last edit by: TravellerFrequently
Club Europe and EuroTraveller will be launched on UK domestic routes on 01 April 2017.
What does this mean for those of us with existing bookings for travel from April onwards?
Earning Avios and Tier Points
Spending Avios
What does this mean for those of us with existing bookings for travel from April onwards?
- If your ticket was booked into J, C, D, R, I, or U fare classes, you will travel in the CE cabin and will enjoy lounge access plus the usual fast track benefits and special meal options that come with CE.
- If your ticket was booked into the Y bucket, you will be rebooked for free into J (Club Europe) and the above benefits will apply. This should happen automatically well in advance of travel. If your ticket was not issued by BA, you should contact the issuing airline to make sure this change is properly processed.
- If your ticket was booked into B, H, K, M, L, V, N, Q, O, S, G fare classes, you will travel in the ET cabin and all elements of the airport and cabin experience will the same as before.
- If your ticket was booked into the X fare bucket (economy class redemption), then you will travel in the ET cabin above. However, if this was part of a longhaul club or first ticket, it may be possible to be rebooked for free into the U (Club Europe) bucket. You will have to call BA to accomplish this change.
Earning Avios and Tier Points
- Q, O, and G class will earn 125 Avios and 5 TP per sector (no change)
- K, L, M, N, S, and V class will earn 250 Avios and 10 TP per sector (no change)
- Y*, B, and H class will earn 500 Avios and 20 TP per sector (no change)
- R and I class will earn 750 Avios and 40 TP per sector
- J, C, and D class will earn 1250 Avios and 40 TP per sector.
Spending Avios
- X will be the redemption class for EuroTraveller
- U will be the redemption class for Club Europe
Club Europe to be introduced on UK domestic flights [launches 01 April 2017]
Nov 7, 2016, 5:38 am
#121
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: UK (MAN)
Programs: BAEC - Gold, VS - Silver, Hilton Gold, IHG Platinum Elite, Bonvoy Gold
Posts: 248
In principle it could be done almost overnight:
Everyone booked in the J/C/D/R/I bucket is considered in business class.
Create the right-sized cabins on all flights according to the existing algorithm for CE.
Reseat all pax appropriately, using the existing curtain change algorithm.
Deal with any oversells following the capacity reduction using existing algorithm.
Crew follow band 1 protocols that they already know (?)
Update the fare tariffs if desired (J/C/D/R/I fares are already loaded, just need to be re-described as business class)
Some cosmetic changes to ba.com
Give a briefing to the outstation staff on how to move the curtains
Increase catering orders
Anything else?
I estimate at least a year
Everyone booked in the J/C/D/R/I bucket is considered in business class.
Create the right-sized cabins on all flights according to the existing algorithm for CE.
Reseat all pax appropriately, using the existing curtain change algorithm.
Deal with any oversells following the capacity reduction using existing algorithm.
Crew follow band 1 protocols that they already know (?)
Update the fare tariffs if desired (J/C/D/R/I fares are already loaded, just need to be re-described as business class)
Some cosmetic changes to ba.com
Give a briefing to the outstation staff on how to move the curtains
Increase catering orders
Anything else?
I estimate at least a year
Brilliant!My thoughts exactly.
Nov 7, 2016, 5:39 am
#122
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: London
Programs: BA Gold, SPG Gold, Club Carlson Gold, Hilton Gold, Priority Club Platinum, Best Western Diamond
Posts: 444
In principle it could be done almost overnight:
Everyone booked in the J/C/D/R/I bucket is considered in business class.
Create the right-sized cabins on all flights according to the existing algorithm for CE.
Reseat all pax appropriately, using the existing curtain change algorithm.
Deal with any oversells following the capacity reduction using existing algorithm.
Crew follow band 1 protocols that they already know (?)
Update the fare tariffs if desired (J/C/D/R/I fares are already loaded, just need to be re-described as business class)
Some cosmetic changes to ba.com
Give a briefing to the outstation staff on how to move the curtains
Increase catering orders
Anything else?
I estimate at least a year
Everyone booked in the J/C/D/R/I bucket is considered in business class.
Create the right-sized cabins on all flights according to the existing algorithm for CE.
Reseat all pax appropriately, using the existing curtain change algorithm.
Deal with any oversells following the capacity reduction using existing algorithm.
Crew follow band 1 protocols that they already know (?)
Update the fare tariffs if desired (J/C/D/R/I fares are already loaded, just need to be re-described as business class)
Some cosmetic changes to ba.com
Give a briefing to the outstation staff on how to move the curtains
Increase catering orders
Anything else?
I estimate at least a year
Nov 7, 2016, 12:14 pm
#123
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: London
Posts: 17,007
Why would any additional APD be due? This is an unexpected upgrade, solely for pax who booked very early. 
