Experience Luxury: British Airways 777 Business Class

Greetings from London! I’ve just embarked on my review trip to Hong Kong. The first leg was a flight from Washington (IAD) to London (LHR) aboard British Airways’ Boeing 777-200ER Club Suites business class, clocking in at a comfortable 6 hours and 15 minutes.

It’s been a while since I last sampled British Airways’ long-haul business class. I was curious to see the improvements they’ve made, especially with the rollout of their Club Suites product.

So, how did it stack up? Overall, I’d label it as solid. The crew was top-notch, the seats were comfortably plush (even if they aren’t the latest tech marvel), and the amenities were more than adequate. The food? Let’s just say it did the job. I’d gladly choose this product again. Among European carriers, only the likes of the new Air France jets might edge it out.

Let’s break down my initial thoughts, with a full review coming soon!

British Airways’ 777 business class seats: Comfortable, but slightly dated

If you’ve seen British Airways’ Club Suites before, you already know they’re built around the Collins Aerospace Super Diamond seat, with the added bonus of a door. This particular combo is quite popular in the industry, with others including an additional door feature—a nod to privacy lovers everywhere.

This seat delivers comfort reliably. However, technology moves fast, and since its 2019 debut, the Club Suites don’t strike one as particularly cutting-edge anymore. A few features are notably absent—think Bluetooth audio and wireless charging.

The Super Diamond product is quite nice, though it’s not as spacious as some newer models. The footwell can feel a bit snug, especially if you snooze on your side.

Thanks to excellent bedding from The White Company, including a large pillow and a good blanket, comfort wasn’t an issue. With nearly 20 empty business class seats, I even snagged an extra pillow from a neighboring seat.

In-flight Entertainment & Wi-Fi: Intermittently impressive

The entertainment selection is generous, ranging from movie classics to TV favorites. However, on my nearly 30-year-old jet, the system was frustratingly slow. It’s like watching a hamster on a wheel—eventually, it gets there, but it requires patience.

But good news! Once British Airways updates their equipment, this shouldn’t be a constant gripe.

The inflight Wi-Fi was better than expected, giving Executive Club members free messaging and offering unlimited access for £17.99. Performance-wise? It was pretty decent.

Food on board: Edible, but not exceptional

The cuisine in business class? Let’s be kind and call it decent. In the past, the airline had some rather impressive culinary offerings, thanks to a big-name partnership. Still, even average food didn’t detract too much from the experience.

The meal service kicked off post-takeoff, and included mixed nuts paired with your drink of choice. I opted for a glass of sparkling wine—a nod to local flavors that left me pleasantly surprised.

Appetizers rolled out as three choices, with the balik salmon and red potato salad taking the crown for taste. A simple yet enjoyable salad came on the side, complemented by some wine.

For main courses, they had three options. I went with the pan-seared grouper fillet—although not particularly standout, let’s blame it on an oven hiccup rather than the fish itself.

For dessert, options ranged from cheesecake to a cheese course. I went with the pumpkin cheesecake, a tasty little finale.

Next morning’s breakfast? Just one choice. A bacon and cheddar sandwich. As a non-pork eater, I didn’t indulge. For many non-meat eaters, a vegetarian option would be nice.

Service: British Airways shines when it gets it right

I know some folks see me as less enthusiastic about British Airways, maybe even critical. But, credit where credit is due—this flight featured a crew that was nothing short of excellent. Each member was friendly yet professional, attentive without being intrusive.

The flight attendant in my area ensured timely clearance of plates and drink refills that kept everyone happy. Yes, consistency can be hit-or-miss with any airline (just ask the Lufthansa Group), but when you get good service, it’s a win.

The Bottom Line

Ultimately, my journey with British Airways’ 777 Club Suites was enjoyable. The reconfigured seating on their 777s is a marked improvement over older iterations. While the product might not push technological boundaries, it hits all the essential notes—comfort, privacy, decent entertainment, and pretty good food.

For European business class flights, Air France holds my top pick, but British Airways’ offering is commendable and definitely preferable to others like Lufthansa.

Ever wondered how British Airways’ Club Suites measure up? Let’s chat!

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