Luxury Reviews

Luxury Reviews Says 7/10

• Club Europe at Gatwick vs Heathrow: Is British Airways Offering a Lower-Cost Business Class on BA Euroflyer?

The Vibe and Who Are You Likely To See On Board

BA Euroflyer flights from London Gatwick cater largely to the well-heeled leisure traveller—those bound for second homes, Mediterranean cruises, or Europe’s more polished resorts and hotels. The route network leans into holiday territory, but this isn’t your average short-haul crowd. Connections via Gatwick also feed into British Airways’ long-haul leisure services, operated by a dedicated fleet of Boeing 777s.

For those seeking a step above the budget airline crush, BA Euroflyer currently stands alone. Unlike EasyJet and Ryanair, which offer little beyond an extra-legroom seat and priority boarding, British Airways remains the only airline on these routes to provide a separate cabin for premium-paying passengers.

The First Impression 8/10

Club Europe passengers benefit from dedicated check-in desks, a service also extended to British Airways Executive Club members and Oneworld elite status holders. Luggage is tagged with the familiar “priority” tags, though in practice, this feels more like branding than benefit—bags rarely make it to the carousel first. Still, the check-in process is streamlined and efficient, setting the tone for a more polished departure experience.

The Fast Track And Lounge 5/10 (All of those marks for the Fast Track only)

For once, the fast track security lane at Palma Airport lived up to its promise. Strictly enforced via barcode entry, it bypassed a considerable queue and genuinely saved time—an increasingly rare perk that felt like a true Business Class advantage.

Club Europe passengers are granted access to the airport-operated lounge—a space that somehow manages to feel both cavernous and claustrophobic. It’s less exclusive retreat, more repurposed staff canteen, complete with limp snacks and a drinks selection that inspires low expectations. Having breezed through an impressively efficient fast-track security lane, you’re rewarded with more time here than anyone needs. The most luxurious part of the experience? The moment “BOARDING” finally flashes on the screen.

The Priority Boarding 5/10

This is one area where BA Euroflyer at Gatwick may quietly outshine its Heathrow counterpart. At Heathrow, priority boarding often loses all meaning—most of the aircraft seems to hold Gold or Silver status, creating a scrum in the fast lane. But at Gatwick, the leisure-focused crowd tends to travel less frequently. As a result, Club Europe passengers are more likely to enjoy a genuine sense of priority—at least for a moment.

This is also where BA Euroflyer’s low-cost roots begin to show. Rather than a seamless jet bridge experience, the flight boarded via a remote stand—ushering passengers onto a waiting coach. Despite the promise of priority boarding, all passengers—status holders and casual holidaymakers alike—were bundled onto the same bus, only to disembark and board the aircraft at the same time.

The Seat And Cabin 7/10

BA Euroflyer’s Club Europe cabin at London Gatwick mirrors what you’ll find at Heathrow—at least in theory. The familiar 3-3 layout remains, with the middle seat left empty to create the illusion of space. However, consistency ends there. With a varied mix of Airbus A319, A320, and A321 aircraft—including both newer Neo models and some much older jets inherited from past acquisitions—the onboard product can vary wildly. Seat designs, cabin finishes, and general wear and tear all depend on which aircraft shows up on the day.

This creates a bit of a Club Europe cabin lottery, with variations depending on the aircraft. However, the essentials remain consistent: the centre seat is always blocked from sale, often accompanied by a convenient cocktail table, as was the case on this flight.

The newest Club Europe cabins impress with a fresh, modern design that feels noticeably updated. However, legroom remains tight, particularly in the rear rows, a reminder that space on these short-haul flights is always at a premium.

I was seated in the first row, often reserved for British Airways Gold Card holders—a boon for taller passengers seeking extra legroom. While the space was appreciated, it came with its own drawbacks: noise from the nearby galley and occasional disturbances from passengers queuing for the washroom.

The seat offers reasonable comfort for a short flight but remains unmistakably an economy-class seat, with limited cushioning and support.

The Service 8/10

The flight experienced a mix of coaching delays and an air traffic control slot hold-up. Throughout, the Captain delivered clear, professional updates—British Airways’ well-drilled approach to communication was on full display. The cabin crew matched this with attentive service, thoughtfully offering glasses of water during the wait on the tarmac—a small but welcome gesture not often seen on BA’s Heathrow departures.

BA Euroflyer is a relatively new operation for British Airways, and it showed in moments of uncertainty among the crew. Yet their genuine smiles and earnest efforts went a long way in softening those occasional hiccups—an approach that truly makes a difference to the overall experience.

The Dining 7/10

Champagne and a full bar are available onboard, though service depends heavily on the crew’s attentiveness. While the offerings are generous, the champagne and wine selections are unlikely to impress any connoisseurs.

Passengers were offered a choice of two hot meals—chicken or pasta, the usual suspects. Due to galley space constraints, British Airways serves these on half-size trays, which might feel a little cramped. Yet, despite the modest presentation, both dishes pleasantly exceeded expectations in taste.

The dessert was a supermarket-style plastic pot, hardly befitting a business class offering. Curiously, tea and coffee service was overlooked entirely on this afternoon flight, a surprising lapse in what should be a polished experience.

Euroflyer employs a different caterer than Do&Co—the gourmet provider British Airways uses at Heathrow. While this may disappoint only the most exacting airline catering connoisseurs, it is nonetheless a clear distinction in onboard dining quality.

The Attention To Detail

There are few thoughtful touches that elevate this experience beyond the ordinary. Like many airlines, much is promised but the reality often falls short—lounges and catering being prime examples. On the upside, all British Airways Club passengers enjoy complimentary messaging via onboard Wi-Fi, a small but welcome convenience.

The Verdict. Is It Worth It?

Yes—provided the fare is right. This offers a solid premium leisure experience, if not quite luxurious. With priority airport check-in, fast-track security, generous luggage allowance, and lounge access included, it holds its own against low-cost competitors. The blocked centre seat and decent onboard food and drinks add welcome touches, making it a competitive choice for discerning travellers seeking good value.

Fly This For A comfortable and convenient way to travel on shorter routes, with plenty of included extras. When booked wisely, it offers good value and an enjoyable experience without breaking the bank.

Don’t Fly This expecting limousine transfers, exclusive lounges, lie-flat seats, or a vintage wine cellar.