Don't Book BA Club Europe Before Watching This

#britishairways #clubeurope #clubvseconomy
British Airways Club Europe. Compared to Economy, is it worth it?
After 10 flights in British Airways Club Europe and the British Airways Economy equivalent, Euro Traveller, I consider myself someone in the know. I’ve travelled to different parts of Europe and Africa over the last year or so, mostly in Club and mostly in pursuit of Gold Status.
So although I was in club to get my tier points and status, is Club Europe actually worth your hard earned cash? Or will I always be in Economy now I’ve got my status?
This video will show you what Club is like, I’ll compare it to Economy, and then I’ll tell you what I think and answer the question,
IS BA CLUB EUROPE WORTH IT?
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CHAPTERS:
0:00 Introduction
0:43 Check In
1:42 Fast Track Security
2:01 Business Lounge Access
5:03 Priority Boarding
6:00 Seat and Cabin
6:57 Food and Drink
8:49 Cabin Crew
10:30 Compared to Economy
11:55 Is It Worth It?
What are the 10 Club Flights (and one economy flight)?
London Gatwick to Catania, Sicily
Catania to London Gatwick
Edinburgh to London Heathrow
London Heathrow to Bucharest
Bucharest to London Heathrow
London Heathrow to Edinburgh
Edinburgh to London Heathrow (where I abandoned my trip to Athens)
London Gatwick to Marrakesh
Marrakesh to London Gatwick
London Heathrow to Istanbul (IST) In Economy
Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen (SAW) to London Heathrow (Free upgrade to Economy)
However, do YOU think it’s worth it? Let me know in the comments, and if you liked the video please do give me a like and consider subscribing to the channel, your support is much appreciated.
Thank you for watching and joining me on My Grey Gap Year
Phil

[@colinwalker9583]

Agree on all your points especially re staff. BA crew have always been fantastic. Excellent video as always.

[@mygreygapyear]

Thanks for your kind comments, I'm glad to see others appreciate the BA crew.

[@tobybrassington7853]

Amazing video keep doing what you are doing!

[@mygreygapyear]

Thank you! Will do!

[@jimhankinson4428]

I absolutely agree with you about BA cabin crew - I've flown business with them (short, medium, and long haul) perhaps ten times over the past two years, and while the hard product experience is extremely variable, I've always found the crew to be terrific.

[@mygreygapyear]

Thank you for sharing your views on the BA cabin crew, I've been pleasantly surprised by how many people have joined me in saying how great they are.

[@r12004rewy]

Have taken 3 BA business flights to Europe in the last couple of years, I have used part cash and part avios for each outbound flight but returned to the UK in economy mainly because of lack of lounges in some departure airports, when catching a early morning flight from LHR it's nice to spend a couple of hours in the BA lounge whilst gently waking up. Like you I have always found BA cabin crew to be professional and very helpful, I always make a point of sending a 'pleased with service' email to BA customer services.

[@mygreygapyear]

Thank you for your comment, that is a really good compromise, flying out in Business but back in economy when, as you rightly say, the lounges are poor/non existent. Another thumbs up to the BA cabin crew, I think I need to email in too. Thanks Phil

[@lawrencehoward2635]

I always fly club Europe, and frequently get mocked for doing it. My big thing is the blocked middle seat makes the experience SO much better!

[@mygreygapyear]

Thanks for your comment, as a broad shouldered gentleman I 100% agree on the empty middle seat. If Club isn't a big jump in price and I can afford it I'll take it.

[@kingg1st]

Nice video.

[@mygreygapyear]

Thank you, I appreciate it.

[@alanhargreaves1278]

I too agree with your comments about BA crew, and no longer bother watching nonestopdan 😀

[@mygreygapyear]

Nice, another thumbs up for the BA cabin crew, thank you.

[@kuzeyboy]

Great video - thank you so much - is there a list of airports where you can use security fast track?

