British Airways 787 Business Class. Is it any better?

When British Airways purchased the new 787 aircraft they had the chance to fix some of the serious issues with the design of their business class seats....did they take this opportunity??
Well, no.
On this flight review I cover the excellent British Airways first class lounge at Heathrow Terminal 5. I then move to to boarding, take off, the BA business class cabin, the unique British Airways business class seat, the inflight service, crew, meals amenities kit and the entertainment system.
This flight review was primarily filmed on BA from London Heathrow to Cairo, Egypt. However some of the footage is also from a flight from Cairo to Heathrow one week earlier.
For more flight reviews including British Airways 747, Qatar, Qantas, Emirates, Cathay Pacific, Etihad, Turkish Airlines, LATAM and Baltic Air please check out my channel.
Flight: BA155
Route: London Heathrow to Cairo
When: May 2017
Aircraft: Boeing 787-9 registration GZBKH
Seat: 12K
Camera: Sony FDR-AXP55

[@Paul_Lucas]

I think this is my favourite trip report ever.

[@DennisBunnikTravels]

Thanks mate!!

[@ryanalmazi6802]

uwu

[@TheYahoohappy]

the sarcasm in this video is A+ 😂

[@carlossebastiannecroticgot7232]

ItsMeHere Also the orgasm 😁

[@jacktran3516]

ItsMeHere and how he is very honest and funny

[@danielkandi9023]

i 2nd that. U fuckin rock dennis!

[@duncancallum]

well it deserves to be

[@gankala8]

😂🤣

[@jackforster4871]

you really deserve your own show on BBC

[@jakeianmartinez9902]

Gross BBC is disgusting Now

[@yoelfebrian]

Love the sarcasm! One of the worst international Business class seat! Great video as always,Dennis :)

[@jackholmes2374]

Same hahaha

[@Dark3n81]

Same. But Lufthansa is even worse. Absolutely no privacy, hard and narrow. Never fly them.

[@100178020959]

I just can’t understand why BA don’t change this horrible layout, this class of seat from London is as expensive or more so than all the Middle East carriers who offer a far higher standard with much better seat layout. Who wants to step over someone else when paying thousands long haul, won’t be me when there are so much better choices. Pull your socks up BA or you will drop into the wrong side of 50 in airline reviews, it’s a shame for the staff as they are usually excellent.

[@leonh6917]

What a weird seat design

[@bobfrieser6987]

The seat designer left and now works for the kiwi airline I've heard.

[@AbroadinJapan]

Absolutely hilarious review.

[@FlyAround]

I don´t get why the airline don´t take the chance to improve their product with the launch of a brand new aircraft like the B787...

[@TransportLover888]

The Jetstreamer the thing is, BA are under a lot of pressure to improve as here the market is being torn up by budget low-cost airlines, so they do really need to improve. The same can be said for Virgin Atlantic. I remember watching promos for their new 787s and they seemed to make a really big deal out of it. So maybe they actually tried, or it could just be that they pretended to try with their new cabins. It was the same situation with the A380, a lot of hype for a mediocre cabin.

[@zaandijk]

TransportLover888 e

[@tsbedford]

Lets hope so , did not enjoy the Vancouver flight last year for the reasons stated and that was on a 380.

[@TheMasterhomaster]

Complacency.

[@FlyAround]

The Jetstreamer I'm gonna fly with Iberia this August to New York. I count on your words that it is "better" than BA ;)

[@ErnestJay88]

British Airways wanted to cramp Business class as full as possible, that's why half of their seats are backwards.

[@jacobmccarthy8666]

Yep. To have 2-3-2 on the 787, the seats have to be pretty narrow. To make the experience not absolutely awful, some seats are backwards. This is done so they can take away a bit of your legroom width so you have more shoulder / body room width at your seat

[@iatsd]

Jacob McCarthy rubbish. reducing the length doesn't give them more room to work with in width: the aircraft dimensions are fixed. as was started in the video, it's simply a very old seat design and they haven't improved it at all. if they wanted to go for modern 2-3-2 configuration then they should have bought the new JL business product. that crams them in but is still comfortable to fly.

