Navigating the skies back home from a delightful Italian vacation, our journey commenced with a British Airways Club Europe flight from Rome’s Fiumicino Airport (FCO) to London Heathrow (LHR). With high expectations for a comfortable business class experience, particularly on a short-haul European route, we were eager to see if British Airways’ Club Europe lived up to its promise. This review dives into our experience, covering everything from booking to arrival, to give you a comprehensive insight into what to expect when flying British Airways Club Europe from FCO.
Booking Strategy: Miles and (Steep) Taxes
The summer travel rush across Europe meant award availability was scarce. After some diligent searching, we secured Business Class tickets on British Airways from Rome to Houston, transiting through London. Booking through American Airlines AAdvantage, each ticket cost 57.5k miles plus a substantial $500 in taxes and fees. The fuel surcharges via London are undeniably hefty, but opting for miles still presented a more economical solution than purchasing cash tickets outright, especially for a last-minute booking.
American Airlines did offer FCO-DFW-AUS routes, but at an exorbitant 200k+ miles per ticket. The British Airways option, despite the London layover and fees, was a clear winner. We even adjusted our itinerary to include an overnight stay in London, turning a layover into a mini-city break.
Pre-Flight at Rome Fiumicino: Smooth Sailing
Arriving at Rome’s Fiumicino Airport around 11:30 am, we first returned our rental car to Avis. While our flight was scheduled for the afternoon, some of our travel companions were on an earlier American Airlines flight to DFW (departing at 1:55 pm), so we wanted to ensure they had ample time to navigate the airport.
Alt Text: Exterior view of a multi-level car parking facility at Rome Fiumicino Airport, filled with various vehicles.
Alt Text: Passengers riding up airport escalators at Rome Fiumicino, moving from the parking area towards terminal check-in.
The skybridge connected the rental car return directly to Terminal 3’s departure hall. Locating the British Airways check-in desks at stations 226-229 was straightforward. While the Club Europe line had a few passengers resolving travel-related issues, our check-in process was efficient. Within 15 minutes, we had checked our bags and received our boarding passes. We inquired about switching to an earlier flight, but were informed of delays, with our originally scheduled flight now expected to depart before the earlier ones.
Alt Text: Overview of the bustling check-in hall in Rome Fiumicino Airport, with travelers at various airline counters.
Alt Text: Passengers queueing at the British Airways check-in counters in Rome Fiumicino Airport’s Terminal 3.
With boarding passes in hand, we proceeded to security and passport control. Remarkably, we were airside by noon – a mere 20 minutes after entering the terminal. Following signs for our departure gates and the British Airways Lounge, we looked forward to some pre-flight relaxation.
Alt Text: Interior view of Rome Fiumicino Airport terminal, showing travelers walking along a brightly lit corridor towards departure gates.
Alt Text: A traveler pulling a rolling suitcase through a modern hallway inside Rome Fiumicino Airport, heading to departures.
British Airways Lounge FCO: A Welcoming Oasis
The British Airways Lounge in Rome, inaugurated in 2018, had garnered positive buzz, and we were eager to experience it firsthand. The lounge impressed with its spaciousness, abundant seating, and ample natural light filtering through expansive floor-to-ceiling windows. These windows also provided excellent views of the airport ramp – perfect for aviation enthusiasts wanting to spot aircraft. For a more detailed look, you can read a comprehensive review of the lounge here.
Alt Text: Modern bar area inside the British Airways Lounge at Rome Fiumicino, featuring a well-stocked bar and comfortable seating.
Alt Text: Inviting seating area in the British Airways Lounge at FCO, with a variety of chairs and tables arranged for relaxation and work.
Alt Text: Relaxing zone in the British Airways Lounge FCO, equipped with a television and comfortable seating options.
Alt Text: Airplane on the tarmac viewed through the large windows of the British Airways Lounge at Rome Fiumicino Airport.
While the lounge was a pleasant space, three hours felt a bit long to remain inside. We decided to explore the terminal, do some shopping, and enjoy a proper sit-down lunch before boarding.
Alt Text: Interior of Rome Fiumicino Airport shopping area, with passengers browsing various retail stores.
Alt Text: Close-up shot of a freshly served pepperoni pizza on a white plate, taken inside Rome Fiumicino Airport.
Boarding and Initial Impressions
Our flight was scheduled to depart from gate 31 in the E gates, located in a satellite terminal. We left the lounge around 2:30 pm to begin the trek. Parts of the terminal were under construction, so paying close attention to signage was crucial.
Alt Text: Airport terminal hallway with overhead directional signs at Rome Fiumicino, indicating gate directions amidst ongoing construction.
