British Airways has started charging economy passengers for snacks on long-haul flights.
The so called full service airline is said to be charging for items like a biscuit when passengers have a cup tea outside of the main service.
And it’s not just the folk at the back of the plane who have to pay.
Passengers in BA’s Premium Economy Cabin, World Traveller, now have to pay for snack items like Pringles (£1.80) and Maltesers (£3.20).
A BA representative said:
“We are always making changes to what we sell through our inflight retail. We are adding a few additional products that will join our current popular confectionary range.”
The news comes from Simon Caulder, the travel writer from the Independent, who also occasionally writes for the British Airways in flight magazine, High Life.
The latest charges on BA comes as the airline cuts food and drink costs across the board.
Since the summer, long-haul economy passengers have only received two in-flight meals if they are spending at least eight and a half hours in the air.
Economy passengers on shorter long-haul flights like New York, Toronto and Miami only get one meal.
Passengers can pay to have a particular meal. BA says:
For more choice and peace of mind, you can choose and purchase your in-flight meal from our exclusive online menu between 30 days and 24 hours before your flight. This meal option is available on many flights departing from London Heathrow and includes drinks at no extra cost.
If you choose not to order a meal online, we will offer you a complimentary standard meal.
On rare occasions, we may have to change the meal you paid for, in which case we will do our best to serve you a suitable alternative. If that’s not possible, you can claim a refund.
Cutbacks for many years
For many years BA claimed to provide food on short haul flights but that was just a biscuit. And even on a four and a half hour peak time flight it meant a tiny sandwich.
Charges on European flights
From 11 January 2017, BA is charging for a snack in short haul economy cabins (Euro Traveller and UK Domestic) on flights to and from London Heathrow and London Gatwick.
N.B. Image credit: British Airways
