Luxury Reviews

Luxury Reviews Says 8/10

• Same legroom, different experience—did Club Europe deliver?

The Airline

British Airways is the UK’s flag carrier and a founding member of the Oneworld alliance. Its short-haul network spans the UK and Europe, with flights operating from Heathrow, Gatwick and London City, including the Euroflyer and CityFlyer subsidiaries.

Club Europe is British Airways’ short-haul business class product. It offers dedicated check-in, fast track security (where available), lounge access, and priority boarding. On board, expect a guaranteed aisle or window seat with the middle left free, a meal served on proper china, and a full bar service—even on shorter flights.

BA’s frequent flyer programme, The British Airways Club, is Avios-based, with tier benefits for Bronze, Silver and Gold members including lounge access and priority services across Oneworld partners.

The Vibe & Fellow Flyers

This route draws a well-heeled mix of premium leisure travellers—those returning from weekends at boutique riads or longer stays at grande dame hotels like La Mamounia. You’ll spot seasoned frequent flyers, Avios-savvy couples, and the odd discreet celebrity slipping out of a Range Rover just in time for priority boarding. It’s less business meeting, more post-spa glow and artisan-sourced kaftan in hand.

The First Impression 9/10

Club Europe check-in at Marrakech Airport is located at the far end of Terminal 1. It’s air-conditioned, quiet, and feels pleasantly removed from the main departures bustle—a small but welcome perk before the flight.

The Fast Track 10/10

Fast Track at Marrakech Airport is separate, efficient, and genuinely exclusive—offering a calm, air-conditioned glide past the chaos of customs and general security. It’s a real time-saver and one of the few airport experiences that actually feels like a premium perk. Just on the other side: noise and queues. Best avoided.

The Lounge 9/10

British Airways Club Europe passengers (and OneWorld frequent flyers) have access to the Royal Air Maroc Oasis Lounge. It’s a bit of a trek from check-in, arriving at a lounge whose facilities are basic and show little design thought—more functional than luxurious, with varied seating, a bar area, and buffet-style dining.

Yet appearances deceive. The staff are genuinely warm and attentive, offering table service for drinks. The food was a welcome surprise—fresh, well-prepared, and more thoughtfully presented than you’d expect from a buffet lounge. Having just stayed at one of the world’s great Grand Dame hotels, that’s high praise indeed.

With the gate nearby, it’s a nice, if unpretentious, place to wait for a short-haul flight. This lounge is a reminder not to judge by the cover; it’s quietly impressive.

The Priority Boarding 10/10

A dedicated priority boarding lane ensured Club Europe passengers and Oneworld frequent flyers boarded swiftly and without fuss. Conveniently, the lounge is located adjacent to the gate—just a few steps from relaxing in the lounge to settling into your seat on board.

The Seat & Cabin 6/10

This Airbus A320 featured British Airways’ typical Club Europe setup: a row of three economy seats, with the middle one left empty and fitted with a small drinks table. A fabric headrest cover and a navy curtain complete the transformation. While the seat itself is no different from economy, the absence of a neighbour and the calmer cabin make it feel just that bit more comfortable.

The Amenities 5/10

No welcome drinks are offered—this is short-haul Europe, after all, and handing out Champagne during boarding would be chaos. Once seated, printed menus are distributed, outlining a choice of three meals along with a full bar and wine list. A small touch, but it sets the tone for a more civilised journey.

The Service 8/10

To my surprise, I was greeted by name and welcomed back on board—something I haven’t experienced in years, despite being a long-time Gold card holder. A small touch, but a noticeable one.

Though busy, the crew stayed attentive and friendly, managing complaints about limited choices without fuss. Evidently, the drinks budget had been mostly spent on the outbound flight from London.

The Dining 8/10

The British roast chicken dinner was a highlight—tender meat and gravy that could warm any Sunday lunch table back home. If only British Airways could keep this standard consistent across its short and long haul premium cabins. Champagne arrived in modest pours from a full bottle, though there were more than a few apologies for the limited drink choices on offer.

The Entertainment 5/10

There is no seatback entertainment on British Airways’ short-haul fleet, so don’t expect movies or flight maps. However, Club members can access complimentary messaging mid-air—a small but welcome perk. For those needing more, upgraded Wi-Fi packages are available for purchase, offering full browsing and streaming capabilities, including access to Paramount+. Just bring your own screen. Some aircraft are fitted with in seat charging ports but it’s best to be on the fully charged side.

The Attention to Detail 5/10

In nearly all categories, this short-haul business class experience ticks the right boxes—but without much flair. Everything is just enough to feel like you’re getting what you paid for: priority check-in, yes—but no red carpet, just a desk off to the side. It’s business class by definition, not by atmosphere. For frequent travellers or those connecting from a grand hotel stay, it does the job efficiently—but don’t expect it to blow you away.

The Good, Bad & Turbulent

Is it Worth It? Yes. Club Europe delivers a handful of useful perks— It’s just about everything you need for a more civilised short-haul experience.

Fly This For Priority Check in, fast track security, lounge access, an empty middle seat and included food and drinks.

Don’t Fly This For Luxury. The seat itself is still very much from the economy cabin, dressed up with better service and a quieter atmosphere.