British Airways, the UK’s flagship airline, is known for its vast international network, operating from London Heathrow to destinations across the globe. With cabins ranging from Economy (World Traveller) to First Class, one of its most debated options is the mid-tier: World Traveller Plus. This premium economy product promises enhanced comfort and service—but is it worth the upgrade?
Having recently travelled from London to Delhi on a British Airways Boeing 787 Dreamliner—outbound in Economy and unexpectedly upgraded to World Traveller Plus on the return—I was able to make a direct comparison. Here’s my review.
Economy (World Traveller): A Functional but Tight Ride
British Airways Economy is reliable and consistent. You know what you’re going to get—or so I thought, until the safety video played. For those who haven’t flown BA recently, prepare yourself, dear reader, for a period-themed, tongue-in-cheek production. I was heading to Delhi but felt momentarily transported to Bridgerton… and then a Mr Darcy lookalike appeared.
The outbound flight was on a Boeing 787 in a 3-3-3 configuration with 31 inches of seat pitch. This was adequate for an average-height traveller, though it felt tight, especially with a complete stranger sat next to you.
With a bag under the seat, the entertainment system box always awkwardly positioned exactly where your legs want to stretch, and the person in front hitting recline as soon as the seat belt sign blinks off, you are pretty wedged in. Seats offered modest recline, and came with a blanket, pillow, basic headphones, and adjustable winged headrests. The cabin was really cold all night so the blanket was needed.
Service on this leg was fairly brusque, but there was a full bar, and a snack, and then a hot dinner. I was slightly surprised by the limited choice: chicken or veg (both curries). British Airways used to offer more variety, and I had hoped, leaving UK, for something with a different flavour profile given that I was going to be travelling in India for the next 10 days and likely to be eating a lot of curry. That said, the sticky toffee pudding was excellent, and the cheese and crackers were a welcome extra.
Drinks and snacks were available in the rear galley throughout the flight. About an hour before landing, we were served a light continental breakfast with strawberry yoghurt and tea/coffee and juice. The in-flight entertainment was solid—recent releases like Barbie, Oppenheimer, Conclave, and Lee, as well as TV box sets and music options.
World Traveller Plus: A Noticeable Step Up
While I was in India, tensions flared between India and Pakistan over Kashmir (April 2025), resulting in rerouted airspace, via the Persian Gulf, and longer flight times. Our return flight, originally scheduled to depart just after 1:00am, didn’t depart until closer to 3:00am—arriving into Heathrow well after the scheduled time. Waiting at the airport in the middle of the night was exhausting.
At the gate, when my ticket and passport were checked, the crew member asked how I was. “Tired,” I replied. With a smile, he said, “Well, Mrs White, this might help,” and crossed out my seat number (the back row in Economy) and wrote 17J on the boarding pass. I had been upgraded.
Seat 17J is in World Traveller Plus, and the difference was instantly noticeable.
The smaller, more intimate cabin—located between Economy and Club World—is laid out in a 2-3-2 configuration. The seats are wider, offer 38 inches of pitch, have more recline, and include a footrest. Premium pillows and blankets are provided, along with a red, white, and blue amenity kit (made from recycled bottles) containing a toothbrush, toothpaste, and flight socks. The noise cancelling headphones are far more substantial than those in Economy.
The dedicated overhead bins, mood lighting and limited passenger count give the cabin a calmer, more premium feel.
Service was the standout. On boarding, passengers were welcomed with a drink—juice or water served in actual glasses. The crew were noticeably more attentive than in Economy. Although I was dozing when the meal service came around and didn’t have anything, I noticed from the printed menu card and other people dining that curry featured again—but the presentation and delivery were elevated.
Breakfast was more substantial, with fruit, yoghurt, a pastry, bread roll and a hot option. However, what I received didn’t quite match the menu—nevertheless it was still a significant step up from the Economy offering. Tea/coffee and juice was also served.
Most importantly, I was able to rest. After the delay and disruption, the extra space and comfort made all the difference.
Value for Money: When Is It Worth Upgrading?
Whether World Traveller Plus is worth the extra cost depends largely on timing, availability, and route. On the London–Delhi route:
- Day flight upgrades (outbound): I found availability starting from around £220 one way.
- Night flight upgrades (return): Prices fluctuated significantly, from £310 to £500 one way depending on demand/season.
Factors such as route popularity, flight timing (night flights often command higher premiums) and availability all influence pricing. You may also be able to use Avios points for an upgrade, or ask at check-in if any cash upgrades are available. Last-minute upgrades at the gate, like mine, are unpredictable but are lovely if you’re lucky. Always remember to add your BA membership number to your booking.
Final Verdict
So—is it worth upgrading to British Airways World Traveller Plus?
If you’re flying long-haul and value personal space, quieter cabins, better food, and a higher standard of service, the answer is yes—especially for overnight journeys. The improved comfort and ability to rest properly can transform a tiring red-eye flight into a much more manageable experience.
For travellers who don’t want to stretch to Club World prices but still seek a more premium experience than Economy, World Traveller Plus hits a compelling sweet spot.
Image: Unsplash, Isacca Struna
