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SNAPSHOT: British Airways 296 Chicago O’Hare to London Heathrow – CLUB SUITES

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It’s time for another Snapshot, this time focusing on the passenger experience with British Airways in Club Suites.

Yes. I said Club Suites.

a seat in a plane

I’m sure you’re all aware of how I do this travel writing thing by now. But for those reading this for the first time, I have two major travel writing styles:

  • Trip Reports – These are full deep-dive reports taking you into the experience, the small things… as well as the big things!
  • Snapshots – These are bite-sized reviews that show you the product in some gentle headlines (and normally, only images shot on the phone)

Booking

This ticket was part of a return ticket with British Airways, with World Traveller Plus booked for the return portion of this ticket.

Check-in

Check-in was left check-in until I got to the airport – mainly as I forgot. This is located in Terminal 5 at O’Hare Airport, via the E vestable.

cars parked outside of a buildingpeople in a terminal with several monitorsa red suitcase leaning against a machine

At check-in, my baggage was accepted, and I was informed that my seat had been changed from a World Traveller Plus seat to a Club World seat, as a complimentary upgrade.

With that, I was able to check both bags to London Heathrow.

Security

Given the experiences with the side security lane, I went through the main security lanes, which had demarcation for Clear, TSA precheck and normal passengers.

a group of people standing in a line

At about 7pm in the evening, it took around 15 minutes to clear.

Lounge

The British Airways lounge located inside Terminal 5 was utilised. This was split into a dining area for First class, a buffet area and a general seating area.

a plant in a pot next to a picture framea counter with food and a tva room with tables and chairsa bar with drinks and glasses

a bar with bottles of alcohol

a buffet with food on the countera table with bowls of fooda plate of food on a tablea group of pots of food on a countera display case with food on it

A pre-departure buffet service was offered, along with a mixture of self-serve and bartender-served beverages.

Boarding

Boarding was from Gate M21 in the Terminal 5 complex. Boarding was managed by group number and in order. A facial scan was taken, as well as a boarding pass stub to exit the USA.

a group of people in an airport

people standing in a linea group of people in an airport

The Plane

A British Airway Boeing 777-200ER would be providing the lift across the Atlantic that evening.

an airplane on the tarmac

This was configured in a four-class configuration First, Club World, World Traveller Plus and World Traveller (First Class, Business Class, Premium Economy, Economy Class).

The Seat

The aircraft had the Club Suite product (based on Collins Aerospace’s SuperDiaomond seat). This seat features lots of storage areas, as well as a closing door.

a seat on a planea small black locker with a bottle of water and a white baga close up of a door

a close up of a door

a window on an airplanea close up of a device

IFE

A Thales IFE system was installed on this aircraft. This was presented 18.5″ Screen.

a screen on the seat of an airplane

a television screen on a plane

a screen on a shelfa screen on a plane

Connectivity

Whilst there was an active BA Hotspot onboard, I could not access it to gain access to Internet pricing.

Food and Beverages

A full food and drinks service was provided, with dinner and breakfast for those who wanted it.

This started with welcome drinks

a glass of wine on a table

Followed by the menu being handed out

a hand holding a box

a hand holding a menu

A marinated prawn and avocado starter was selected, along with a British Airways Gin Fizz

a plate of food on a table

A main of a Cajun Chicken was selected…

a plate of food on a table

With a Mango Toffee delight to end.

a bowl of food with a spoon and fork

A Egg and Bacon breakfast muffin was selected for the arrivals service. This was complimented with a croissant and Coconut Chia Pudding.

a breakfast sandwich on a plate

Arrivals

The aircraft arrived at Heathrow and was parked at the far end of Terminal 5C.

a group of people walking in an airporta man walking in a hallway with a sign on the walla group of people walking in a building

This required a walk to the interterminal transit, to travel back to terminal 5A

Immigration and luggage claim

immigration was handled using a mixture of gates and manual inspection.

Lpeople in an airporta group of people standing in a line

Upon clearance, it took 50 minutes for baggage delivery to be completed after landing.

a large screen with a sign on ita group of people with luggage in a hallwaya group of people walking with luggage in an airport

Other Pictures

a plane on the tarmac

a wet floor with lights and chairs in the middle

a view of clouds from an airplane window clouds and clouds from above

an aerial view of a green landscape

The full review of British Airways and their Club Suite product is coming soon.

And I’m not spoiling anything by saying this upfront – it’s as good as it looks.

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Comments

    • Kevincm says

      Its the perfect way to ensure that Boilmer and Rutherford have been immioralised… and also their service will be on at the Fleet Museum at Athan Prime.

      At least there was no Neutral zone stuff to worry about…