British Airways Premium Economy: Is It Worth Your Money?

British Airways premium economy, known as World Traveller Plus, steps in to bridge the gap between economy and business class. While the premium economy product on British Airways was innovative at one time—they were one of the first to include this class—their product now seems a bit outdated in comparison to newer alternatives.

Overall, it offers a slightly higher level of service than economy and more space, and is useful for passengers traveling with lots of luggage who value priority check-in or legroom. British Airways’ World Traveller Plus cabin hits a nice balance that’s perfect for long-haul travel. From wider seats and extra recline to elevated meals and more generous baggage, premium economy on British Airways delivers solid value—especially when you catch a deal. Let’s get into the specifics of this review of British Airways premium economy.

Key takeaways

• British Airways premium economy (World Traveller Plus) offers a major upgrade from economy with better seats, meals, baggage, and overall comfort.
• Seats are wider with extra recline and footrests, ideal for overnight flights.
• Passengers get two free checked bags, priority boarding, and similar meals to economy with elevated service.
• Lounge access is not included, though it can be purchased or accessed via elite status.
• British Airways premium economy is most valuable on long-haul international flights, especially when booked with points or during a sale.

Going experts’ British Airways premium economy review & score

British Airways was a leader when it came to providing a premium economy offering, and while the class itself is a bit dated compared to newer alternatives, it remains one of the better products out there. It hits a solid middle ground offering more legroom and better meals than economy, without the steep price of Club World (business class).

That said, your experience can vary depending on the aircraft of your flight. Older Boeing 777-200 and 747-400 (now mostly retired) may still feature a slightly dated cabin with less intuitive seat controls and older entertainment screens. Fortunately, seat dimensions like pitch and width are fairly consistent across aircraft.

While the bedding and amenity kit are not as luxurious as other competitors, it’s always appreciated. The cabin itself also feels quieter and more private thanks to the small seat count. The food is closer to economy than business class, but the improved service and presentation give it a more premium feel.

Overall, if you value a relaxed flight and smooth airport experiences, British Airways premium economy is a worthy upgrade—even more so when booked with points or a deal.

Expert score: 7.7/10

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What to know about British Airways premium economy class

British Airways premium economy service, which the airline calls World Traveller Plus, is available on most long-haul routes. It offers larger seats with a deeper recline than economy, upgraded meals and extra baggage, among other benefits. 

British Airways premium economy vs business review

Business class is a big step up from premium economy on British Airways. First of all, the business class cabin is separated from economy, while premium economy blends into it with only a simple (not noise-canceling) curtain. Business class passengers also have privacy screens. 

While seats in business class lie flat and come with a mattress and extra bedding, in premium economy you receive the same pillow and blanket as in economy. The meals are also similar as those in economy, though business class passengers are offered beverages before takeoff.

Another major difference is that business class passengers have lounge access, which premium economy passengers do not. They also receive more luggage allowance and earlier boarding.

Which domestic routes have British Airways premium economy?

British Airways does not offer domestic flights within the US, and in the United Kingdom, where British Airways is headquartered, World Traveller Plus is not available on domestic flights either. If you're flying routes such as London to Manchester or Glasgow, you'll have to opt for either Euro Traveller (economy) or Club Europe (short-haul business class). As these flights are generally short and operated on narrow-body aircraft, a premium economy product isn't a practical offering.

British Airways premium economy on international flights

This class shines for long-haul international flights. Many of the airline’s busiest transatlantic routes to the US have World Traveller Plus, including London to New York, Boston, Chicago, and Los Angeles.

British Airways also features their premium economy class on many flights to Asia: Tokyo, Delhi, and Singapore, and on high-demand services to the Middle East and Africa, including cities like Dubai, Cape Town, and Johannesburg.

Which planes have British Airways premium economy? 

British Airways offers its premium economy product across its long-haul fleet, including the Boeing 777, Boeing 787 Dreamliner, Airbus A350, and the double-decker Airbus A380. While the core features of World Traveller Plus—such as additional legroom, wider seats, and enhanced recline—are consistent, the overall experience can vary slightly depending on the aircraft you’re flying.

For instance, newer planes like the A350 and 787 Dreamliner tend to have updated cabins with sleeker finishes, improved in-seat technology, and quieter environments, offering a more refined travel experience overall. Older aircraft like some configurations of the Boeing 777 may still feature slightly dated seat designs or less modern entertainment systems. Seat width and pitch can also differ by a few inches from one aircraft to another. 

Because of these variations, remember to check your flight details in advance and look up the assigned aircraft model to know exactly what to expect.

What are the perks of British Airways premium economy?

