I Tested British Airways Old Style Business Class Seat (Fly Back in Time)

In this video I’ll show you what the old British Airways Yin-Yang Club World business class experience is like? Does this revolutionary business seat still hold up today? And will I ever fly in this BA business class seat again?

Because, one day this seat will be gone and people will talk about the revolutionary lie flat business seat that British Airways released to the world in the year 2000 and it’s updated version in 2006, and now I can say I flew on that seat.

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CHAPTERS:
0:00 Introduction
1:11 The Cabin
3:15 The Seat
5:09 Dinner
8:12 The Bog Standard
8:39 In-Flight Entertainment
10:09 Bed Mode
11:49 Breakfast
12:46 Final Thoughts
14:07 Menus

Today that old BA Business class seat has been improved on many times by other airlines and BA itself has a new business class suite called the club suite, but you can still experience this old business class seat and I wanted to do that while I had the chance.

This flight was with British Airways from London Heathrow to Hong Kong International Airport, flying in business class. I used Avios points to pay for a round-trip ticket in business, and I also used my Barclays British Airways Upgrade Voucher and this cost 100,000 Avios and £550

Thank you for watching, please remember to like and subscribe, and thank you for joining me on my Grey Gap Year.
Phil

[leemccourt]

I’ve flown the old club world a number of times, I always choose the last row facing backwards as you don’t have to climb over anyone. Yes it’s cozy, but I like it. Once you’re settled in, seat flat, lights down always a good sleep, I’ve slept for 11 hours from Seoul, and 11 from Rio. Comfy seat.

[neilh]

Nice video again. I too have avoided these seats but have thought that maybe I should try them just once. You have just put me off 😂😂😂

[martenth]

Try Finnair longhaul, please. Their innovative lounge seat is surprisingly comfy, and to me which I find important: You have 100% privacy.
Food is subpar but you won’t see anyone onboard! Prices to Asia are very competitive

[HayleyAndScott]

I always thought that all business class seats would be amazing, but this did not look good and I fear I'd feel extremely claustrophobic in those seats! Thanks for taking one for the team Phil haha :) -Hayley

[vhira]

I am flying with British Airways on the A350 to Vancouver next month in economy class. Can’t wait as I have never flown on the A350 ever.

[andrewj]

Good content, thanks. BA have actually upped their food game. Recently flew First to Singapore and their lobster was amazing. Old hardware, but I never use the IFE anyway. Eat, sleep, get off. The 787 you were on is generally an awful experience whatever airline you go on. The call bell is there to be used! 😊. Over 50 flights for me this year, mostly in APAC, allows me to experience some top airlines and BA has certainly slipped, but I still can’t get over the excitement of getting on a BA flight home. T5 makes all the difference especially if on a domestic transfer.

[hawkstones]

An honest review that matches my experience. I’ve had the pleasure of these seats to Singapore, back from Hong Kong, and then this year to and from Shanghai. First time around, 6 years ago, they felt OK, but this year they felt tired and worn. The screens didn’t work properly, and while the food from LHR was generally OK, the food on the return was terrible!

… and the lemon meringue bar is better avoided.

[davenorth]

I remember when these seats came out decades ago. They were revolutionary and as I recall the first lay flat seat in the air. You can still do relatively well if you get the window seat in the back row. You get the privacy you don’t get in an aisle and you get direct aisle access.

[paulneale]

Great video thank you . I’m
Amazed at these seats ! Last year I flew with BA to the USA . Business class. The seats were amazing, storage etc I could not complain. The service and food on the way out were amazing. This was on a 777
My only complaint on my return flight was the food that had been loaded from the USA . Even the cabin crew were horrified and were embarrassed.
It amazes me just how much service differs even though it’s still sold as business class. I would expect high standard no matter what flight or aircraft your on .
Please keep these videos coming 😊

[neilmccarthy]

Flew to Melbourne (Cathay) via Hong Kong (BA) economy and the difference was telling. Both myself and my parents are similar build to yourself Phil and we felt on top of each other. There is a reason why a lot of people prefer the A350 over the dreamliner as an economy passenger

[jkbutnotreally]

Your review is obviously quite valid, but I still love this seat as I usually travel with my wife. It's almost like we're sitting across from each other, I don't even have to turn my head to talk to her.

[stupidknut]

I had one of these on a JFK a couple of months ago after an aircraft switch. I actually find the window seat nice and cozy for sleeping but for a day flight they’re now way behind the rest for all the reasons you mentioned

[Glawnerd]

I’ve chosen our seats so that we only have to walk over each other and nobody has to pass us. The window seats in that case are actually excellent - really private and better than a lot of other business class seats as you truly have your own private booth. Surprisingly I also enjoy facing backward in these seats! If you can get the few ‘ideal ‘ seats in this style, they are better than much of the competition. I haven’t flown Emirates from Manchester for several years, but the last time I did, their business cabin was appalling! 2 seats side by side, no privacy from your neighbour or anybody else in the cabin. Straight out of the 1970s!

[VicTheflyingDentist]

If given a choice, I’d fly Cathay Pacific, and will also get tier points. Lovely video though. ❤

[Crazy_Charo]

Great vid Phil. I flew that seat on the A380 from LHR to JNB return.

I understand the free legs situation, but agree that I will never intentionally fly on that seat again unless there is absolutely no other choice.

Recently BA accounced that they will be upgrading their A380s to feature the new Club Suites, which I am looking forward to.

[obamtl]

Thanks for sharing this, Phil. I agree with your point about advantages for taller people. I slept incredibly well, with the Apple Watch suggesting I maintained deep sleep for most of it. I love the BA Club Suite, but the trade off I sometimes feel I get with them is the constrained foot cubby. I think this product would have been a lot better if BA hadn't been so greedy and had gone for a 2-2-2 layout with the unobstructed feet and wider seats. This really only works for tall, slim people.

[nolllyp]

Great video. I recently fly back from New Orleans on the Dreamliner in the same business class and I was so disappointed as the seat maps on booking and until check in showed the 121 new lay out. My foot stool fell down constantly, so I couldn't sleep and also the entertainment system failed for the whole flight, it was a disaster! Food was not good, crew ruched and first drink service was with meal and hour and half after take off. It was my first time flying business with BA and I've had better economy flights and meals. I would not recommend to anyone for the price you pay

[sharifur]

Thanks Phil for the detailed review! It seems that tier points awarded from LON-HKG may be the only good thing for those that are flying this business class product with BA!

[internationAL]

I remember this seat well….with zero affection..even when it was an upgrade. I’ll never fly it again and won’t even try the ClubSuite whilst these are still in service…just in case of a last minute equipment change!

[ScottMatthews-gkef]

At least it looked like they didn’t lock the windows…

My first long haul in business was the BA Club Dormitory, perhaps in 2016 so not too long ago. I was genuinely in absolute awe as given my background, it was something I never thought I’d experience. Since then, I’ve got used to Club Suite & when I was upgraded from PE on an A380 flight in 2023, it was an absolute shock being reacquainted with what once passed for luxury! Admittedly, those old seats were a tad more comfortable in bed mode.

I’ve just flown from LHR to MIA on American’s Flagship First to try it while it’s still around - if you haven’t done so, please do. Yes, the seats are outdated with little privacy (unless you swivel the chair to face the window!) but gosh, I was impressed. The seats are so spacious, they have a massage setting, the service & crew were impeccable & the catering wonderful.
Kudos to a bone dry sherry accompanying the cheeseboard instead of the usual port.
Nine hours literally flew by with no need for sleep or IFE, just the view & being in the moment.