British Airways Business Class Review: First-Time 'Left Turn' Experience Revealed
Metro's First-Person and Opinion Editor, Jess Austin, recently experienced British Airways business class for the first time on a flight from London Heathrow to Toronto. As someone who typically views flying as merely a necessary inconvenience, her upgrade to Club World provided a transformative perspective on air travel.
The Journey Begins: From Economy to Elevated Expectations
"I've always been an economy flier," Austin explains. "For me, holidays begin upon arrival, with flights serving as the unavoidable preamble. That mindset shifted dramatically when I boarded British Airways' Club World cabin for my transatlantic journey."
The experience commenced with exclusive airport privileges, including dedicated Club World check-in counters and priority security lanes at Heathrow. These initial conveniences set the tone for what would become a remarkably seamless travel experience.
Club Suite Cabin: Privacy and Comfort Redefined
Austin flew in British Airways' newly renovated Club Suite cabins, which feature direct aisle access and privacy doors. The seat transforms into a substantial 6-foot-6-inch bed, providing unprecedented comfort for long-haul journeys.
"Upon boarding, I was greeted with champagne or orange juice and discovered multiple clever storage compartments throughout my personal space," she notes. "The cabin design creates a cocoon-like environment that feels both private and luxurious."
Premium Amenities: Beyond Basic Expectations
The White Company amenity kit exceeded standard expectations, containing not just the typical toothbrush, toothpaste, eye mask, and socks, but also lip balm, gentle moisturizer, and a relaxing pulse point roller. These thoughtful additions enhanced the overall comfort experience significantly.
"These small touches transformed my anticipation from simply enduring the flight to genuinely looking forward to the journey ahead," Austin observes.
Culinary Excellence at 35,000 Feet
The dining experience represented a dramatic departure from typical in-flight meals. Served with silver cutlery on proper china, the three-course meal began with red lentil soup, followed by grilled cod with Bombay potatoes, broccolini, spinach, and a tomato-coconut sauce, concluding with a lemon meringue bar.
"The cod was particularly impressive—fresh, flavorful, and perfectly prepared," Austin reports. "The coconut sauce provided a light, fragrant accompaniment that I never expected to encounter on an airplane. Throughout the flight, mocktails, sandwiches, and readily available snacks maintained the elevated culinary standard."
Entertainment and Relaxation: A New Flying Paradigm
Equipped with a generous multimedia screen, quality White Company blanket, and quilted seat cover, Austin enjoyed a movie marathon featuring Wicked, Miss Congeniality, and About Time. The absence of typical post-meal discomfort allowed for genuine relaxation rather than forced sleep attempts.
"The ability to fully recline and enjoy entertainment without disturbing neighbors—or being disturbed by them—created an entirely different flying experience," she explains.
Airport Lounges: A Mixed Assessment
While appreciating guaranteed seating and complimentary refreshments in British Airways' lounges, Austin notes that locating available space required some navigation through multiple lounge options at Heathrow. The lounge experience, while pleasant, didn't match the transformative quality of the in-flight service.
Financial Considerations: Luxury Versus Practicality
For the same May 2026 travel dates, British Airways Club World flights to Toronto start at approximately £1,302 compared to £767 for economy class. This represents a substantial premium that Austin acknowledges wouldn't be feasible for regular travel.
"For special occasions or particularly long journeys where maximizing comfort and minimizing travel stress are priorities, the investment could be justified," she suggests. "The experience transforms flying from a necessary inconvenience into an enjoyable component of the overall trip."
Transformative Impact on Flying Anxiety
As someone who typically experiences flight-related tension, Austin found the Club World experience remarkably calming. "Tucked into my private space, well-fed, and attended to by consistently professional cabin crew, I arrived in Toronto feeling genuinely relaxed rather than stressed," she reports. "The entire journey felt smooth and decompressing in ways I hadn't anticipated."
Final Verdict: Redefining Air Travel Expectations
"This experience fundamentally altered my perspective on flying," Austin concludes. "What I previously viewed as merely the means to an end became an enjoyable, comfortable journey in its own right. While the price point places it firmly in special-occasion territory for most travelers, the quality of service, comfort, and dining creates a compelling case for considering business class upgrades on particularly demanding routes."
The review highlights how British Airways' Club World service transforms long-haul travel through attention to detail, premium amenities, and exceptional service, creating an experience that justifies its premium positioning for those seeking elevated air travel.
