My husband and I got to experience British Airways’ premium-economy service on the A380 when we flew from San Francisco to London last week at the start of our trip to Spain and Portugal. Thanks to Global Traveler’s newest edition of the Class Act Book, I knew long before we boarded what perks we could enjoy. Additionally, I was eager to experience my first flight on the big A380, and I have to say I was impressed!

Boarding was quite swift and efficient, with multiple lanes designated for different sections of the plane. We were seated up top and just behind business class. The premium economy cabin has a 2-3-2 configuration, and we were in the middle section in the first row, facing the bulkhead separating us from the business-class cabin. That provided extra legroom for us plus a little additional space to place empty dinner trays and belongings, as the drop-down changing tables were directly in front of us. A few drawbacks to this location: There is no seat in front of you under which to stow smaller carry-on items for take-off and landing, and the table and entertainment screens both are stored in the armrests — which can make things a little tight when you want to eat and watch something at the same time.

We’d barely gotten our gear and the provided pillows and blankets stowed above for later when an attendant offered a hot towel for refreshing, followed by an offer of sparkling wine or water. We pushed back pretty nearly on time, but there then followed some two and a half hours sitting on the tarmac waiting for a luggage discrepancy to get worked out. The pilot and attendants kept us updated at least every 30 minutes, but many became frustrated when told they had to remain in their seats for the duration. The delay did provide ample opportunity to use the provided noise-cancelling headphones and peruse the ample entertainment options. In addition to lots of music, a plethora of TV series, podcasts and movies made it hard for me to choose what I wanted to see most.

At last we were cleared for take-off, and I was amazed at how smooth it was; it seemed we weren’t even rolling fast enough when we were suddenly airborne. As soon as they were able, the crew began dinner service. We had three entrée options (beef, chicken or pasta) and beverage choices which included small bottles of non-vintage red (Cab Sauv or Merlot) or white wine (not of a quality to win any GT Wines on the Wing awards!). Served on ceramic plates with cloth napkins and silverware, the food was hot if not particularly memorable.

With the meal service cleared away, cabin lights were dimmed and most passengers settled in to sleep or finish a movie. BA provides amenity kits in the form of a zippered pouch containing an eye shade, ear plugs, toothbrush and paste, hand lotion and lip balm. The premium-economy seat, about 18 inches wide and with a pop-up foot rest and perhaps 30 degrees of recline, is certainly more comfortable than the standard coach offering, but I found it hard to find a  comfortable position. (I don’t know who those foot rests were designed for, but they don’t work for my 5-foot, 4-inch frame at all!)

I did manage to sleep for a bit, as I was awakened when breakfast service began several hours later. A choice of an English breakfast or a spinach frittata came with coffee, tea or juice. Shortly after the remains of the service were cleared away, we were cruising over a sunny British countryside and preparing to land. For such a big bird, the plane made a remarkably smooth landing.

While my first A380 flight was a bit spoiled by the long initial delay, I certainly enjoyed the rest of the experience and am looking forward to our flight back to the States. I’ve already got a few movies in mind I’ll want to see!

— Patty Vanikiotis, associate editor/copy editor