Reviews Tom Otley
BRITISH AIRWAYS B787 World Traveller Plus Toronto-London
SEPTEMBER LAST YEAR saw British Airways introduce the B787 Dreamliner to its flight schedule, launching on its Toronto service, followed soon after by flights to New York Newark. The B787s are being used at this stage to retire the 14 long-haul B767 aircraft in BA’s fleet, though this may take until 2017.
CHECK-IN & LOUNGE: I arrived at Toronto Pearson International airport at 1600 for my 1910 departure on BA92. There is no lounge access for premium economy, but the lounge is a good one for those with tier status with Oneworld, and is close to the boarding gate. SEAT: The new premium economy World Traveller Plus (WTP) cabin is arranged in a 2-3-2 layout (A-B, D-E-F, J-K) and I was in window seat 11K. The seat has a recline of eight inches (20cm) and 38 inches (96cm) of legroom, and there’s lots of space for both eating and working. There was also at-seat power (EU, US and UK) and USB sockets. I put my bags into the
large overhead locker, and there was a storage pocket on the back of the seat in front, though it didn’t hold much. There are 10.6-inch seat-back screens and footrests that come down from the seat in front. There are no dedicated washrooms, so you have to walk back through
economy to use them. The size of the windows meant the cabin felt a lot less cramped, and you can press a button to dim or lighten the glass. FOOD & DRINK: To start was a Caesar salad, while mains were braised beef short ribs with red wine sauce, Yukon gold mash, glazed carrots and broccolini; or Thai chicken red curry with coriander jasmine rice, baby pak choi and sweet bell peppers. Dessert was chocolate caramel cake. I went for the Thai chicken, which was good. At 2200, the cabin lights were dimmed. Breakfast was a strange purée type thing that I couldn’t identify, having lost the menu, plus fruit juice, a muffin, tea and coffee. ARRIVAL: The plane landed at Heathrow on time at 0700 local time. VERDICT: The B787 is just as impressive in premium economy as in business. For overnight flights, the value of the WTP seat is in getting some sleep.
Mike Toynbee
KLM B747 World Business Class Amsterdam-New York JFK
KLM’S NEW WORLD BUSINESS CLASS, featuring a completely redesigned cabin and a fully-flat seat, is currently being phased in on a total of 19 routes. It is expected to be available on its entire Boeing 747 fleet by the end of April, with 15 B777-200s retrofitted by the summer.
CHECK-IN & LOUNGE: As a transit passenger from London Heathrow, I spent some time in the KLM Crown lounge at Schiphol. Flying Blue Elite members have access to the lounge, which features all the usual facilities, including computers with free wifi and laptop charging facilities, snacks and drinks, and there are designated smoking areas. SERVICE: Coats and carry-on bags were collected shortly after boarding for stowage, and champagne and canapés served prior to take-off. The crew on this flight were exceptionally attentive.
SEAT: The new World Business Class is located on the upper deck (20 seats configured 2-2), with a further 15, including three single seats, in the front cabin on the lower deck. With a 63-inch pitch (160cm), the seat reclines 180 degrees to provide a fully-flat bed measuring 81.5 inches (207cm). A blanket and pillow are provided, and it ranks high in the comfort stakes. There is a permanent privacy screen and stowage space for smaller items. WORK & PLAY: There is a large (17-inch) screen mounted on the rear of the seat in front, with a good choice of films and music.
EU and UK sockets are provided for in-seat power for laptops and other mobile devices. FOOD & DRINK: There were three meal options (full, express and light), and having opted for the former, I chose the salmon tartare as a starter, followed by pan-fried fillet of sole and Dutch apple pie. A Dutch wine was one of three whites on offer, plus two reds. There was also champagne, port and a dessert wine. VERDICT: A much improved cabin design and layout, and KLM's fully-flat seat puts it up there with the best of them. Coupled with the benefits of Schiphol as a transit airport, this is an excellent option for UK travellers.
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www.buyingbusinesstravel.com
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