Is this the most unique aircraft cabin? Inside British Airways’ A380 Business Class

KANIKA SINGH RATHORE,

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bA on business class British Airways A380 across the Atlantic. On paper, it’s a classic airline experience – a lie-flat seat on a double-decker super-jumbo over a formidable ocean with a prestigious carrier.

But does it actually live up to its bucket-list billing?

I found out when I flew BA’s A380 Club World (Business Class) in between London Heathrow And miamiOne of the most popular routes on the planet.

Ted's window seat before sitting down

Ted’s window seat before sitting down ,ted thornhill,

The competition on this high-elevation highway for the prize of business-class dollars is extremely hot. Affluent passengers are lured by in-flight lounges, cinematic entertainment screens and delicious food.

British Airways, which has a partnership with American AirlinesIt has an advantage on the London-Miami route, as it is the only carrier to operate the undeniably luxurious A380.

Here, I’m breaking down what airline turns profit on a $3,500 flight into a winning formula with a surprise twist.

lounge

Ted stops for coffee and pastries at the Galleries Club Lounge South before his flight

Ted stops for coffee and pastries at the Galleries Club Lounge South before his flight ,ted thornhill,

My morning flight departs from Heathrow’s Terminal 5 and my ticket gives me access to three business-class Gallery Club lounges. There are two in the main terminal building – the Galleries Club Lounge North and the Galleries Club Lounge South – as well as a satellite lounge at the B gates.

I head to the South Lounge, where I am greeted by a cheerful member of staff who helpfully informs me that my departure gate – C56 – is one of the furthest away and takes 15 to 20 minutes to reach via the transit shuttle.

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Taking a look at the time I can see that boarding will begin in 40 minutes, leaving me only 20 minutes or so to enjoy the temptations of space. It’s long enough to see the attractive array of seats, from blue booths to attractive chairs and a generous buffet of hot and cold food. Plus, floor-to-ceiling windows offer panoramic views of the airfield.

I select a surprisingly decent machine coffee and a pain au chocolat that draws a sigh of satisfaction, a little antiseptic bathroom visit, and head to the gate, where the world’s largest commercial airliner is waiting to take me to the tropical warmth of Florida’s most spectacular metropolis.

boarding

The A380 is the 'wonder of modern aviation' according to TED

The A380 is the ‘wonder of modern aviation’ according to TED ,ted thornhill,

If you are flying on the A380 I would recommend arriving at the gate early to have time to admire one of the wonders of modern aviation and take some selfies with the Colossus in the background.

The super-jumbo is a sight to behold and when I arrive there are three of BA’s distinctive red, white and blue livery lined up in C departures wing.

Boarding is so easy, BA has wisely deployed a member of staff with a sergeant-major personality to filter the various boarding groups – no line jumpers with this no-nonsense disciplinarian. As I board the plane and make the all-important left turn I am greeted with warm smiles.

seat

Business-class seats on BA A380s are arranged in a 2-3-2 yin-yang structure, with adjacent seats facing each other, train-carriage style.

Business-class seats on BA A380s are arranged in a 2-3-2 yin-yang structure, with adjacent seats facing each other, train-carriage style. ,British Airways,

What welcomes me is a cabin unlike any other.

BA is in the process of installing swish privacy-door “club suites” across its fleet, and will eventually retrofit them into the A380, but the old seats on my flight were arranged in an interesting 2-3-2 yin-yang structure, with adjacent seats facing each other, train-carriage style.

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It’s mostly straight aisle access, but some people may find the configuration a little frustrating.

Ted in the 51A, which he praises for 'huge' storage and a seat that is 'a real chair in the sky with a plush cushion for back support'.

Ted in the 51A, which he praises for ‘huge’ storage and a seat that is ‘a real chair in the sky with a plush cushion for back support’. ,ted thornhill,

If you’re in the middle seat, you’ll have to climb over your neighbor’s legs to get out if they’re lying down, and some seats, like mine, are rear-facing. Plus, the seat has a big gap in the walls which means it’s close to your neighbor’s face. Okay for friends. But to strangers, possibly strange.

