Flying isn’t just about getting from A to B—it’s about the experience. And when you’re flying Club Europe on a British Airways A320, even a short hop like Heathrow to Manchester can feel like a proper trip. In this Travels with Hursty trip report, I’ll walk you through the whole journey—from check-in to landing—and of course, if you’d rather watch than read, check out my vlog over on YouTube and don’t forget to subscribe! 🎥✈️ → Subscribe here
Check-In & Lounge – A Smooth Start
Arriving at Heathrow Terminal 5, check-in was a breeze. British Airways makes things easy, especially if you’ve already checked in online. Now, I was transferring from Terminal 2 after an overnight flight from Newark (EWR), so I was definitely ready for some comfort.
Once past security, it was straight to the Club Europe Lounge. It’s a solid spot to relax before a flight, with plenty of seating, snacks, drinks, and even a few workstations if you need to get some stuff done. But let’s be honest—I was more interested in grabbing a coffee and some breakfast before boarding.
Boarding & The Club Europe Seat
Boarding at Heathrow is usually pretty efficient, and this time was no different. Club Europe passengers board early, so there’s no fighting for overhead bin space. Once onboard, I settled into my seat.
Now, if you’ve flown BA Club Europe, you’ll know that the seat itself isn’t vastly different from Euro Traveller (economy)—it’s still a 3-3 configuration, but the middle seat is blocked off, giving you more space. That said, the legroom is better, and you do get a proper recline. Plus, there’s a decent pillow and blanket if you need them.
Food & Drinks – Short Flight, Full Service
Even on a short Heathrow to Manchester hop, BA serves up a meal in Club Europe. Breakfast on this flight was simple but good—a hot meal with tea, coffee, and juice, plus the option for something a bit stronger (it’s always 5 o’clock somewhere, right?).
For such a quick flight, the service was spot on. The crew were friendly, efficient, and made sure everyone was taken care of.
Arrival into Manchester
A quick descent and smooth landing brought us into Manchester Airport bang on time. Since this was a domestic flight, there were no passport formalities—just grab your bag and go.
For such a short route, flying Club Europe isn’t a necessity, but if you’ve got Avios to burn or just fancy a bit of extra comfort, it’s worth it. The lounge access, priority boarding, and full-service meal make for a more relaxed journey—even if it’s just a quick 40-minute flight.
Watch the Full Vlog!
If you want to see the full trip report, including all the details of the lounge, the flight, and the landing in Manchester, check out my Travels with Hursty vlog on YouTube! Hit that subscribe button and join me for more aviation and travel adventures.
🎥 ✈️ → Watch the vlog & subscribe!
Let me know what you think! Would you fly Club Europe on a short domestic hop like this, or is it not worth it? Drop a comment below or over on the YouTube video!