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The Guide to British Airways Premium Economy

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Table of Contents

What is premium economy on British Airways?

British airways premium economy seats, food and drink in british airways premium economy, amenities and other perks of british airways premium economy, how much is premium economy on british airways, 4 ways to save money on british airways premium economy, use avios to book a premium economy ticket on british airways, is british airways premium economy worth it.

Flying in economy just isn't what it used to be. Over the decades, many airlines have reduced legroom, squeezed more seats into each row and cut back on services. Many travelers can't afford to pay for business class, but there is a Goldilocks middle ground: premium economy. Arguably, one of the better premium economy products available is British Airways premium economy, also known as World Traveller Plus.

Let's take a look at British Airways' premium economy, including what you'll find onboard, how the experience differs from economy and how you can save money on these seats.

» Learn more: The best airline credit cards right now

British Airways’s premium economy class is called World Traveller Plus. The other classes on its flights include economy (Euro Traveller and World Traveller) , business class and first class.

World Traveller Plus is situated in its own separate cabin, which is closer to the front of the plane than economy. The seats are wider and offer more legroom than the seats in economy. In addition, passengers receive priority boarding, a more generous baggage allowance, two meals, complimentary alcoholic beverages, noise-canceling headphones for the personal entertainment system and an amenity kit.

» Learn more: The guide to British Airways classes

For many passengers, the main reason to book premium economy instead of economy is the larger seats. And British Airways certainly delivers in this regard.

Compared with economy, British Airways World Traveller Plus gives you more space in all directions — more seat width, legroom and recline. Tall passengers can rejoice: British Airways premium economy provides 7 inches of additional legroom — measuring 38 inches of pitch vs. just 31 inches of pitch in economy.

(Photo courtesy of JT Genter)

In addition to a substantial recline, British Airways premium economy seats offer a fold-out leg rest and a fold-down footrest.

Throughout the cabin, you'll find a large, fixed armrest between each seat. Although this slightly reduces seat width, it means that you shouldn't need to battle your neighbor for control of the armrest. At the front of each armrest, a cup tray provides enough space for two glasses. And you'll find a water bottle holder between the footrests in each seat pairing.

Depending on the aircraft type, the British Airways premium economy cabin is either arranged 2-3-2 or 2-4-2. This means there are two seats by the windows and three or four seats in the middle column of seats. This arrangement makes British Airways premium economy a great option for couples traveling together who prefer to have their own two-seat row.

Each British Airways premium economy seat has a large, bright 12-inch touchscreen with seemingly endless entertainment options. This is a substantial upgrade from what British Airways offered prior to a recent cabin refresh.

Below the in-flight entertainment screen, British Airways installed a storage tray. This provides a convenient place to store your phone, passport, boarding pass or other items you want nearby — but not in your pockets — while in-flight.

» Learn more: Basic economy vs. main cabin

In addition to bigger and better seats, British Airways provides notably better food and drink service in premium economy compared to economy.

This elevated service starts before the wheels even leave the ground. Flight attendants pass through the cabin offering pre-departure beverages of orange juice or water, served in real glassware. Although sparkling wine is available in-flight, it's not available on the ground in the World Traveller Plus cabin.

In-flight, British Airways advertises that World Traveller Plus passengers get "two delicious meals, complimentary bar service including signature cocktails (or mocktail)."

Here's what that looks like in practice.

Flight attendants pass through the cabin shortly after takeoff to provide a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. In my experience, flight attendants proactively provide doubles of alcoholic beverages. Plus, you'll get a choice of wine to go with your dinner.

For meal choices, menus aren't provided to passengers. Instead, flight attendants note the meal options as they pass through the cabin. British Airways offers two options — typically one vegetarian and one meat-based meal. Meals are generally served with a salad, a packaged roll, a dessert and a choice between several types of wines — typically two reds and two whites.

While the first meal is hot and meets premium economy standards, the second is generally a cold, packaged meal served in a brown paper bag. Although perfectly adequate, I haven't found this meal to be particularly "delicious" — falling short of what British Airways advertises.

British Airways premium economy doesn't just provide bigger seats and better meals. British Airways World Traveller Plus passengers also get better amenities and additional perks like priority boarding.

British Airways premium economy amenity kit, pillow and blanket

At boarding, World Traveller Plus seats are typically stocked with a small pillow, blanket and a plastic-wrapped package including noise-canceling headphones and an amenity kit.

The British Airways premium economy amenity kit includes socks, an eye mask, lip balm, a pen, a toothbrush and toothpaste. Earplugs are available on request.

Other perks of British Airways premium economy

Extra baggage allowance: British Airways premium economy typically allows two free checked bags at no additional cost. Comparatively, some British Airways economy fares are "hand baggage only" and charge up to $175 each way for two checked bags.

Priority boarding: British Airways World Traveller Plus passengers board no later than Group 3 boarding. Meanwhile, economy boarding groups stretch to Group 9.

Universal power outlets: The recent refresh to British Airways economy cabins only provides USB power outlets in economy. However, you'll still find two universal power outlets between each pairing of World Traveller Plus seats in addition to a USB outlet.

Unsurprisingly, you can expect to pay more than economy — but less than business class — if you want to fly in the premium economy cabin on British Airways.

We did a fare search for a roundtrip flight from New York-John F. Kennedy to London and found that on the 7:35 p.m. flight, premium economy ($1,162) is more than double the cost of economy ($532) and only slightly cheaper than business class ($1,222).

A flight departing just 30 minutes later (and landing in London-Gatwick) was an even worse deal, offering a $608 premium economy seat, which was nearly triple the cost of economy ($233). Business class was significantly more expensive at nearly $3,000.

On the return leg, premium economy was $851, compared to $504 in economy and $1,540 in business class.

If you chose the more affordable outgoing option in premium economy, you’d be looking at $1,459 total for the round-trip flight, compared to $737 in economy. The cheapest round-trip business class option would cost $2,762.

There are a few ways to save money when booking the Traveller Plus cabin on British Airways.

1. Get $65-$200 off as an AARP member

If you’re a member of the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), when you book a roundtrip transatlantic flight on British Airways, you can save $65 off economy or premium economy seats and $200 off business class. Although $65 isn’t a huge discount, it could help offset the difference between economy and premium economy.

Although AARP is a nonprofit organization that offers money-saving benefits for Americans over 50, you do not need to be 50 to join. You just need to sign up and the benefits are yours to enjoy. The standard cost of the membership ranges is $16 per year, but the price could be lower depending on how long you want to commit.

Check Cashback Monitor to see if there are any shopping portals offering bonus points for signing up for an AARP membership.

2. Book a British Airways flight through a shopping portal

Another way to save money on your premium economy fare on British Airways is to purchase the ticket through a shopping portal. Browse through Cashback Monitor to see what the current savings are.

The search result shows that Top Cashback is offering up to 1.51% cash back on British Airways. However, you need to look at the details to make sure that the flight qualifies for the discount.

Clicking on the Top Cashback link shows that the discount on long-haul flights is only 1.01%. So, if you were to book a $1,000 premium economy ticket and click through Top Cashback, you would earn $10.10 in cash, which isn’t much but still provides some savings.

» Learn more: How to earn extra points & miles shopping online

3. Use a British Airways credit card to save 10% and statement credits

The British Airways Visa Signature® Card offers several money saving perks on purchase of British Airways flights.

Cardholders get a 10% discount on all British Airways flights originating in the U.S. You would need to book the flight on ba.com/chase10 and use the promotion code CHASEBA10. Assuming you book a $1,000 premium economy ticket, you’d save $100 off that flight.

Cardholders who book award flights to London can earn statement credits of $100 in economy and premium economy and $200 in first and business class. The statement credits can be earned three times per year, maxing out at $600. To earn the credits, cardholders will need to use the British Airways Visa Signature® Card to pay for award taxes, fees and carrier surcharges on the award flight.

This is a useful benefit, especially since taxes and fuel surcharges on British Airways award tickets can be extraordinarily high.

If you have British Airways Avios, you can also use those points to book an award flight. Here’s an example flight search from New York-JFK to London-Heathrow showing three available classes:

If we compare the pricing, in economy, the ticket costs 25,000 Avios + $100 in taxes. Premium economy costs 42,500 Avios + $280 in taxes. British Airways adds on high taxes and fuel surcharges so you’ll need to weigh the price in miles (+ taxes) against a cash ticket.

Using our $608 premium economy flight example from above, if you were to pay for this seat in Avios, you’d extract 0.8 cent per mile ($608 - $280 / 42,500). NerdWallet values British Airways Avios at 0.8 cent per mile when redeemed for economy fares. This probably isn’t the highest value per point you’ll find at the premium economy level, but it’s about the same number of points that you would expect to pay in economy. If the flight in cash was more expensive, using Avios for the award ticket would be much more justifiable.

Another factor to consider is that British Airways used a distance based award chart , so the cost of the flight in Avios will depend on how far away your origin is from your destination.

