Luxury Reviews

Luxury Reviews Says 6/10

• Private Jet Vibes at London City—But Is British Airways Club Europe Really a Luxury Experience?

The Vibe and Who Are You Likely To See On Board

Business travellers use it to commute directly to the City of London. Premium leisure flyers, many with second homes abroad, rely on it for easy escapes to warmer climes. And for others, it’s simply the most convenient gateway to central and east London.

The First Impression 7/10

London City Airport sits to the east of Central London and offers the most seamless access via the Docklands Light Railway (DLR), with smooth connections from across the capital. It’s a favoured choice for those who value convenience and proximity over sprawling terminals.

The compact terminal at London City Airport has outgrown its original business-focused purpose. While airlines highlight the convenience of short check-in times, this often masks the limitations. Key elements of a traditional European Business Class experience are noticeably pared back here. There’s no fast-track security lane, and the terminal lacks the space for a dedicated Business Class lounge—an omission that’s hard to ignore on premium fares.

With no checked luggage, I moved from curb to gate in just nine minutes—one of the airport’s greatest luxuries. For those travelling with bags, British Airways does offer a dedicated Club Europe check-in desk, maintaining a hint of premium service at the front end.

Flights at London City Airport are operated by fully owned subsidiary, CityFlyer.

The Fast Track And Lounge 0/10

None. At all.

There is a modest selection of restaurants and bars at London City Airport, ranging from quick takeaway counters to limited table service. While there are seating areas with charging points, the space can feel crowded and lacks the calm or comfort expected from a premium airport experience. Free Wi-Fi is available, with tested speeds of 13 Mbps—adequate, but not impressive. Ultimately, this is not an airport where you’d choose to arrive early to enjoy the perks of flying Business Class.

The Priority Boarding 5/10

With just 106 seats, the Embraer jets operating from London City offer one of the closest commercial experiences to flying private. The 2–2 seating layout and quiet cabins feel intimate and efficient. However, the airport’s small gate areas aren’t quite as refined—boarding quickly becomes congested, and the experience lacks the exclusivity expected of Business Class. With so many British Airways frequent flyers using London City, Priority Boarding loses much of its meaning when nearly everyone qualifies for it.

The Seat And Cabin 7/10

Club Europe on the London City route features a straightforward 2–2 seating layout, using the exact same seats as Euro Traveller (Economy Class). The cabin is separated by the all-important ‘curtain’—a hallmark of European business class. However, unlike many continental rivals, there’s no option for a free centre seat here, thanks to the Embraer’s narrow cabin and compact 2–2 configuration. This is arguably one of the product’s key limitations. That said, a Club Europe ticket still includes typical business class perks like booking flexibility, refunds, and enhanced baggage allowances—benefits that are more about policy than plushness.

The seat itself is comfortable, complemented by a sturdy pull-out table that doubles as a stand for portable devices—a thoughtful touch for the modern traveller. Sitting in 2E, I enjoyed generous legroom and a sense of privacy that briefly conjured that feel of a private jet, even if just for the duration of the short hop.

The Service 8/10

Service was friendly and efficient—nothing to write home about, but nothing to complain about either. As a returning British Airways Gold Card holder, I wasn’t personally acknowledged, though that’s becoming pretty common these days.

The Dining 6/10

.Unlike on longer British Airways flights, no menu was provided. The light meal service offered a choice of two cold dishes, accompanied by bar service and tea or coffee. While the quality was acceptable, it felt rather basic for a flight of this length. Interestingly, complimentary food and drinks are also served in Euro Traveller (Economy Class), which further blurs the line between Club Europe and economy. The wine, served in small plastic bottles, was uninspiring and below the standard you might expect from a business class experience.

The Attention To Detail

There’s little effort to create a sense of occasion here. The airport experience feels confined and restrictive, leaving little room to impress. Onboard, the seat, service, and catering remain basic and unremarkable. The true advantages lie in ticket flexibility and luggage allowances—practical perks rather than anything luxurious.

The Verdict. Is It Worth It?

Not really. British Airways Club Europe at London City offers a basic premium service with limited benefits. It’s a sensible choice for those prioritising flexibility, but for travellers seeking true luxury and exclusivity, it falls short.

Fly This For Status spend, ticket flexibility, increased luggage allowance, complimentary food and drinks.

Don’t fly this expecting spacious seats, gourmet dining, or luxury lounges. Club Europe at London City offers business class benefits—but not the business class experience.