I flew business class with British Airways for 50 cents, here is my trip report
I had already reviewed this flight, but we were in the midst of a pandemic and the world of travel was really much more complicated [...]
British Airways
Oneworld
LIN
United Kingdom
I had already reviewed this flight, but we were in the midst of a pandemic And the world of travel was really much more complicated than it is now.
In this article:
- Specifications
- Aircraft:
- A319
- Class:
- Club Europe
- Treat:
- LIN - LHR
- Price:
- 0.5€ + 16,250 avios
- Book
Already the fact that no tests or other documents were needed to move between the two countries, PLF excluded, shows how we are finally moving toward a return to normalcy. Normality achieved today since separate mask nothing more is needed to move to the UK.
The best bonuses
I have already had the opportunity to tell how the Avios points are an incredible currency for flying from Italy to London spending practically nothing, thanks to BA's policy of not applying any fuel surcharge for award flights In the short/medium range.
Flying economy starts at 7500 Avios points, in business the price in points is slightly higher. but the service you get is much better: you have fast track, lounge access, full lunch on board and even two bags to take a few things to friends. All inclusive, no stress and without shelling out anything more than a 50-cent coin.
Reservation
This ticket cost me 50 cents. plus 16,250 Avios points. Unlike almost all other airlines, British Airways does not charge taxes and surcharges on award tickets on intra-EU flights.
There are so many ways in Italy to accumulate Avios points (unfortunately, there is no more shopping at Esselunga) or just convert Membership Rewards points in a few minutes.
At the airport
When I arrived at the check-in counters, I was surprised that there were 20 people in the line reserved for business class/priority passengers and no one in the economy lane.
So I decided to queue in the second one, even though with the award ticket in business I was fully eligible for the privileged row.
Unfortunately, my plan to "go early" almost failed since the check-in counters in economy were opened about 20 minutes after the business one. I ended up going through maybe a few minutes earlier.
At the bench, they did the usual checks since the Brexit came into effect at 100% to go to the UK you need a passport.
Thanks to the fast track, included in the biz award ticket, I skipped the queue at the checkpoints And I headed to the BA lounge. This lounge does not have a view of the runway, but the offering is more comprehensive Than ITA Airways upstairs.
Unfortunately, at Linate, British Airways boards from the ground floor, which means that you board not directly inside the airplane via bridge, but take the classic bus that takes you under the steps.
There is one thing I can't stand about premium companies boarding with buses. I don't understand why they don't copy Ryanair and other low-cost carriers who manage to enforce priority boarding even by using the bus. BA (like LH, AZ and all other carriers), on the other hand, does nothing, effectively nullifying the benefit for its passengers.
On board
Today we got an old A319, not that the setup is any different on the rest of the fleet, but at least the newer planes are quieter and often offer wi-fi as well.
The business cabin in these planes is an accordion, stretching and shrinking depending on how many tickets have been sold. The only difference is the small table that occupies the middle seat.
Legroom, seat and seating space are exactly the same in the second or last row.
In fact only the first row enjoys a few extra inches, but you have the disadvantage of not being able to keep your backpack close for safety reasons. On a long haul flight this is not a problem, on a short flight, however, I prefer to be in the second row with my backpack rather than having to stand up.
The plane offers nothing, not even power outlets or a USB outlet.
The advantage is definitely the social distancing and the guaranteed free seat next to it; these are things that the older you get the more you appreciate. Not having to necessarily fight over the armrest is a small achievement that is worth a few extra Avios in the final ticket price.
Milan was covered by a very light mist, but the view of the city from above is always exciting.
Just as it is exciting every time to look out the window and see snow-capped mountains, places where man has not yet come to build and nature is still free to do as it pleases.
Service
Staff always present. No special greetings to elite passengers, but few companies do that on these routes.
The cabin manager however came by several times to ask passengers if they needed anything.
Food & Beverage
The service started practically as soon as the seatbelt sign went off. Compared to my last business trip with BA, no more gourmet box, but full service, just missing the welcome glass.
The menu is not distributed and that is unfortunate, it is also unfortunate that business passengers are not offered a choice Among the fee proposals that are offered in economy. There are some dishes I can't wait to try.
The choice was between a chicken dish, shepard's pie, and gnocchi with vegetable gravy. The presentation is not the most elegant. A small tablecloth is not placed to cover the tray or coffee table, but the quality of the products is remarkable.
I had the shepherd's pie, and it was really good and tasty. The passengers next to me had opted for the chicken, and they did nothing but praise the dish.
On board intra-EU flights, BA also offers champagne, and for this it deserves praise because not everyone offers such a service.
Dessert then is always the best you can eat on an airplane. This time it was a chocolate mousse on raspberry coulis. GOOD.
In conclusion
What can you say, for half a euro what more could you ask for? Sure, you can fly to London with dozens of carriers and for a few euros, but there is an abysmal difference between doing it with BA versus any low-cost carrier.
This is just one of many reviews you can read on our site. Every Wednesday we publish a review of a lounge airport, while every Friday you can read the review of one of our flights or a hotel where we stayed.Â
Pro
- Virtually no taxes
- Gastronomic offerings
Against
- No wifi