Revealing British Airways Economy in 2023

It's been a long time in coming for the channel but FINALLY, I've had the chance to feature British Airways in their economy class cabin aboard the channel.
This review will see me board one of their older 777-200's out of London Gatwick bound for sunny Orlando, Florida. The aircraft featured, like much of their LGW fleet has been fairly recently updated which showed well as part of the trip.
Overall, a decent experience with BA, the crew did a great job, the food offering was frequent and plentiful and cabin itself was relatively comfy by modern economy standards. Whilst the lounge featured at the start of the video was accessible with status or a premium cabin ticket only, there's a number of lounges at Gatwick which can be accessed via an on the day access fee, some of these also support priority pass from memory also on previous trips. That said, given the amount of restaurant choice available, the lounge was by no means that important.
To get hold of the luggage which I featured in todays video, you can go directly to either the LEVEL8 website or their Amazon store to purchase, links below:
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Chapters:
00:00 Intro & economy packing tips
01:18 Arrival to Gatwick
01:35 Check-in & security
02:05 Gatwick food options & lounge
02:50 Boarding
03:30 Seat review
04:40 Pushback & takeoff
05:40 Onboard toilets
05:55 Entertainment
07:00 Meal services
08:15 Arrival into Orlando & final thoughts

[@Travelsbydreamer]

If you're looking to upgrade your luggage, check out NYC born brand LEVEL8. I've been loving my new 2 piece set and my viewers can get 10% off using code TravelsbyDreamer10 shrsl.com/47b98

[@JEH80]

Another amazing and so well put together flight report, thank you 😊

[@Travelsbydreamer]

Thank you! 😃

[@tudoriustin22]

Flying with British Airways Premium Economy to Romania this Summer and this is ym first time flying with them, really nice video!

[@Travelsbydreamer]

Thank you and enjoy!

[@erictheroman5813]

I never thought I'd be sat enjoying Aeroplane videos. I'm glad i found your vids as they are incredibly informative and have helped me decide on BA for my trips at least! I think the quality is worth the price it seems!

[@Travelsbydreamer]

Haha, glad I’m playing my part in converting people! Thanks so much for your comments, BA are for sure doing ok at the moment and are a step up from the more budget focused carriers. If travelling long haul east however you might find my vids on the far superior Qatar Airways and Emirates useful, safe travels ✈️

[@robward367]

Useful video thanks.

[@Travelsbydreamer]

You’re very welcome!

[@davedodi5376]

Nice video mate thanks me and my wife flying with BA out of Gatwick in a couple of weeks always used virgin before but tired of having to use Heathrow when we live next to Gatwick they charged us £300 after booking so we could guarantee sitting next to each other which we thought was outrageous (twin seats at the back ) so we hope they are good or it’s back to Heathrow 😢

[@Travelsbydreamer]

Thanks so much. That sounds really rough! Should find BA a good bit better, asking on the day during check in can really help also, even onboard. The £300 does indeed sound outrageous 😅

[@r12004rewy]

Finally looks as though BA are getting their house in order that looked a pretty reasonable trip, seat looked good as did the in-flight service, the loo did look a bit grubby though needed some JIF on the basin. BA still have big problems though with cancellation and flight delays that is something they really need to sort out as their reputation is pretty poor

[@Travelsbydreamer]

Yeah I think that’s really fair. Decent would be a good description of the trip. The delays however are getting really bad, especially from Heathrow. I’m in the midst of a dispute with them currently. Not ideal…

[@Jsha9643]

I have flown DEN - LHR over the years and the service definitely has eroded over the years. I know it’s cost cutting measures, but do I sure miss the old BA service. There used to be; - an actual amenity kit in economy -the second meal service was a box with a sandwich, fruit, yogurt etc. - seats were much more comfortable and the blankets were more plush

[@Travelsbydreamer]

It’s such a shame to see the race to the bottom across economy products around the world. I too remember these good old days! I guess from DEN, BA are probably the least worst option?

[@bethsawyers]

loved the video and me and my boyfriend are due to fly BA Economy in september 2025 i was just wondering if the soft drinks, alcohol & snacks were free or if you have to pay for them?

[@Travelsbydreamer]

Thanks so much! Yep, all included, they’re pretty generous with the alcohol on the long haul routes, between services you can request or go and ask for additional drinks - nice way of stretching your legs also mid flight 😃

[@bethsawyers]

thank you for replying! that’s good to know

[@garryb131]

Hmm!!!....not bad BA....I'm tempted. At least they serve London Tanqueray Dry....makes long-haul so much more bearable! You say you were satisfied with the meal service but I feel that economy catering is much reduced from what it was in years gone by, now it's all tiny disposable plastic containers, tin foil trays, reduced portions and snacks in cardboard boxes before landing.....obviously every aspect of economy catering is now reduced. I think the Asian carriers do catering better, even on short-haul. You kept saying "We"....it wasn't obvious but did you have a traveling companion? However.....very enjoyable, you really are very easy viewing and reveal the necessary detail capturing the essence of the flight/trip.

