New Changes Coming to British Airways’ First Class

If you’re flying with British Airways soon (but not too soon), you’ll notice some differences in the airline’s first-class product. A new experience will revolve around the introduction of a brand-new first-class seat that’s part of the airline’s retrofit plans for its Airbus A380 aircraft.

The new first-class seats are 36.5 inches wide and, when extended for use as a bed, measure 79 inches long. Each passenger can enjoy special features such as a multipurpose ottoman, personal luggage space, three windows per seat, button-controlled window blinds, sound-absorbing paneling and adjustable mood lighting. A 60-inch curved wall separates each seat from other travelers, though those traveling together can sit in shared spaces in the center of the cabin. Travelers can also use a “do not disturb” function to alert crew members of their status.

“We’re incredibly proud to launch the next era of [first class] that pushes the boundaries of comfort, luxury and modernity, taking into consideration customer preferences and expectations to the finest detail,” said Calum Laming, CCO, British Airways. “This coupled with our incredible colleagues delivering a world-class service, following the launch of our First Service Specialists scheme, as well as the many benefits of flying [first class], such as First Wing entry, access to our award-winning lounges including our Concorde Room and priority boarding, means we truly believe we offer a winning combination in delivering an extraordinary experience for our customers.”

The new first-class experience should debut in 2026.