[@TheMasterhomaster]

iatsd reducing length give them more room to work with for another ROW of seats.

[@vhira]

Ernest Jay the funny thing is that, when I flew with ba back in October 2014 I flew on the boring 747-400 in world traveler class and when we was boarding the plane, we entered the through the door which was where the business class section is and I remember this poor guy sitting on he's seat in business class had to constantly lean to one side to avoid getting nudged or wacked by the passengers hand luggages as the passengers were boarding the aircraft.

[@ericsudarpo2293]

Yes exactly, maybe Economy could be even more better than this. I though NH or JL 787 J is better than BA. When I fly to Japan last 2015 on ANA 789 and return with JAL 789 as well, both J is comfortable and beautiful. But BA seems not want to copy them and they are lazy. So frustrated BA!

[@1world]

I bet the airlines Public Relations watch these videos. Did you ever received an apology in regards a bad experience with an airline you filmed?

[@miniena7774]

The International Reviews +1

[@TheMasterhomaster]

BA hasn't changed their business class in 18 years so why would they apologize?

[@samsadeniz]

The International Reviews i don't think BA cares. years of mergers and horrible management killed the spirit of this airline.

[@omarijoseph3189]

If the public relations person is watching, clearly from so much criticism they still don't give a rat's ass about anything. What annoys me, is that in places like USA & Europe where there are SO MANY choice, the traveling public is the one who can break an airline, but i guess they are bounded only by the airline frequent flyer program...so sad..TOO FREAKY BAD!!

[@bobhill6301]

+samsa deniz Its sarcasm😂

[@mikae7339]

The most honest and detailed review I’ve ever seen, never flown B Airways and after seeing dont plan to either.

[@knubbelidoo]

Why did anyone think this layout and the rear-facing seats would be a good idea? Just to squeeze a couple more seats into the cabin. This looks so awkward and uncomfortable...

[@JoaoPessoa86]

spreagadh funny thing is that the new Q suites by Qatar are kind of the logical evolution of this layout.

[@TheMasterhomaster]

spreagadh MONEY.

[@4seeableTV]

On paper, it kind of looks like it might work. Everyone is much wider at the shoulders/torso than the legs/feet, so designing a backward facing seat next to a forward facing one seems to take that into consideration. But in practice, it's just a bit odd.

[@nikolasrpak6187]

spreagadh british airways is the worst

[@curious2travel]

I love the backward facing window seats. Try it, you'll see!

[@nicestguy]

By far one of the best travel reports ever, and the sarcasm was definitely on point :D

[@sim77410]

Recently found your channel and have to say it’s now my favourite airline review channel. The duration of approx 10 mins is perfect and I like how you detail interesting stuff like lounges and the seat walk throughs, and speed up things like take off. Moving menus to the end is also a plus. I find it really refreshing how you’re honest but fair in your videos, and you’re not afraid to pull any punches when product or service is under par. I like how you highlight the product itself and are actually someone who travels for business, rather than business being travel. Finally, it’s great to see how you compliment good service from cabin crew but don’t aim to cover yourself in lipstick kisses like some others reviewers out there. I’m hooked and have subscribed, so keep up the good work. “Cheers, here’s to a great flight!” ;)

[@jaypainespotter]

This is comedy gold! 😂😂 All I needed was the "Best seats for long haul business class passengers are on another airline" - Dennis in another BA video. (If I remember correctly) 😂

[@EveMartel]

The "kiss goodnight" to your belongings on the pillow made me crack up, hahaha!

[@simonnicklin1313]

The best review I've seen.

[@lutang]

THANK YOU. You just saved me 14 hours of pain each way. I bought an AA ticket, but it's run by BA. I saw this video and immediately cancelled. Thank God for KZbin flight review videos!!! This looks worse than a broken coach seat near a bathroom in between two large guys who ate cheese and are lactose intolerant!!! OK, maybe not THAT bad, but if I'm paying $4k for a business class ticket I don't want to feel trapped in by other people's smelly feet.

