Fly in British Airways Club Suite for £35? You Can With 100,000 Avios (HKG to LHR)

[@mark_just_mark]

I love watching how Phil’s smile gets wider and wider the more the drink intake increases 😂

[@mygreygapyear]

Ah Mark, I do love to take advantage, thank you for your comment and support, it really made me chuckle

[@mark_just_mark]

@ That’s what you pay for… Keep it up!!! 👍

[@theselfbuildarchitect7410]

Another great video Phil! I'm a big guy and can confirm the new Club Suite is so much better in terms of leg and shoulder room, a much better product! Looking forward to this again on route to Cape Town next week.

[@mygreygapyear]

Thanks for your comment and sharing your experience, have a great trip to Cape Town.

[@M158-o3x]

Good man - bypassing Qantas lounge for the CX lounge.

[@mygreygapyear]

Thanks for your comment and support, I've been in the Qantas lounge since I made this video and I did actually like it, nothing on the Pier, but the buffet looked really good.

[@Crazy_Charo]

Great video Phil. I've been lucky enough to fly the club suites and also found it to be a very good product. Whilst many have complained about the soft product, i have always had great service from the BA crew in business class. Keep up the great work. I am looking forward to more vids.

[@mygreygapyear]

Thanks for your comment, I think BA has lots of areas to improve, and this new brunch thing is just a self inflicted wound, but I agree with you on the crew, I've always been well looked after.

[@faithg9766]

Oh no, a lumpy pillow, I'll pray for you! I always press pause to check the menu. Thanks for another great video.

[@mygreygapyear]

Thank you for you kind comment, first world problems I know 😂

[@shaunsheppard]

We just flew the Club Suite to and from Toronto. Outward I had a window seat and found the footwell tight for the size 11 feet at the end of my 6’3” frame. The aisle seat on the return was much more spacious and comfortable.

[@mygreygapyear]

Thanks for sharing your experience, that is very interesting, the footwells in the centre pairs being more spacious.

[@jimmyjames6492]

Looks like it was a pretty good product! Thanks for the info + video!

[@mygreygapyear]

Thank you for your comment, its much appreciated.

[@andslau]

Great video. I’m sure I was right behind you at check in and then at boarding. This was in mid May. 2A was my seat and I watched you film it; thought you looked familiar 😅

[@mygreygapyear]

Thanks for your kind comment, much appreciated. Just so you know I'm always happy to say hi and have a chat, and if I can I'm happy to guest people into a lounge too 😊 (although you didn't need it)

[@tonytony3895]

Your presentation is highly interesting to watch. Thank you very much and take care 😊

[@mygreygapyear]

Thank you for your kind comments, it really is appreciated.

[@mrfrisky6501]

Great video again mate

[@mygreygapyear]

Thank you, much appreciated

[@pauledwards5138]

Hi I have booked a return flight to Australia using my Amex Avios companion fare. I booked exactly as you explained and it worked perfectly. The only thing I would add is if you book the outgoing flight but find the return flight cannot be booked, then BA will refund you all your points and taxes minus a fee of £25 or £20 pounds. I did find a return flight so this was not necessary

[@mygreygapyear]

Thanks for your comment, and well done you for snagging those rare kangaroo route redemption tickets and also for sharing your experience booking in two stages, it is much appreciated. Thank you, Phil

[@twobins2060]

Nice video. Tried the club suite from Sydney to London and it was very comfortable.

[@mygreygapyear]

Super nice but beware, they run the old style seat for half the year, I know from experience, with a video coming shortly

[@markbrown4764]

great video, as always.

[@mygreygapyear]

Thank you, much appreciate it.