[@mygreygapyear]

Thank you for your kind comments, there is a list of airports with fast track security for status holders on flyer talk, www.flyertalk.com/forum/british-airways-executive-club/1540056-tracking-ba-fast-track-priority-boarding.html Hope this helps, thanks Phil

[@richardstreet7518]

A very personal choice. . Returning from Greece many years ago, i was wedged in the middle seat ... this was when there was greater seat piitch too.. the passenger in the aisle was huge and pressing hard against me... they looked at me dead pan and said "could you move your arm?" To which i replied (and i don't know where this came from) certainly; where would you like me to put it? In the overhead locker? and laughed.. luckily they laughed too.. but I always remember this and always fly CE if i can ... only exception to this is flights to / from LCY because the seats are spacious.

[@mygreygapyear]

Love that 😂, glad they took it as it was meant. For me, middle seat passenger gets 2 arm rests. I was on a completely full 5 hour flight from Bali recently and there were some very large gents on that flight too, luckily I didn't have one in the seat next to me. I must try a flight or two out of LCY, it's something I haven't done. Thanks for your support, Phil

[@richardstreet7518]

@@mygreygapyear don't bother flying CE from LCY - no middle seat and no lounge...

[@redcomusic]

That's exactly it...status allows a passenger to have a more premium experience overall even when flying on an Economy Class ticket. I successfully retained Ruby status for another year (now working back up toward Sapphire again) and really appreciate having those extra perks even whilst flying on an inexpensive domestic ticket. Funny how we all have this self-questioning mostly toward the end of the year. POOOOKE!!! - Red

[@mygreygapyear]

Thanks for your comment and support Red, good luck on getting to Sapphire, let me know how it goes, Thanks Phil

[@peterbrown6224]

It's always quite subjective, and you have covered all the points. Having status makes ET more attractive, because lounge/"fast" track and extra luggage are covered. Anything up to three hours won't really justify the expenditure, and if it's a large CE cabin, the CC will be run off their feet. Three hours+ is more laid back, the extra space is welcome, and we're into 80TP territory as well.

[@mygreygapyear]

Completely agree with you, status makes ET much better and those Edinburgh flights had very rushed service.

[@TravelSignal]

Another good explainer. For me, I've never paid cash for a BA Club seat (I've redeemed Avios for several though - including Madrid on the 777). With such a little difference, for me it's not worth it, and I'm not chasing status - I'd rather have a second trip somewhere than Club on one. As you say, you can pay only a few £ more for a snack on the plane, and a Starbucks or paid lounge at the airport. But if you need the Tier points, then definitely!

[@mygreygapyear]

My head feels the exact same way, but my heart loves that VIP pampering. Thanks for your comment and support, Phil

[@joshuaumney7176]

I love flying club Europe, just like you said it’s that special treatment you get despite the seat being the same as economy Ish. I do get put off by flying in club Europe when the price is a little steep in my opinion. A flight to Athens in October in club was only £180 which I’d say is great value, but a flight to Rhodes was over £300.

[@mygreygapyear]

Thanks for your comment and your support. I agree that price is a factor in decision making, well it certainly is for me.

[@dospalmascb]

Last year, we flew BA PE. it was definately worth the price difference, and it would have been sensible to pay the difference to to fly Club World. We chose PE because we had a massive amount of luggage to take with us and it was considerably cheaper to pay for PE than pay for extra luggage. We have 4 trips booked next year in BA Club world, the benefits generated from these flights will outweigh the price. And we will actually have gold status too as a nice little bonus.

[@mygreygapyear]

Thanks for the comment, glad you had a good trip in Premium Economy, planning one of those next year. Gold status is a very nice little bonus, I agree.

[@Halfwayto100]

Fortuitous video timing- flew CE this weekend to LIN and back to LHR! Also flew CE back from AGP in July and PSA return in October. So based on recent flights…Is it worth it? It’s a big yes from me. We call it ‘Being in front of the Magic Curtain’. It’s all part of the holiday/city break for me. I enjoy the experience so much more. The crews have been exemplary, the food and drink has been really good and I enjoy being looked after. Galleries South lounge was lovely and quiet at 6am. Very impressed that BA have their own lounge at LIN which was superb too. Next CE flight is in April to CTA so will see if BA Euroflyer are as good and looking forward to using the lounge at LGW.

