I went on British Airways' Airbus A320 planes before and after a major transformation. See how the old and new compare.

It also announced an overhaul of its glitchy app and website, a new first-class on the Airbus A380, and free on-board WiFi for loyalty members.

British Airways is spending $9 billion to help make it the world's favorite airline once again after years of slumping popularity

My flight from Edinburgh to London was definitely better than a budget airline, but the plane's interior felt dated.

I flew on a British Airways Airbus A320 for $195. It's definitely better than flying budget, but I can see why the airline is spending $9 billion on upgrades.

2024 was the British flag carrier's first time exhibiting at the Farnborough Airshow.

This jet only entered service on July 19 — three days before the airshow started.

Most European airlines have this setup for short-haul business class. There's slightly more legroom, but the main benefit is the soft product with complimentary food and drinks.

US airlines are starting to take note of this, like Spirit's upcoming "Go Comfy" option.

Maintaining dark colors on the new cabin means it's likely to age better than bright seats.

It looked far more up-to-date, especially with the chevron pattern.

I'm 5-foot-9 and felt a bit cramped when I flew on the old A320. I sat in row 25, where the pitch — the distance between the same spot on a seat and the one in front — is 29 inches, per AeroLopa.

That's an inch less than ultra-low-cost carrier Ryanair.

It's not hugely noticeable, but it adds to the comfort.

Since iPhones now come with USB-C charging cables, these newer ports are becoming more common — improving the passenger experience.

It might seem a minor detail, but the old A320's USB-A ports are between the seats and near the floor.

During my flight, it was a bit irritating when my neighbor had to bend down and lean over to charge his phone. It also looked uncomfortable.

This feature makes a return from the current cabin.

Having been on board, it made me more willing to pay extra to fly short-haul with BA instead of a budget airline, although there aren't many jets with the new cabin yet.

Based on data from Ch-aviation, there are five active A320neos with the new cabin and another 14 on order. The next one is scheduled for delivery in September.

British Airways was named the world's best airline by Skytrax in 2006, but it hasn't reached the same heights since.

Modernization will also come from retrofitting new business-class suites on the Airbus A380.

The new seats are a more tangible improvement, but smaller things like a new app show there's more to come from the $9 billion plan.

I flew on British Airways' Club Suite from New York to London. It's a huge improvement from the carrier's old and cramped business class seat.