[@Travelsbydreamer]

Thanks so much! Haha yeah, Tanqueray on hand for sure always makes things easier! You’re absolutely right on the meal front, economy has become a bit of a race to the bottom in recent years. Expectations were set at rock bottom ahead of this one due to some fairly poor experiences in the past with BA economy hence the positive outlook. Asian carriers well ahead on this front however for sure :) Couple of travel companions on this one, one being 6’3 and happy with the seat so that’s a decent testimonial I guess!

[@line0520]

Hi! I love your sofa! Where is it from??

[@Travelsbydreamer]

I was so confused by this comment at first hahaha - typically don’t feature my place in the vids. It’s ikea that one, has been fab so far!

[@laraineweinberg2329]

What is the luggage allowance on long haul in economy?

[@Travelsbydreamer]

I’m pretty sure it’s 23KG but will depend on status and ticket a little

[@josephcollins6033]

Thanks! I will be flying from Nashville to Heathrow in September. This eases my stress! Are the alcohol "offerings" free of charge?

[@Travelsbydreamer]

You’re very welcome! Sounds great, glad the video helped. Alcohol very much free of charge, BA typically pretty generous on that front also in each cabin 😃

[@josephcollins6033]

@@Travelsbydreamer Thanks so very much. I just subscribed, if that helps!

[@Travelsbydreamer]

@@josephcollins6033 you’re very welcome. Thanks so much, it massively does!

[@josephcollins6033]

Fantastic! I'll look for more. :))

[@RandomBusNerd]

British Airways has unfortunately become Easyjet quality at premium prices in my opinion, this is especially true with the new A320 cabins. However this was a brilliant and very enjoyable review and the food served on this flight actually looked quite nice.

[@Travelsbydreamer]

Thank you so much! It’s tricky to argue with that assessment I have to say. Did a long haul with them last night on a 380 with a cabin 3 or so years well beyond its sell by date. Let’s hope they turn it round 🤞

[@RandomBusNerd]

Hopefully the next refurbishments and the 777Xs are where they turn it around, I have really high hopes for the 777Xs. I look forward to watching more videos on this channel.

[@Travelsbydreamer]

@@RandomBusNerd Will be super to finally see those 777x’s in the air! Lots more coming, stay tuned 😃

[@markinboy]

BA economy is decent in long Haul as we see in this video. But short haul is another story altogether. I wish BA would stop competing with the low costs and market themselves to the group of economy passengers willing to pay extra for the offerings of the past. I can only hope!

[@paulduffy8354]

Could anybody tell me roughly how much more it would cost to upgrade to premium economy? One way thank you

[@Travelsbydreamer]

Would love to give you a straight forward answer here but the upgrade costs vary massively. I’ve paid as little as 15% of the original economy ticket cost often but then do see PE at more than double the economy rate, it really does vary massively. Best to book in advance I’d say. Good luck with it 👍

[@paulduffy8354]

​@@Travelsbydreamer thank you for the reply👍

[@paulduffy8354]

@@Travelsbydreamer it was just the legroom I was worried about in economy but I'm only 5 11 so not a giant🤣

[@Travelsbydreamer]

@@paulduffy8354 ahhh yep, can be a little tight! Well worth the upgrade if you can get it at a modest uplift. I’m the same sort of height, it’s not tooooo bad

[@paulduffy8354]

@@Travelsbydreamer thank you for your help

[@shehebehsuebwisshgauwbevsjs]

They put a priority tag on your luggage! Often don't get that if just flying economy (with silver/gold status)

[@Travelsbydreamer]

Hmm how strange. I have to say, I tend to always get it 😅 That said, bag arrived pretty much last today off the belt so I’m not quite sure what the value is!

[@shehebehsuebwisshgauwbevsjs]

@@Travelsbydreamer clearly they like you more! But yes outside Switzerland have never found a country where it seems to have any bearing on when you actually get the bags at the other end...

[@Travelsbydreamer]

@@shehebehsuebwisshgauwbevsjs haha who knows 😅

[@Andrew.-.-]

Flown BA 6 times this year I all cabins . Brilliant airline brilliant cabin crew . Far better than any Middle Eastern airlines now by far.

[@Travelsbydreamer]

Great to hear you’ve had such good experiences!

[@BC_36]

Best to book long haul for the year ahead before April when the flight tax goes up.

[@oblongmusic3389]

BA long haul is getting some ok reviews at the moment.. I’ve been flying short haul trips with them for many years, and I can honestly say that maybe it’s ok 50% of the time , and awful for the other 50% .. the leg room is usually very small for me - I’m 183cm tall .. and I get very uncomfortable nearly every time .. the cabin crew can be friendly and professional, but can also be very rude and lazy .. it’s about 50/50 again in my last number of flights since the pandemic.. I could go on , but I don’t like that BA are totally unpredictable nowadays.. all the other carriers I fly with are usually much more consistent and generally provide a better product overall .. I’ve been flying on BA (and their predecessors) most of my life .. but they’re simply not worth it anymore.. high prices for low quality product.. Grrrrr…

[@Travelsbydreamer]

Yeah service really dictates a 50/50 experience for sure. Would highly recommend the extra legroom seats on the short haul if you can get them also…

[@frayerlewis5292]

I have a canker sore on my tongue I’ve had it for 4 days 😢

[@Travelsbydreamer]

Get well soon!