[@Traumahawk007]

Great video Off to HKG next week using 241 with my Wife. I knew about the hack but just didn’t want to take the risk. Flew CS last year to SIN but will have to use older seat next week as 787-9 on the route. I’m sure it will be fine

[@mygreygapyear]

Thanks for your comment and your support, I agree, sometimes these things can be more faff than their worth. Have a great trip to Hong Kong, Phil

[@lvthud]

As part of my job I bounce from the West Coast of the US to where ever a few times a year. 2022 It was the UK, that makes life very easy for me, we have both BA and VS so I get to a pick. As VS had been putting out some rather dire food options and with the times of the BA flight I could work for the day, fly into LHR, hit a Toby for a roast dinner (don't ask, I miss certain things from the UK and roast dinners are one of them, then get to bed) I went with BA, 8 round trips in Club World booked. First flight row 3, flight number 1 takes off, service starts, out of food choices by row 3 (of 17), fried rice for dinner, not happy but flights being miscatered happens. Flight 2, the return to LAS, further back this time in row 7, out of food choices again. Flight 3, back to LHR and yep, out of food choices by row 4 and a crappy attitude from the CSM, landed at LHR and my assistant is on the phone to cancel the remainder of the flights and book us on VS. The food wasn't great on VS to be honest, but at least we had a choice.

[@mygreygapyear]

Thanks for your comment, that is very crappy, BA are getting (or have got) a reputation for poor catering, especially with the whole brunch/supper thing. It can be worse on the return flight (so out of Heathrow all ok, then out of LA catering issues). But I'm like you, a decent roast is something I miss when I'm away, I'm fortunate to have a northern daughter in law who makes an amazing roast dinner.

[@JenniferRussell-qw2co]

Thank you for your response and handy info. Happy travels 🙋‍♀️✈🤗

[@mygreygapyear]

You're very welcome, glad you enjoyed the video 🙂

[@TC.C]

People flying Virgin Atlantic kept stealing their salt and pepper shakers, I guess BA wanted to avoid that. Great video ! The food looked amazing as usual from BA!

[@bimmerv8]

Lol, I’ve got 2 set in silver and black.

[@d_revatron]

VS let you take them, it’s an open secret.

[@mygreygapyear]

Thanks everyone for your comments, I'm flying Virgin in a couple of weeks, I hope they still have them, I believe that you are encouraged to take them if you want to

[@rexgold101]

@@mygreygapyear Just flew them yesterday and yep.. steal them as you wish...

[@mygreygapyear]

@@rexgold101 Thanks, I shall

[@matthewgordon-banks7553]

I always enjoy your videos but this one was important to me. I have never flown in J suite as my travels in recent years have been in F. Yet my planned return from Mid East has seen F full for several months! Must be something on!! I am now relaxed knowing what to expect from your always honest comments. I have rear alpha front cabin at least. Many thanks!

[@mygreygapyear]

Thanks for your comment, I'm glad you found the video helpful, hope you have a great flight.

[@76damage]

Great vid but i disagree on laying of the tables. The amount of seats would mean the meal service would take too long. Plus setting it up in front of u. Nah, this way is better. Quicker the better! Lights off. Well done BA. Looks great 😊

[@mygreygapyear]

Thanks for your comment and sharing your views

[@b8you]

fantastic video Phil and thank you for sharing this "hack"

[@mygreygapyear]

You're very welcome, glad you enjoyed the video

[@fastoez]

I was on that flight a couple of months back and they had swapped out to 787-8 with crappy old seats! gutted, Pier First was good though

[@mygreygapyear]

Thanks for your comment, I think the Pier is among the best lounges in the world. When I flew they had two flights per day, one with the crappy seats and one with club suite.

[@M-yk9bi]

The HKG Qantas Lounge is one of the best in the world that BA Silver (OW Sapphire) card holders can visit. The Cathay FC lounges are better of course, but I think it would have been useful to show viewers the excellent Qantas Lounge.

[@master_k_w0n]

Agree with the Qantas lounge in HK. While there I also popped into the Cathay lounge which was literally opposite the exit of the Qantas lounge, it was much busier and as such not quite as relaxing. I did engage in some great banter with the lady at the dimsum counter though which made the visit worthwhile.

[@mygreygapyear]

Thank you both, I have since been to the HKG Qantas lounge and I really enjoyed it. It was AFL Grand Final day and it was on in the lounge. The wine selection was excellent and the food that they put on was great too.