[@mygreygapyear]

Thanks for your comment, I love that, "Being in front of the magic curtain". Great to hear another thumbs up for the crew. Gatwick Lounge is great, hope you have a great trip Thanks Phil

[@Halfwayto100]

@@mygreygapyear We have had some super crews and they don’t have an easy job so I take my hat off to them and always go on the website ‘Thank you’ section to give them a personal thanks. Love your videos- keep up the good work!

[@simon1874villain]

Agree with the staff and British Airways as I have never had any issues with this and neither Ryanair to he honest also as there quite prominent out of Edinburgh. Regarding the Business I just cant see the justification of cost between the eco to business for a hour trip to London, probably pay for the exit seat but the rest very much receiving to value for me aint mathing. Curtain makes me laugh everytime I see it. Great videos and doing a catch up on them.

[@mygreygapyear]

Thank you for your kind comments, I would tend to agree with you that it can be hard to justify if you're flying from Edinburgh to London

[@andrewclark8630]

I have to fully agree with your comments about the staff on BA. The service is what makes the flights stand out and somehow worth the extra Avios or, exceptionally, the cash cost. I remember 20-25 years ago on that route, the service in economy was nearly as good (on a 757 - long before that, I think they were even using the Trident on that run) as the service in club now, with a full meal and usually a bit of smoked salmon or prawns to start. But then I suppose you were paying Club Europe prices for economy too, if you correct for inflation.

[@mygreygapyear]

Thanks for your comment, much appreciated. Nice to hear about the golden years of economy travel, these days I often take a sandwich on board 🙁

[@VascoKnits]

Business all the way for me. I have flown in economy too many times and no longer wish to be cramped. Maybe travel less, but in a better seat

[@mygreygapyear]

Thanks for your comment, much appreciated.

[@tropicaltanklover2160]

I fly monthly for work around Europe. Company policy is economy only. So I book that using the company credit card and within 24 hours of booking, I upgrade using my personal card. I keep a record of all the upgrades to submit on my HMRC annual tax return

[@mygreygapyear]

Very nice, I like it. And the tier points too.

[@MorgansWorld760]

Spot on, including the 30 year old thinking the 50 year old is nuts for spending the extra money

[@mygreygapyear]

Thanks for your comment, it's funny how your priorities change over time 😊

[@exploringeorge]

I only tend fly short haul business for tier points. Or when there are only avios business seats left.

[@mygreygapyear]

Thanks for your comment, Tier points was my reason at the start but now I'm addicted to the service and food 😊

[@ukdavepianoman]

Agree - I've flown BA many times and have hated/loved the seats/food etc but the FAs have, without exception, been fantastic - friendly, good humoured, always happy to give out drinks. I do like Non-stop Dan but i don't understand his attitude towards BA FAs (or Etihad for that matter). I do feel BA Club Europe seat is somewhat disappointing - an Economy seat which is less claustrophobic with the blocked out seat but the same on leg room. I just keep reminding myself of the compensations of some proper food/drinks and racking up Tier Points.

[@mygreygapyear]

Thanks for your comment, maybe I'll reach out to Dan and try to find out what the problem is. Maybe you have to British to appreciate their friendly approach. I agree that "Food and Tier Points" is the mantra of Club Europe 😊 Thank you for your support, Phil

[@junkoandnigelwates403]

Agreed always get great service from BA

[@mygreygapyear]

Thanks for your comment, much appreciated. Another thumbs up for the BA cabin crew.

