THE roll out of British Airways’ long-haul business class new Club World began in 2007, starting with the 747s. The aim is to have the new cabin on all 777s by the end of October this year.
The innovative ying/ yang design (where some seats face backwards) is unique. For those who like to chat to their neighbours the seating is perfect; those who don’t can apply the touch button privacy screen.
The new seat pitch is 73 inches, with a seat cushion width of 20 inches, and offers four pre-set seat positions. The angle of maximum seat recline is 180 degrees, and the overall length of seat when fully reclined is a 6 ft (183 cm) flat bed, according to BA’s literature. Yet the bed actually seems wider and longer than that, and being 6ft 2" I should know. The secret is the ‘z’ bed position which supports the knees and the back and is perfect for lounging, working or watching the in-flight entertainment. Interestingly, the bed increases from six feet to six feet and six inches when in this ‘z’ position.
Top points: there’s a larger table, the laptop connection point no longer requires an adaptor, and a drawer underneath the next door seat is ideal for storing laptops, shoes or a handbag.
Lunch was also a highlight. I could have chosen the help yourself service from the new Club Kitchen, but I usually prefer to go for airlines’ full service menus. First up were organic nuts from Out of Africa, Kenya, and champagne which went down particularly well after having fought through the traffic chaos that ensued after a pile up closed the M25.
British Airways has a ‘taste team’ of top notch chefs who create the airline’s onboard dishes. My flight featured Cass Titcombe, head chef and co-owner of Canteen restaurants based in London, and the wine selection aided by none other than Jancis Robinson OBE, a wine critic of note. Highlights were the lobster with pink grapefruit and mango salsa, followed by the fillet of beef with béarnaise sauce served in thankfully smallish portions, a must for someone who from childhood years has ingrained within that a plate must be finished before returning it to the kitchen.
On arrival at Terminal 5, first class, Club World and gold executive club members on long-haul flights can use the Galleries Arrival Lounge, where there are 94 shower rooms (here guests can have their clothing pressed while they shower) plus infinity bathrooms. There are two Elemis Travel Spas, where treatments on offer are complimentary. For those who still have time to kill, the lounge has unlimited free internet access.
By Cheryl Mandy