When you're planning a long-haul flight, the idea of flying business class often lingers at the back of your mind—especially if you're flying with a legacy carrier like British Airways. But is the price tag worth the experience? Let's break down what you really get when you fly British Airways Club World (their business class product) and whether it delivers enough value for the splurge.

The Cabin Experience

British Airways has made significant upgrades to its business class over the past few years. Their newer Club Suite—now available on many of their A350s, 777s, and refitted 787s—is a massive step up from the older yin-yang seating configuration. Each suite offers direct aisle access, a sliding door for added privacy, and a sleek, modern design. If you're lucky enough to snag one of these planes, you're in for a genuinely premium experience.

That said, if you're flying on an aircraft with the older layout, you might feel a little short-changed. The lack of privacy, inconsistent cabin age, and 2-4-2 configuration can feel dated compared to competitors like Qatar Airways or even Virgin Atlantic.

The Seat and Sleep Factor

Let’s face it—when you book business class, you’re really paying to lie flat and (hopefully) get some sleep. In the Club Suite, the seat converts into a fully flat bed that’s long enough for most people to stretch out comfortably. BA also provides decent bedding from The White Company, which is plush and cozy enough to help you catch a few quality hours of rest.

In the older configuration, you still get a lie-flat seat, but the experience is less private and can be awkward, especially when climbing over a neighbor to access the aisle.

Dining and Service

One of the highlights of my flight was the food—surprisingly excellent from start to finish. I had a salmon starter that was beautifully fresh and full of flavor, followed by a main of chicken and potatoes that was comforting, hearty, and cooked just right. To finish, the triple chocolate dessert was genuinely indulgent—rich, smooth, and easily one of the best airplane desserts I’ve ever had. BA might not always have the reputation for consistent catering, but on this flight, they absolutely nailed it.

The cabin crew also brought their A-game. Friendly, attentive, and genuinely warm, the service felt both polished and personal—exactly what you want when flying business.Lounge Access

One of the underrated perks of business class is lounge access. British Airways' lounges, especially the Galleries Club lounges at Heathrow Terminal 5, are solid: comfortable seating, complimentary drinks and food, showers, and a quiet place to unwind before your flight. If you’re departing from Heathrow, you might also get access to the exclusive Club Lounge or The Concorde Room (if flying First or holding a high status), which elevates the pre-flight experience significantly.

The Price...

Here’s where it gets tricky. British Airways business class can be expensive—especially if you're booking close to your travel date. But if you book in advance, catch a sale, or use Avios (BA's loyalty currency), it can be a good deal—particularly on transatlantic routes.

Pro tip: The best value often comes from using a companion voucher from the British Airways American Express credit card, which allows you to bring someone along in business for just the taxes and fees.

So,  Is It Worth It?

Yes—but only under the right conditions. If you're flying on a route with the Club Suite, booking with Avios, or can access it using a companion voucher, British Airways business class can be a fantastic experience. Comfortable sleep, privacy, lounge access, and solid service make it a major step up from economy or even premium economy.

However, if you're paying full price for an older seat configuration or expecting top-tier luxury throughout, you might find better value with other carriers.