I got a free upgrade to an $11,500 seat in British Airways' business class. It was great, but one thing could've made it even better.

4 hours ago 1

Updated

2025-02-25T14:14:20Z

A tray with a light-gray tablecloth, two glasses, a small bread loaf, a white napkin, and a white plate filled with lettuce, shrimp, and edible flowers

I booked a $720 round-trip economy ticket from Seattle to Manchester, England, with British Airways.
On my way back to the US, I received a surprise upgrade to business class.
I enjoyed the business-class experience but probably wouldn't pay full price for it.

As a Brit in Seattle who often travels between the US and England, I love a comfortable plane ride. So, when I was upgraded to business class on a British Airways flight this past summer, I was absolutely delighted.

I paid about $720 for a round-trip economy ticket from Seattle to Manchester, England, and on the way back to the US, I had a layover in London.

When I scanned my boarding pass to get on the plane, the gate agent printed a new ticket and said I was upgraded to British Airways' Club World, the airline's long-haul business-class cabin.

British Airways, which has seen a decrease in popularity in recent years, is spending $9 billion over the next two years to upgrade its planes, customer perks, and other aspects of its business model. So, I was excited to see what the experience would be like.

Here's what my 10-hour flight in British Airways' business class was like.

British Airway's Club World cabin was a little different from other business-class models I've seen.

Rear view of business-class seats on British Airways flight. The seats have fold-down trays.

When I entered the cabin, my first impression was that it felt a little dated. Parts of my seat looked worn, which made me feel like the cabin could have used a cosmetic update.

Some seats in the cabin also faced opposite directions. This seating arrangement would probably be great for couples traveling together, as it makes socializing easy. But staring at a stranger for hours isn't ideal for people traveling alone.

Luckily, my window seat didn't face another passenger. It also had high walls and a screen, so I had ample privacy during the flight.

My seat was comfy but lacked storage space.

A hand holding a white British Airways ticket with a fold-out tray, passport, and a glass of wine in the background

Aside from an under-seat drawer and the fold-out tray in front of me, I didn't see much storage space for my belongings. I found it difficult to empty my purse, as there didn't seem to be a good spot for in-flight essentials, such as water or a phone charger.

My seat also had all the classic airplane nooks and crannies, including a USB port and headphone jack. When I went to charge my phone, however, the USB port wasn't working.

Turning my seat into a bed was easy.

The writer Emma Kershaw's feet lying on a blue fold-down footrest on a flight

When I boarded, everything I needed to enjoy a restful sleep — pillows, a comforter, and sheets — was in a bag under the seat.

About halfway through the flight, I decided to take a nap. To turn my seat into a lie-flat bed, all I had to do was press a labeled button on the wall. My chair lowered until it aligned with the fold-down footrest on the back of the seat in front of me.

The bed was very cozy, and I ended up falling asleep for a few hours.

Next, I enjoyed afternoon tea and some snacks.

A fold-down table tray with plates of sandwiches, a biscuit and jelly, and a glass of water in an airplane

About an hour before the plane landed, the flight attendants served afternoon tea — something I welcomed as a Brit.

The meal came with mini sandwiches, cakes, and a warm scone with jelly and clotted cream.

The amenities kit was a highlight of the flight.

A fold-out tray on an airplane holding a white toiletry bag with a logo that says "The White Company London"

The White Company's toiletry bag was full of nice products. Emma Kershaw

I also received a beautiful amenities kit filled with products from The White Company, an English home, clothing, and accessories brand.

Along with the usual eye mask, ear plugs, toothbrush set, and socks, the leather bag contained a few miniature skincare products: a moisturizer, lip balm, and pulse-point oil.

When I researched the products online, I saw the bag alone cost $55.

I'd fly British Airways' business class again, but only if it was a good deal.

Selfie of the writer Emma Kershaw with a gray sleeping mask and black T-shirt under a gray blanket

Overall, I enjoyed my experience flying with British Airways in the Club World cabin. As someone who has flown both economy and business class with the airline, I'd happily pay for an upgrade if I could get a discount.

After looking on the British Airways website and playing around with various dates and flight routes, I saw that a business-class seat booked during the same week of my flight cost about £9,000, or $11,680. I had a good experience but wouldn't book a flight that cost that much.

Still, I thoroughly enjoyed my business-class experience. The upgrade was a great way to travel back to Seattle in style.