A first-timer’s guide: five things I learned in Club World

It’s been a big year for our writer Hannah Ralph – finally reaching Bronze Tier (hurrah) and embarking on her first Club World trip across the pond. Here, she shares her reflections from the lap of luxury

The details

Outbound
The flight: BA217 from London Heathrow to Washington, DC
Departure time: 12:35
Duration: 8 hours, 5 minutes

Inbound
The flight: BA212 from Boston to London Heathrow
Departure time: 19:10
Duration: 6 hours, 17 minutes

You’re the priority, remember?

Well, actually, I didn’t. Upon arrival at Heathrow T5, I followed the shiny signs for Club World check-in desks and bag drop, and duly did both. I felt the part – donning comfy flared leggings and Birkenstocks (bought via the shopping portal – Avios, ker-ching), my July carry-on pro case and almost-matching Carl Friedrik Palissy briefcase. But, not remembering my new life as a business class mover-and-shaker, went straight into the usual queue for security. Note for next time: if you’ve booked Club World, like me, and are travelling out of London Heathrow, London Gatwick or New York JFK, follow the signs for ‘Fast Track security’ and get to the lounge that bit quicker.

Top tip: Club World also means Priority Boarding. Those with a higher Tier status or those travelling in the premium classes board first (ie. First customers and Gold Members lead the way).

There are two business class seats

Admittedly, I was already aware of this. Working on The Club magazine means I’m more clued up than most on the ever-updating, ever-improving products available at British Airways – and I know that 2019’s arrival of the Club Suite heralded great change for the business cabin. On this trip, though, I experienced – for the first time – both seats, with the older product on the return leg, and the Club Suite out. Let’s be real: the newer Club Suite is pretty unbeatable, isn’t it? Designed in a 1-2-1 reverse-herringbone configuration, with direct aisle access for each seat and closing doors for privacy, it is a private cocoon in which you’re the cosy caterpillar. Don’t get me wrong – the original seat still allows for a totally stretched-out snooze and impeccable service, but there’s something about closing that privacy door on the world that hits different.

Top tip: The Club Suite is currently available on all Airbus 350-1000s, Boeing 787-10s and Boeing 777-300ERs, and most Heathrow based Boeing 777-200ERs. The roll-out continues and should be complete by 2026. Research your aircraft’s seat map to check if you’ll have it – if the map shows four seats per row in business, then it’s green for go.

You should skip the meal service on overnight flights

Bear with me here. We’ve just boarded our overnight flight to Heathrow. It’s roughly 7pm (local time) and I notice all my fellow passengers are, kindly, refusing the meal service. I am flabbergasted by the idea that anyone could ever, or has ever, refused food. Isn’t that the whole reason I’m here? To enjoy a restaurant-worthy three courses at 35,000ft? When it’s my turn to answer the big question – “Will you be dining tonight, Ms Ralph?” – I think I’m being smart. “I’ll have the dinner, please, but if I’m asleep later, don’t wake me for breakfast.” A compromise, I thought, still wondering how all my fellow travellers could bear the foodie FOMO. My tune quickly changed. This was an overnight flight, landing on the other side at 6:50am – and it would take a mere six hours. By the time I’d polished off my pan-seared sea bream, with soft-as-butter fondant potatoes and a salty caper velouté, I had only four hours left of the flight, three of which I slept for. Reader, I took the Elizabeth Line straight into the office that morning. Hindsight is 20/20, right?

Top tip: If you’re on the red eye in Club World for the first time, load up on a delectable multi-course dinner in the lounge beforehand and snag a couple of those melt-in-the-mouth cookies for the flight. Now, that’s how you do it.

Discover BA’s ‘Goodnight Service’

Don’t skimp on the Arrivals Lounge

I was, as mentioned, rushing to get into the office, with grand visions of spending the next six hours bragging to my colleagues about the shiny brioche-wrapped, oh-so-succulent lobster rolls I’d eaten at the new and extremely five-star Raffles Boston. If I could go back in time, I’d grab that girl, tell her she needs a shower, and would guide her gently to the orange lifts to the first floor, where the British Airways T5 Arrivals Lounge awaits. It’s open from 5am daily, so red-eye passengers arriving early doors can go and clean up (there are 94 showers – and towels are supplied), get fed (there’s a continental buffet and hot meals available via a QR code) and recover for a moment before heading out to face the world once more.

Top tip: If you’re a British Airways customer arriving into T3, you can use its American Airlines Arrivals Lounge as long as you travelled in First or business, or are a Gold Member.

Enjoy it all, champ

As you’ve read, I made mistakes. Big ones. Huge. But here’s the thing – I enjoyed every last, luxurious moment. And you should, too. From the warm smiles of the check-in staff to the shiny ‘Elemis’ slapped on the botanical hand soaps I used across the lounges and on board. From choosing how much of the buffet I would benevolently leave for my fellow lounge guests to opting for that fizzy glass of Champers as I settled into my Club Suite, and trying not to grin as the rest of the plane boarded. Especially beloved was the cheeky glass of Baileys I nursed as I watched just-released flicks in my own private cinema.

Now, when can I do it all again?