Okay, it's arguable. It may indeed be a thorn in the side of my grand plan.
On the other hand, how many people are buying J/C/D/R/I fares now for domestic-only travel far in the future? If they are connecting to longhaul, then the APD would not be affected by their domestic sector.
Excise Notice 550.
2.6.4 Upgrades
[...]
It is only where the passenger has no expectation of, or entitlement to, a free upgrade that it will not take them out of standard class for APD purposes (for example where the passenger gets an upgrade solely because they have booked early).
https://www.gov.uk/government/public...passenger-duty2.6.4 Upgrades
[...]
It is only where the passenger has no expectation of, or entitlement to, a free upgrade that it will not take them out of standard class for APD purposes (for example where the passenger gets an upgrade solely because they have booked early).
Okay, it's arguable. It may indeed be a thorn in the side of my grand plan.
On the other hand, how many people are buying J/C/D/R/I fares now for domestic-only travel far in the future? If they are connecting to longhaul, then the APD would not be affected by their domestic sector.
Nov 7, 2016, 12:30 pm
#124
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 6,349
They could shift people to row 4, seated 3 abreast with food offered to buy and passengers could pretend they are in Y. Oh....hang on....
Nov 7, 2016, 4:50 pm
#125
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: LCA/KUL/RGN
Programs: RJ Gold, AZ E+, Air Asia Platinum
Posts: 2,189
Nov 18, 2016, 11:19 am
#126
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Glasgow
Programs: British Airways Silver, Hilton Diamond, Accor Platinum, AMEX plat
Posts: 251
I was wondering if anyone had heard any updates on when these tickets might start to go on sale? Need to book a domestic trip for March and Club Europe can often be had at a price not too much higher than ET and the extra tier points help.
Nov 18, 2016, 2:54 pm
#127
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Edinburgh UK
Programs: BA Silver, HHonours Gold, Mucci of Pucci, Oyster Card, Nectar Card, Father's Day Card
Posts: 9,372
Back when GB Airways are a franchise of BA - I once flew on one of their planes (737 or A320 can't remember), and 1AB were Club Europe complete with squished B seat. The rest of the plane was ET - including 1DEF. The even pulled the little curtain behind us. Smallest ever CE?
Nov 18, 2016, 3:24 pm
#128
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: LCA/KUL/RGN
Programs: RJ Gold, AZ E+, Air Asia Platinum
Posts: 2,189
Back when GB Airways are a franchise of BA - I once flew on one of their planes (737 or A320 can't remember), and 1AB were Club Europe complete with squished B seat. The rest of the plane was ET - including 1DEF. The even pulled the little curtain behind us. Smallest ever CE?
Physically ,smallest one would be on Cityflier's Embraers with 1A being CE and 1BCD being ET.
....but if being serious,the smallest BA marketed CE would be on Saab 2000 operated by T3.
So far all my BA CityFlyer flights have been domestic, but I decided that I'd at least try Club Europe on a CityFlyer flight when the opportunity arose.
I've not seen anyone comment on Club Europe on the Saab 2000 operated by Eastern Airways (T3), I was quite surprised to see CE being offered on such a small aircraft but I decided to give it a go anyway.
Quick intro: was travelling HBO so no comments on the bag drop experience. It was also one of the few times I didn't need my laptop, so as I wanted as little hassle as possible I travelled with my iPad and a good old fashioned notepad.
No issues at LCY security, not asked to turn on my iPad. Was a bit slower than usual as I seemed to have got behind people who didn't know the security basics (liquids in bags, belts off, etc) which is unusual at LCY.
Flew on BA4453 which is a 10:30 departure. I'm not sure if LCY uses the same mealtimes as LHR/LGW but that would usually mean brunch. As I booked less than 24 hours before departure I don't know if there's a special meal option on this flight.
The Saab 2000 is a turboprop that seats 50 passengers the livery was plain white with an "operated by Eastern Airways" sticker near the front door.
There was a single member of cabin crew dressed in BA uniform with a BA CityFlyer name badge. I did ask and she is actually an Eastern Airways employee based in Aberdeen. Announcements were in the standard BA style, safety briefing will be the standard Eastern Airways tape that just like the BA audio briefing does not name the airline.
Seats are arranged in a 1-2 layout, so if you take the A seat you get the benefits of (a good sized) window and aisle. There's no curtain separating the CE section from the rest of the cabin (I think T3's own flights are all single class).
Before take off the cabin crew member asked each CE passenger (3 in total) whether they wanted a continental breakfast and what they'd like to drink.
After take off the meals and drinks were prepared in the galley at the rear of the aircraft (there's no space at the front) and brought the previously requested food and drink by tray individually to each passenger. After serving CE a more standard trolley based service commenced for ET.
