British Airways' refitted Airbus A380 will carry 106 Club Suites across its entire upper deck, the airline said on October 5, 2026, when it showed new seats for all four cabins on the aircraft. British Airways says the first completed A380 is expected to enter service "in the coming months," and that it marks the start of a fleet-wide refit.
The new layout has 12 First suites, 106 Club World (business class) seats, 84 World Traveller Plus (premium economy) seats and 215 World Traveller (economy) seats. If you book British Airways with Avios, the upper deck is the part to watch, because all of it will be business class. Here's what the airline announced, which changes reach other flights before the refitted aircraft does, and how your transferable points get you a seat.
What British Airways Announced
British Airways is fitting new seats in every cabin on the A380, along with new in-flight entertainment screens and redesigned galleys and stairways. The airline says each aircraft gets more than 35,000 individual parts. Here's the cabin-by-cabin layout, from the airline's release:
- First: 12 seats, using the First suite British Airways first showed in 2024. For two people in the center seats, the divider opens into a shared space.
- Club World: 106 Club Suite seats spread across the full upper deck in four cabin zones, with Club Kitchens and dwell areas that British Airways says let you move around during the flight.
- World Traveller Plus: 84 seats with larger entertainment screens and privacy wings.
- World Traveller: 215 seats that British Airways says are wider, with larger screens.
British Airways calls the Club World cabin the world's largest business class cabin. It describes the seat as an evolution of its Club Suite, with added storage and a blue, red and cream color scheme.
"This is a major milestone for British Airways and the future of our A380 fleet, marking one of the most significant transformations we've ever undertaken on any aircraft," said Sean Doyle, British Airways' chairman and CEO.
What Changes Before the Refitted A380 Arrives
Some of the new service doesn't wait for the new cabins. British Airways says its new First dining service runs across its entire long-haul fleet from October 1, including a "From the Grill" menu where you pick a protein, sides and sauces.
New First sleepwear and bedding started October 1 on outbound long-haul flights from London Heathrow, and the new Swaine amenity kit for First follows from October 6. The airline says these First amenities reach inbound flights over the coming months.
Further back, the new World Traveller Plus amenity kit and bedding, plus new World Traveller bedding, will be phased in on all long-haul aircraft throughout November.
British Airways' New Heathrow Lounges
British Airways also announced a new lounge at Heathrow Terminal 5 C Gates on October 5, due to open at the end of 2028, with a 17-meter bar and a separate Concorde lounge inside for First passengers. Business class passengers and Silver members of The British Airways Club and above will be able to use it. The airline is redesigning the Heathrow Arrivals lounge too, with work due to start in early 2027; Club World passengers can use it, and First passengers get a separate Concorde Arrivals area with private cabanas. A new First check-in at Heathrow Terminal 3, shared with American Airlines, is set to open this winter for First passengers and British Airways Club Gold members and above.
How to Book It With Avios
British Airways flights are booked with Avios through the British Airways Club, and you don't need to fly British Airways to collect them. Chase Ultimate Rewards, American Express Membership Rewards, Capital One miles, Bilt Rewards and Wells Fargo Rewards all transfer to British Airways at 1:1. Our Amex to Avios guide covers transfer times and how bonuses work, and Capital One has a transfer bonus to British Airways running this month.
Find the seat before you move points, whether it's the refitted A380 or the new London to Melbourne route via Kuala Lumpur. Capital One and Bilt both say their transfers can't be reversed, so points sent for a trip that doesn't happen stay as Avios. If premium economy is your cabin, our World Traveller Plus review covers the current seat, meals and baggage allowance.
If you'd rather earn Avios directly, the British Airways Visa Signature Card from Chase earns them on every purchase.
What This Means for Your Next Trip
The refitted A380 is coming, but not yet: British Airways gives the timing for the first aircraft as "in the coming months," and the refit then works through the rest of the A380 fleet. Until then, the change you can book today is on the soft side, with the new First dining across the long-haul fleet now and the premium economy and economy bedding due throughout November.
If you're holding Chase, Amex, Capital One, Bilt or Wells Fargo points and want a Club Suite on the upper deck, price the award first and transfer only once the seat is in front of you.
Updated October 6, 2026: Heathrow lounges.
