IAN-UK

If it were up to me there'd be changes galore.

But remember that BA is anxious not to divert demand from its business-class cabin, and so will keep the WTP cabin and service firmly as economy plus, rather thananything approaching business light.

So WTP will always represent a small improvement on the economy product, sold for significantly more money; rather than something that could replace business-class for significantly less money.

Doors Closing

WTP is a great product, especially for the self financed, allowing a whole different experience to the back of the plane, as well as enhanced tier points. Recently on a SU PE flight, I realized there are PE dedicated toilets, and I found it to be a truly great feature. The BA version of sharing toilets with Y passengers is a whole different experience, and if anything, would be brilliant to have a WTP toilets for exclusive use...

flatlander

The food, especially the second meal, is the main point where WT+ jars you back into "this is economy". For routes where the economy food offering is risible, this is particularly bad. The first meal could do with a few additional features to make it nicer, too.

The seat, especially the newer seats on the A380, 787 and newer 777, are quite good.

Of course there are always ways to make it worse, which can be summarised as making the seat space less while providing more additional accessories that are not the point of purchasing WT+. The report on the LGW seats sounds like that. I do fear that BA will increase distractions like IFE and food while decreasing space, and space is what I'm paying for with WT+. I can bring my own entertainment, food, etc. I cannot bring my own space to WT that means I'm not tensed into a stress position or pressed at the extremities by the seat for the length of the flight and that is why I buy WT+ when I can.

bisonrav

I'm perfectly happy with WTP for work travel to the Far East - it's reasonably comfortable, there is a little space to work (when you learn to work with the seat recline from in front) - and it's a good compromise to give a little extra legroom. When you get an old cabin you do notice it, but the newer cabins are fine.

What would I add to it? Not much really. It's an OK product and you usually get decent bang per buck. Possibly access to one of the J toilets.

Just on the question of meals to India - this is I think a route thing. My theory on this is that you'll get a significant number - possibly majority - of veggie meals pre-ordered, and the remainder is divided up 50/50 so the actual number of butter chicken (to take a particularly delicious example) is lower than it would be in a flight to other places. It used to drive me mad when I was in Y a few years ago, you would have the specials come out and be surrounded by nice smelling food, and then when the actual trolley arrived all there was a cheese omelette. I had my most significant DYKWIA moment about this once and was issued with a crew meal as a result, still a little embarrassed about that. Don't get this so much in WTP to be honest, but you can pre-order on the way out anyway, and I usually put myself in the front exit row anyway.

bigwalrus

Personally, as a 6ft 4in lanky b*astard, I find WTP a good step up from WT. The leg room in economy is simply inadequate for me and that's the main benefit.

The smaller cabin is generally full of more frequent flyers or at least those who know whats going on. It seems a more relaxed place to be than at the back.

I've been OpUpped to CW more often than not, but wouldn't hand over cash for CW. It's good to lie down and have a better meal, but it's also good to have £xxx to spend on alternative uses.

In WTP, I've never had any food which was inedible. When it comes down to it, I'm on a plane having a quick light meal to keep me going. I don't particularly need anything overly fancy. If I could pay an extra £50 to get full CW meals I'm not sure I'd be bothered.

peck

sxc

bigwalrus

As another reference point, I've flown Air France PE a few times long haul to South America. The seats don't really recline, they kind of slide into themselves. They were really uncomfortable.

rather_be_on_a_griffin

Swissroll

When BA finally announce and install the new J class seats, move the old J ones into WTP and then we can all have fun reading a barrage of trip reports winging about 'yingyang' and pole vaulting over sleeping passengers

Andriyko

A decent pillow and a blanket would be a nice addition. Better wines won't happen anyway. Nor will a dedicated member of cabin crew. Don't really care about the second meal/breakfast on short East Coast flights.

South London Bon Viveur

I think WTP on the Dreamliner is a great product. As much as I am often underwhelmed by CW, I seem to be impressed by WTP.

FlyerTalker39574

Swissroll

I wonder if Cruz has thought about densification of WTP to 9 seats across and marketing it as a feature packed seat with more room than economy?

corporate-wage-slave

And indeed as was mentioned by Prospero in the main thread, it appears to be the basis of the new Iberia Premium Economy (Turista Premium) product for their A330 and A340-600 services:
https://www.iberia.com/gb/turista-premium/