How is BA World Traveller these days?
Dec 12, 2017, 10:39 am
#16
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: WAW ✈ LHR ✈ GLA
Programs: BA GfL/GGL/CCR, HH Diamond, IHG Diamond Ambassador
Posts: 2,500
A very cheerful purser explained to me that I should have asked for a "supersonic gin & tonic"
Dec 12, 2017, 11:20 am
#17
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: USA
Programs: BA Silver
Posts: 812
I don't travel much on BA any more so my experience of world traveler is all 777 and 747. World traveler is an OK product but the 3-4-3 777s (when introduced) would be well avoided. It's Club World that is shockingly bad.
Dec 12, 2017, 11:23 am
#18
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: US/UK - and elsewhere
Programs: BA Gold
Posts: 2,555
My usual long haul WT is in the 787:
- it is tight, bearable depending on company - the last flight had what could be described as a super-sized person next to me in the aisle seat - so that took up a couple inches of my seat, and if the person in front of you reclines, have your reading glasses handy since the screen will be about 8" away from your eyes;
- make sure you go to the toilet before you board particularly if you're in the middle or window seat - it is unlikely you'll be able to extract yourself at any stage!;
- food and drink, adequate, the curry and 'little pot' being good offerings;
- service, generally okay - I've had some excellent service, some benign, and some, well (nearly), non-existent;
- seating does seem to be status/price related - cheaper tickets (particularly block bookings) down the back... .
- it is tight, bearable depending on company - the last flight had what could be described as a super-sized person next to me in the aisle seat - so that took up a couple inches of my seat, and if the person in front of you reclines, have your reading glasses handy since the screen will be about 8" away from your eyes;
- make sure you go to the toilet before you board particularly if you're in the middle or window seat - it is unlikely you'll be able to extract yourself at any stage!;
- food and drink, adequate, the curry and 'little pot' being good offerings;
- service, generally okay - I've had some excellent service, some benign, and some, well (nearly), non-existent;
- seating does seem to be status/price related - cheaper tickets (particularly block bookings) down the back... .
Dec 12, 2017, 11:49 am
#19
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: London
Programs: Hilton, IHG - BA, GA, LH, QR, SV, TK
Posts: 17,008
I'm one of the strange ones happy enough in BA long-haul economy, but with a distinct preference for other carriers when I travel business-class.
If you have status, speedy check-in followed by fast-track makes a difference: and if you manage to get yourself one of the better seats you'll be fine.
Otherwise it really can't be much fun at all.
Main meals are, well, what they are: bog-standard airline meals. But the sickly carbs they serve as a snack or second light-meal is best refused unless really hungry. If you want a second or nth drink don't be afraid to use the call button: but if you have a penchant for nuts bring your own.
It'll all be over in (insert number) hours. You'll arrive creased but alive. Thousands and thousands do it every day.
If you have status, speedy check-in followed by fast-track makes a difference: and if you manage to get yourself one of the better seats you'll be fine.
Otherwise it really can't be much fun at all.
Main meals are, well, what they are: bog-standard airline meals. But the sickly carbs they serve as a snack or second light-meal is best refused unless really hungry. If you want a second or nth drink don't be afraid to use the call button: but if you have a penchant for nuts bring your own.
It'll all be over in (insert number) hours. You'll arrive creased but alive. Thousands and thousands do it every day.
Dec 12, 2017, 11:54 am
#20
Join Date: Dec 2016
Programs: BAEC GGL/CR; Hilton Diamond; Mucci des Puccis
Posts: 5,609
It's like how you might imagine the hold of a First World War hospital ship. Grubby and poorly lit, with miserable wretches crammed in wherever they can find a space, groaning restlessly under thin blankets and plaintively begging for food and water.
Dec 12, 2017, 3:10 pm
#23
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Wedged somewhere between BTS and VIE ✈
Programs: Star Alliance Gold (A3 Gold), Oneworld Emerald (BA Gold), Hilton Diamond
Posts: 6,338
Fly pasta, Thirsty Planet water and a 'little pot of' dessert (should be 'tiny pot of'?). You've got to give it to them for the names! but the tray looks half empty.
Such a difference to a couple of years ago when BA used to serve a much better offering. What a shame.
Compare that with SAS economy for example.
Such a difference to a couple of years ago when BA used to serve a much better offering. What a shame.
Compare that with SAS economy for example.
Dec 12, 2017, 3:22 pm
#24
Join Date: Jul 2009
Programs: BAEC Silver, IHG Diamond
Posts: 7,768
I've got a couple of flights next weekend. Will most likely fill up in the lounges, decant a bottle of two of LPGS, and not bother with the onboard offerings.
Can't remember the last time I really ate the food in economy. I have had a small can of Diet Coke once or twice and I've gone back to the galley for one, but that's it. Not a fan of the sweet stuff etc. they come up with, although the main meal is fine from memory.
It's a nicer experience if you can grab an exit row (seems both my flights have the seats next to me taken now) although the screen always seems crooked to me. Not amazingly comfortable but survivable.
Handy if you get a side bin on some planes to dump the pillow, blanket etc. into. No IFE boxes at your feet in the exit rows on the A380, but no window as such either.
Haven't tried the 787 but it' on my bucket list if they get fixed.
Can't remember the last time I really ate the food in economy. I have had a small can of Diet Coke once or twice and I've gone back to the galley for one, but that's it. Not a fan of the sweet stuff etc. they come up with, although the main meal is fine from memory.
It's a nicer experience if you can grab an exit row (seems both my flights have the seats next to me taken now) although the screen always seems crooked to me. Not amazingly comfortable but survivable.
Handy if you get a side bin on some planes to dump the pillow, blanket etc. into. No IFE boxes at your feet in the exit rows on the A380, but no window as such either.
Haven't tried the 787 but it' on my bucket list if they get fixed.
Dec 12, 2017, 4:24 pm
#26
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: NYC
Programs: BA Silver, UA 1K, DL Platinum
Posts: 696
I fly WT from time to time. Most important advice is avoid the 787 wherever possible. Next most important advice is buy a couple of water bottles but guard them. Last time my neighbour helped himself assuming I guess that BA had provided one each.
Dec 12, 2017, 4:41 pm
#27
Ambassador: Emirates Airlines
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Manchester, UK
Posts: 18,613
Dec 12, 2017, 6:26 pm
#28
Moderator, Emirates
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Where My Heart Is
Programs: BAEC Silver, FB Platinum, KQ Asante Gold, Shebamiles Blue, Emirates Blue
Posts: 3,386
And if I can dip my toe into this potential quagmire, booze offerings as standard in BA Y (but haven’t seen anyone kicking the a*** out of it thus far).
Flights are operated by MF Cabin Crew and especially on the return on the BA237/236 (overnight flight there, early am return) the crew can look a bit tired.
S
Dec 12, 2017, 7:36 pm
#29
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: YYC
Programs: BA bronze, Aeroplan peon
Posts: 4,746
A Boots/WH Smith sandwich combo deal from the airport will be much more nutritious and tasty than the food served in Y. The 787 seats are cramped if you're taller. I can't sit with my knees together for example.