Short-haul economy snacks: British Airways vs Air France compared!

Two weeks ago, we published a thorough review of the new short haul economy snacks on offer on British Airways. You can now choose between a tiny flapjack or a tiny slice of banana bread.

At the end of my article, I noted that it was better than nothing – “which is what you get on most other major European airlines”.

As some of you noted in the comments, I was wrong. To be fair, I should have known better, having flown Air France in February.

So, on my my recent trip to Paris for the opening of the new Star Alliance lounge, I chose to fly Air France in order to compare what was on offer. (I also love the A220s that Air France now flies to Heathrow, which is like the A350s of single aisle aircraft.)

On my outbound flight at 9am, the offering was comparable to what BA supplies: a 25g packet containing two sables aux amandes almond biscuits:

Size-wise, this is the same as the new banana bread or flapjack. You may also be offered a Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain bar by BA on some morning departures.

On my return flight just after 6pm, things were a little better. Instead of biscuits you get something resembling an actual meal – half a sandwich:

I’ve never had a grilled Mediterranean sandwich before. To be honest, my hopes were not high. It doesn’t even look that good. Rather than spread, the filling is a mushy lump at the centre (click to expand on desktop, it really is something):

The taste test confirms that it doesn’t taste like much of anything.

On both flights I was also given a choice of soft drink, including tea, coffee, water, sparkling water, juice, cola etc. This is a substantial improvement over British Airways, where you only get a mini bottle of water.

So, which is better, BA or Air France? In terms of food, I think it’s fairly even. Whilst the half-sandwich is fine in theory, the execution is rubbish and I saw other passengers leave it uneaten once they saw what it was. How hard is it to offer a sandwich with a filling people actually want to eat?

When it comes to drinks service in short haul economy, however, Air France is in the lead. At least you get a choice!

How to earn Avios from UK credit cards (December 2024)

As a reminder, there are various ways of earning Avios points from UK credit cards.  Many cards also have generous sign-up bonuses!

In February 2022, Barclaycard launched two exciting new Barclaycard Avios Mastercard cards with a bonus of up to 25,000 Avios. You can apply here.

You qualify for the bonus on these cards even if you have a British Airways American Express card:

Barclaycard Avios Plus Mastercard

Get 25,000 Avios for signing up and an upgrade voucher at £10,000 Read our full review

Barclaycard Avios Mastercard

Get 5,000 Avios for signing up and an upgrade voucher at £20,000 Read our full review

There are two official British Airways American Express cards with attractive sign-up bonuses:

British Airways American Express Premium Plus

30,000 Avios and the famous annual 2-4-1 voucher Read our full review

British Airways American Express

5,000 Avios for signing up and an Economy 2-4-1 voucher for spending £15,000 Read our full review

You can also get generous sign-up bonuses by applying for American Express cards which earn Membership Rewards points. These points convert at 1:1 into Avios.

SPECIAL OFFER: Until 14th January 2025, the sign-up bonus on ‘free for a year’ American Express Preferred Rewards Gold is increased to 30,000 Membership Rewards points. This converts into 30,000 Avios. Click here to apply.

SPECIAL OFFER: Until 14th January 2025, the sign-up bonus on The Platinum Card from American Express is increased to 80,000 Membership Rewards points. This converts into 80,000 Avios! The spend requirement is changed to £10,000 in six months for this offer. Click here to apply.

American Express Preferred Rewards Gold

Your best beginner’s card – 30,000 points, FREE for a year & four airport lounge passes Read our full review

The Platinum Card from American Express

Huge 80,000 bonus points and great travel benefits – for a large fee Read our full review

Run your own business?

We recommend Capital on Tap for limited companies. You earn 1 Avios per £1 which is impressive for a Visa card, along with a sign-up bonus worth 10,500 Avios.

Capital on Tap Business Rewards Visa

10,500 points (=10,500 Avios) and NO FX fees Read our full review

Capital on Tap Pro Visa

10,500 points (=10,500 Avios) plus good benefits Read our full review

There is also a British Airways American Express card for small businesses:

British Airways American Express Accelerating Business

30,000 Avios sign-up bonus – plus annual bonuses of up to 30,000 Avios Read our full review

There are also generous bonuses on the two American Express Business cards, with the points converting at 1:1 into Avios. These cards are open to sole traders as well as limited companies.

American Express Business Platinum

50,000 points when you sign-up and an annual £200 Amex Travel credit Read our full review

American Express Business Gold

20,000 points sign-up bonus and FREE for a year Read our full review

Click here to read our detailed summary of all UK credit cards which earn Avios. This includes both personal and small business cards.