» Learn more: The guide to British Airways Executive Club

British Airways premium economy is found on all long-haul international aircraft. This includes British Airways:

Airbus A350-1000 aircraft.

Airbus A380-800 aircraft.

Boeing 777-200 and 777-300 aircraft.

Boeing 787-8, 787-9 and 787-10 Dreamliner aircraft.

British Airways passengers can upgrade to premium economy using cash or Avios — either in advance or at the airport. However, you cannot purchase an upgrade once onboard. The cash upgrade price generally depends on the route and availability. However, Avios upgrade prices are set based on the Avios award price difference between the two cabins.

» Learn more: How (and why) to upgrade your British Airways flight using Avios

Thanks to a recent cabin refresh, the British Airways cabin now appears fresh and sharp. British Airways premium economy consists of four to nine rows of seating — depending on the aircraft — and is found between the business class and economy cabins. Each row is configured with two window seats on each side and either three or four seats in the middle section.

Yes, British Airways premium economy earns more British Airways Avios — or miles if you credit flights to another mileage program. When crediting flights to the British Airways Executive Club, you'll earn Avios at a rate of 100% or 150% of the flight miles, depending on the fare you book. Comparatively, you earn as few as 25% of flight miles when booking economy fares.

Likewise, American Airlines flyers earn up to four times more base AAdvantage miles when booking premium economy than economy. Since Loyalty Points are based on mileage earnings, you'll also earn quadruple the elite status credits. These extra miles and elite status credits can help justify the increased cost of premium economy for those debating if it's worth upgrading.

» Learn more: How to choose which airline miles to earn from your flights

» Learn more:

How (and why) to upgrade your British Airways flight using Avios

How to choose which airline miles to earn from your flights

British Airways premium economy represents a significant step up from economy. You'll get a bigger seat with extra legroom and recline. Plus, passengers get better food and drink options along with extra perks like priority boarding and extra baggage allowance. And mileage collectors and elite status members will appreciate earning extra miles and elite-status credits.

(Top photo courtesy of British Airways)

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On a similar note...

Flight Review: British Airways World Traveller Economy Class from London to Houston

Departure Airport

Boarding is from gate A18. There is a short delay but this is well communicated by the gate staff. Various stages of priority boarding are applied. This begins with First Class and Emerald / Gold card holders, followed by Club World and Sapphire / Silver and finally Ruby / Bronze. After this, general boarding begins and there is no zonal approach for this. There is no priority boarding for families, elderly etc. The gate service is quite polite and efficient and despite the delay boarding is complete on-time.

Airplane & Cabin flown

Boeing 747-400 in Economy Class was at approximately 70% capacity. This aircraft is the renovated cabin with new seats and IFE.

Baggage Allowance

According to www.britishairways.com the free checked baggage allowance for a World Traveller standard fare is 1 bag (max. 23kg / 51lb per bag). Onboard, customers can take 1 handbag / laptop bag (max. 23kg / 51lb and up to 40x30x15cm / 16x12x6in) plus 1 additional cabin bag (max. 23kg / 51lb and up to 56x45x25cm / 22x18x10in).

The Economy Class Seat

The Economy Class seat has a 32-inch seat pitch and the living space feels comfortable without the forward seat reclined. The width is good and comfortable and there is also an adjustable headrest. The seat has a 9-inch PTV (widescreen) and integrated USB socket – there is no 110v socket for larger devices. The seat condition is satisfactory – the covers are clean with strong colours (e.g. not faded), there are some marks on the armrest and when I try to adjust the headrest it comes clean off the bracket – which is a surprise.

Cabin & Toilets

The cabin is clean on boarding. The seat covers are well presented, as are the carpets and these appear to have been renewed. The overhead bins and other cabin panels have not and as such not as presentable. There are 4 washrooms for the Economy Class cabin at the rear of the aircraft – these are clean on boarding but again, have older fixtures and fittings but are well presented.

The flight pushed back about 25-minutes late and departed 45-minutes behind schedule however, the captain mentioned that we should arrive with just a short delay into Houston.

Food & Drink

About 30-minutes after departure 2 carts enter the cabin – 1 per aisle and a bar service is offered. This offers a full range of beverages including beer, wine and spirits – as well as soft drinks, water and juices. I was intrigued by BAs recently introduced “Book the Cook” style service for Economy Class passengers and ordered the “Taste of Britain” option prior to the flight for 16 GBP. This is marketed as an upgraded dining experience and offers 6 options – Gourmet, Taste of Britain, Healthy, Asian, English Breakfast and Vegetarian meal trays. Having tried and been impressed by the service on BA’s sister airline Aer Lingus, I was keen to see how it matched-up. Unfortunately, despite reconfirming with BA customer service prior to the flight, the meal is not loaded.

I reported this to the cabin crew and they are quick to offer a meal from Club World. Whilst it was not what I ordered it was an obvious upgrade from the standard Economy Class fayre. Being fortunate enough to travel in Business Class on many trips, I was surprised by what British Airways is passing off as a long-haul premium catering nowadays. It tasted fine, but in my opinion, the presentation and quantity of food is pretty basic by business class standards of 2017.

For the second “meal” I was back to the standard Economy Class offer, and this is an afternoon tea snack box, which is quite nicely presented in a faux picnic hamper and miniature gingham rug. It contains half a coronation chicken sandwich and scone with jam and clotted cream – again, the quality of food is good but I cannot help but feel this is the bare minimum food for a 10-hour flight, particularly as BA has cut the free galley snacks. However, one can purchase a cinema priced bag of sweets from the cabin staff.

Entertainment

This Boeing 747-400 offers personal AVOD IFE at each seat with a 9-inch screen. The programming selection is extensive – not only in terms of Hollywood / British movies but there are also a vast range of foreign language options. TV programming is also wide ranging with a number of boxset options of the most popular US / TV series. Headsets are the in-ear type and given complimentary.

Pillows and blankets are available on each seat prior to boarding and the quality is meeting a satisfactory standard – there is no comfort pack (eye mask etc). There is standard pipe soap in the washroom.

Staff Service

I was quite happy with the staff service overall, and the crew were quite cheerful and polite. They respond very quickly to my missing meal order and said they had reported the issue. In fairness, I was refunded without having to chase up customer service, which I was surprised about. Outside of the main services they did tend to stick to the galley, so for any additional drinks you had to fetch them yourself. As the flight wasn’t too busy this was fine as it was easy to move in and out of my window seat. It was an above average experience in terms of the crew interaction, but it was just a shame there wasn’t a bit more of it.

Arrival Service

Upon arrival into Houston, there is the usual throng of ground staff with wheelchairs that are an inevitable presence for any US arrival nowadays. Once past this, it was a short walk to immigration which took about 20-minutes – bags have started to arrive as I reach baggage claim and my own luggage comes out less than 5-minutes after this.

Overall, the missing meal order aside, the flight experience wasn’t bad. The staff dealt with this issue well. They were very apologetic and as it turned out, their internal reporting system meant that I didn’t have to again deal with the BA call centre, which I found the experience to be consistently poor leading up to this trip.

I like the Heathrow Terminal 5 experience – it is nearly always efficient for departure which is my main concern.

In terms of the aircraft, I am a fan of the Boeing 747-400 and it is always a treat (albeit quite rare) to come across one nowadays. It is nice that the seats and IFE have been upgraded but there are certainly areas where the aircraft is showing its age.

Having travelled with many of the transatlantic majors in the last 12 months, British Airways Economy Class catering is pretty average in terms of the quantity and quality is fine. For those that partake, it is nice that one can still get a decent gin and tonic without being charged extra, but it remains to be seen if BA will remove this perk in the future!

In terms of value for money, I just fail to see it any more with the fares that British Airways charge. They have almost cut back to the bare essentials in Economy Class and aside from the IFE / bar product, everything is average or below. The fare was north of 750GBP return from a travel agent. From BA, it was more than 1000GBP. This was not, by any means a last-minute reservation (6 weeks in advance). I didn’t get my original afternoon flight (on the newer Boeing 787) as it was cancelled and I was moved to a less sociable early morning departure. For this I received a standard copy / paste non-apology from BA stating they had fulfilled their T&Cs – despite the inconvenience to me. It was a disappointingly poor, non caring response.

Ranked as a 4-Star Airline, the continuing cuts to British Airways business and economy class product standards makes their rating look unsustainable. The BA staff service is about the only saving grace at this time, but morale seems to be dropping there as well.

This flight report is based on fully paid tickets, not airline discounted or complimentary tickets.

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British Airways Baggage Fees & Tips To Cover the Expenses

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British Airways Carry-on Allowance

British airways checked baggage allowance, excess baggage fees, exclusions and waivers, can i prepay for baggage, credit cards that reimburse you for checked bag fees.

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British Airways utilizes a pretty classic baggage allowance system, dependent on cabin class.

Fees for additional luggage per piece depend on when you purchase your baggage allowance, your cabin class, and lastly (at times), whether you’re flying out of Gatwick/Stanstead or any other route.

The British Airways baggage policy can get a little confusing at times — we hope our guide clears things up a bit!