[@lungk0623]

@@master_k_w0nCX lounges have better food

[@Pulling-c7i]

British Airways used to fly A380s to Hong Kong, now it's only a 787-9 service daily if I'm not mistaken. Virgin has pulled out completely. I was there in January and the city is clearly in decline. Also MTR is in Hong Kong not to be confused with MRT in Singapore 😄

[@davidf6326]

Hong Kong is in decline?! What brings you to that conclusion?

[@Pulling-c7i]

@ A massive exodus of Western companies and resources. Several companies have relocated to Singapore. The CCP-controlled HK-government has ruined the justice system. All the foreign judges have left. The Hang Seng Index is at 19000, compared to 31000 in 2018.

[@mygreygapyear]

@Pulling-c7i Thanks for your comment, when I flew it was twice daily, one flight with the old style seat and the other with club suite, but an A380, I haven't flown on a BA A380 yet.

[@Pulling-c7i]

@ I see. When did you fly?

[@davidf6326]

​@@Pulling-c7i I would tend to regard that as massive transition and change rather than decline. It's clearly a difficult time for all concerned (and was always going to be), but I feel it's misleading to view aligning with the world's second most powerful economy as decline. Certainly, there was no sign of decline when I last visited Hong Kong in 2020 (though that was pre-pandemic, admittedly) Incidentally, BA and Virgin have also cut flights to mainland China due, in the main, to the current economic impacts of running those routes without entering Russian airspace. I can't recall the exact route to Hong Kong, but maybe there's a degree of that at play in the reduction of those flights too?

[@stevens7689]

Airport bus from nathan road to airport more convient than humping suitcases through mtr system..i used it in september was around 35 hkd...taxi arouund 10× that price 300

[@gordonstark235]

Hi can you tell me about this, I am going to be there in a week or so and I am staying near Nathan road

[@stevens7689]

Yes get the n21 or a21 bus from the bus station at the airport it a 5 mins walk after exit arrivals it is all well signed so you can't go wrong ...u can buy a octopus card at the 7-11 shop or travelex or airport express counter at airport arrivals or they accept correct cash payment... You will wait no longer than 15 min during the day for a bus ...the stops are on the screens ...when you come close to your stop u just ring the bell...I always stop at Eaton hotel on Nathan road so I'm always on stop 11.. there are bus stops signed at various points on Nathan road for the airport bus for return journey...it only 35 HKD so it good value for Money

[@mygreygapyear]

@stevens7689 thank you so much for sharing that, very helpful. The airport express is $155 HKD so the bus is a good option. Could you let me know if there's room for a suitcase on the bus, are there luggage racks and so on. @gordonstark235 I always follow along with Google Maps, if you need data abroad then I use an Airelo eSim. You just need to make sure you pay for it and install it in the UK just before you leave. Then change your mobile data at the other end.

[@gordonstark235]

@@mygreygapyear many thanks I am doing the emirates first class from bkk due to your video, keep up the good work.

[@gordonstark235]

@@stevens7689 many thanks for that you have saved me a taxi, how long is the journey.

[@passenger77-UK]

Nice review Phil. What’s the score of the suite versus the ‘old’ Ying Yang set up? Great video. 👍🏻

[@mygreygapyear]

I'm not a fan of the old seat as you know, it has some minor plus points, but (despite the winning thumbnail) I really liked the Club Suite, head and shoulders above the other

[@M-yk9bi]

"Looking forward to 14 hours on BA" rarely heard in any class! 🤣

[@domszanto]

Honestly, in Club Suites, I really do!

[@mygreygapyear]

@M-yk9bi Love that 😂😂😂

[@mygreygapyear]

@domszanto I agree with you though, it was a great experience and I would look forward to it again.

[@paullewis2413]

Ha, ha. I used to fly B.A. Club World on my usual long haul and overall they were very good considering the price. However, post Pandemic they’ve hiked their price so much that I no longer use them and get a much better deal on another airline with an overall superior product.😊

[@76damage]

So originally funny 🙄

[@dawnburton6128]

Great video thank you.

[@mygreygapyear]

Thank you for your kind comments, glad you enjoyed it.

