Our British Airways Club Suite review examines the new business class product, featuring privacy doors and direct aisle access for every traveler.
For many years, British Airways’ 'Club World' was criticized for its 2-4-2 'ying-yang' layout, which forced many passengers to step over their neighbors and offered little privacy. All of that changed with the introduction of the Club Suite. This new product represents a quantum leap for the airline, bringing it firmly into the top tier of business class offerings globally. Our team took to the skies on an Airbus A350-1000 to evaluate whether the Club Suite has truly solved the pain points of the past.
The most significant change is the 1-2-1 configuration. Every passenger now has direct aisle access, a baseline requirement for modern luxury travel. Each suite is equipped with a sliding door, which, while not providing total floor-to-ceiling isolation, offers an immense sense of personal space. The materials are a mix of charcoal fabrics and grey finishes, giving the cabin a professional, 'Executive' feel. We found the bed to be comfortable and wide, with the armrest lowering to provide additional shoulder room when in the lie-flat position. The storage is also significantly improved, with multiple bins for shoes, headphones, and small electronics.
Passengers in Club World have access to the Galleries Club Lounges at Heathrow. While these lounges are often busy, they offer a solid range of amenities, including hot and cold food, a well-stocked bar, and plenty of seating. For those flying out of Heathrow Terminal 5, the 'First Wing' is reserved for those with status, but the standard Club World check-in and fast-track security are generally efficient. While the ground experience doesn't reach the heights of the First Class Concorde Room, it provides a functional and comfortable transition to the aircraft.
British Airways has made concerted efforts to elevate its business class catering. The 'dine-on-one-tray' service of the past has been replaced by a more formal, coursed service. The menu features a variety of British-inspired dishes, often with a focus on seasonal ingredients. We sampled a roasted lamb loin that was flavorful and well-presented. The wine list, while naturally not as extensive as in First Class, includes a solid selection of Old and New World wines. The service was professional and efficient—the crew seemed energized by the new cabin layout, which facilitates easier service than the old configuration.
The entertainment system in the Club Suite is a vast improvement over the previous generation. Large, 17-inch high-definition screens are fixed in place, meaning you can watch content from gate to gate. The selection of films and television programs is extensive, including a great deal of British content. Wi-Fi is available across most of the long-haul fleet, with pricing tiers based on time and usage. We found the speeds to be reliable for standard business tasks, though high-definition streaming remained a challenge.
Is British Airways Business Class worth the investment? With the introduction of the Club Suite, the answer is a firm yes. It effectively bridges the gap between the old business class and the First Class experience. For the corporate traveler or the leisure traveler seeking privacy and a good night's sleep, the Club Suite is an exceptional product. While you should check to ensure your specific route features the new suite (as some older aircraft still carry the legacy layout), those who fly the Club Suite will find it to be one of the most competitive business-class experiences in the Atlantic market.
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