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The British Airways premium economy experience in the air

British Airways premium economy seats

This is our take on the British Airways premium economy seats review: The seats in World Traveller Plus are an obvious upgrade. With wider seats, deeper recline, a leg rest, and adjustable headrest wings, they offer a much more comfortable experience than standard economy, especially on long-haul overnight flights. 

Seat width typically comes in at around 18.5 to 19 inches, and pitch averages 38 inches. While they aren’t lie-flat like business class, the combination of extra recline and foot support makes it much easier to sleep, work, or relax. 

British Airways flies its premium economy cabin on all long-haul aircraft types, including the Airbus A350, A380, Boeing 777, and 787 Dreamliner. While the seat design and configuration are consistent across aircraft, the number of seats and their cabin placement vary. Most aircraft feature a 2-4-2 layout, which limits the number of middle seats and gives the cabin a more intimate, less crowded feel.

While the seat itself remains consistent between aircraft, comfort can still vary slightly due to cabin age, lighting, and overall layout—so check your assigned aircraft type when booking.

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British Airways premium economy perks

The main benefit of premium economy is the extra space. You get seven more inches of legroom than in economy (though seats are only one inch wider). Premium economy passengers also receive priority boarding and double the economy baggage allowance.

While all flight classes receive two meals, those served in premium economy come with more options and are served on real dishware. Passengers also receive a slightly upgraded amenity kit, including a bag made using material from recycled plastic bottles, an eye mask, pen, socks, toothbrush and toothpaste, lip balm, earplugs, and noise-canceling headphones. 

Entertainment

Each seat features a personal touchscreen, typically measuring 12 to 13 inches, loaded with a wide selection of on-demand content including movies, TV shows, music, and games. There’s a USB port and universal power outlet at every seat so you can keep your devices charged.

The airline also provides noise-canceling headphones, which, while not top-tier, are a noticeable improvement. Thanks to the smaller, quieter cabin layout, it’s easier to enjoy in-flight entertainment or even work without distractions or ambient noise.

Meals & alcohol

While it’s not business-class dining, the upgraded presentation and taste are a nice step up from economy. Two three-course meals are served on porcelain dishes for premium economy passengers, and they can also order snacks and drinks anytime during the flight.

Guests receive a glass of sparkling wine after takeoff. Throughout the flight, complimentary alcohol, including beer, wine, and mixed drinks are available. British Airways offers a signature cocktail as well for premium economy and business class travelers. 

How to book British Airways premium economy

Can you upgrade to premium economy after purchase?

If seats are still available, you can upgrade to World Traveller Plus with an economy ticket. The most common method is through the airline’s Manage My Booking portal, which often shows upgrade offers for cash or Avios (British Airways’ frequent flyer miles). These upgrades can be offered at any time, from immediately after ticket purchase, a few weeks before your flight, or even closer to departure.

Prices fluctuate depending on demand, availability, and how full the cabin is. If you don’t mind waiting, you might catch a lower upgrade price during an airline sale or within a few days of departure.

How do I upgrade to premium economy for free?

Getting upgraded to premium economy without paying or using Avios is rare, but it’s not impossible. Your best chance of scoring a complimentary upgrade comes when economy class is oversold, and the airline needs to move passengers up to create space. Solo travelers with flexible itineraries are often first in line in these situations, especially if they hold Oneworld elite status such as Sapphire or Emerald. 

Using credit cards to book British Airways flights with Avios

British Airways offers fantastic flexibility when it comes to using points for premium economy seats, and Avios (their loyalty currency), can be earned directly by flying or transferred from major credit card rewards programs. 

Cobranded credit cards can also be a smart way to earn miles and receive travel perks if you’re a frequent British Airways flyer. Depending on the card, benefits might include things like earning bonus miles on purchases, receiving a free checked bag, gaining priority boarding, or even qualifying for upgrades. 

If you're strategic with your spending and keep an eye on transfer bonuses, you might be able to cover a roundtrip premium economy ticket for significantly fewer points than expected.

To learn more about how these credit card perks work, read our guide on the best airline credit cards.

Join Going to catch the best premium economy deals

At Going, we help you skip the sky-high fares and get straight to what’s important: premium cabins for economy prices. When you sign up for Going Elite, you get real-time alerts for premium economy, business class, and first class deals that regularly save you 40-50%—and sometimes even 90% in the case of mistake fares.

 Here are a few real examples of premium cabin deals our members have snagged:

• $1,007 roundtrip to Mallorca in premium economy
• $1,182 roundtrip to Sicily in premium economy
• $904 roundtrip to Barcelona in premium economy
• $2,254 roundtrip to Edinburgh in business class

Download Going’s app and start receiving flight deal alerts!