British Airways Club Europe: Finally more premium? 

Published: 29th September 2025.
This is not a sponsored post & I am not affiliated with any of the businesses or organisations mentioned.

Let’s be honest. Club Europe has never really felt like ‘business class’ in the traditional sense. The seat is the same, the cabin is the same, and the differences have always been more about the extras than the flight itself.

But recently, British Airways (BA) has been making small changes that suggest a shift towards something more premium. The question is: are these changes meaningful and, are they here to stay?

ABOUT BA

Having lived in London for 15 years now, I know from experience that the two things British people complain about the most are the weather and British Airways. The funny thing is these are the same two things that they will defend the most as well!

Personally, I have much respect for BA and I think most travellers do too, despite the complaints. Its long history and remarkable contribution to aviation globally is why so many people remain loyal to the company even if they keep criticising it relentlessly.

Sadly, BA and other European airlines like them, have been known to frequently adjust their standards to those of their main competitors; Ryanair and Easyjet, the low cost giants of the European skies.

ABOUT BA CLUB EUROPE

Club Europe is British Airways’ version of short-haul business class, covering flights across Europe.

It comes with the typical premium extras — priority services at the airport, lounge access, and food on board — but the core experience is a bit less straightforward. The seat is identical to economy, aside from an empty middle seat, which is why Club Europe often feels like a hybrid: somewhere between business class and an improved economy experience.

If you don’t travel around Europe frequently, you should know that this type of business class hard product is the standard in European commercial aviation. Air France, Lufthansa and all other full service carriers offer the same seat to business class passengers in short haul flights.

SMALL BUT MEANINGFUL UPDATES IN CLUB EUROPE

Anyway, what I wanted to discuss today is that while travelling on a 3-hour flight from Thessaloniki, Greece to London in Club Europe, we were given nicely designed paper menus -in a good quality paper too! I have never seen this before on a short haul BA flight.

If you travel around the Middle East or Asia, where airlines are more generous with their business class offerings, you might not understand my enthusiasm. However, those of you travelling within Europe are well aware that business class is just a little more comfortable way of flying and an opportunity to take more luggage with you. No ‘unnecessary’ luxuries.

Thinking about this, what makes me excited are not the paper menus themselves but what that signifies. Is this a small step towards a more premium, luxurious offering from BA Club Europe? I sure hope so!

Do Swiss, Air France or Lufthansa offer paper menus within Europe? I haven’t flown their premium cabins so, please let me know!

MY THOUGHTS ON BA CLUB EUROPE SERVICE

I generally find BA Club Europe service quite nice.

The crew is always polite, helpful and cheerful. On this particular flight, I noticed that apart from the main meal (which was quite tasty) they did multiple rounds of drinks and snacks offerings.

Overall, the soft product (service + meal) was of high standard and that adds a lot to the usual Club Europe hard product which is generally decent but not quite satisfactory simply because the seating and legroom is… you know… nothing to write home about.

IS BA CLUB EUROPE WORTH IT?

I think you should definitely try and fly British Airways (no matter the class), especially if this is your first or second time in the UK. It’s unmistakably British (despite the fact that it is not nationally owned anymore) and that British experience definitely adds local flavour to your trip!

But the question is, is British Airways Club Europe worth it?

Well, it is, but only if and when:

• the price is right (for you),
• you plan to make use of the generous luggage allowance (2 suitcases + 2 pieces of hand luggage),
• you are on a longer flight such as the ones to Greece. London to Thessaloniki (the flight I was taking) is 3h long. London to Athens is 3.5h. So, they are not exactly the quickest hops. Having a nice hot meal and a couple of drinks does make the time go by quicker. The blocked middle seat also makes a difference if you are travelling alone or as a couple.

Anyway, I am happy to see some small changes in the right direction from British Airways! Well done, and let’s do more!

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