[@vjlove1218]

I love your narrations. Excellent review as always. I will say, the aisle seats are really appealing to me for my family of three. Having my daughter in that middle seat, facing me and her dad is just perfect.

[@johnhorton5022]

fair comment for your family situation Vanessa. But for the majority of business class travellers are solo or couples, it is just not good enough. But, as a family man myself, I do get your point

[@Supahemz]

You are my favourite flight reviewer on youtube. Direct, informative and honest!

[@g0Veg]

Love your review, it is as real as it gets, no bs, no sugar coats. Keep it up.

[@carlk3989]

Best reviewer ever! Objective, to the point and enjoying to watch and listen. I don't particularly enjoy the weirdos who are too shy to talk but not shy to show thir legs and turning the plates all the time :)

[@DennisBunnikTravels]

Thanks, really appreciate the nice feedback.

[@and1baumann]

even watching it made me claustrophobic and uncomfortable :D - great review nonetheless!! I feel for you

[@xenonozhid3383]

Agree 110% with your BA review. Great staff that aren't receiving the equipment to match their abilities.

[@thirdpassport]

Great review! Very cheeky but objective as well. I share your frustrations related to the hard product.

[@mrmichaelnumberone]

When I saw the title I was actually gobsmacked that anyone in their right state of mind could call the BA Business Class 'good' or 'better'. I only saw the sarcasm when I clicked on the video. I had the 'pleasure' to fly BA business class on a long haul flight two weeks ago and I first thought they have sent me to the wrong cabine section. It felt more like a jump seat. Absolute impudence from BA.

[@mrmrkidd]

Couldn’t agree more! My Club business class seat last week from London to Cape Town was absolutely filthy.

[@omarijoseph3189]

So glad someone said what needed to be said..that flying backwards seats is ridiculous, and as you said, they set the standards years ago and now are resting,and still charging an arm & leg for that product...NO WAY BA.

[@markh6479]

Dennis - definitely one of the best narrations for your video yet. BA has slipped and slipped - you're lucky the food was edible!

[@deansemmer1791]

This is the second video I have seen by Dennis. I enjoy his comments about the seats and the food quality. I saw the video on the BA 747 Business Class to see what I will be flying in June. I am amazed for the price we pay, how the airlines don't really care how we are treated. Thank you Dennis for your videos.

[@jm7720]

This guys humor was excellent lol Honest as well

[@joshdavies3960]

I just found out about this account and now I've watched every video. You're the best seat reviewer

[@DennisBunnikTravels]

Thanks!

[@Whenitraveltheworld]

Short response : no it's just as bad

[@goodevening4616]

Always on the money with your reviews Dennis Just a factual review by the looks of things , cant ask for anything else and don't want anything else Keep on reviewing

[@DennisBunnikTravels]

thanks!

[@rjhatch]

One of your most entertaining videos yet!

[@jiveturkeyboy]

Absolutely Hilarious Dennis - and spot on. Come on BA, get it together.

[@05sebbo]

The Video quality gets better in every video nice to see :)

[@bradw3800]

Dennis, thank you for this. I considered BA for a business class flight in the next two months and, thanks to this video, I have reconsidered. For a "rugby scrum" guy like me, there is no way I'm sleeping in that anorexic space. It's positively shocking. In fact, for the business class pricing in BA, the set-up is unacceptable. Air France it is, or I'll have to go via the Middle East.

[@jakeianmartinez9902]

After so many years. There new business class is "amazing" I can't wait

[@KutalMeteTekin]

Cracked me up this one :D as always, a very good review.

[@WHR17]

Love how Dennis tells it like it is!!! Really surprised BA is this crappy!!!

[@sirhypnotoad6856]

that's awesome: i'm sick and at home and then there is one of your rewievs out of the sudden :) keep up the excellent Work

[@drewd9985]

This great video needs a comment beyond a mere thumbs up. Well informed, honest and enjoyed the sarcastic humour.

[@MichaelGGarry]

I'm British and I don't even consider BA when looking for international flights. Much prefer SIA, Emirates or even KLM, depending where I am flying.