1 handbag/laptop bag: FREE 1 standard carry-on bag: FREE

Size Restrictions:

• Personal item: 16 x 12 x 6 inches (40 x 30 x 15 cm), up to 51 pounds (23 kg)
• Standard carry-on: 22 x 18 x 10 inches (56 x 45 x 25 cm), up to 51 pounds (23 kg)

Lap Infant Carry-on Policy:

• 1 additional cabin bag is permitted for items required during the flight
• Up to 22 x 18 x 10 inches (56 x 45 x 25 cm), up to 51 pounds (23 kg)

Stroller Check Policy:

• 1 stroller per child can be checked at the gate free of charge.
• A small, fully collapsible stroller (with maximum dimensions of 46 x 15 x 15 inches/117 x 38 x 38 cm (when collapsed)) can be taken to the gate and picked up outside of the destination gate on arrival.
• A stroller that collapses down into a carry bag can be taken on board in place of your standard carry-on bag , providing it does not exceed the maximum carry-on bag dimensions.
• Larger strollers checked at the gate will be available for pick up at the baggage carousel in the baggage hall.

All checked bags must adhere to a max weight of 51 pounds (23 kg) for economy and premium economy or 70 pounds (32 kg) for business and frst class fares and must adhere to max dimensions of 35 x 30 x 17 inches (90 x 75 x 43 cm). Check the airline’s baggage calculator for your accurate allowance.

Hand Baggage Only/Basic: 0 bags included

Economy: 1 bag included (51 pounds/23 kg)*

Premium Economy: 2 bags included (51 pounds/23 kg)

Business: 2 bags included (70 pounds/32 kg)

First: 3 bags included (70 pounds/32 kg)

Children and infants (aged 2 to 11 with a booked seat): Same allowance as an adult plus up to 2 items, including a collapsible stroller, travel cot, car seat or carry harness.

Infants under 2 years: 1 bag (51 pounds/23 kg) plus up to 2 items, including a collapsible stroller, travel cot, car seat or carry harness.

*2 bags included (23kg) for economy flights:

• Flights  to/from Ghana, Kenya, and Nigeria
• Flights  between  Europe and Japan
• Connecting  between  India and U.S./Bermuda/Canada
• Connecting  between  Islamabad and U.S./Canada
• Journeys  originating in  Kuwait to the British Airways network 
• Journeys  originating in Saudi Arabia to U.S./Bermuda/Canada
• Journeys  originating in  Shanghai to London Heathrow 
• Journeys originating in the United Arab Emirates to U.S./Mexico/Canada 

Additional/Excess Baggage Fees

British Airways no longer publishes additional baggage charges on its website and advises passengers to use its baggage calculator tool as the fee varies by route. Below are example fees from searches that we’ve run using the tool.

Economy Hand Baggage Only (Basic)

Euro Traveller (Plus and Plus Flex)

Premium Economy

World Traveller Plus

• Purchased Online/In Advance: £130/$170/€150
• Purchased at the Airport: £155/$200/€180

Business and First Class

Club Europe

• Purchased Online/In Advance: £70/€85
• Purchased at the Airport: £80/€95
• Purchased Online/In Advance: £80/€95
• Purchased at the Airport: £95/€105

Club World and First Class

• Purchased Online/In Advance: £120-£130/$170/€140-€150
• Purchased at the Airport:£140-£155/$200/€150-€180
• Overweight Fee: 51 to 70 pounds ( 23 to 32 kg) £65/$100/€75
• Oversized Fee: British Airways’ website states — “You can take larger items of up to 190 x 75 x 65cm (75 x 29.5 x 25.5in) as long as they weigh no more than your permitted baggage weight allowance. If the bag weighs more than your allowance, you will be charged extra at the airport. No bag can weigh more than 32kg.”

For baggage fees related to special luggage (sporting equipment, musical instruments, etc.) please refer to British Airway’s policy .

The extra allowances apply:

• In any travel class for everyone on your booking as long as you as the qualifying frequent flyer is traveling on the booking
• Only on British Airways flights, except for hand baggage only (basic) fares and group rate bookings

Executive Club Gold/Oneworld Emerald : 1 additional free checked bag in any cabin class (excl. hand baggage only (basic) fares); weight allowance of 70 pounds (32 kg) per checked bag.

Executive Club Silver/Oneworld Sapphire : 1 additional free checked bag but maximum of 2 bags per person when traveling in economy (excluding hand baggage only (basic) fares); weight allowance of 70 pounds (32 kg) per checked bag.

British Airways does allow passengers the ability to prepay for luggage online.

Passengers need to log in to their booking on the British Airways website to do this.

Unfortunately, the British Airways Visa Signature ® Card does not offer free checked baggage as a benefit, but you can use one of the Capital One cards below to knock out some of your checked bag fees when flying British Airways. Simply use your Capital One miles to pay for your travel statement charges (e.g. baggage fees) within 90 days of purchase at a rate of 1 cent per mile.

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• How To Find the 75k or 100k Bonus for the Capital One Venture
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Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

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• The 5 Best First Credit Cards For Beginners [March 2024]

To see more airline baggage fees and policies, click here .

Frequently Asked Questions

How much can my suitcase weigh on british airways.

When flying British Airways, all checked bags must not exceed 51 pounds (23 kg) for economy and premium economy passengers and 70 pounds (32 kg) for business and first class passengers. Bags that are heavier than these standard allowances will be subject to excess baggage fees. Standard carry-on baggage cannot weigh more than 51 pounds (23 kg).

Is luggage included with British Airways?

Luggage is included with British Airways on all fares apart from its economy basic fare (hand baggage only). The standard allowance is 1 bag (50 pounds/23 kg) for economy (apart from selected routes which allow 2), 2 bags for premium economy (50 pounds/23 kg each), 2 bags for business class (70 pounds/32 kg) and 3 bags for first class (70 pounds/32 kg).

How big can a carry-on bag be for British Airways?

British Airways allows passengers to bring 1 standard piece of carry-on that must not exceed 22 x 18 x 10 inches (56 x 45 x 25 cm) with a maximum weight of 51 pounds (23 kg). An additional personal item can be brought onboard that cannot be larger than 16 x 12 x 6 inches (40 x 30 x 15 cm) with the same weight allowance as a standard carry-on piece.

How much is excess baggage on British Airways?

Excess baggage fees for British Airways depend on the route. If your bag exceeds the standard baggage allowance weighing 51 to 70 pounds (23 to 32 kg) then you will be subject to a fee of $100. Baggage heavier than 70 pounds (32 kg) will not be accepted by British Airways. Baggage that is larger than the standard checked baggage allowance of 35.5 x 29.5 x 16 inches (90 x 75 x 43 cm) is permitted up to 75 x 29.5 x 25.5 inches (190 x 75 x 65 cm) and BA states that it currently waives the fee but this might come into effect at some point in the future.

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Simple Flying

British airways' world traveller plus premium economy cabin: everything you need to know.

A look at the UK flag carrier's premium economy offering.

Today we will look at British Airways World Traveller Plus premium economy and see what it offers and if it is worth the extra money. While the concept of a premium economy cabin may sound relatively new, the idea of providing a nicer economy cabin has been around for just over 30 years. Taiwanese carrier EVA Air introduced premium economy seating on its Boeing 747-400s. Instead of calling it premium economy EVA Air called it "Evergreen Class."

EVA Air's upgraded economy seating did not go unnoticed by other airlines and was soon copied by the United Kingdom-based airline Virgin Atlantic in 1992. British Airways did not want to be outdone by a rival and created its premium economy product shortly afterward.

Premium economy allows you a free second suitcase

Before we talk more about British Airways World Traveller Plus premium economy, it's worth pointing out that "economy" is the key word here. While you may have a slightly bigger, more comfortable, reclining seat and extra legroom, it is in no way comparable to flying business class.

There are, however, advantages to flying premium economy over regular economy. The first is being able to check in a second suitcase for free. British Airways would charge extra for a second bag, which, in some cases, may result in the same total price as what it would cost you to book premium economy.

A friend recently flew on TAP Portugal from Miami to Lisbon and needed to bring two suitcases. When he saw what the Portuguese carrier wanted for the second piece of luggage, it was a no-brainer upgrading to premium economy as it was nearly the same price.

Wider seats and more legroom

British Airways premium economy passengers also get priority boarding which means you are in tier three, with first and business class passengers boarding first. British Airways' World Traveller Plus cabin is between business and economy classes and configured in a 2+4+2 layout.

It offers 18.5-inch seats with an 8% recline, which is great for sleeping but not so good if the person in front of you wants to recline fully, as it intrudes on your personal space. Each seat has individual charging points, and legroom is a generous 38 inches with a footrest. Each seat has a 10.6-inch inflight entertainment screen allowing you to watch hundreds of the latest movies and TV shows.

Want answers to more key questions in aviation? Check out the rest of our guides here !

