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Everyone dreams of getting upgraded at the gate and enjoying something other than economy. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime stroke of luck, but to be upgraded on your first international flight? That is something of a miracle. In an interview with Simple Flying, passenger Austin Dean told us what happened to him in the summer of 2024 on his first-ever long-haul flight from Austin, Texas, to London, UK.
Austin was traveling to visit his then-girlfriend, now his wife, to stay with her family for a few weeks. He was traveling in economy class, as that was what his budget allowed, and it was his first-ever long-haul flight. He was excited about the trip and was patiently awaiting boarding at the gate at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, when the very unexpected happened.
Unforgettable Flight Experience
Austin says that he was called to the gate for a document check, which he thought was strange. He was not concerned as he had shown his documents at check-in and received his boarding pass before going through security. So he went to the desk and handed over his passport, and the gate agent told him there had been a seat change. They informed him that he had been upgraded to Premium Economy. He was shocked and excited that his first international flight with 
British Airways was upgraded, despite having no status with them.
Upgrades are quite rare and are often given only to those with high loyalty status, when the flight is overbooked, or when a paid upgrade is available. These are normally reserved for elite status members, although paid upgrades are sometimes offered to passengers 48 hours before departure. Some airlines offer bid upgrades as an alternative.
Check-in or gate upgrades are often due to operational reasons and are last-minute when economy class is overbooked and there are seats in business class, though these are often given to passengers with high loyalty status. So, indeed, Austin was very lucky to get upgraded on his first long-haul international flight and enjoy the experience.
Stand Out Moments
Simple Flying asked Austin what stood out most about flying in Premium Economy on the A350 with British Airways and how it compared to economy. As it was his first long-haul flight, he’d done some research prior to the flight. He expected that the economy seat would be ‘tight’ but more spacious than seats found on domestic flights. Of the British Airways Premium Economy seat, he said:
“When I reached the Premium Economy seat, I was immediately impressed by the seat size and incredible legroom. The pre-takeoff drinks and hot towel stood out to me, and the quicker meal service allowed me to settle into the long flight sooner, which I really appreciated.”
Since that first trip, Austin has flown between Austin and London multiple times. Simple Flying asked him to describe his overall experience with British Airways. He explained that his overall experience with British Airways has been very enjoyable and that he had never had anything happen that he would consider a negative experience.
He said that all his flights had been good and both the staff at the gate and onboard the aircraft had been great. He also mentioned that he had consistently chosen to fly with British Airways out of Austin. Even when comparing the likes of flying 
American Airlines out of Dallas or 
United Airlines out of Houston and considering the price, he still chose the British Airways flight out of Austin.
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Flying On The Airbus A350
In the interview, Austin mentions that the Airbus A350 has become his favorite aircraft. Simple Flying asked him what stood out about the A350 experience. He said: “The A350 is a stylish and eye-catching aircraft. As an amateur plane enthusiast, I get excited every time I see one.” He liked the winglets, the size of the aircraft, and how comfortable it was.
” I flew on one again this past December and was struck by how quiet and smooth the flight was—it almost didn’t feel like I was sitting 35,000 feet in the air. The engineering behind the design and engines really sets it apart in my opinion.”
The Airbus A350 is a long-range, twin-engine widebody airliner designed for high efficiency and passenger comfort. The A350 is built with over 70% advanced materials, such as titanium, and has a carbon-fiber fuselage. It has Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines, which reduce fuel burn by up to 25%. It features a 3-3-3 configuration in economy, and the cockpit has advanced fly-by-wire touchscreen avionics. There are two variants: the A350-900 and the A350-1000.
Austin explained that his flights on the A350 had given him a deeper understanding of what long-haul pilots and flight attendants go through, particularly the toll it takes on the body clock and managing jet lag. In the cabin, humidity is higher, cabin pressure altitude is lower, and it is significantly quieter, reducing passenger and crew fatigue.
“Since then, I’ve flown between Austin and London several times and have consistently enjoyed British Airways’ service. The Airbus A350 has also quickly become my favorite aircraft to fly on.”
British Airways History With Austin
On March 3, 2024, British Airways celebrated a decade of direct flights between Austin and 
London Heathrow Airport. Since then, they have flown more than 1.25 million passengers on the route on the Airbus A350. The airline has a joint partnership with American Airlines and has grown its capacity in the market by 50% since the first year of operations.
During the celebrations that marked the anniversary, the first officer on the A350 was named Austin. The airline partnered with local barbecue joint Franklin Barbecue to produce a limited-edition sauce to gift to premium passengers on the route. There was also a Texan-inspired barbecue menu onboard. Celebrations were also held at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport featuring live music, giveaways, and speeches.
British Airways flies direct to London from 26 cities in the United States and launched the Austin route on March 3, 2014. The route is served by the Airbus A350, one of the newest and most sustainable aircraft. It features the Club Suite in the business class cabin. The A350 is one of the largest aircraft in the British Airways fleet with 331 seats, including 56 Club Suites and 56 Premium Economy seats.
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Features of Premium Economy
British Airways Premium Economy Class is called World Traveller Plus, and the cabin is quieter, more spacious, and more exclusive than their economy cabin. The seats are wider, and there is more legroom, and there is access to in-seat power. There is greater recline, lumbar support, and foot and head rests. There is a quilt and a cushion for personal comfort.
The inflight entertainment comes with noise-canceling headphones, and there is high-speed WiFi on most flights, free to British Airways Club members. There is access to Paramount+ with movies, music, games and audiobooks. There is more baggage allowance for World Traveller Plus passengers and priority boarding.
Two meals and complimentary bar service are included, as is the amenity kit, made from recycled plastic bottles. This includes lip balm, an eye mask, a pen, socks, and a dental kit. Earplugs are available on request. Sparkling wine is served after takeoff, and soft drinks and alcoholic drinks are available, along with snacks.
The Unexpectedness Of Flying
Austin says that he looks at flying the same way he looks at life, that sometimes things are in your control and sometimes they are not. Sometimes unexpected things happen that are exciting, like an upgrade, and other times things don’t go as planned, like cancellations. The upgrade was such a surprise, and he describes it as “An unforgettable flight experience.”
He speaks highly of the Premium Economy seat and the service, both on the ground and in the air. Austin has since flown the same route from Austin to London numerous times with British Airways and says, “Flying like life is a journey.” The trip for Austin had a lot of personal significance and meant a great deal to him, especially since it was his first long-haul flight.
” I was traveling abroad for the first time and meeting my now wife’s family for the first time. That trip sparked a greater appreciation for travel, new cultures, and new experiences. I think about that trip often, and I know it’s something I’ll remember for many years, especially as I continue traveling back to London to visit family.”
Simple Flying also interviewed another lucky passenger who was upgraded from Premium Economy to Business Class on a Cathay Pacific flight from London Heathrow Airport bound for Hong Kong in December 2024. Krish Khemany was upgraded after two last-minute premium economy bookings were made just before check-in closed. He was the second-highest-ranked flyer that day for upgrade eligibility, although he was only a Silver member at the time.
