British Airways Premium Economy: LHR to DXB

British Airways' Premium Economy on the London–Dubai route, booked this time with Avios rather than through an agent. The question worth answering: is the upgrade worth cash, or points, or either?

The Verdict

Worth the extra, in cash or in miles, but only if you use the miles properly. Score: 6.6/10. We'd book it again.

The Scorecard

• Seat comfort — 7/10. Looks flat and thin, sits more comfortable than it looks.
• Legroom / space — 7/10. Only a little more than economy, but enough to kill 'reclining guilt' and get some sleep.
• Food — 7/10. Decent menu, plates cleared, snacks available between meals.
• Service — 8/10. Attentive and happy crew from check-in to arrival.
• Entertainment — 6/10. Headsets supplied are a decent standard if you haven't got your own.
• Boarding / arrival — 5/10. Non-Emirates arrivals get gated at the far end of Terminal 1 — about 20 minutes extra via the shuttle.
• Value — 6/10. Fair against other options bought outright; poor value if paid for with Avios.

The Good

• The seat looks flat and thin but is more comfortable than it appears.
• Extra legroom removes "reclining guilt" — enough space to actually get some sleep, and the seat is a touch wider than economy.
• Crew were attentive and happy from check-in through to arrival.
• Food menu is solid — plates came back clean, and snacks are available between meals.
• Headsets supplied are a decent standard if you haven't brought your own.
• Extra baggage allowance takes the stress out of packing.

The Bad

• Using Avios well is an art. Spending points on baggage, onboard extras, or shaving down a ticket price instead of using them to upgrade is a waste. With no reward seats available, a fair amount had to go towards paying for the ticket outright — over the odds, and not the most cost-effective use of points.
• Non-Emirates arrivals into Dubai get gated at the far end of Terminal 1. Expect about 20 minutes of extra travel time on the internal shuttle. Minor, but it's Emirates' airport and it shows.

The Detail

Compared to Emirates Economy on the same route, the extra space in BA Premium Economy makes a real difference — not dramatic, but enough to matter over a long-haul sector. Compared to Emirates Business, BA's current business product doesn't hold up, though BA is mid-refit. For anyone deciding between cash and points: buy the seat outright, or top up with Avios, rather than trying to use points to discount an economy fare. That's where the value disappears. On price alone versus other options at the time of booking, Premium Economy on this route was reasonable.