WiFi is available on British Airways flights, but sadly even though you are flying in World Traveller Plus, you still have to pay for it. World Traveller Plus passengers also get noise-canceling headphones and an amenity kit. Unfortunately, the World Traveller Plus cabin has no restrooms, so you share the toilets with economy passengers.

Food and drinks

World Traveller Plus passengers are offered a welcome aboard drink: water, orange juice, or sparkling wine. Meals vary depending on the time of the day. If you are flying from New York to London, for example, flights are generally in the evening so you arrive in the UK early in the morning.

After taking off, the cabin crew comes round with the drink trolley, and then a little while later, the meal service begins. If you expect to get the kind of food served in business class, you will be disappointed as it is only marginally better than what is provided in economy. Later in the flight, before landing, a second meal service is given, which is more like a snack than a meal.

British Airways

World Traveller Plus

A more spacious journey in a quieter environment, with extra perks to make them feel special., at the airport.

• Increased baggage allowance of two checked items each weighing 23kg, plus a personal bag onboard
• Priority boarding for families
• Free carriage of prams and car seats for families with infants
• A quieter cabin, with fewer rows and more space than World Traveller
• Extra legroom and a wider seat with greater recline, lumbar support and leg and footrest
• Amenity kit including toothbrush, toothpaste, eyeshade and socks - plus a pillow and blanket
• Premium dining experience with main meal selected from the Club World menu, served on fine china with linen napkins
• Complimentary refreshments including wines and spirits
• On-demand entertainment system with noise-reducing headphones and larger personal screen, plus in-seat power and connections for personal devices

Help & Support

Need help or support in making a group booking?

Our team of experts are on hand to answer any questions you have during the booking process.

Review of British Airways Premium Economy

British Airways was one of the first airlines to introduce a Premium Economy cabin on its long-haul aircraft - branded as World Traveller Plus . As such, many of its cabins are showing their age, but still serve their purpose well by offering extra space, better meals and more personalised service. The airline is retrofitting these cabins and upgrading the hard product, but this will take time, so in the interim be prepared for a mix of old and new.

The United Kingdom’s largest airline takes pride in offering reliable and friendly service while carrying the British flag to far corners of the globe.

British Airways is a founding member of the oneworld alliance, which means fliers can earn and redeem Avios points on its many partners. Conversely, members of other alliance member airlines can earn and redeem their miles with British Airways.

Airport experience

All British Airways flights pass through London with primary hubs at London Heathrow and London Gatwick airports (and a smaller operation at London City). London airports are known for stringent and sometimes overzealous security procedures, which can be frustrating for passengers adding extra time to the journey. Unfriendly airport security agents are enough to convince some travellers to fly another airline when booking international travel.

World Traveller Plus passengers can access individual check-in desks and a greater baggage allowance – two bags for the hold plus a cabin bag and laptop bag onboard. They do not enjoy lounge access once airside, though. Still, top oneworld elite status cardholders can use the lounges on eligible international itineraries no matter what cabin they are flying. These lounges include open bars offering cocktails, soft drinks, wine, and beer, service desks for assistance with tickets, a wide selection of magazines and newspapers, workstations with computers and free Wi-Fi, and buffets with warm and cold food selections.

Priority boarding is part of the Premium Economy experience.

Cabin & Seat

British Airways fly a combination of Airbus and Boeing aircraft, with World Traveller Plus available on each long-haul aircraft. The Airbus A380 World Traveller Plus cabin is found on the Upper Deck behind the Club World cabin in a 2-4-2 configuration over nine rows, while the Airbus A350 has seven rows in a 2-4-2 configuration. The Boeing 777 fleet varies between three and six rows in a 2-4-2 design, while the Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft differs between four and six rows and is always in a 2-3-2 configuration.

Even the original iteration of the Premium Economy seat has plenty of space. It varies depending on the plane, but expect a wider seat – typically 18.5 inches (47 centimetres), more leg room with a pitch of 38 inches (97 centimetres), including a foot and leg rest, lumbar support, a recline of around 8 inches (20 centimetres), a small side table and headrest with adjustable wings for better resting positions. Unfortunately, many seats have equipment for the entertainment system that impedes your legroom, which makes it challenging to store carry-on bags or wiggle your feet around during the flight.

World Traveller Plus occupies a more intimate cabin of no more than nine rows with a dedicated lavatory and curtains separating it from economy and Business Class. There are middle seats, which are worth avoiding unless travelling with a companion.

Bulkhead rows prevent someone from reclining their seat into your space, but it does mean that carry-on luggage must be stowed overhead for takeoff and landing. These seats also have television monitors that fold out from the armrest, and they cannot be used on the ground or during takeoff and landing for safety reasons. Four bassinet points are available on the front cabin bulkhead, with another two at the rear of the Airbus A380s.

Not all tickets are eligible for advance seat selection, although those purchasing flexible fares and travellers with oneworld alliance elite status can choose a seat for free in advance. Others must wait until check-in to assign a seat.

Waiting at each seat on boarding is a thick pillow and wrapped blanket, and power and USB  and power outlets are available for each passenger. 

The flight search on BusinessClass.com includes images, videos, and seat maps for most airlines and aircraft Search results also include details such as seat pitch, width and recline. This way, you can see the seat and cabin configuration of the flight in which you are interested before making your choice .

British Airways offers a lovely inflight service on fine china and metal cutlery. World Traveller Plus passengers are served some of the same entrees as those seated in Business Class, representing a significant upgrade from economy meal service.

Delivered on a single tray with real drink glasses (instead of plastic), most flights have two meals, including a hot meal after takeoff.

They include a salad and appetiser plus warm bread. Two main course dishes are protein or vegetarian, and the plated dessert offers a sweet finish. Flight attendants can provide snacks and drinks between meals, and passengers can visit a snacking station for self-service.

Before landing, a second meal is served depending on the time of day, which can consist of a hot or cold dish based on the length of the flight.

More than a dozen special meals are available for Premium Economy passengers, including Halal, Kosher and vegetarian options.

After takeoff, flight attendants offer glasses of sparkling wine before rolling out the beverage carts with a variety of complimentary drinks including beer, wine (two white and two red options) and cocktails. Coffee from London’s Union Coffee and an array of Twinings teas round off the menu.

Before the main meal, an aperitif service comes with mixed nuts and a choice of beverage.

Flight attendants are friendly, but have a lot of passengers to serve compared to Business Class. Expect the typical British-reserved service delivery you might find in a hotel or restaurant in the United Kingdom. Many passengers find that the crew adapts to the conversation and informality level of each person throughout the flight. Show them that you like to chat, and they will chat. Show British formality, and they will return the respect.

On flights where a foreign language is spoken at the destination, expect that someone on the crew will be ready to converse in that native tongue. British Airways also has overseas-based cabin crew on many flights; Indian flights, for example, often have crew based in India, which helps with cultural service details.

Entertainment

The seatback screen is adjustable so that if the person in front of you reclines, you can tilt it for better viewing. Noise-reducing headsets complement the solid selection of  entertainment programming , including the latest Hollywood movies, television programs, box sets, a global music collection, audiobooks and games. Screens respond to the touch but can also be adjusted via remote control.

Wi-Fi is available on most of British Airways' long-haul fleet, with  prices available  for hourly service or sometimes for a package to cover the flight. A cheaper offering that covers messaging or texting is also an excellent option for staying connected with loved ones.

The flight search on BusinessClass.com includes information on Wi-Fi and inflight entertainment .

Amenities & Facilities

Small amenity kits feature essential products – eye mask, ear plugs, toothpaste and toothbrush, lip balm, flight socks and pen, and a wrapped blanket and pillow are a fluffier upgrade to what is available in the economy cabin. Credit to the airline for making the small stylish amenities bag from recycled plastic.

On long-haul flights, families with infants can pre-reserve a bassinet to use. Children can also enjoy everything from cartoon and youth-themed shows to special toys and gifts to keep them busy.

Short & Medium Haul

British Airways’ short and medium-haul flights do not sell Premium Economy seating, but if the aircraft is flying a shorter route, these are excellent seats worth paying extra to enjoy the extra space that they afford. Most of the long-haul amenities (like hot meals, free drinks and noise-reducing headphones) are not available though. Buy-on-board service in economy class is standard on shorter European flights, which means the only benefit of paying for this seat on those flights is the extra space.

Sustainability

The airline is investing in the most fuel-efficient planes and focuses on reducing emissions both inflight and on the ground. Recycling programs in its lounges and inflight are another eco-friendly measure.

British Airways aims for net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, and the carrier invests in  carbon-neutral projects  in many of the destinations it serves. On its flights, it has switched to bamboo alternatives instead of plastic stirrers, reduced plastic use for amenity kits and headsets, and serves water bottles made from recycled materials. The airline sends less than one per cent of non-catering waste to landfills. BA's new uniforms are made from more than 90 per cent sustainable fabrics from recycled polyester and only use manufacturers of the 'Better Cotton' initiative. The old uniforms will be donated to charities, recycled into children's toys or contributed to the airline's museum.

