A number of people at my work are travelling to India. All of them are booked to fly with British Airways in Club World which is business class. As none of them are frequent flyers, it struck me they would not know about all the perks.
I put together a quick e-mail listing some hints and tips to enhance their travel experience. Thanks to the positive feedback on this, I thought I would share the details with you.
Before Flying
All of my people are flying Dublin to London and then on to Chennai or Delhi. Their bookings indicated they would earn something like 17,000 Avios and over 300 tier points for the journey.
I recommended they join the British Airways Executive Club. It is free to join and when you add your number to your booking you will earn Avios and tier points.
The best benefit is that the trip would instantly move them to Bronze status. This allows free seat selection from 7 days before departure, 25% bonus Avios on flights, priority boarding and business class check-in.
At The Airport
In Dublin, British Airways use the pretty basic Dublin Airport Executive Lounge, so I let them know they have access to that. Next, I told them about the Galleries Club Lounges in London Heathrow Terminal 5.
There are Galleries North and Galleries South as well as one in Terminal 5B. Club World tickets provide access to these lounges which offer free drinks, free food and a nice atmosphere to relax.
On the way to the lounges, my advice was to visit the Elemis Spa. Club World passengers are given a free treatment as long as there is availability so it pays to ask as soon as you arrive.
On Board
Flights will always provide a full service with a multi-course menu. What people may not know is that British Airways long-haul aircraft feature a Club Kitchen.
Is This Advice Really Needed?
When I sent the e-mail I received a Skype message from one guy with some questions. He said, “I assume the benefits such as the lounges are only available on my next trip once I have earned my points?”
It struck me at that point that if you don’t fly long-haul regularly and don’t fly business class – which is the majority of people – you probably would not know all that is available to you.
My advice was successful it seems. I received a nice e-mail saying the first two people had been discussing my e-mail and how much better their trip was because of it.
Overall Thoughts
Sharing the love occasionally is something all frequent flyers should do. When you get a reputation for flying a lot, family members and friends will usually run their travel plans by you for some advice – though they often don’t take it!
I hope you found this little run through useful and if you have any comments or questions, please leave them below.
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Elemis Spa and Executive Club Tiers images via British Airways.
Is there any kind of apps u have, I mean for passengers..
Apart from the BA app, I use MyFlights to keep track of bookings. Works for airlines that use Amadeus 🙂
I think I would recommend they cancel and book on Emirates instead. I think they go to chennai and if they are having to stop in London anyway, it will take the same time overall. Better planes, better lounges, better service and always cheaper in my experience
Too late for that, the bookings are made and they’re on their trips. I would have booked them on Qatar over Emirates if I had a choice though. QR really impressed me and you get your miles if you’re in a oneworld programme. No brainer for me! Thanks for the comment!
For regular business travellers, BA Club World stinks. For the rest of us who very rarely fly ahead of the wing, its mind blowing! If only because you get to lie down
Any flight where you can lie down in business class is mind blowing 🙂 I think regular business travellers find it fine too. The fact the seat has been the same for so long is probably why people are a little bored with it. Thanks for the comment!
Always a pleasure. I actually flew business the first time in 2003, on Air India, and then in 2006 got an upgrade to AI First from BOM – LHR. AI First still offered caviar at that time. I guess its horses for courses. Personally I would rather travel less frequently, but travel in style, ie, Business or First. Having said that my last 3 trips were in cattle class 🙁
Nice, I really like caviar and it’s something I very rarely get to eat. That sounds like a wonderful experience! I agree with you on travelling less frequently but travelling in style. I usually can only afford Premium Economy to Australia and get Business Class just in sales. Always worth it!
First time in BA Club World?
Low down your expectations and you’re good to go 🙂
Kidding aside, Club World is way more comfortable than economy, but if you start comparing with others airlines like Singapore, Cathay, JAL, ANA, this product will fall short in the hard and soft product.
For a first timer, this would be a nice introduction.
Hahahaha! 🙂 Many would agree.
It is way more comfortable than economy and has good food, good entertainment and usually quite good crews as well. Of course, other airlines can be better, but it’s still a decent enough product. Thanks for the comment!
Agreed, If it’s your first time flying Business class, then it’s not that bad. They should also be aware what intra-europe business class is – worse than domestic US first class.
Indeed. I like the catering and I always have pleasant crew whenever I fly eurobusiness. But the seats….
Yes, it will be a brave airline that introduces proper business class seating in Europe!
That’s completely true in some ways – especially with regards to the seats. However, food wise, you will usually get a meal in Europe in business class regardless of flight length. Unlike the USA. Thanks for the comment!