In the modern travel landscape, the gap between the cramped quarters of economy and the lie-flat luxury of business class has never been wider. For many long-haul travelers, British Airways World Traveller Plus—the airline’s dedicated premium economy cabin—serves as the perfect middle ground.
Whether you are crossing the Atlantic for a business meeting or heading to the tropics for a well-earned break, understanding what is World Traveller Plus and how it differs from the standard experience is essential for a stress-free journey. This guide provides an in-depth Ba World Traveller Plus review, covering everything from seat pitch to the latest culinary offerings.
What is World Traveller Plus on British Airways?
British Airways World Traveller Plus is a separate, intimate cabin designed to offer more space and privacy than standard economy (World Traveller). Positioned between the economy and Club World (Business Class) cabins, it caters to travelers who want an elevated experience without the four-figure price jump of a business-class seat.
When you fly premium economy with BA, you aren’t just paying for a better chair; you are investing in a suite of “soft” and “hard” product upgrades. These include:
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A dedicated, smaller cabin for a more exclusive feel.
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Wider seats with significantly more legroom.
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Two checked bags as standard (on most fares).
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An upgraded dining experience featuring main courses from the business-class menu.
World Traveller vs. World Traveller Plus: The Key Differences
The difference between world traveller and world traveller plus becomes apparent the moment you board. While the standard economy cabin often follows a dense 3-4-3 or 3-3-3 configuration, the premium economy cabin is far more spacious, usually utilizing a 2-4-2 or 2-3-2 layout depending on the aircraft.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | World Traveller (Economy) | World Traveller Plus (Premium Economy) |
| Seat Pitch (Legroom) | Approx. 31 inches | Approx. 38 inches |
| Seat Width | Approx. 17.5 inches | Approx. 18.5 – 19 inches |
| Recline | Standard | Greater recline with footrest |
| Baggage Allowance | Usually 1 Checked Bag (23kg) | 2 Checked Bags (23kg each) |
| Meal Service | Standard Economy Tray | Multi-course meal with China/Linen |
| Priority Boarding | Group 4 or 5 | Group 3 |
Pro-Tip: If you are traveling as a couple, try to book the window pairs in World Traveller Plus. Having only two seats together means no middle-seat stranger and direct access to either the aisle or the window.
Is World Traveller Plus Worth It? Seat Comfort and Features
The most common question we receive is: is ba world traveller plus worth it? For flights over six hours, the answer is often a resounding yes. The world traveller plus seats are designed with a “cradle” recline, which supports the lower back more effectively than standard economy seats.
Enhanced Seat Amenities
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Legroom: With a 38-inch pitch, even taller passengers can stretch out comfortably.
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Storage: Dedicated pockets for tablets, water bottles, and noise-canceling headphones.
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Connectivity: Most modern BA aircraft (like the A350 and 787) offer individual USB ports and international power sockets at every seat.
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The A350 Experience: On the newer A350 fleet, the british airways world traveller plus review scores even higher due to the quietness of the cabin and the high-definition entertainment screens.
Dining at 35,000 Feet: The BA World Traveller Plus Menu
One of the highlights of the world traveller plus british airways review is the food. Unlike economy, where meals are served in plastic containers, premium economy passengers enjoy a more refined service.
The ba world traveller plus menu typically features:
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A welcome drink (sparkling wine or juice) shortly after boarding.
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A choice of three main courses, often inspired by the Club World menu.
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A three-course meal served on china crockery with metal cutlery and linen napkins.
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Complimentary bar service throughout the flight, including premium spirits and wines.
Expert Recommendation: Pre-Order Your Meal
To ensure you get your first choice of entrée, use the “Manage My Booking” tool on the British Airways website. You can often browse the menu and select your meal up to 24 hours before departure.
Priority Perks: Baggage and Boarding
The world traveller plus baggage allowance is a significant draw for families or those on extended trips. While most economy fares allow only one bag, premium economy passengers are typically permitted two checked bags weighing 23kg each.
The Airport Experience
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Priority Boarding: You will be invited to board in Group 3, ahead of the main economy cabin, allowing you plenty of time to stow your carry-on in the dedicated overhead bins.
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Lounge Access: A frequent point of confusion is ba world traveller plus lounge access. It is important to note that a Premium Economy ticket does not include lounge access. This is reserved for Business and First Class, or those with Silver/Gold Executive Club status.
The Big Question: British Airways World Traveller Plus Upgrade Cost
The british airways world traveller plus upgrade cost is dynamic and changes based on demand, route, and how close you are to the departure date.
Average Upgrade Pricing
| Route Type | Estimated Upgrade Cost (One Way) |
| Short-haul to Long-haul Transition | $150 – $300 |
| Transatlantic (e.g., LHR to JFK) | $250 – $600 |
| Ultra Long-haul (e.g., LHR to SIN) | $400 – $900 |
How to Find a Deal
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Check at Check-in: Sometimes BA offers “Proactive Online Upgrades” (POUG) when you log in to check in 24 hours before the flight. These are often the cheapest rates available.
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Use Avios: You can use Avios points to upgrade to world traveller plus. The “cost” in points is the difference between the Avios price of an economy seat and a premium economy seat.
Strategic Points-Earning for Frequent Flyers
For members of the British Airways Executive Club, flying in world traveller plus ba is a strategic move. You earn significantly more Tier Points than you would in economy. For example, a flight from London to New York in economy might earn 20 Tier Points, whereas World Traveller Plus earns 90. This makes it much easier to reach Silver status, which eventually unlocks that elusive world traveller plus lounge access via status perks.
Final Verdict: Why Choose World Traveller Plus?
After analyzing dozens of british airways world traveller plus reviews, the consensus is that the value lies in the “recovery time.” Arriving after a 10-hour flight with 7 extra inches of legroom and a better night’s sleep means you can hit the ground running at your destination.
Choose World Traveller Plus if:
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You are over 6 feet tall.
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You need to work during the flight (the wider armrests and power outlets are essential).
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You are traveling with extra luggage.
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You want a quieter, more “grown-up” cabin environment.
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About BA Premium Economy
Is World Traveller Plus the same as Premium Economy?
Yes, is world traveller plus premium economy is a common question. World Traveller Plus is simply British Airways’ specific brand name for their Premium Economy product.
Does World Traveller Plus get lounge access?
No. Standard world traveller plus british airways lounge access is not provided. To access the lounge, you must have Oneworld Sapphire or Emerald status (Silver/Gold in BA’s Executive Club) or be traveling in Business or First Class.
Can I use the lounge if I am a World Traveller Plus passenger?
Only if you have the requisite frequent flyer status. Can world traveller plus use lounge is a “no” for the average ticket holder, though some airports allow you to pay for entry to independent lounges like Aspire or No1 Lounges.
What are the seats like on the A350?
The ba world traveller plus seats on the A350 are some of the best in the fleet. They feature a 12-inch entertainment screen, better padding, and a sleek, modern design.
How much is the upgrade to World Traveller Plus?
The upgrade to world traveller plus usually starts around $200-$300 but can be much higher during peak holiday seasons.
What is the baggage allowance for World Traveller Plus?
The british airways world traveller plus baggage allowance typically includes two checked bags (23kg each), one cabin bag (up to 23kg), and one personal item (laptop bag/handbag).
Is the menu different from economy?
Yes, the british airways world traveller plus menu is superior. You get a choice of entrees from the business-class kitchen and your meal is served on real china.
Would you like me to analyze current upgrade availability for a specific route or help you calculate the Avios needed for your next flight?