The airline also collects loose change from passengers on its long-haul flights to support the non-profit organisation Flying Start. It supports less-fortunate children around the world. British Airways is also the first airline to build a waste-to-fuel plant converting everyday consumer waste to sustainable fuel.

A partnership with the Born Free Foundation has the airline advocating against the captivity of wild animals. British Airways Holidays helps to create a safe sanctuary space for rescued wild animals.

The flight search on BusinessClass.com includes information on CO2 emissions for each flight. Our quality algorithms also give a higher score to flights operated by the most modern and environmentally friendly aircraft.

What We Love

• Footrests and adjustable headrests to make it easier to sleep
• Business class-quality meals serving British products
• A nice selection of mid-flight snacks as well as an open bar throughout the flight

Read the BusinessClass.com review of British Airways Club World Read the BusinessClass.com review of British Airways First Class

BusinessClass.com searches hundreds of travel sites at once to help you find the best premium travel offers for both flights and the finest hotels.

Is Premium Economy British Airways worth it?

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February 2024

Eight reasons to upgrade to World Traveller Plus

Positioned comfortably between our e conomy (World Traveller) and business (Club World) cabins, World Traveller Plus allows for extra leg-stretching and more baggage-boasting compared to its economy counterpart – making it the most attainable upgrade for those not in need of business or First. Ready to make your next journey with us that bit more exclusive? Let’s go.

Skip the queues

We’ve all been there: running a little behind schedule, approaching the check-in desks only to gaze upon a queue rather more mighty than one we would have preferred. Not so for World Traveller Plus passengers arriving at Terminal 5, who can head straight to the – typically less populated – premium check-in desks for an altogether speedier experience. Please note this varies depending on the terminal. 

Get there quicker

Upgrading to premium economy means starting your trip with that extra little spring in your step. You’re excited – and not just for the cabin. That’s because you know you’ll be boarding hot on the heels of our business and First passengers – no later than Group 3, in fact, which is quite the edge given economy passengers can find themselves boarding as far back as Group 9.  The good news for Bronze, Silver or Gold Tier passengers is that, no matter your cabin, y ou’ll get priority boarding, too. 

Bring more than before

Perhaps one of the biggest perks of World Traveller Plus is the extra (free) baggage allowance. It’s particularly ideal for those taking longer holidays, bulky ski trips or visiting destinations with several weather conditions to placate. In this cabin, you can put not one, but two 23kg bags in the hold. On board, take your cabin bag (which can go in the overhead lockers) and a handbag/laptop bag (something you can tuck under the seat), too.

Roomy yet intimate: the cabin

Inside the smaller, more exclusive World Traveller Plus cabin, you’ll find wider seats that recline luxuriously further than those in economy, plus lumbar support, a fold-out leg rest and fold-down footrest, plus seven inches more leg room and even a water bottle holder. Depending on your aircraft, you’ll travel in a 2:3:2 or 2:4:2 configuration, making this great for couples who want to sit together, sans neighbours. As with economy, universal power outlets by each seat mean you can stay charged up.

Premium menu and service

Sip your sparkling wine, chosen by our own Master of Wine, Tim Jackson, after take off. Watch as your starter, main and dessert arrive with metal cutlery and ceramic dishes. It’s a step-up from World Traveller fare while still channelling the very best of Britain from a flavour and provenance perspective. Throughout the flight, hot and cold snacks, plus any drinks you might fancy (including alcoholic beverages), can be yours. 

Details that elevate

All the details of World Traveller, with that little bit extra on top. In World Traveller Plus, you’ll receive a pillow and thick, quilted blanket adorned in our signature blue and red herringbone pattern. Pair this with our plastic-free-packaging amenity kit – complete with lip balm, an eye mask, pen, socks, toothbrush and toothpaste – and you’ll feel as if you’re fresh from a surprise shopping trip, ready to work, snooze or just sit back and relax.

Binge a gripping series or film

With a large, bright 12-inch touchscreen and noise-cancelling headphones, you can comfortably spend your flight in World Traveller Plus making the most of our Paramount+ TV subscription (home to critically acclaimed shows such as  Mayor of Kingstown  and  Yellowstone ), or simply dig into hundreds of the latest films, shows, music, audio books, podcasts and games. Plus, most aircraft will allow you to pay to browse the internet and stream, should you wish to stay connected.  

You can use Avios to upgrade

If you’re flying long haul, why not dedicate some of those hard-earned Avios towards an upgrade in World Traveller Plus? Make the whole thing that bit more special? Avios can be used to upgrade the cabin either at the time of booking or applied to an existing flight. A more luxurious cabin may help mitigate general weariness on the return leg, or be splashed out on for both journeys – whichever you’d prefer. Finally, Avios can also be put toward upgrades on Reward Flights.  

Learn more about World Traveller Plus

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Pack like a pro and bag yourself a new set for the new year with this guide to the most dazzling duos on the market

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British Airways World Traveller Plus Review [2023]

After a rocky flight across the pond, I decided to do a British Airways World Traveller Plus Review. Is it worth the cost? Read on.

There are few things that make me happier while travelling than getting an upgrade on a long flight. That is what happened in this British Airways World Traveller Plus review…and I’m not sure why. I have theories and will share them in a post soon, but for now, know that this British Airways World Traveller Plus review is by no means sponsored but did make this guy one happy flier.

That said, let’s find out if Is BA World Traveller Plus worth it.

Table of Contents

BA World Traveller Plus Review Summary

British Airways World Traveller Plus is a premium economy class that offers extra legroom, a wider seat, and other amenities. The cabin features a 2-3-2 seating configuration, personal in-flight entertainment screens, and a complimentary amenity kit.

The food and service are generally regarded as good, and passengers can also enjoy priority boarding and additional baggage allowance. However, the seats may not recline as much as some passengers would like, and the cost may be relatively high compared to other premium economy offerings.

Overall, British Airways World Traveller Plus is a solid option for those looking for a more comfortable travel experience without breaking the bank.

What Is The Difference Between British Airways Premium Economy & Business Class?

Economy Plus should really be thought of as “Business Class M inus .” For the most part, the service is the same minus the lay flatbeds. From what I saw while boarding and exiting the British Airways 747-400 on a recent trip to Europe, the Business Class seats are not that spread out and looked crowded…at least more so than flying Swiss Air or EgyptAir . Curious, and as I always do, on my return trip I spoke with the agent at the customer service desk. “How much for an upgrade to Business Class?” I said with a smile. To my horror, the agent said it would be over $7,000!

Paying an additional $7,000 at check-in seems incredibly dumb. An extra $390 for premium economy on a 9 1/2 hour flight, not so much. Thankfully, I didn’t have to do either and got an upgrade for free.

With that in mind, here is my British Airways World Traveller Plus review and why I think it offers some serious value.

Route: London to Vancouver Aircraft: 747-400 Seat: 35B Highlights : Entertainment and High Tea Low lights:  Meals

How to Upgrade to BA World Traveller Plus

To upgrade to BA World Traveller Plus, you can do so in a few ways:

• During booking: When booking your flight, you can choose to upgrade to World Traveller Plus during the booking process. You will see the option to upgrade if it is available for your flight.
• Online: If you have already booked your flight, you can check to see if an upgrade is available through the Manage My Booking section of the British Airways website.
• At the airport: You may also be able to upgrade to World Traveller Plus at the airport on the day of your flight, subject to availability.

Keep in mind that upgrading typically comes at an additional cost, so you should weigh the benefits against the extra expense to determine if BA World Traveller Plus is worth it for you.

British Airways World Traveller Plus Review – Seats

British Airways website boasts wider seats and more legroom in Premium Economy which, although true, is by no means spacious. There is ample legroom, decent recline, and a footrest for stretching out. 

Note: seats are  2×4×2 on the BA 747–400 so ensure to book seats A/B or H/J for maximum comfort!

British Airways World Traveller Plus Review – Service

Essentially, the meal service, amenities, and entertainment system are the same as Business Class. Seats include USB power and standard outlets (Europe and UK style). Where British Airways Economy Plus really differs from Economy Class is the seats and entertainment system.

  READ MORE:     Turkish Air Business Class Review

The amenities bag on this World Traveller Plus review was standard but lacking compared to those I found on Swissair , EgyptAir , and  Turkish Airlines.  Inside you will find earplugs, socks, a toothbrush and paste, a pen, and an eye mask.

Also inside you will find premium headphones, a nice touch, however, I prefer to stick to my favourite travel companion – the Bose-QuietComfort-25.

One negative on this World Traveller Plus review was the dinner tray. Mine sagged heavily in the middle which made eating and writing a bit awkward. A minor annoyance in the end but an annoyance nonetheless.

BA World Traveller Plus Review –  Food & Drink

Meals in Premium Economy are similar to what is served in Business Class except that they are not presented as nicely…or so I hope. Beyond the sloppy presentation, the food was just OK. I had an overcooked piece of beef with salty gravy and a neon salad.

The highlight of the meal service aboard this British Airways flight was the highest High Tea I have ever had. Well played BA.