[@Michele-ot8bh]

Appreciate your post but still hasn’t convinced me to fly again with BA. Pity as just has disaster flights with Virgin-seriously bad!

[@mygreygapyear]

I just had a slightly weird flight with Virgin, certainly not a disaster, but the crew were a bit odd. After ruling out Virgin and BA, I am genuinely interested in who your preferred carrier is?

[@charliebrown5]

Thank You ✈️

[@mygreygapyear]

You're very welcome, Charlie

[@CookeeQapla]

Phil I found the flat bed quite tight. I couldn't really turn over from side to side. I have broad shoulders and big hips so I was wondering how you found it. The new product is somewhat constricting.

[@mygreygapyear]

Thank you for sharing your views, I do appreciate it, finding how others find these products widens the information for others so I and I know others do appreciate it. I'm a side sleeper and I do change sides in the night but I found it ok. I think I crossed my arms and found that comfortable enough, but I can also slide down the bed if its tight at the top.

[@pwells2389]

Loving your vids Phil. Very helpful and informative. I'm chasing the status starting in 2025. Really want to visit Hong Kong. Am I better off flying Qatar rather than BA so I get two legs with associated points? Or with BA and a BA hotel? Many thanks.

[@mygreygapyear]

Thank you for your kind comment and support, I'm catching up after taking a break over Christmas and New Year. I imagine that you've heard the bad news, essentially tier point running is over and BA status is out of reach of regular leisure travellers like us.

[@chrisslaterwalker]

Hi Phil. Do you think you could manage to do something about BA's "brunchgate?"

[@mygreygapyear]

Thanks for your comment and support, I could talk about British Airways brunchgate in a reaction video, but I haven't experienced it myself, and Matt's Planet did talk about it this week in his video. I honestly see it as a bit of a storm in a teacup, except in First Class. Once you know what you're getting a hearty breakfast in the lounge, followed by a light brunch on the plane. And if this doesn't suit you then vote with your feet. Hope that isn't too controversial Phil

[@iriding64]

greatvideo thanks for the tips what camera do you use? and do you use a separate wireless mic

[@mygreygapyear]

Thanks for your question and support, in this video I used a GoPro Hero 10, no external mic, I use Davinci Resolve and I use thier voice isolation tool to clean up talking. I have since bought a Sony ZV1 M2 and a DJI Mic 2 Wireless mic

[@ianworthington2324]

So many little things that BA could easily get right, if only they wanted to.

[@mygreygapyear]

I completely agree. It wouldn't take much to make this service one of the best.

[@r12004rewy]

Like the new seat looked very business like and smart, but again BA let themselves down by pennypinching and presentation WHY do they never learn? But that aside looked a good flight.

[@mygreygapyear]

Thanks for your comment, it was a good flight, but yeah, the penny pinching, its such a shame.

[@JenniferRussell-qw2co]

I feel reassured by your video, after years of avoiding BA, (bcos of reputation I admit, not personal experience). For me they seem to have the 2 most important things right, good food & a comfortable bed. I don't care about the tv/films, but I do like a good classical music choice, which seems to be lacking on all airlines I've found I definitely agree with you that standards should be "mum & gran" level. However, that could be wishful thinking 🤔 Having watched a number of your reviews, (and others ... sorry!), I think that standards often depend on the crew on any given flight. Singapore Airlines were consistently very good, so others should be also, but maybe it's a cultural thing, where those high standards are more ingrained. BA certainly appear to have upped their game, so in the end it comes down to value for money, and how airlines compare on that basis perhaps, although BA have certainly caught my attention now. . Thank you for your useful video 🙋‍♀️🇬🇧🤗✈

[@mygreygapyear]

Thank you for your kind comment, it's appreciated. I agree that the crew make the flight, although I hear plenty of horror stories about BA but I've been fortunate to have great crew on my flights. A quick hint on classical music on flights, if the airlines you fly don't have that then a spotify subscription will allow you to download music to your phone. If I'm in economy sitting upright I use an eye mask with thin headphones in it when I'm sleeping, although I usually listen to an audio book.

[@k9killer221]

Do you exclusively fly BA?