[@scottstravel6179]

I only really fly CE for the tier points. If I can get an economy exit row, there's far more legroom in the row than anything but generally row 1 in CE. For shorter flights, a beetroot salad or something similar isn't for me - not something I'll eat, and generally if flying from London etc., I'll eat in the lounges first or buy a £4.50 Boots meal deal. Price wise, there are some decent deals out there in CE i.e. Heathrow to Sofia for £250 or less sometimes (have had £180ish for this route before) for 160TP. Other times, prices seem to be £400-£500+ with 12 full rows, yet Ryanair are £24.99 e/w for a similar routing (let's assume backpack only here). People will happily pay the premium for whatever reason, (convenience; wouldn't be seen dead on some poor person's airline etc.) Did book a £51 basic economy fare the other day from LHR-MAN, a 35 min flight + taxiing etc. (earned 5TP, 273 Avios I think). £185ish for CE and I got the benefits anyway such as fast track and lounge access. Exit row seats taken as I booked on the day. £71 on the train, so a decent deal there considering I ate and drank in the lounges and didn't have to catch the tube for the hour ride to Euston or Kings Cross.. Crew wise, last crew I would say were half decent was between Newcastle and London during the height of Covid. For the most part, the "service" is at a bare minimum (and even on long haul 10-11hr flights, I can count on one hand how many minutes I see them for in any cabin, and often have fingers remaining). I personally treat BA as a bus ride from A to B and expect nothing even with status (beyond the ground experience). Yes there are times where some people seem to get these amazing experiences (generally these involve the refilling of drinks), but for the most part, regardless of being statusless, blue, bronze, silver, gold or GGL in whatever cabin, you're just some random person to the average crew member.

[@mygreygapyear]

Thank you for your detailed comment, a first thumbs down for the cabin crew and this doesn't seem like it's a "one off" you seem like a seasoned traveller. I can only say that your experiences don't match mine. I've found the crew to be in the cabin for long periods of time and then they do tend to take a break. On a side note, it is crazy how it's cheaper to fly to London that take the train. Total madness. Thanks for your comment, a range of views is always good, Phil

[@jordeli198]

If you have lounge access through status, there is no need for Club. Eat in the lounge. Club Europe is also carrying a lot of transfer passengers to/from Club World intercontinental flights. LAX-IST is going to be cheaper via a one stop (LHR) than nonstop on TK as an example

[@mygreygapyear]

Thank you for your comment and sharing your views, I tend to agree with you.

[@HannahMannah]

The 30 year old me would be all elbows grabbing a seat on Easyjet! The older wiser version and yes more affluent wants club and all the benefits

[@mygreygapyear]

😂😂😂 I love that because it's exactly how I was/am... Thanks for your comment, that made me smile Phil

[@howwetravel1243]

Yep 30 year old me wouldn't even have considered it but 50 year old me thinks it money well spent for the airport experience alone

[@mygreygapyear]

Love it, thanks for your comment 😀

[@RandomLifeProductions]

I got some really good club world flights for 72 pounds to Glasgow the economy was fifty quid so yes it was worth it…

[@mygreygapyear]

Thanks for your comment, is that each way or round trip, either way that is tier points a-hoy!

[@marypoppins5146]

I'm a big person, are the seats more suitable?

[@mygreygapyear]

Thanks for your question, unfortunately the seats in economy and business are (usually, approximately) the same, and that goes for most European short haul on most airlines. On BA Club Europe (Business) you will have the middle seat left empty though.

[@royhorn9412]

Ohshit mate - cream first?

[@mygreygapyear]

😂😂😂 Thanks for your comment, I use the cream as butter, if they has fresh butter I wouldn't even bother with cream.

[@SHZ_Tristan19]

12 to IST? Thats certainly unlucky, had 5 and 3 on my flights to/from IST, during Christmas holidays too

[@mygreygapyear]

Thanks for your comment, 12 rows, I know right? The thumbnail is from that flight (I think) but it certainly shows how far back the curtain is.

[@SHZ_Tristan19]

@@mygreygapyear Certainly fascinating how European short haul carriers have these moveable dividers. But really great video mate, keep it up 👏

[@Locutus]

BA's crew are good to a point, however, after that point, they DGAF.