The breakfast tray was a reasonable sized continental offering, plate of meat+cheese, fruit, pastries, etc.
The aircraft looks just over half full (maybe 30 passengers) so there was enough time to be offered another drink (tea in my case) and had a quick chat with the crew. It's as close to a regular CE service as possible considering the space limitations of the aircraft, catering is provided by the same supplier as BA and is BA branded (got those nice big tea cups).
Arrival at Rotterdam required a short bus ride to the gate then a quick passport check.
I quite like how they made an effort to make CE a special experience despite the limitations meaning the usual features of CE aren't present on these aircraft. I don't think it was worth the difference in fare but it was still a nice experience.
I've not seen anyone comment on Club Europe on the Saab 2000 operated by Eastern Airways (T3), I was quite surprised to see CE being offered on such a small aircraft but I decided to give it a go anyway.
Quick intro: was travelling HBO so no comments on the bag drop experience. It was also one of the few times I didn't need my laptop, so as I wanted as little hassle as possible I travelled with my iPad and a good old fashioned notepad.
No issues at LCY security, not asked to turn on my iPad. Was a bit slower than usual as I seemed to have got behind people who didn't know the security basics (liquids in bags, belts off, etc) which is unusual at LCY.
Flew on BA4453 which is a 10:30 departure. I'm not sure if LCY uses the same mealtimes as LHR/LGW but that would usually mean brunch. As I booked less than 24 hours before departure I don't know if there's a special meal option on this flight.
The Saab 2000 is a turboprop that seats 50 passengers the livery was plain white with an "operated by Eastern Airways" sticker near the front door.
There was a single member of cabin crew dressed in BA uniform with a BA CityFlyer name badge. I did ask and she is actually an Eastern Airways employee based in Aberdeen. Announcements were in the standard BA style, safety briefing will be the standard Eastern Airways tape that just like the BA audio briefing does not name the airline.
Seats are arranged in a 1-2 layout, so if you take the A seat you get the benefits of (a good sized) window and aisle. There's no curtain separating the CE section from the rest of the cabin (I think T3's own flights are all single class).
Before take off the cabin crew member asked each CE passenger (3 in total) whether they wanted a continental breakfast and what they'd like to drink.
After take off the meals and drinks were prepared in the galley at the rear of the aircraft (there's no space at the front) and brought the previously requested food and drink by tray individually to each passenger. After serving CE a more standard trolley based service commenced for ET.
The breakfast tray was a reasonable sized continental offering, plate of meat+cheese, fruit, pastries, etc.
The aircraft looks just over half full (maybe 30 passengers) so there was enough time to be offered another drink (tea in my case) and had a quick chat with the crew. It's as close to a regular CE service as possible considering the space limitations of the aircraft, catering is provided by the same supplier as BA and is BA branded (got those nice big tea cups).
Arrival at Rotterdam required a short bus ride to the gate then a quick passport check.
I quite like how they made an effort to make CE a special experience despite the limitations meaning the usual features of CE aren't present on these aircraft. I don't think it was worth the difference in fare but it was still a nice experience.
Nov 18, 2016, 4:18 pm
#129
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Lewes
Programs: HiltonH. Gold Starwood Gold BA BLUES! Mucci.
Posts: 4,833
A friend of mine was a dispatcher for GB airways. Sometimes the aircraft had no CE passengers at all, and two CE passengers was not uncommon on the 737.
Remember that row 1 on the 737 was not aligned.....
Remember that row 1 on the 737 was not aligned.....
Dec 29, 2016, 8:40 am
#130
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Glasgow
Programs: British Airways Silver, Hilton Diamond, Accor Platinum, AMEX plat
Posts: 251
I'm not sure when Club Europe starts for the UK, but I'm looking at a seat map for a flight in August (LHR-GLA) and there are 8 rows of CE-looking seating, then row 9 and beyond is standard economy layout...
Dec 29, 2016, 8:42 am
#131
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: London
Posts: 17,007
Rumours are for March. However at least BA LHR-EDI does not appear to be updated yet even into August.
Just to be sure you aren't looked at the midhaul A321 sometimes scheduled on this route ...?
Last edited by Calchas; Dec 29, 2016 at 8:48 am
Dec 29, 2016, 8:47 am
#132
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: LCY
Programs: Mucci des Ancients Matelots
Posts: 769
Grab a solo seat if you can!
Dec 29, 2016, 8:49 am
#133
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Glasgow
Programs: British Airways Silver, Hilton Diamond, Accor Platinum, AMEX plat
Posts: 251
Dec 29, 2016, 9:40 am
#135
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: London
Posts: 17,007
I would guess that anyone booked into the J or U fare class now will be in Club Europe when it exists.