I ditched budget airlines and flew for $90 with British Airways, and I’d definitely choose a flag carrying airline again

A collage of Insider’s Sam Tabahriti drinking a mimosa and a view outside the plane in the air.

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• I flew for $90 with British Airways from London’s Heathrow Airport to Basel, Switzerland.
• The flight itself was smooth, though I did have to wait a while to get a drink on the plane.
• I was scared my flight would be canceled amid the current chaos, but it went ahead. 

For many years, British Airways called itself the world’s favorite airline, though according to the World Airline Awards, Qatar Airways is actually the best of the best.A British Airways’ plane.

Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Used to flying with low-cost airlines such as Ryanair or Easyjet, I thought I would change for once and try British Airways thanks to a low cost ticket on a route from London to Basel, Switzerland.A monitor showing the flight’s announcement.

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On most low-cost airlines, tickets are very cheap but do not include any luggage. Oftentimes, you’re only allowed to take a backpack or handbag for free, and you must pay a supplement to add small cabin luggage.A suitcase.

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But with BA you are allowed small cabin luggage and a handbag or backpack that should fit under the seat in front of you.A screengrab of BA’s baggage allowance.

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My seat was automatically allocated to number 17 when I checked in through the BA app. The process was very easy and straightforward.A selfie of Insider’s Sam Tabahriti.

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Apart from the first few rows at the front of the aircraft, all seats are the same and have similar legroom.A view of the number of the seat.

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It’s not too spacious, but it sure is enough for a short journey. My seat did feel different from the others I am used to on other airlines — it felt a bit more secure.The legroom from my seat.

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BA has a grouping system when embarking. Each passenger is allocated to a group – from group 1 to group 9.A view of the plane from my seat.

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Group 1 includes first-class passengers and business passengers, those who are executive club gold members, and Oneworld Emerald members.A British Airways priority baggage label and First Class label on a suitcase.

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When I boarded the flight, there was plenty of space in the overhead locker above the seats. I was even allowed to leave my backpack there instead of putting it under the seat in front of me.The shelf bin.

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Once everybody boarded the plane, the crew was quick to announce they were about to demonstrate the safety rules: “Please, pay attention as it may differ from other airlines,” the lead member said.The crew demonstrating the safety rules.

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The journey was pleasant and easy. At one point, I looked outside and the light was outstanding. There’s something indescribable about this view.The sunlight hitting one of the plane’s wings.

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While the flight itself was smooth, I did have to wait a while for a drink after ordering. I was eventually given a bottle of Prosecco and orange juice to make mimosas after I reminded the staff that I was waiting.Picture showing a bottle of Prosecco, orange juice, and flat water.

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I took full advantage of it and it made about three glasses (due to the small plastic cup they hand out). I also did not know they offered a pack of potato chips and a bottle of water – which helped after drinking the Prosecco.A selfie of Insider’s Sam Tabahriti drinking a free mimosa.

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As soon as we landed and got the clear to leave, people rushed to their luggage. I never quite understand why people feel rushed to get out.People rushing to get their luggage as we landed.

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I always thought BA was one of those pricey airlines but it turns out, it isn’t. When you total the price of the ticket and added luggage on other airlines, for this route, it was neck and neck.Heathrow airport Terminal 4.

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Before I got to the airport, I was slightly concerned my flight would be canceled amid the chaos impacting international travel in recent weeks. My flight had already been canceled once, but I was given an earlier flight with two-week notices, which gave plenty of time to decide whether to jump on the new flight.People queuing to check-in at Heathrow Terminal 5 as travellers embarking on overseas trips faced chaos as flights were cancelled and cross-Channel rail services were hit by major delays

Steve Parsons/PA Images via Getty Images

Overall, I enjoyed my flight with BA and would definitely fly again with it — and if I am lucky enough, I might get another chance to make mimosas next time.Outside the airplane during the flight.

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