October 28, 2025 — British Airways, a name synonymous with British aviation, has long been under scrutiny for its service standards. A recent journey from Sydney to London via Singapore on flight BA 0016, operated by a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, offers a glimpse into the airline’s current state. Despite its reputation, the airline continues to attract passengers with its daily service and premium economy offerings.
The flight, which includes an 8-hour and 20-minute leg to Singapore followed by a 13-hour and 45-minute journey to London, promises a comprehensive travel experience. However, the reality of the service provided leaves much to be desired, as experienced firsthand in the World Traveller Plus class, seat 16F.
Check-In and Baggage: A Promising Start
Check-in at Sydney Airport is remarkably smooth, with a fast priority service that sets a positive tone for the journey. British Airways impresses with its baggage allowance, offering two checked bags of 23kg each, alongside a cabin bag and a handbag. This generous policy is a standout feature amidst tightening airline restrictions worldwide.
The airline’s safety video, inspired by Britain’s rich period drama history, provides a humorous and engaging start to the flight. However, as the journey progresses, the initial promise begins to wane.
Seating and In-Flight Entertainment: Comfort with Caveats
The World Traveller Plus cabin, with its intimate layout of 39 seats in a 2-3-2 configuration, offers a seat pitch of 38 inches and a width of 18.5 inches. This is a notable improvement over the economy class dimensions. However, the seating arrangement has its drawbacks; the table, though adjustable, lacks sufficient space for comfortable use with a laptop and mouse.
The entertainment system, a crucial aspect of long-haul flights, disappoints with its limited selection. Passengers expecting a rich array of British films and TV series find themselves scrolling through a mediocre assortment. The absence of Wi-Fi on the first leg of the journey adds to the frustration, although it becomes available on the second leg at a cost ranging from £4.99 to £21.99.
Service and Amenities: Room for Improvement
Service, historically a weak point for British Airways, continues to fall short. Outside of scheduled meal and drink services, obtaining even a glass of water proves challenging. Miscommunications and unfulfilled promises from the crew highlight a need for improvement in passenger care.
Temperature control also poses an issue, with the cabin becoming uncomfortably cold. Passengers resort to layering clothing and wrapping themselves in blankets, yet the situation remains unresolved despite complaints.
Culinary Offerings and Sustainability Efforts
The meals served on board, including options like roast chicken breast and braised five-spice beef brisket, are generally well-received. However, the lack of decaf coffee is a surprising omission, especially given its utility in aiding sleep on long flights.
British Airways’ ‘BA Better World’ sustainability strategy aims for net zero emissions by 2050. The airline’s commitment to sustainable aviation fuel and carbon removal technologies is commendable, yet passengers see little immediate impact during the flight.
Pricing and Overall Verdict
The cost of a World Traveller Plus ticket from Sydney to London is approximately $4500, positioning it between economy and business class fares. While the premium economy experience offers certain advantages, it falls short of justifying the price difference compared to competitors.
Ultimately, British Airways remains a viable option when other airlines are fully booked, but it struggles to stand out in a competitive market. The airline’s class names, such as World Traveller Plus, add unnecessary complexity to the booking process.
In conclusion, British Airways delivers a mixed travel experience, with strong points in baggage policy and seating comfort overshadowed by service inconsistencies and entertainment limitations. While the airline’s efforts towards sustainability are noteworthy, passengers may find better value and service elsewhere.
Rating: ★★½
The writer flew courtesy of Explora Journeys.