World Traveller Plus Review –  Entertainment

The entertainment system is a huge upgrade over those found in Economy. The screen is much larger, brighter, and more responsive than those found in coach. My screen on the flight to Europe in Economy was so bad I could not get through a single movie. No worries, I made up for it in World Traveller Plus.

   READ MORE:  Norwegian Airlines Premium Economy Review

So, is British Airways World Traveller Plus Worth it?

Given my experience in Economy ( and recent reports of bedbugs! ), I believe an upgrade to British Airways World Traveller Plus is worth it for the extra pounds, especially if you are flying long distances. If you are looking to just sleep and can do so in cramped spaces then there’s not much for you in an upgrade.

As mentioned, I was upgraded but feel that BA World Traveller Plus is worth it for the extra comfort, meals, and space.

If you want to enjoy business-class services and amenities at a fraction of the cost (minus the lay flatbed) then the upgrade to British Airways World Travel Plus is highly recommended.

   READ MORE:  WestJet Premium Economy Review

What say you? Thoughts on this  British Airways W orld Traveller Plus Review ? Let’s hear it!

For more luxury travel reviews from business class and beyond see HERE .

So how does British Airways World Traveller Plus rank?

Cort Smith – Quitting Your Job For Something More.

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A Complete Baggage Guide for RTW Travelers

Chances are if you’re going somewhere you will have luggage, be it a backpack, a suitcase, a 1920s-style steamer trunk or a stick with a bandana sack. And somehow you’ll have to get it on a plane.

Lamentably, airline baggage restrictions and baggage fees are here to stay. But on the bright side, there are a number of resources to take the surprise out of baggage restrictions. We’ve assembled this page to help you avoid any excess baggage fees. Click the links to drop down to the following categories: Restrictions | Excess Baggage Rules | Size Limits | Fees | Lost or Stolen Baggage Also, here is a gigantic list of links to the baggage sections of all the airlines we work with at AirTreks .

Baggage restrictions

When it comes to baggage, the three things to keep in mind are number (of pieces), size, and weight.

The “Piece” rule On international flights to, from and within North America, baggage is limited by the “piece rule”. The rule is one piece of luggage, not exceeding 62 inches as the sum of its dimensions. Itineraries that allow two require that one piece does not exceed 62 inches and that the total for both pieces not be more than 106 inches (these vary slightly from airline to airline. Please call each airline on which you intend to fly for their specific rules).

The flights governed by the piece rule allow each of these pieces to be up to 50 lbs. However, on flights within North America, just about all airlines charge for checked baggage. Most flights will have a $15-$25 fee for the first checked bag, and an additional fee for the second checked bag. We are also starting to see international carriers charging for checked luggage as well. So be careful.

You can find the most up to date checked bag fee list here .

The “Weight” Rule For most flights in the rest of the world (i.e. those not touching down in North America), baggage is limited by the “weight rule”: a TOTAL of 20 kgs (44 lbs), total for all pieces and items including carry-on items. On these flights, carry-on baggage is limited to 5 kg (11 lbs) and is included in the overall limit of 20 kg. Carry-on items are included in the overall weight limit, even if they weigh less than 5 kg.

Even if you have only one bag, small enough to fit under the seat and weighing less than 20 kg, the airline is NOT obligated to let you carry it on. The airline can require you to check any bag weighing more than 5 kg.  It’s rare that this happens but it helps to be aware.

Note: Not all airlines are strict in enforcing luggage limitations. But it’s possible to get a strict check-in clerk on any given airline and flight, and you cannot count on checking or carrying on more than the rules allow. Before you leave for your trip, it helps to check to see if you’re within your free baggage allowance for all your flights (not just the first one). To do so, do as the airline does: put everything you’re taking on a scale, including your purse, shoulder bag, camera, or anything else you plan to bring and see how much it weighs.

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Excess baggage

The main point to take away from this section is that excess baggage is very expensive. The standard charge for excess baggage is one percent of the full first class fare per excess kilogram (even if you are traveling on a discounted coach-class ticket), payable separately for each flight.

If you must take excess baggage on some portion of your trip, check with the airlines in advance: particularly on flights to and from North America, some airlines charge a flat rate per overweight piece (typically $100-$125) which is substantially lower than the per-kilogram charge.

Airlines are not required to accept excess baggage at all. On some flights operated by small planes, like those to African safari camps or shorter island or mountain airstrips, they simply don’t have room for it and won’t carry it at any price. Nor will excess baggage, even if paid for as “accompanied” baggage, necessarily be put on the same flight with you, although airlines have no reason not to and usually will, space and other circumstances permitting.

Unaccompanied baggage is considered “air freight” and charged at cargo rates. Air cargo rates are higher per kilogram per kilometer (or per pound per mile) than most coach rates for passenger transportation.

Size limits

Be careful traveling with oddly shaped baggage such as surfboards, bikes, skis, taxidermy giraffes, musical instruments or Alexander Calder sculptures.

Always call your airline to see what their policies are on these items. Unlike regular checked bags, rules on what can travel, how, and at what cost vary widely from airline to airline. If you have, or expect to have, anything larger than an ordinary suitcase or backpack, call each and every airline on which you plan to travel, in advance, to find out whether they will accept your item, and  how much they’ll charge.

Most airlines have set fees for specific oversized items . Some carry surfboards for free, some charge $150 per board per flight.  Does your airline require bicycles to be dismantled and/or boxed? Do they provide the boxes, or must you bring your own? Do they require oversize baggage to be checked in early? How many hours before your flight?

If you will be changing planes, find out if you will be charged additional special item fees for each flight or only once for the entire itinerary.

Note: Since it’s unrealistic to list these fees for every airline that AirTreks books, we leave this duty to the client transporting these items.

Baggage fees

Since the airlines have finally recognized the revenue-generating power of checked baggage fees, paying for checked bags is now a way of life for many flyers.

And unfortunately, if you’re not constantly reading airline news you may end up stunned—or incensed—when you get to the airport; the fees are changing on a regular basis.

Fortunately, there’s a handy website that’ll find the info for you when you’re packing for your trip:   iflybags.com

It helps to know what all your flights charge or don’t charge for checked luggage if only to avoid surprises. Be happy and check beforehand. Due to the changeable nature of baggage fees, a simple chart won’t give you as complete information as you can get on a specialized site.

Lost, Delayed or Stolen Baggage

Hey, it happens. But still, it’s downright horrifying to realize you don’t have your bags when you arrive in a new city. The logistics of traveling is complicated enough but to do it without your stuff can be totally debilitating.

That said, don’t panic. You aren’t likely to make good decisions if you’re freaking out. Fortunately, there are tried and true systems in place to locate lost luggage – the airlines have been losing bags since commercial flight began and know just what to do.

Always remember that 98% of all delayed or lost luggage is returned eventually and those are great odds.

Baggage Delayed

The first thing you need to do when you realize your bag isn’t coming down the chute is to visit the airport’s baggage claims office  located in the baggage claim area.

There are three possible scenarios for what happened to your bags:

• They didn’t make the flight : They’ll get to you on the next flight and you’ll likely have to wait a few hours to a day to get your bag back (unless the airport doesn’t have daily service). If there are no more flights to where you are, trust me, you have other problems to worry about.
• They were put on a wrong flight : They likely have gone to another airport, causing you a potentially longer wait since the bags will have to return to the original airport then connect to your location.
• They were on your flight but didn’t make it to the carousel : This is the best-case scenario since you should only have to wait a few minutes (at worst an hour or two) for staff to track it down.

Airlines usually will, but aren’t obliged to, deliver your lost bags to you when they come around. Some will even reimburse you for expenses tallied due to the loss. Ask them about this when filing your claim.

Be sure you know how to check the status of your delayed bags – some airlines will have you call, some will have you check online. Find out which one works best before you leave the airport.

Baggage Lost

First things, first. If the airlines loses your bag, don’t panic. Have we said that enough? Panic never helps. Secondly, start a written “lost luggage” claim, sometimes different than a “missing luggage” claim. Airlines have a certain sum that they are liable to pay you if they cannot locate your stuff. It caps at about $3000 for US domestic flights but the limits vary for international flights as they are set by international tariff law.

To get reimbursed, it’s helpful to have an inventory of everything you had in your bag, so they can return the maximum extent of what you lost. Proof of purchase, such as receipts for your stuff is extremely helpful, especially if the item was expensive, like a laptop.

Airlines won’t reimburse for certain expensive items like heirlooms, jewelry, and other valuables, so if you must travel with these things, keep them in your carry-on. If you’re perpetually worried about losing your luggage, or even if you’re not, get travel insurance . Most good policies cover for lost, delayed, or stolen luggage.

Baggage Stolen

The best way to keep it from happening is to head directly to the carousel as soon as you deplane. Most airlines now scan luggage as it’s off-loaded so they have a record of which bags are loaded on the carousel. That said, if you aren’t there to pick it up, someone else might.

If your bag is stolen after you leave the baggage claim area go immediately to the police, not the airport personnel, and file a report. You’ll need it to collect from the insurance company.