[@Mr_Busted]

Great Review But everything looks cheap especially the food. Scary. Thank you

[@Travelsbydreamer]

Thanks so much! The modern day economy often fails to amaze, that’s for sure. Premium economy a good step up if that’s an option for you. Lots of recent reviews of that on the channel also :)

[@user-yh8wp2ic6o]

Appreciate the vid! 180cm is not 6 feet though haha. More like 5' 10.9"

[@Travelsbydreamer]

Goodness that’s very exact

[@kattengat2]

The only industry where all companies have raced to the bottom.

[@Travelsbydreamer]

Tragic but true

[@RandomLifeProductions]

Silver status is enough to be honest. Nothing much more in gold only priority boarding

[@Travelsbydreamer]

Yeah I think you’re right, it’s a good amount of benefits at almost 3x less status needed for gold. Only thing I would say about the top tier status was access to the absolute best lounges and priority for upgrades was fab. Not sure I’ll get back there any time soon however with the variety of airlines I now fly as part of the channel 😅

[@joannafortuna1229]

Omg that WiFi is such a rip off. Qatar airways was £6 for the whole 7h flight

[@Travelsbydreamer]

Hmm, does depend massively on their aircraft. The newer wifi confit aircraft are cheap (777) but their older setups in the A380 and 787 are capped data wise and much more expensive so BA typically comes out in the middle value wise of the Qatar spread :)

[@Goatseditz832]

They don’t give us food

[@Travelsbydreamer]

They didn’t feed you!?

[@poussinhamzah4013]

I flew their Dreamliner 787 first class in 2016 LHR-KL return and it was an appalling service. I complained and only received a phone call from a condescending woman who just closed the case....not even a token or gesture. If that was first class I dread to think what their economy class is like. Ryanair cabin crew give much better service than BA in first class. Absolutely horrendous airline

[@Travelsbydreamer]

Sounds like a bad experience for sure! I’d have pushed for Avios at the least as compensation. Their first is a way behind many of the other big players. Can however confirm that BA in their economy in general is a superior experience to Ryanair 😅

[@martingreen331]

BA is a dreadful airline. They abandon me in Madrid and Lisbon the staff were arrogant and unhelpful they sold me a first class ticket to Dubai and back,when they knew they haven’t got a first-class cabin on the return journey. They treat customers like dirt. There is no better airline than Emirates, always try Emirates, Etihad, Qatar, all of which are amazing. British, American, and European airlines, have completely lost the plot, they don’t understand. good customer service

[@Travelsbydreamer]

Wouldn’t disagree with a lot of that at times however, those airlines listed whilst amazing are little good to those in much of Europe looking to head west where so much of the BA traffic goes and also where the options just aren’t good sadly…

[@Andrew.-.-]

Sadly Emirates treat there staff appallingly . They are like servants. For that reason would never use them. The crew are miserable and standards dropping year on year. Singapore airlines yes they beat any airline hands down, but Middle Eastern are really no good

[@roger9463]

Just had a short BA trip..swore 30 years ago i would never fly with them again. And I never will again! Will they ever get it right?

[@MsSmigger55]

Stop moaning all of you...😂

[@michaeloconnor9465]

I liked the days of McDonald's. Now Gatwick is overpriced poncy food that is low quality. I have had nothing but poor quality food since ths new owners took over. Less choice of shops and shops often sell identical overpriced products. You are young, which means you won't understand the old Gatwick and the love of it by families, especially with young kids. McDonalds was a life saver. Certainly, I don't like crap they sell you now.

[@Travelsbydreamer]

That’s a really interesting take and thanks for the age complement! You’ll find no bigger fan of maccers than me but did find the old LGW a bit of a mess, new look in a huge fan of. Shops I’m with you all the way, even when T5 opened there were more every day shops in place, can’t believe the only shops that are commercially viable are the super high end brands etc, shame…

[@michaeloconnor9465]

@Travelsbydreamer Gatwick was for the working class to the rich, now it is designer shops. Shops like W H Smiths have shrunk, the Dixons has gone. We forgot our charger and looked at buying one at Gatwick. Every shop sold the identical overpriced charger. It was like a company got the franchise to sell phone chargers. No choice. The biggest mistake was when the government made BAA sell off its airports. Everything is now more expensive, as a result, the family-friendly airport has turned into an up market mall with less choice. McDonalds was the same price in Gatwick as it is in the High St. and was a good budget place to eat.

[@pennybaxter4]

I agree I really miss the Macdonalds at Gatwick upstairs from check-in “ egg McMuffin and pancakes in the morning before flying in the early 90s to the states

[@uknsaunders]

BA is crap. Nobody over 30 can sit in any comfort in the economy. Seats are so narrow you can't eat or even sleep. The infotainment system always has something broken and the service is average at best. Add in its 2-3 times more expensive than many airlines and the massively overpriced premium economy, and you can a poorly run airline.

[@Travelsbydreamer]

Not a fan, I take it 😅 For sure lots of room for improvement still but they’re getting there. Seat width just reflects standard airline configs in economy these days sadly…