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However, once the seatbelt signs come off, a divider can be raised that fills the gap and buckles you in nicely. While the cream and brown decor is a little drab and dated compared to BA’s Club Suite, my window berth – 51A on the upper deck – is extremely comfortable.

In lie-flat mode, the seat is six feet long and 20 inches wide

In lie-flat mode, the seat is six feet long and 20 inches wide ,ted thornhill,

The seat itself is fantastic – a real chair in the sky with plush cushions for back support – and legroom is impressive. In lie-flat mode, the seat is six feet long, and its width is 20 inches, compared to 18.5 inches in premium economy and 17.5 inches in economy.

Storage is also spacious – to my right are two cavernous bins (in addition to an overhead bin) that can easily hold four backpacks between them.

Seat controls 'reach without strain'

Seat controls ‘reach without strain’ ,ted thornhill,
The amenity kit is by The White Company, and includes a dental kit and moisturizer

The amenity kit is by The White Company, and includes a dental kit and moisturizer ,ted thornhill,

I also like the shoulder light that is operated by a sliding dimmer switch.

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Throw in sound ergonomics – seat controls are reached without strain, and require just a slight turn to reach a USB-C port and hand controller – good quality bedding and a stylish, reusable amenity kit by The White Company, and you have a set-up that feels reassuringly premium.

Entertainment

The entertainment screen 'works', says Ted, but he says that at 12.1 inches, it's actually smaller than some premium economy screens

The entertainment screen ‘works’, says Ted, but he says that at 12.1 inches, it’s actually smaller than some premium economy screens ,ted thornhill,

The screen measures just 12.1 inches, which is smaller than some premium economy screens from competing airlines (United, for example). But it’s much larger than BA’s A380 premium economy (10.6-inch) and economy (8.9-inch) screens and is noticeably crisper and responsive.

Plus, the complimentary over-ear headphones deliver solid sound quality.

Overall, it does the job and keeps me happily occupied, but the Club Suite’s larger screen (about 18.5 inches) would be welcome.

food and service

For his lunch starter, Ted enjoys Chicken Caesar Salad with oven-dried cherry tomatoes and salty croutons.

For his lunch starter, Ted enjoys Chicken Caesar Salad with oven-dried cherry tomatoes and salty croutons. ,ted thornhill,
BA describes the dining experience with afternoon tea as 'fit for a manor house'

BA describes the dining experience with afternoon tea as ‘fit for a manor house’ ,ted thornhill,

Service is excellent. The crew on my flight seem to be from a bygone golden age of flying, all smiles, charm and cheerful conversation.

They serve delicious treats, the meal starts with lunch on my 9.55am flight.

For my starter, I opt for the Chicken Caesar Salad with oven-dried cherry tomatoes and salty croutons. The meat is juicy and the lettuce is fresh. I also enjoy warm artisan bread rolls.

For mains, it’s mascarpone medallion pasta – think super-sized, creamy ravioli – filled with courgette and truffle cream that any Italian nonna would be proud of, followed by a delightfully warm apple crumble and almond pie.

BA crowned culinary combination with afternoon tea fit for a manor house. The spread includes three types of sandwiches – roast beef on brioche, cucumber with cream cheese and smoked salmon on rye, plus vegetarian options – as well as a lemon éclair, chocolate brownie, and scones with cream and jam. And a lovely cup of Birchall English Breakfast Tea.

conclusion

BA is the only carrier to fly the A380 between London and Miami

BA is the only carrier to fly the A380 between London and Miami ,British Airways,

British Airways The A380 business class is an attractive proposition.

Yes, the decor is a bit flimsy and the layout is definitely the most bizarre I’ve ever seen, but the seats are fantastic, there’s plenty of space and the in-flight meals are very good. Get a great flight crew like mine and you’ll be in for a transatlantic treat.

Now on my bucket list? To experience the results of next year’s refit glow-up.

Rating: 4/5

Uk