High Flyer: British Airways Club Europe

Airline: British Airways

Flight number: BA 0713

Aircraft: Airbus A319

Route: Zurich to London Heathrow

Seating: Club Europe

Flight time: 1 hour, 55 minutes

Skytrax Airline Star Rating: 4 stars

The Cabin

Club Europe is a 2 x 2 configuration, however unlike business class from Australian operators, the seats are ‘converted’ economy seats. This means the middle seat of a 3 x 3 layout is converted into a small table while the armrests are extended to widen the seat; giving Club Europe passengers more space than those travelling in economy.

Checking in

We checked in at the airport. Check-in opened three hours before our flight and we arrived about two hours before departure. The Club Europe/One World premium check-in was easy to find, and quick and painless.

Lounge

In Zürich, British Airways uses the One World Aspire Lounge in Terminal 2. It is on the third level, accessible via a lift. Other One World carriers share the lounge, so it was quite full. It has comfortable seating and complimentary WiFi. The toilets are located outside the lounge, but were kept clean.

Alcohol

In the lounge, a self-service bar area provides a choice of red and white wines, with varieties including syrah, merlot, pinot noir and chardonnay. There is the expected selection of soft drinks. Tomato juice is available for anyone wanting a ‘Bloody Mary’, which can be made using the spirits on offer. If you fancy a beer there are local Swiss brews such as Feldschlösschen. On board, I drank tea – something the British do very well. There were also soft drinks, water and alcoholic drinks.

Meals

Our flight had an afternoon tea service, with quintessential British cucumber sandwiches and scones. The sandwiches (which also came with egg or salmon) were tasty, while the scone was served warm with clotted cream and Wilkin & Sons Tiptree jam – delicious!

Space

Club Europe felt more like premium economy than international business class. There is just enough legroom for me (over six foot tall) and the seat recline is fairly limited. However, for the short flight, it was acceptable and I didn’t feel any discomfort during the trip. The 2 x 2 layout is a definite bonus and offers much more space to stretch out than standard economy.

Amenities kit

No.

Pyjamas or not

No.

ENTERTAINMENT

There is no digital inflight entertainment provided in Club Europe. Small screens do pop down from the ceiling showing the flight path, while each seat has a copy of British Airways’ inflight magazine High Life, which keeps passengers entertained. If you get bored easily, bring your iPad or a good book!

QUALITY OF HEADPHONES

None offered.

BATHROOM

There was one toilet at the front of the cabin for Club Europe passengers. As with most single-aisle aircraft bathrooms, it is very compact. It was kept clean during the trip, with the soap dispenser kept full and plenty of fresh hand towels available 10/10.

BAGGAGE

As Club Europe passengers, we were able to check two bags of 32kg each. As a One World Sapphire (via Qantas Platinum) frequent flyer, I was entitled to an extra bag of 32kg.

LOYALTY PROGRAM

British Airways’ frequent flyer program is called Executive Club, however membership is not open to Australian passengers who are directed to join the Qantas Frequent Flyer program. As both airlines are members of One World, British Airways affords passengers with Qantas status the same premium treatment as its own guests, such as priority check-in and embarkation, and access to the express lane at Heathrow immigration – a real bonus.

GRIPES

Overall this was a pleasant flight. The seats are relatively basic, but on par with the inter-Europe business class offering from other carriers. One downside is the lack of in-seat power so charge your devices before travelling!