[@mygreygapyear]

Let me answer that with a link to this video....kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y6fNk2xtiN16o8U

[@mygreygapyear]

Thos one is about a Qantas flight I took kzbin.info/www/bejne/o5qwgWaMqqygoJo

[@nicholasngo5428]

How long is your flight from Hong Kong to London?

[@mygreygapyear]

Thanks for your question, According to the Captains announcement the flight time was 13 hours and 50 minutes

[@twentyrothmans7308]

The worst thing about HKG is leaving the lounge.

[@mygreygapyear]

You're not wrong there. So many great lounges and so little time

[@master_k_w0n]

Experienced this product back in July but the other way round, LHR to HKG. I paid more or less full whack and to be honest I was not impressed. Food was ok but the service was rushed and not befitting of a premium product. The seat in lie flat mode was not good as there was this hump exactly where my lower back is that made it very uncomfortable for me. Worse was the flight back as it was in their older business class product . Earlier in the year I flew Finnair Business class to Bangkok and got to experience their innovative seats and it was a pretty good, my 2 teenage kids loved it. Last year I experienced Etihad Business class to Bangkok and have to say from start to finish the best flight I've ever experienced. Won't be flying BA Business class again until they improve things. Much better products out there that cost less and oftentimes cheaper. Will be on Japan Airlines Business Class this Xmas to Tokyo, used my Avios on this one and could've chose BA or JL. Singapore Airlines to Malaysia and Singapore next Easter , looking forward to those flights and fully expect them to be far superior to BA.

[@mygreygapyear]

Thanks for your comment, that older seat still flying from Heathrow is catching people out, I deliberately picked it but decided that it was a one and done experience. I hope you have some better experiences, Christmas in Japan sounds amazing, Phil

[@davidfrancis85]

wow

[@mygreygapyear]

Thanks mate, appreciate it

[@obamtl]

Watch BA close the loophole. 😂

[@nickf619]

Yes I wish he would change the video title. It’s annoying when these loopholes are published

[@ianhares9832]

Isn't the bulk of the gain Air Passenger Duty as the flight doesn't originate in the UK?

[@nickf619]

@@ianhares9832 not from HKG no, it’s only £35 because BA for historical reasons sets a £0 surcharge (they no longer have too but did once upon a time) which is not the case from LHR and is priced based on RFS (like most other airports) and has no direct link to taxes, fees and surcharges, The RFS fee however roughly covers the tax/airport fees from LHR. But originating a journey in HKG prices it off tax+fees rather than RFS with zero surcharge

[@mygreygapyear]

@obamtl I thought this was more of a system quirk and that BA are aware of this, but I wasn't. Let's hope they don't suddenly jack up the price.

[@mygreygapyear]

@nickf619 thanks for your comment and support, I don't think BA will care about this too much, they must know. If I thought that my video would influence BA then I would have made it for Patreons only.

[@sender5804]

are you sure that London underground doesn't have lifts / escalators? 😂

[@mygreygapyear]

Love it 😂, yeah they do when they work but I can't get from Heathrow to Euston without a few staircases. I'm in New York right now and the subway is all steps.

[@fastoez]

And the topper is bloody useless! how hard is it to supply a soft topper and have it fitted! Shame ur pillow was lumpy, ive always had good pillows, some of the best in bc actually. Also not hard to serve nuts in a dish, decant a can of drink and not serve paper salt, pepper, sugar for the tea! all simple non high cost points that would give ba a massive lift in their over experience

[@mygreygapyear]

The topper is absolute crap, I agree and, yes (again I agree), so many small points where BA could improve their service which would add up, in my opinion to a significant improvement.

[@placeyplacey]

Fair sesh with the old booze.. 😀

[@mygreygapyear]

Gotta take advantage when it's there and I certainly slept well 🙂

[@placeyplacey]

@@mygreygapyearIndeed! 👍

[@rodmcintosh3149]

Club Suite on BA is rubbish: over priced, ghastly food, awful beverages, disgraceful service and a door that serves no useful purpose

[@mygreygapyear]

Bad flight mate? I've had some of those.