[@Niek__o]

Michael Garry KLM is a really good airline even for economy class. I had to fly 10 hours with KLM and it was perfect. I didnt have much sleep tho but thats because i Cant sleep with that much noise. The service was really good aswell, the flight attendands were really Nice and helpful.

[@richardpurves]

Absolutely. I'm a Brit in Zurich right now, and I've ended up a major Air France customer for this reason. The only downside is having to swap flights in CDG.

[@Epic14Games]

Just a shame that Air France's business seats are also quite lacking, at least on the older aircraft :/

[@swissexpress9277]

You are best airline critic till date.Your quality is of a great commentator

[@SeyramButame]

I enjoyed the sarcasm in this video, good stuff. I hope BA listen to you and make some changes.

[@mattarrow2099]

I'm British and I feel embarrassed about this. I'm so sorry if you have paid with your hard earned money for this

[@Ellielucy]

Matt Arrow20 I think every British person here is embarrassed by this..

[@jackforster4871]

Ellie_3012 I sure am

[@Ellielucy]

Amadeus definitely didn't hurt our feelings😂😂

[@Btt8]

Matt Arrow20 why should you feel embarrassed when BA is a private corporation? By your logic you should also be embarrassed by BP's oil practices around the globe.

[@mattarrow2099]

Btt But British Airways pride themselves on showing British and the high level of British standard, however this package portrays these standards to be incredibly low

[@delboy6607]

Scathing but unerringly accurate review Dennis. On a long haul flight the most important thing is the seat and the BA seat is rubbish. Just completed a Business Class trip AKL/STO return on EK including their 17 hour flight. Brilliant. Only treason BA stay in business is the misplaced loyalty of their British passengers, otherwise they would have gone broke years ago.

[@TCAS330]

Well I haven´t laughed so much while watching a flight report, but on minute 4:45 I wasn´t prepared for something like that :D Very good stlye of criticism. Thumbs up and best regards :D

[@fritz1234512345]

don't think you're being harsh. just brutally honest. well done!

[@stephenmcwilliams6013]

Great review as always. I think also that BA still doesn’t let you choose a seat in business class unless you have one world status. Pretty unbelievable and I don’t know any other airline that does that.

[@SaphBlood]

It's 2023 and BA STILL doesn't let you choose a seat for free.

[@antiXa]

Note to self.... never fly BA business :)

[@drrubi3944]

But also don't fly Eco, please! It's even worse and absolutely no option. If you want to fly BA fly LH, QR, EY or whatsoever instead, but not BA (except you can afford BAs First Class which is nothing more than a good Business Class to be honest...).

[@devn3813]

DaD or just don't fly British airways. Heathrow is atrocious

[@usercs_2682]

Terrible designed business class seats, and first class looks like business class from another airlines

[@vhira]

DaD tbh nobody should fly ba at all

[@antiXa]

I used to but never again

[@philipramge]

Love your very accurate and somewhat sarcastic review of the BA (hard) product. Great videos across your channel as well!

[@nicoljserveradministrator8574]

Totally agree. I used to work for BA in the 90s until 2001 when these business flatbeds came out. They were special then but having not evolved in more than 15 years is pathetic and shows how stuck in the past BA is. Sad really for a prestigious airline

[@user34274]

haha the sarcasm makes this video a 10😂😂😂

[@gregorybaker330]

Always a genuine report

[@thomasotto5828]

Hilarious review. I appreciate your honest take. So many reviews feel like they were bought and paid for.

[@skypelom]

Dennis, who knew you were so funny?!

[@hakanbaverstrand8935]

Dennis, you're the best! Great reviews and a lot of fun to watch too! 😀

[@myahwinter4567]

I love this guys humor 😂

[@hyweljames788]

Excellent video offering a comprehensive view of the service and what it offers. Thanks.