Pro Tip: Make It Easy On Yourself

Avoid a lost, delayed or stolen bag situation by nipping it in the bud. Here are a few things you can do to either prevent these situations from happening or else keep them from becoming more tragic than they need to be.

• Keep your name on—and in—all of your bags , in permanent or indelible ink.
• Make an inventory of what’s in your bag . If it gets lost, the airlines, or insurance company, will want to know what’s inside (so they can reimburse you!). A list will make the process of remembering easy. Keep the list with your other important docs, on your person, and consider leaving a copy with someone you trust at home.
• Write down the size, color and brand of your bag . It’s amazing how unhelpful your memory is when called upon to describe your baggage.
• If your bag isn’t eye-catching, embellish it . Make it stand out from the other nondescript black luggage coming down the ramp with colorful tags, ribbons, a paint job, or better yet, reflector tape that catches the light.
• Keep your claim ticket . I know they’re small, but stick them to your passport. It’ll make the lost bag claim go a lot smoother if you can provide them with the barcode of your bag.
• Don’t check in late for your flight . The airport crew may be crafty but when you check in late for your flight, they may not have time to get your bag on the plane before takeoff. You can run through the airport, your bag cannot.
• Avoid short connection times . Again, the process for getting a bag from a flight to another flight may be quick for a body, but a bag has to be unloaded, scanned, transported, handled, scanned again and loaded.
• Keep your important documents, medications, heirlooms, valuables, keepsakes, expensive electronics, money, and passports on your person or in your carry-on bag.  If you’re carrying a larger carry-on and worry that it might be gate checked, have your most important items in a smaller go-bag inside it that you can remove and carry-on if the bigger bag is checked.
• Get travel insurance . It will simply make your life easier in the event of the unfortunate.

If you ultimately find yourself without your luggage be sure to file a claim immediately. Airport staff know what to do in these situations and will help you out. Remember that stat from before? 98% of all lost bags are returned to their owner eventually. When you’re packing , please keep in mind that the international standard is 20 kg. (44 lbs) of free baggage per person, total including all carry-on baggage. On flights within North America, paying for every bag you check is the norm. Back to top

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BA World Traveller Plus - worth the Avios?

20 Feb 2023

Avios Points (57)

BA Lounge (5)

Premium Economy (8)

World Traveller Plus (3)

Business Class (17)

Last Updated: 20 Feb 2024

World Traveller Plus (WTP), British Airways’ Premium Economy offering available on long-haul flights, tends to receive mixed reviews when it comes to using Avios to book them. The first question every Avios collector usually asks when they’re considering booking this cabin class is - is it worth the Avios? (it’s considerably more than standard economy). Or should they just plump for Business Class seats instead if they have enough points available? 

It really depends on what is important to the traveller and how he values that benefit. That being said, there are some good value options for Premium Economy Avios reward seats . Here we take a look at what to expect, according to travellers, as well as times it might make sense to opt for Premium Economy.

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Airport Check-In

Although you won’t receive access to a dedicated check-in, you’ll benefit from an extra baggage allowance - you can check in two bags weighing up to 23kg each per passenger.

This is a big bonus for families, especially those with younger children. Priority boarding is another favourable draw for parents - enabling them to get the kids on board and settled with plenty of time prior to taking off. Premium Economy priority boarding typically means you’ll be in Group 3 of 9, so whilst you’re not right up there at the front of the queue, you’ll still notice a speedier walk to your seat. 

Do you get Lounge access?

Unfortunately, Premium Economy doesn’t give you access to BA Lounges . You have to make do with the standard departure facilities pre-flight. It’s not all bad, however. Terminals typically offer a good range of places to eat, drink or shop before you board the plane, particularly London Heathrow. But be prepared for the hustle and bustle that you usually avoid by heading to the Lounge. 

If Lounge access is non-negotiable for you, you can purchase access to one of the airport Lounges. At London Heathrow, you can use Club Aspire Lounges in T3 and T5, where you can enjoy complimentary snacks, beers, wines, soft drinks and hot beverages, as well as free wifi and comfortable seating areas. Prices start from £35, per adult, for three hours. 

Cabin and in-flight experience 

This is where you’ll notice the difference between Economy and World Traveller Plus Avios reward seats. There is a separate, smaller cabin. With fewer rows, the cabin is quieter and more spacious - the seats are wider too - and it feels more exclusive and comfortable than standard economy. Pranjal Pande says that “I had a lot more legroom in WTP and could get out of my seat without bothering my neighbour”, and JT Genter says that “for many passengers, the main reason to book Premium Economy instead of Economy is the larger seats. And British Airways certainly delivers in this regard”. 

If you want a pillow and duvet, just ask and the flight attendants are happy to provide them. Premium Economy seats also benefit from the lumbar support, extra legroom and extra reclining ability to make rest and sleep a much more comfortable experience. 

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You can enjoy your own personal in-flight entertainment system (Screen size 50% larger than Economy), with noise-cancelling headphones, which Pranjal Pande believes “are high quality and a step-up from the earbuds found in Economy”.

As well as in-flight entertainment, you can charge your phone, tablet or laptop using the in-seat charging points. You’ll also receive a stylish amenity kit , including an eye mask, toothpaste, toothbrush and lip balm to freshen up whenever you’d like to. 

If your flight is long-haul, you’ll get two meals during your journey, as well as a complimentary drinks service, including cocktails if you’d like to indulge a little. Your main meal will come on a real plate, with silverware, rather than the standard plastic packaging and cutlery you have in Economy. JT Genter says that “British Airways provides notably better food and drink service in Premium Economy as compared with Economy”. Dishes available on recent menus include tomato, mozzarella and pesto salad, salmon teriyaki and raspberry cheesecake. 

Cost of WTP reward seats - Is it value for Avios spend?

Long haul Economy seats represent poor value for Avios spend, due to the high cash fees and taxes. Avios collectors tend to prefer British Airways Business Class reward seats for long haul because they represent excellent value for Avios point spend and travellers can benefit from some great savings on comparable cash seats. However, if you’re flying long haul but don’t quite have the Avios balance to splurge on Business Class , booking Premium Economy reward seats does provide extra levels of comfort for your journey. 

Whether Premium Economy is worth the Avios spend really depends on the traveller’s needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a bigger seat and more legroom, or need a bigger baggage allowance, or just need greater comfort than provided in Economy, the Avios spend may well make sense to you. 

The Points Insider says that “little touches offered on other airlines in Premium Economy, like a welcome drink, use of the premium bathrooms, and better food and drink choices” would be a welcome addition. The Luxury Travel Diary advises that Premium Economy is worth the extra cost, particularly if you’re taking a long-haul daytime flight, but for overnight journeys, Business Class is the better option because it allows for a good night's sleep. 

Although travellers like JT Genter believe that British Airways offers one of the best Premium Economy products available, the team at RFF wouldn’t recommend spending more than 50% over the Avios points needed to book the equivalent Economy reward seat when it comes to Premium Economy, or your booking starts to represent poor cash value per Avios point. 

The best way to compare the total cost of the Economy and Premium Economy Avios reward seats is to use the general valuation of 1p per Avios. You can calculate the equivalent value for each seat before making a decision. 

Let’s use an example from London to Barbados . Using our Search Calendar and Avios calculator we can see that Off Peak Economy seats in September 2023 cost 60,000 Avios + £150, equivalent to £750. Off Peak, Premium Economy seats cost 95,000 Avios + £330, equivalent to £1280. That’s quite a hike (70%) over the economy seat cost. Premium Economy cash tickets for the same dates cost £1165. Only the traveller can decide whether paying an additional 35,000 Avios and an extra £180 is worth it. 

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If you’d like to see what World Traveller Plus Avios options might work for you, you can use our BA redemption finder at rewardflightfinder.com to find BA reward flight availability up to a year ahead, and our search calendar will even tell you how many seats are available. Our tools work like an Avios calculator, they’ll tell you the points you need to book reward seats for your journey. Better still, if you sign up for a Reward Flight Finder membership you can maximise your chances of getting your ideal British Airways Avios reward seats by setting travel Alerts, and we’ll notify you when your preferred seats are available to book.

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World Traveller Plus

Welcome to World Traveller Plus, our premium economy cabin. With fewer rows, the cabin is quieter, more spacious, and more exclusive than World Traveller.

A premium experience

• A separate, smaller cabin with wider seats and more legroom
• Two delicious meals and complimentary bar service
• A personal entertainment system with noise-cancelling headphones
• A stylish amenity kit made from recycled plastic bottles
• Access to in-seat power
• More free baggage allowance
• Priority boarding

Upgraded seat and amenities

The seats on our premium economy flights are wider, with greater recline, lumbar support, a head and foot rest, plus extra leg room to stretch out. Each seat also has its own power supply, so you can use your devices on board. A few of our aircraft might need you to bring your own adaptor if they aren’t sold on board.

Our stylish quilt and cushion adds an extra layer of comfort when it’s time to rest, and we’ll give you a special amenity kit designed with sustainability in mind. The bag is made using material from recycled plastic bottles and includes all the essentials. Relax with lip balm, an eye mask, a pen, socks, toothbrush and toothpaste, with earplugs also available on request.

