What Happened to British Airways Business Class?

The Decline of a Once-Great Airline

By Flight Expert Mr Plane Guy

British Airways once proudly called itself the ‘world’s favourite airline,’ but let’s be honest, those days feel long gone. With major cutbacks in business class service, an increase in flight cancellations, and a loyalty program that’s left frequent flyers frustrated, BA is now facing some serious turbulence.

In a recent Which? survey, British Airways ranked last position for long-haul flights, scoring just 62% overall and earning a measly two stars for seat comfort, food, and value for money. Ouch. While BA insists that these ratings don’t reflect the experiences of the ‘hundreds of thousands’ of customers they serve daily, the numbers don’t lie.

When Did British Airways Become So Bad?

So, what happened? BA has always been a premium airline, but in recent years, they’ve been cutting costs left and right to focus on profitability post pandemic if you combine this with the operational performance issues they have faced recently, this adds to an overall poor customer experience. Then to make matters worse they have just drastically changed their British Airways Executive Club status and benefits further eroding the product.

Big Changes to the British Airways Executive Club

Flight cancellations are another huge issue. Due to ongoing problems with Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines, at least five of BA’s Boeing 787 aircraft have been grounded. This has led to over 11 route cancellations, including the highly anticipated London Heathrow to Kuala Lumpur route, which was scrapped just four weeks before launch. Oh, and if you were planning to fly from London Gatwick to New York? Forget it! BA has suspended all flights on that route until later in 2025.

Why are so many British Airways flights being delayed and cancelled?

How Often Are British Airways Flights Delayed?

As a former aviation insider with 15 years in the industry, I’ve seen my fair share of flight disruptions. According to the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), British Airways ranked as the 9th worst airline for on-time departures in 2023, with an average delay of 21 minutes. That’s worse than some budget airlines like EasyJet and Wizz Air!

To put it into perspective, BA’s on-time performance (OTP) was 73%, meaning one in four flights was delayed. Not ideal, especially when you're paying a premium for business class.

British Airways Business Class vs. Virgin Upper Class: Which Is Better?

I recently reviewed Virgin Atlantic’s 787-800 Upper Class, and let’s just say, it’s miles ahead of BA. Virgin’s sleek, modern cabin, onboard social spaces and outstanding service make BA’s business class feel outdated. If you want to read my full review, check it out here.

For another alternative, I also flew Qatar Airways B787 Business Class and let me tell you, it was a completely different experience. From the incredible Qsuite to impeccable service, it’s clear why Qatar consistently ranks among the top airlines in the world. Read my full review here.

Which Airline is Best for Long-Haul?

If you’re wondering whether it’s better to fly Virgin or British Airways, the answer is clear. Virgin, Qatar, Singapore Airlines, and Emirates all offer superior long-haul experiences. Here’s how BA stacks up against the competition:

The World’s Best & Worst Long-Haul Airlines (According to Which?)

Best airlines for 2025

1. Singapore Airlines

2. Etihad Airways

3. Emirates

4. Qantas

5. Virgin Atlantic

6. Air France

7. Delta Airlines

8. KLM

9. United Airlines

10. Qatar Airways

11. Lufthansa

12. Turkish Airlines

13. Cathay Pacific

14. TUI Airways

15. Aer Lingus

16. American Airlines

17. Malaysia Airlines

18. Air Canada

19. British Airways (yes, last)

British Airways Flight Delay Compensation: What Are Your Rights?

If your BA flight is delayed by over three hours, you may be entitled to compensation under EU261 regulations. Depending on the flight distance and delay length, you could claim between €250 and €600 per passenger.

Click here to check how much you could be entitled too

Here’s a quick rundown of your rights:

• If your flight is delayed by 3+ hours, you can claim compensation.

• If your flight is cancelled within 14 days of departure, you may be eligible for a refund or alternative flight.

• Keep all receipts, BA is required to reimburse you for food, accommodation, and other necessary expenses due to cancellations.

Not sure how much you’re owed? I’ve teamed up with AirHelp, who can handle your claim for you. Check your eligibility here.

Is British Airways Good for International Flights?

British Airways still has a vast global network, and if you’re flying first class, you’ll likely have a decent experience. But if you’re considering BA’s business class, you might want to look elsewhere. With frequent delays, downgraded service, and poor customer satisfaction, there are far better options for your money.

Want an alternative? Check out my TUI Dreamliner review here as TUI offer Long Haul flights to many destinations from the UK, Routes such as London to Cancun, Manchester to Dominican Republic.

Have you flown British Airways recently? Drop a comment below and let me know your thoughts!

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Hello I’m Paul a Travel and flight expert, I spent most of my career working in and around planes with 15 years providing top-notch service with a London-based airline. I became an expert in travel after soaring across the Atlantic up to 10 times a month!

I’m now, producing travel content, reaching millions of viewers monthly. Reporting on travel news, sharing travel tips, reviews, and deals with a sprinkle of humour and a whole lot of authenticity!

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