[@martynbehan7823]

The sarcasm in the video is first class

[@edwardv7991]

I hope British Airway Marketing Team watches this with great intent and enthusiasm

[@michaelchin3734]

As for this 18 year old seat design, I read in the news (earlier this year) that BA is redesigning the business class seats and will start to roll out by the end of 2017 starting with flights to the USA follow by Asia and Australasia by year end 2018. Just a matter of wait and see what they come out with

[@o.c.g.m9426]

It's now 2023 .....and these planes are still being redesigned. Yes I understand the world paused for 2 yrs

[@michaelchin3734]

@@o.c.g.m9426 The new A350 that are delivered during the last 2 years feature the new seats. BA is retro fitting the older planes with the new seat by Spring of 2024. Fingers crossed.

[@jadonh2094]

Loving your reviews, so happy when my notification bell rings!!!

[@something4819]

Dennis your channel is especially remarkable. Your reviews are great and comprehensive. Keep up the good work!!!

[@DennisBunnikTravels]

Thanks!

[@michael.hodgetts5841]

Oh my, what an eye opener.

[@teddytheodoris6778]

I've watched almost all your videos! It's easily the best airline reviews I have ever seen! So entertaining...: I love it! Thank you and keep them coming

[@DennisBunnikTravels]

Thanks Teddy, really appreciate it.

[@shanghaitriad99]

Dennis too funny I love the humor!

[@PitSpielmann]

One could actually hit the "like" button right away, before even watching the video. Congrats for another great report.

[@DennisBunnikTravels]

Thanks Pit - really appreciate it.

[@OVTraveller]

Oh dear, oh dear. My first flight with BA was a disaster with a take off from Singapore , ex Melbourne, delayed by a Flat Battery, can you believe that? which meant a screw up at Heathrow . Thank God their staff were exemplary and were able to get us to Athens, having missed a connection to Crete. Got there by the skin of our teeth. This was more than ten years ago and it still hurts as their management and planners as per the video continue to stuff up. Thank God for Qantas!

[@Ralphy63]

Having flown BA 1st using points a few times, when I finally stepped in to a Club World seat to Sydney, I was beside myself. Everything you have said i pointed out to the (excellent) crew on the first leg. On the second leg, i think the new crew had been warned about me! It is a truly shocking product. I loved the "power point just out of reach". I cannot imagine who would ever pay for this hard product and yet on the times I have used it now (with Avios and a 2-4-1 voucher) it is always packed. go figure!

[@edbs5225]

Thanks for the very honest review. Refreshing in its own right. Keep it up.

[@Aarontlondon]

It’s amazing that anyone will still chose to fly BA Business class! I have once but will never again, I will ALWAYS fly business with their competitors as it’s always sooo much better and cheaper most of the time!

[@callmetoday12345]

Thanks for the honest review.

[@adibmodak]

Thoroughly enjoyed your video. That sarcasm gave me a high 😂

[@phaedrus2k]

Our corporate travel agent initially booked us on BA for the flights out to Hong Kong. I'm so pleased I found a cheaper business class ticket on Cathay Pacific. A far superior seat design to this shambles. In fact, I pointed out your video to colleagues and we quickly concurred we had made the correct decision. Plus I booked window seats so even better. The lack of storage and the privacy issues look appalling on these BA flight. I love my Bose QC 35's, but not so much I want to cuddle them while I sleep. Nice review from a fellow reviewer. All the best from fly guy wales.

[@MStanleyRoss]

Oh dear! A few months ago I did Air France to Texas, KLM back, both in 1-2-1 configuration in a 777. That was superb, nothing short. It seems to me, BA, couldn't do a meal service if the aisle seat wanted to sleep. I'll give this one a miss, thanks for the tip.

[@masterjames01]

Great review. I would love to see their first class!

[@Michael0697]

BBC or some other network should REALLY hire you to do a weekly review. High quality stuff!

[@IgnacioInaki_12]

I flight BA 787 Business class in March on a London-Calgary flight and I was quite dissapointed. Very awkard facing another passenger like that and the seat wasn´t that great, I´m 6 foot 2 and like you said sleeping was difficult.... Food was really good though. On contrast I´ve never liked Iberia too much (I´m from Spain and I fly with them quite a lot) and I was blown away with their new business class (A340 Madrid - Shanghai), super comfy, good privacy, lots of storage space, and superb food, so if you can try it out, I think you´ll like it!

