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British Airways announces new cuts to in-flight service

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In what is becoming a regular monthly announcement, British Airways has announced a new raft of service changes.  Most of these will, I believe, kick in from 1st July although some may take a little longer to materialise.  All cabins are impacted, even First Class.

This is what I understand to be happening, based on comments at Flyertalk and from emails from HfP readers who work for BA.

BA A380

First Class

Amuse bouche to be removed from the meal service

Blanket removed from day flights, provided only on request

Club World

Changes to Club Kitchen stocking (this is not necessarily a backwards step based on what I saw, but it seems that there will be a move to even more ambient – ie chocolate bar – stuff and away from more expensive fresh items)

World Traveller Plus

The second meal is to be removed on shorter routes, to be replaced by the opportunity to take something from a basket of ambient snacks passed around by the crew

Pretzels, cheese and biscuits to be removed entirely

World Traveller

The second meal is to be removed on shorter and medium length routes, to be replaced by the opportunity to take something from a basket of ambient snacks passed around by the crew

The bottle of water will be replaced by a small plastic cup of water

Pretzels, cheese and biscuits to be removed entirely

Toothbrushes and toothpaste will no longer be provided but they will be available on request

Something for everyone to look forward to over the Summer, whatever cabin you fly, I’m sure you’ll agree.


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Comments (114)

This article is closed to new comments. Feel free to ask your question in the HfP forums.

  • James says:

    OT but all customer services are closed on a Sunday.

    BA Amex premium delayed baggage cover. Is it a flat £750 compensation or up to £750? BA have lost my bag and there’s no sign of it showing up in the next few days. Need clean/any clothes

    • Rob says:

      Isn’t the doc on the application website? Guessing it is up to £750 and you will need to pay on your Amex.

  • Zander says:

    It really makes me wonder whether BA is worth it anymore, you’d get better service on Ryan Air now.

    • Anthony Duke says:

      Haha! Seriously! pmpl. Has your flight ever been cancelled with Ryanair? nothing, nowt, in return at least BA give you food and a Hotel, oh and a network to Longhaul Destinations. As regular Business class passenger on BA, I can verify that the difference is in comparison, by the way the food and drink on all BA is complimentary, you pay for the seat everything else is just a nicety, just bring your own food on, like I do, saves the hassle of empty complaints.

  • MarkC says:

    Why don’t they just introduce BoB in economy and get it over and done with – at least we’d know where they stand. If I travel economy I find it so confusing trying to find out what, if any, food I’ll get that I usually get something in the terminal to take onboard if I think I’ll want anything to eat – As for the water issue – I always take a small (250ml) empty bottle with me, (lid removed and packed elsewhere in my hand luggage so security can’t take it of me) and fill it up on the plane or in the lounge / terminal food outlet etc, as I need it for taking medication. I also keep and re-fill the 50ml empty gin miniatures and take some in my liquids bag, as a backup to when BA’s bar runs out which has happened recently – in CE! Alas, the tonic, ice & lemon is a challenge too far so I still have to go without a G & T occasionally! As a last resort, I would even fill miniatures with water. Anyone else got any other tips like this? Anyone else do this sort of thing? You can’t always beat the system, but it does give me some satisfaction that I don’t have to pay inflated prices for bottled water in the terminal!

    • Gavin says:

      I use a hard plastic bottle which I fill with water at a water fountain. Not so good at Greek airports with no water fountains though!

    • Darius says:

      Yeah my top advice to you : get a life and stop being such WUSS !!

  • edward says:

    OT: is your review of the Eurostar e320 trains still coming up?

    • Rob says:

      Yes, sorry, was in New York last week which knocked me off schedule. Need to do it before the NY stuff can run.

  • uk1 says:

    Well, my bouche is no longer amused!

  • therealCruz says:

    Ferme ta gueule avec les amuse-gueule!

    Whattsamatter you, you gotta no respect, yousa gettin’ tapas and cava, armada insist on that, gettit!!!?

  • Planeflyer says:

    All the “enhancements” are pretty bad, but I think that the toothbrushes in Y do then to just go in the bin. I think stocking them in a drawer in the bathroom would create a LOT less waste.

    The lack of water bottles is a big negative. 🙁

    • Rob says:

      To be fair, Emirates don’t even do wash bags in J on day flights. You can take what you want from the bathroom.

  • sts603 says:

    Why is the blanket removed from F but not J?

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