British Airways has unveiled catering changes in all classes it views as an interim solution to promote social distancing onboard. First Class will see the most dramatic cutbacks, though mostly in presentation.
Importantly, all food served will be served in disposable, pre-packaged containers. This includes cutlery and glasses. Meals will be catered by Do&Co.
British Airways First Class Catering – Longhaul
Even first class passengers will not be spared from the boxed meal approach. The first service will include a choice of hot entrees served in an economy class-style plastic container and an appetizer, salad, desserts, and other nibbles.
Prior to landing afternoon tea will be offered…again in a box containing sandwiches, scones, and macarons.
All drink selections will still be available, though champagne and wine will be served in single-serving bottles.
British Airways Business Class (ClubWorld) Catering – Longhaul
Business class passengers will receive a single box with a choice of entree, dessert, crackers, cheese, and a bottle of water. Menu choices will include a salad or sandwich.
Breakfast or afternoon tea service before landing will also be served in a single box.
British Airways Premium Economy (World Traveller Plus) + Economy (World Traveler) Catering – Longhaul
Both premium economy and economy class passengers will receive the same meal on longhaul flights. It will include an entree, salad, and dessert. Entree choices may vary and include sandwiches or salads. There will not necessarily be a choice.
Breakfast will include a croissant, pastry, and yogurt.
British Airways Business Class (ClubEurope) Catering – Shorthaul
On short and mid-haul flights, passengers in business class will receive a boxed meal with salad, main course, and dessert.
British Airways Economy Class Catering – Shorthaul
Passengers traveling in economy class will receive a complimentary bottle of water and “snack” (undefined). BA has temporarily suspended its buy-on-board service.
CONCLUSION
British Airways has only served sandwiches onboard…even in first class…the last couple months, so this is a definite improvement. Still, while Lufthansa is going back to normal in-flight meal service, British Airways is taking a much more cautious…and revenue positive…approach.
> Read More: Turkish Airlines Engages in Self-Cannibalism With Catering Cuts
> Read More: Lufthansa Shows Us The Way Forward With Onboard Service
images: British Airways
I fully understand that the Austrian appetizer trolley may make some business class passengers uncomfortable for the near term but these draconian cutbacks seem a little excessive. A cold box lunch (essentially a picnic) for a long haul business class flight is insulting. Fine – serve all at once. OK – even have things prepackaged. But I fail to see how warming up a portion of pasta or chicken increases anyone’s risk. This is cheap – pure and simple. I’m scheduled (fingers crossed) to fly Swiss to Croatia in September and, given my dual citizenship, don’t foresee any border control issues. Thus far Swiss, along with the rest of the Lufthansa Group, has committed to more normal service. If that changes, I’ll happily change my flights to economy and pocket the savings.
I had a choice of BA or QR for my upcoming SIN-YUL flight (using Avios). I’m happy I chose QR and Qsuites.
Even under normal circumstances this would be an easy win for QR… simply no comparison
Shouldn’t that say “enjoy your food” instead of “enjoy your menu”? The latter doesn’t really make any sense…
Why is cutting food choices and limiting service a “revenue positive ” approach?
I see an approach trying to cut cost and maintain profit – but BA may lose the people paying for Business and First to other carriers.. actually a strategy which may lead to less revenue
Completely agree. When we can travel for non-essential reasons again I will definitely be choosing to fly only with those airlines that still offer a competitive soft product in the premium cabins.