[@curtistravels6447]

This is not only a great video, but it's a hilarious video too! Great job Dennis.

[@AlexanderBerrisford]

Such a great review 😂 Perfect sense of humour, loved it. 👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻

[@DennisBunnikTravels]

Thansk! :)

[@gojustyle]

Thanks for the honest review! I was looking at potential airlines end of year return from Europe and this review ill def impact my decision.

[@Badanny777]

Brilliant, honest and interesting review!

[@bobfrieser6987]

Super configuration, well thought over, only to be surpassed by the Wright brothers built plane!

[@danielintheantipodes6741]

Thank you for the video. It was really funny! It sounds as if the seat is the only problem, but given the cost of the seat, that is a major issue!

[@tigertiger1699]

Mate you do a lot of work for us on these flights..., cheers!👍

[@mike.garnham]

Love the humour! I doubt if BA will ever see this and if they did they would criticise you for having an opinion. It is scary how old these seats are. When they first came out I loved them and 62K on a 747 was a dream. I was a Gold in 2001. But now ...... those seats are a nightmare. At least 20 years behind the game. Yet .............. they have remarkable capacity %. And, they can charge the earth - £800 difference recently on a BKK flight versus Emirates. It seems that they have a very profitable product and whilst the leprechaun runs the business it is unlikely to change.

[@charliebrennan4009]

I loved this video. You have the negative aspects a positive and funny side 😂

[@callumabbott3317]

Loving the videos Dennis! Thanks a mil for this one in particular, am about to fly business on a BA787 and now know what to expect. Hope you’re keeping well.

[@GOMAROMA]

I couldn’t agree more with this review. I used to fly BA then stayed a while out of patriotism. Eventually I couldn’t take any more. I now fly Emirates and love the service. I often wonder how many people like me have done the same. On average I’ve been taking 5 round trips a year to Far East, business class. I’m sure there are many people like me who have left and taken their money with them.

[@david.m9884]

Must be the most sarcastic review ever, love it! Another great review though; thanks Dennis!

[@rogerwilco2]

My parents drove Rover cars before I was born. They explained British engineering as: They stumble on a good idea every now and then and then never change it out of fear of breaking things. This seems to apply here as much as it did to a 1953 Rover.

[@undergroundrider862]

It's no better, however really like your videos Dennis please do some more

[@HonourableHusband]

Dennis, Heartily agree with your evaluation of the BA business hard product, especially the table. For many, the inability for the table to function when the passenger is sleeping is an annoyance. For some, it becomes borderline life-threatening. I use a CPAP machine for sleep apnea. If I can't place the machine on the table, I can't breathe properly. For that reason I actually prefer the centre seat on the 787-it has a small ledge to the side where I can balance the machine. I have actually bumped myself down to economy on a BA flight, when business was fully booked and I had only an aisle seat. At least a recline in economy let me put the breathing machine on the table. Marty

[@DennisBunnikTravels]

Thanks Marty, that's a shocker! Had not considered this but you make a very valid point and it's another reason BA really should be making serious attempts to improve the basic design of these seats. cheers Dennis

[@harryperry5055]

Firstly, British Airways prices Business Class extremely high. Then they have terrible cleanliness, storage and tight spaces. What is wrong with British Airways? The only good things about this flag carrier is the crew and aircraft types. Otherwise, great video Dennis (as always)

[@rmwgroup3465]

Good report. I wouldn't want to travel on BA anymore.!!

[@blakeedgington2315]

What a frank and refreshingly honest review. My experiences mirror your video. great crew but terrible seats. first class is a good business class compared with competitors

[@grahamarnott7924]

Bloody hell. Thanks, Dennis... the video was very good as always. We still won't be flying BA any time soon. We'll stick to Emirates and their partners.

[@bobby49ist]

wow what a airline it is awesome. I wish I could afford to go to UK to visit I have never never been to UK and take a flight like this on british airways to London but being retired doesn't let me go anywhere oh well

[@forlanroy]

I love the sarcasm! Cracked me up even if I was at the office (oops!). The best airline review I've ever watched! :D