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

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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”.

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

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:

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

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:

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

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):

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

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!


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Comments (73)

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

  • Carole Karp says:

    I flew BA to Catania last week in Club. The meals both ways were inedible – 2 tiny pieces of cheese with a Jacobs Cracker was the only edible offering, they only had 2 bottles of champagne for the 16 passengers in club!

  • Jeff says:

    Ah, yes but on air france you get booze

  • David Bentley says:

    I say bring back the packet of crisps. Hmmm! Das schmeckt gut, mutti

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

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