[@mygreygapyear]

Thanks for sharing your views, I don't think I've ever had a crew like that.

[@lilmizzije]

what are the best seats on business class / ba club europe

[@mygreygapyear]

This might sound a bit glib, but row 1 are the best seats in club Europe, they have extra legroom

[@dospalmascb]

As for Non Stop Dan, He's an obnoxious, self entitled snob. I have never had a bad BA crew, even in my years in Hospitality where BA crews stayed in the hotels I worked in . However I had plenty of obnoxious self entitled people like Dan. On one particular trip last year, the BA crew made a massive effort and went out their way to help my partner and I, not that there was anything wrong that we needed help, but simply because they could help and did. Then we have the check in staff in Ben Gurion, they opened an extra checkin specifically for us, the lady even met us at the gate and escorted us onto the flight, where the crew met us, Im deaf and my partner has a mobility issue, but there were plenty of other assistance passengers on the flights, so i have no idea why we had special treatment. I really haven't got a bad word to say about BA. I'll happily fly BA every time. Even in T5, absolutely every BA team member was outstanding and helpful. I believe that if you are polite, friendly and human, you get fantastic service, and that applies to every place you deal with hospitality staff. Dan has 0 chance as he's obnoxious. He's pretty opinionated about Qatar airways too. but the Qataris will no doubt have a special welcome for him one of these trips LOL

[@mygreygapyear]

Thanks for your comment, great to see another thumbs up for the BA cabin crew, I've never had a bad crew either.

[@roybackhouse117]

I though the Matt moment could only be Manchester! Wrong! I suspect that now you are Gold you might not want or need to spend the extra as the golden benefits kick in.

[@mygreygapyear]

Thanks for your comment, it was a carbon copy of Matt's "wrong lounge" moment in Manchester, but I was at SAW. I didn't have the camera rolling when I walked up but when the gent on the desk told me I just burst out laughing and he didn't realise why it was so funny. It is a bit of a coin toss for Club/Economy for me from here on it and it will be based on the cost, but if I think I can afford it then I'll go club. Thanks again, Phil

[@Tohan1]

I had a strange experience with the "curtain" on yesterday's flight from LHR to HAM. I booked the flight just a day before, this time I booked myself in economy, being Gold member I choose seat 4C... Well when boarding, the automatic gate denied boarding for me... I found a later because they moved the curtain, so 4C was now a Club seat. They moved me to 6C, but without notice... they agents were busy and when they fixed the boarding issue for me half of the plane was already boarded... I'm the kind of guy who loves his Group 1 boarding, especially in ECO ;-) Well in general I have no problem that they moved me, but I didn't like the missing communication, they could sort it out earlier, as they issued my boarding pass with 4C. But I had the middle seat empty, as you said, probably because of my GOLD status. Great video again, keep it up...

[@mygreygapyear]

Thanks for your comment, that noise at boarding is a bit alarming isn't it? Losing your priority boarding is a pain, I hope you were still able to get your bag in the locker. I had an alarm coming back from Istanbul but it was to bump me from Economy to Club :) Gold seat blocking is fast becoming my favourite perk of being Gold. Thank you for your support Phil

[@waseemsultan7076]

European/UK carriers are shit even for business. Nothing beats the Middle Eastern carriers in terms of luxury, you get what you pay for!

[@mygreygapyear]

Thanks for your comment, European short haul business class is poor compared to Qatar QSuite, for sure, but unfortunately Etihad, Emirates and Qatar don't fly European short haul routes. I mean, I would love it if they did.

[@rickreid8572]

If you have to ask if it's worth it- you can't afford it.....

[@mygreygapyear]

Thanks for your comment Rick, Phil

[@useless8989]

Very nice honest vlog. as far as nonstop Dan goes, I've stopped watching his stuff. His pretentious attitude is too much.

[@mygreygapyear]

Thank you for your kind comment, glad it was helpful