British Airways drops free food

Marks & Spencer is to become the British Airways short-haul Economy Class catering supplier from January 2017 on Heathrow and Gatwick services.  The London City and very limited Stansted flights will not change until later in the year. Often called “M&S”, the company has a reputation for quality food products.

The airline said it will provide food from the retailer in a new “premium food range”.

The change in the service provided is seen as the first move by new BA managing director Alex Cruz to combat the so-called budget airlines. He said: “We know our customers expect a great experience with British Airways. They’ve told us we are experts in flying and service, but when it comes to catering on short-haul flights, they want to choose from a wider range of premium products.

"Like British Airways, Marks & Spencer is a well-known, premium British brand that is respected and trusted, so it’s an ideal partnership, providing our customers with a choice of products they recognise and value."

Prices will range from £1 for hand-cooked crisps to £4.95 for spiced chicken with quinoa and rice salad. The airline will also offer customers a full bar service with soft drinks priced from £1.50 and alcoholic drinks from £4. Club Europe retains a full complimentary menu.

www.ba.com

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OUR READERS' FINEST WORDS (All times and dates are GMT)

All comments are filtered to exclude any excesses but the Editor does not have to agree with what is being said. 100 words maximum

Alan Dron, London

Utterly baffles me. Free short-haul food and drink is a differentiator from LCCs, so why scrap it? This is the route that US carriers took years ago and they got slated for it.

Henk Heiden,

So, the first step has been taken at BA to have a no-frills 'operation' on short haul in economy class. But, I am afraid that the relatively high prices in BA's economy class will remain. I guess that they will loose quite some passengers on this.

Simon Grigor,

Alex Cruz's comment, dressing this up as responding to customer feedback, is total nonsense. It is of course a means of generating more income. Yes, I know I can still pay for one, but it's sad to see the passing of one of my great flying treats, the gin & tonic to look forward to after a busy day in Europe on the evening flight home.