Delightful dining experience

In World Traveller Plus you can enjoy a glass of sparkling wine after take-off and a starter, main and dessert with our dining service. During your flight we'll deliver snacks, hot, cold and alcoholic drinks to your seat.

In-flight entertainment

Stay connected to the world below or relax and leave it all behind in our World Traveller Plus cabin. You can lose yourself for hours in a blockbuster film or gripping series thanks to our huge on-demand entertainment library.

• A personal flat screen and noise-cancelling headphones
• High-speed Wi-Fi on most aircraft
• Access to Paramount+ with hundreds of the latest films and shows, as well as music, audio books and games

Treat yourself to the airport lounge

Sit back and relax before your flight with Lounge Pass, your key to non-British Airways airport lounges across the globe, no matter what airline you are flying with or cabin you are travelling in. Enjoy light refreshments such as alcohol and food, Wi-Fi and a selection of newspapers and magazines while you wait to board, plus Executive Club Members can collect 5 Avios per £1/€1/$1 spent.

Double baggage allowance

Baggage allowances.

World Traveller Plus’ generous baggage allowance means you can pack more for your trip. Bring both a cabin bag and laptop or handbag on board, as well as up to two bags in the hold.

Some routes and tickets come with an even greater allowance, and extra bags can be added for a fee.

Doorstep baggage pick-up & check-in

AirPortr can collect your baggage from your doorstep, securely transport it to the airport, and check it in for your flight for you. This means that you can travel to the airport luggage-free and head straight to security when you arrive. This service is only available for flights departing from Heathrow, Gatwick, Geneva, Zurich and Vienna.

Aircraft variations

Wherever and whenever you fly World Traveller Plus you can expect the same top quality food, drink and premium service by our attentive crew. A few of the cabin design elements may vary by aircraft.

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Airline Baggage Fees | Fox World Travel

Baggage fees, airline baggage fees.

Baggage fees are not guaranteed and are subject to change at any time. Because airlines may change their fees at any time, we recommend checking the airlines’ sites for the latest information. The baggage fee information is provided for economy class service for the destinations listed, as noted below. It does not include fees for overweight or oversized bags, other classes of service, frequent flyer benefits, or other airline/flight specific fees. For this information, we recommend contacting the airline directly. Flights booked with multiple airlines may have different baggage fees for each airline. If your airline is not on the list below, please contact your airline directly for information.

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These US Airlines Have Raised Their Checked Baggages Fees

By Hannah Towey

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

There's a bit of bad news for all the overpackers out there: one by one, most major US airlines have quietly increased their checked baggage fees in 2024.

The nearly industry-wide price hike began in January when Alaska Airlines raised the cost of checking a first bag to $35 and a second bag to $45. Over the next month, JetBlue , American , and United followed suit, each raising their checked baggage fees by an average of $5 to $10.

And on March 5, Delta increased its checked bag fees by $5 for most US originating domestic and short-haul international routes, bringing the cost of checking a first and second bag to $35 and $45, respectively. The fee increase does not apply to tickets purchased before March 5 or checked bags between US/Canada and Mexico, Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Chile, Peru, Paraguay, and Uruguay.

The only exception remains Southwest, which has famously never charged for checked luggage. “Our two bags fly free policy is here to stay," a spokesperson for the airline tells Traveler.

These are the current baggage fees for each major US airline in 2024:

• Alaska Airlines: First checked bag $35; second checked bag $45
• American Airlines: First checked bag $35-$40; second checked bag $45
• Delta Air Lines: First checked bag $35; second checked bag $45
• Hawaiian Airlines: First checked bag $25-30; second checked bag $35-40
• JetBlue Airways: First checked bag $35-$45; second checked bag $50-60
• United Airlines: First checked bag $35-$40; second checked bag $45-50
• Southwest Airlines: Each passenger gets two checked bags for free

So why, after years of charging $30 across the board, are airlines making it more expensive to check bags? JetBlue , for its part, says raising baggage fees is one step the company is taking in order to return to profitability and cover the cost of transporting bags amid inflationary pressures such as higher fuel and labor costs. The New York City-based carrier implemented the highest increase of the bunch, charging up to $45 for a first checked bag and $60 for a second.

“By adjusting fees for added services that only certain customers use, we can keep base fares low and ensure customer favorites like seatback TVs and high-speed Wi-Fi remain free for everyone,” JetBlue tells Traveler.

Alaska Airlines, which last raised its bag fees in December 2018, also cites rising operating costs as a driving force behind the fee increase. “Alaska Airlines is committed to providing exceptional service to our guests. As we navigate rising operating costs–including high fuel prices–we occasionally need to adjust our fee structure to maintain a high level of excellence in the service we provide,” the carrier says.

While there are staunch believers among the Traveler team that all you need is carry-on luggage, the good news is that if you must check a bag, there are a few sure-fire tactics to get around baggage fees.

Invest in luggage that makes packing light easy

The surest way to avoid checked bag fees is to not check a bag at all. Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, and Hawaiian Airlines offer one free carry-on (and one personal item) regardless of your cabin class; meanwhile, JetBlue and United restrict basic economy ticket holders to one personal item.

Invest in carry-on luggage that makes packing light a breeze—and don't underestimate what you can fit in your personal item , either. From hardshell rollers to lightweight garment bags, check out our favorite carry-on bags , tried and tested by Traveler editors.

Plan ahead to avoid extra fees

Prepaying online for a checked bag in advance of your flight—and making sure you follow all the airline's weight and size restrictions—can save you from paying extra at the airport .

Along with increasing the base cost of checking a bag in recent months, United and JetBlue also implemented new policies that charge passengers $5 to $10 extra for any bags checked within 24 hours of departure.

In a statement shared with Traveler, United said that while the airline is raising checked bag fees in North America for the first time in four years, United Chase credit card holders, MileagePlus Premier members, active military members, and customers traveling in premium cabins can still check a bag for free. Customers in most markets can receive a $5 discount if they prepay for their bags online at least 24 hours before their flight, they added.

Check your credit card benefits

The right credit card can save you from a myriad of travel fees, including fees associated with checked bags. Most airline-branded credit cards allow passengers to check at least one bag for free , as long as they're flying with the airline and purchased the ticket with the card.

Some of the best travel credit cards have no annual fee or low annual fees that are waived during the first year, meaning they essentially pay for themselves. From general travel rewards cards to airline-specific credit cards great for loyal fliers, these are the 8 favorite credit cards that Traveler editors use every day.

Airline status and cabin class

It may not come easy–or cheap—but frequent flyer status or a premium cabin class will often grant you “free” checked bags as well. For each airline's baggage policies by cabin, check their websites. Pro tip: always compare the fare difference between cabins like basic economy and premium economy —if it's equal or slightly more than the baggage fees you'd need to pay in the lower cabin, you might as well upgrade and enjoy the other perks, too.

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Those viral TikTok travel hacks may soon be obsolete as airlines clamp down on excess baggage

• Airlines are enforcing stricter baggage restrictions, per The Wall Street Journal.
• TikTok hacks designed to get round the rules may prove fruitless under the tighter measures. 
• Checked bag fees have also increased this year across major airlines.

Southwest is among the major airlines that have started to clamp down on passengers with excess baggage, The Wall Street Journal reported. Now that the changes are taking force, perhaps the time is up for the many TikTokkers and frequent fliers who have played fast and loose with the rules.

Most airlines allow passengers to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item on board, in addition to a checked bag.

On its website, Southwest says cross-body bags, pillows, blankets, and laptop cases are included in the personal item allowance. But people on TikTok have gone viral for sharing the creative ways they'd brought along more baggage without paying extra.

Related stories

Former flight attendant Kat Kamalani racked up more than 500,000 views for a TikTok video that suggested passengers fill an empty pillowcase with excess clothing items to sneak more on board.

Others have suggested stuffing clothes into a large coat to carry them past gate agents or tying clothes around your neck as a neck pillow.

However, airlines are becoming more strict on the requirements before the spring and summer travel season, the Journal reported. Passengers told the outlet that they experienced gate agents listing off more items that are counted as a second bag.

So, if you bring an item like a pillow on board, you may have to stuff that cross-body bag or laptop case inside your carry-on or risk paying for a checked bag.

Some TikTok users said they opted to wear their excess items by using the large pockets of a fishing vest . One user posted a video that appeared to show her boarding a plane wearing a fishing vest packed with a bikini, speaker, power bank, deodorant, and even a laptop.

Travel experts have previously told Business Insider that these hacks aren't a guaranteed way to avoid charges, as it's at the discretion of the gate agent to decide which items meet the requirements.

As airlines clamp down on carry-ons, checked baggage fees have also increased.

Major airlines like Delta, American, and United, all raised their checked-bag fees by $5 since the start of the year. And those fees are a big money-maker, earning the airlines around $33 billion last year.

Watch: Thousands of bags pile up at US airports after flight cancellations

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