Biggest Bedroom in the Sky Comes to Tampa International Airport Exclusive Tampa Introductory Sale Offers Significant Savings of over 76% TAMPA, Fla., April 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The biggest bedroom in the sky officially has come to Tampa International Airport as British Airways has launched its Club World business class product on its Tampa/London route, making the British carrier the only airline flying the route offering a revolutionary new seat which converts to a fully flat 180 degree, six foot-long bed. And to make the Club World flat beds instantly attractive in the Tampa Bay marketplace, British Airways is offering a $999 one-way Club World introductory fare ($1,998 roundtrip), knocking 76 percent off the normal $8,454 roundtrip fare. The sale price will be available through midnight (EDT), Saturday, April 23. At the same time, Tampa also will receive a new class of travel for economy passengers called 'World Traveller Plus," tailored to the needs of long-haul customers who want added comfort at an affordable premium price between business class and economy. World Traveller Plus features a comfortable 38-inch pitch seat in a separate cabin aboard all longhaul B777 aircraft. "British Airways is delighted to offer our Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater passengers these unique new products. The flat beds have proven to be extremely popular with our business class customers and we are confident our customers will enjoy the comfort and privacy of Club World," said Derrick Surratt, Director of Sales Southeast USA for British Airways." The aircraft configuration permits us to provide more capacity and to match market demand for all cabins. If the success of the flat beds in other markets is any indication, this is a win-win situation for Tampa." World Traveller Plus seats to London also will be on sale priced at $249 one-way ($498 roundtrip) -- a savings of 78 percent off the regular $2272 roundtrip fare. All airfares will be subject to government fees and taxes and a $2.50 September 11th security charge. Both the Club World and World Traveller Plus offers are exclusive to Tampa departures and must include a minimum stay of one Saturday night; maximum stay is 12 months with travel commencing on or after June 12. British Airways serves Tampa International Airport five times a week with the Boeing 777 with 40 Club World, 24 World Traveller Plus and 218 World traveller (economy) class. On the no operation days, Mondays and Wednesdays, alternative flights via Chicago to London are available on British Airways flights that also feature Club World and World Traveller Plus. The daily eastbound flight, BA2166, departs each evening at 5:45 p.m. and arrives at London's Gatwick Airport at 7 a.m., the following morning. The return westbound service, BA2167, departs Gatwick everyday except Monday and Wednesday at 11:25 a.m. and arrives at Tampa at 3:45 p.m., the same afternoon. British Airways was the first carrier to offer a seat that converts to a fully flat bed for business class travellers. Club World has won the endorsement of customers generating loyalty and driving improved customer satisfaction. The flat bed has won a host of accolades from both the design and travel industry, including the prestigious Grand Prix at the International Design Effectiveness Awards and the Marketing Society's Award for Innovation. British Airways is one of the world's largest airlines carrying more international passengers between countries around the world. Further information on fares, flight schedules and British Airways Holiday packages is available from local travel agents, by calling the airline at 1 800 AIRWAYS, or by visiting British Airways' website, http://www.britishairways.com/. Travel agents also may access information at http://www.batraveltrade.com/ . Notes to Editor: * More than 200 million pounds was spent to create the unique Club World "lounge in the sky" giving passengers a personal and private space of their own. The new product was developed following extensive customer research and sleep studies with ergonomic experts. Customers said they wanted real sleep, comfort, space, privacy, flexibility and the ability to maximize their time. * The seat was designed by leading UK-based design agency Tangerine, working with a team from British Airways spanning Marketing, Engineering and Cabin Services. British Airways also brought in a series of external experts to contribute to its development. The list included independent ergonomists, the Royal Air Force, and NASA scientists. New Club World features include: * Fully flat bed/adjustable footstool - The first business class to feature a six-foot completely flat bed, with an equivalent seat pitch of 73 inches. Unique footstool allows customers to really stretch their legs out and relax. The footstool is fully adjustable in height and on a pivot. * Armchair-like support - The ergonomically designed seat is fully electronic with integrated lumbar support and can adopt any recline position between fully upright and completely flat. It has a fully adjustable headrest with 'ears' to provide support. * Lounge in the Sky: - "Lounge in the sky" environment; with seats no longer configured in standard rows, the innovative layout maximizes personal space and privacy and provides a more relaxed and home-like feel in the cabin. Less seats in each cabin means 30 per cent more personal space overall. * Greater in-flight entertainment choice - A choice of up to 18 channels of film and TV with a larger adjustable 8.4 inch screen for easy viewing, as well as 12 channels of CD quality audio. * Inflight Dining - Features new classic white china, colored glasswear and simpler, better quality food - low carbohydrate meals and salads prepared fresh from the galley. Raid the larder service also is available offering 'help yourself' treats and snacks. * Well Being, in partnership with Molton Brown of London - Club World customers departing or arriving at London's Heathrow can take advantage of a unique range of complimentary beauty and spa treatments at the exclusive Molton Brown Travel Spa. Inflight Molton Brown travel kits, contain products which are designed to refresh and rehydrate during and after the flight. * Business amenities - In seat laptop power points and telephones to give one the opportunity to work and stay in touch during the flight. * Two-piece hand baggage allowance - To suit business needs, the hand baggage allowance has been doubled to two pieces up to 18kg (39 lbs.) total. More space has been created in newly designed overhead and sidebins. Wardrobe space has been doubled. * New Departure Lounges - British Airways' unique 'Terraces' concept is steadily being introduced at more departure lounges worldwide. The inspiration for the Terraces came from the recognition that customers want to use an airline lounge in different ways, at different times. * Arrivals Lounges - Complete the Club World experience with a visit to British Airways' Arrivals Lounge at London Heathrow; it's the ideal place in which to refresh oneself after the long flight. Here one can take a shower, get a bite to eat, make those urgent calls or simply relax. The Arrivals Lounge also offers a Molton Brown Travel Spa and valet suit pressing service. World Traveller Plus * The introduction of "World Traveller Plus" followed extensive research which showed that customers wanted greater comfort and quality at an affordable premium. These premium economy travelers are one of the fastest growing market segments. * Key elements of "World Traveller Plus," is supported by a training program for more than 10,000 staff, include: * A dedicated cabin with new interiors to set it apart from World Traveller, in rows of 2-4-2 configuration offering up to 40 seats on each flight. * New wider seat with greater legroom - 38 inch pitch (compared to 31 inch for World Traveller), with fully adjustable headrest, foot rest and lumbar support. * In-seat power and telephones giving passengers the opportunity to work. * Double hand baggage allowance - two-piece allowance up to 12 kg (26 lbs) maximum or 6 kg (13 lbs) per piece, double the World Traveller allowance. * Seat back entertainment - 12 channels of entertainment offering the latest blockbuster films, comedy, drama and news programs. DATASOURCE: British Airways CONTACT: John Lampl, +1-347-418-4729, for British Airways Web site: http://www.britishairways.com/ http://www.batraveltrade.com/

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