Alt Text: Group of travelers gathered in the gate area at Rome Fiumicino Airport, awaiting boarding for their flight.
During the tram ride to the satellite terminal, I caught sight of G-EUYN, an 11-year-old Airbus A320, which would be our ride to London.
Alt Text: British Airways Airbus A320 aircraft, registration G-EUYN, parked at a gate in Rome Fiumicino Airport.
Boarding commenced at 2:40 pm, a minor five-minute delay from the scheduled time. A somewhat chaotic rush towards the gate ensued. While British Airways agents initially called for boarding groups, passengers seemed to disregard the system and crowded the podium. We managed to navigate the swarm, only to be held up on the jet bridge as the cabin crew were still cleaning the aircraft.
Alt Text: Empty jet bridge at Rome Fiumicino Airport, ready for passengers to board a British Airways flight.
British Airways Club Europe: Seat and Cabin Comfort
Flight Details:
- Airline: British Airways
- Flight Number: BA 547
- Route: FCO-LHR (Rome-Fiumicino International – London Heathrow)
- Seat: 11C (Business Class – Club Europe)
- Aircraft: A320-200 (G-EUYN)
- Scheduled Departure/Arrival: 3:10 pm – 4:50 pm
- Actual Departure/Arrival: 4:00 pm – 5:26 pm
Once onboard, we made our way to row 11. The Club Europe cabin occupied the front half of the A320. We were fortunate to snag exit row seats designated as Club Europe, offering significantly enhanced legroom.
Alt Text: Interior of British Airways A320 Club Europe cabin, showing business class seating configuration with red and blue accents.
The cabin temperature was noticeably warm upon boarding. Adding to the slightly disheveled atmosphere, one of the flight attendants was observed with an untucked, stained shirt, hinting at a possibly turbulent previous flight from London.
Seat Configuration and Comfort
As is typical for intra-Europe business class, the seats are essentially economy seats with the middle seat blocked off. Except for the bulkhead and exit rows, legroom is standard economy class.
Alt Text: Exit row seats in British Airways Club Europe cabin on an A320, offering extra legroom for business class passengers.
While most Club Europe seats feature a small tray table in the blocked middle seat, some rows, including the last few rows of Club Europe on our aircraft, were missing these. This wasn’t an issue for us, but could be for some passengers.
Alt Text: Close-up of a seatbelt buckle on a British Airways Club Europe seat, highlighting the fabric texture and seat design.
Legroom in the exit row was indeed generous. Seats had standard tray tables that folded out from the seatback, and conveniently placed power outlets were located beneath the seats.
Alt Text: Extended tray table in a British Airways Club Europe seat, showing the functionality for dining or working during the flight.
Alt Text: Passenger seated in British Airways Club Europe, demonstrating the ample legroom available in the exit row seat.
Unfortunately, the seats were the newer slimline type, increasingly common across airlines. Padding and support were minimal, and towards the end of the flight, back discomfort started to set in.
Club Europe Dining: Menu and Meal Service
Shortly after boarding, flight attendants distributed menus for the flight.
Alt Text: Hand holding a British Airways Club Europe menu card, showcasing the airline’s in-flight dining options.
Alt Text: Close-up of the British Airways Club Europe menu, detailing the food and beverage selections available for business class passengers.
Alt Text: British Airways Club Europe menu card detailing the in-flight meal and drink offerings for business class travelers.
The British Airways buy-on-board menu, offering a range of snacks and drinks for purchase, was also available in the seatback pocket.
Alt Text: Hand holding a British Airways Speedbird Cafe menu, advertising the buy-on-board options for snacks and beverages.
Alt Text: British Airways High Life Shop brochure, showcasing in-flight retail items available for purchase by passengers.
Alt Text: Passenger holding the British Airways Speedbird Cafe menu, reviewing the available food and drink options for purchase during the flight.
Delayed Departure, Enhanced Service
As final preparations for departure were underway, the captain addressed passengers, announcing a one-hour slot delay into London Heathrow due to air traffic control restrictions. He promised to keep us informed.
Alt Text: Interior view of British Airways A320 cabin just before departure, with seats and overhead bins visible.
Shortly after, the delay was reduced to 35 minutes. Flight attendants then proactively distributed water to both Club Europe and Economy cabins – a thoughtful gesture given the delay.
Alt Text: British Airways flight attendant offering bottled water to passengers in the Club Europe cabin, enhancing passenger comfort.
The doors closed at 4:00 pm, and by 4:15 pm, we were airborne, climbing out of Rome.
Alt Text: British Airways A320 aircraft on the runway at Rome Fiumicino, beginning its takeoff roll for departure.
Alt Text: View from the aircraft window of the wing and runway during takeoff from Rome Fiumicino Airport.
We flew west over the Tyrrhenian Sea before turning northwest towards London.
Alt Text: Aerial view of a British Airways A320 aircraft departing Rome Fiumicino, with the airport and surrounding landscape visible below.
In-Flight Service and Meal
Beverage service commenced 15 minutes after takeoff. I opted for champagne, accompanied by a bag of Socca nut mix.
Alt Text: British Airways Club Europe pre-meal service, featuring a glass of champagne and a snack bag of Socca nut mix.
Regrettably, the passenger in seat 2D decided to remove his shoes and prop his bare feet in the aisle. Fortunately, being in row 11 meant the unpleasant sight (and potential odor) was at a distance.
Alt Text: Unpleasant sight of a passenger’s bare feet propped up in the aisle of a British Airways flight, causing discomfort to fellow travelers.
About an hour after departure, meal orders were taken. Both my travel companion and I chose the pea and barley risotto with grilled prawns – amusingly dubbed “Shrek pasta” by a child nearby. The full meal was presented on a single tray.
Alt Text: British Airways A320 Club Europe in-flight meal, featuring pea and barley risotto with grilled prawns, served on a tray.
The risotto was satisfactory, though the prawns were overcooked, with a texture more akin to chicken breast.
Following the meal, I visited the lavatory. Despite the aircraft being relatively young (11 years old), the lavatory showed signs of wear, including a noticeable stain in the sink – raising questions about its upkeep.
Alt Text: Interior of an aircraft lavatory, showing the toilet, sink, and basic amenities within the compact space.
Alt Text: Close-up of a stained sink in an aircraft lavatory, indicating wear and tear and potential maintenance issues.
Back at my seat, I had an engaging conversation with Brian, the purser. He showed genuine interest in our travels and offered insightful recommendations for our time in London. Brian’s dual role – cabin crew and VIP guest liaison at Heathrow – provided him with a unique perspective.
Later in the flight, feeling thirsty, I ordered a Speed Bird OG IPA. This beer, a collaboration between Brewdog and British Airways, is specifically designed for in-flight enjoyment, similar to partnerships between US airlines and craft breweries. The beer was enjoyable, with no discernible difference from a ground-based equivalent – which is likely the intention.
Alt Text: British Airways Brewdog Speedbird OG IPA can, a specially brewed beer for in-flight consumption, held by a passenger.
Arrival at London Heathrow
Descent commenced just before 5:00 pm local time, offering distant views of London.
Alt Text: Aerial view from a British Airways A320 window, showing the cityscape of London as the aircraft approaches for landing.
We touched down at London Heathrow just before 5:20 pm local time and taxied to Terminal 5B.
Alt Text: British Airways A320 aircraft landing on the runway at London Heathrow Airport, with airport infrastructure visible.
Alt Text: Several aircraft parked at airport stands at London Heathrow Terminal 5, with terminal buildings and jet bridges in view.
Parking at the far end of the terminal resulted in a lengthy walk to the terminal train.
Alt Text: Passengers disembarking and walking through the terminal at London Heathrow Airport after arriving on a British Airways flight.
Alt Text: Entrance to the terminal train station within London Heathrow Airport, facilitating transport between terminals for connecting passengers.
Immigration was swift, and we reached baggage claim within 20 minutes of arrival. From there, we headed to the tube station for our train into London.
Alt Text: Bustling baggage claim hall at London Heathrow Airport, with passengers collecting their luggage after arrival.
Alt Text: Sign indicating directions to the London Underground station at Heathrow Airport, guiding passengers to public transportation.
Final Verdict: Is British Airways Club Europe Worth It from FCO?
Aside from the flight delay, which was beyond the airline’s control, our British Airways Club Europe experience was surprisingly positive. Having not flown British Airways in several years, expectations were somewhat neutral. While European Business Class isn’t synonymous with luxury, this flight, with its enhanced exit row legroom, decent in-flight meal, and genuinely attentive service from the cabin crew, ranked favorably. The excellent British Airways lounge in Rome FCO further enhanced the pre-flight experience. Despite minor shortcomings like seat comfort and a slightly worn lavatory, and the unfortunate barefoot passenger incident, I would gladly choose British Airways Club Europe on this route again, especially when utilizing miles and seeking a comfortable and efficient short-haul flight within Europe.
In This Trip Report: British Airways Club Europe, Rome Fiumicino Airport, London Heathrow Airport, Flight Review, Business Class Review, Airline Lounge Review.
