British Airways has (finally) restored hot meals in all cabins on longahul flights…but think economy class, even if you are traveling in business class. It appears the pre-arrival service will be reduced, though.
British Airways Brings Hot Meals Back To All Cabins On Longhaul Flights
For months, meal service on British Airways included a cold salad or sandwich in business, premium economy, and economy class on lonahgaul flights. First class did receive a “hot” meal, though by all accounts it was the sort of “chicken or beef” meals that have been historical staples of economy class.
British Airways blamed the pandemic for cutbacks, stating such cutbacks were necessary to protect the health of passengers and cabin crew. Meanwhile, Lufthansa had no trouble continuing full meal service without any outbreaks onboard.
But while the financial situation isn’t any rosier for British Airways, the competitive pressures have forced a small but important upgrade in meal service…hopefully.
Hot meals have returned in every cabin according to Inflight With James. First class meal service will remain unchanged but business, premium economy, and economy class will receive what will likely be an identical choice of hot meals. Tablecloths will also return to business class.
A “chilled snack” will be served prior to arrival, which appears to represent a cutback (the reason I said hopefully above). Up until last weekend, business class received afternoon tea prior to landing which included sandwiches, scones, macarons, and jam. A pre-arrival meal now will now include a sandwich, water bottle, packaged cookies, and Kit Kat bar.
Does It Really Matter?
We write about meal service often on Live and Let’s Fly, because our historic focus has been on airline soft product. But does it really matter?
Of course, it depends upon you ask. But for what’s it worth, my own clients have have been very clear in expressing a preference for airlines which have not drastically cut back in-flight service.
That’s not because they unnecessarily wish to endanger their own safety and that of flight attendants, but because there is no material difference in safety whether a multi-course hot meal or a cold meal is served on a tray.
CONCLUSION
British Airways is restoring hot meal service in all cabins on longhaul flights. The pre-arrival meal will be cutback to compensate. While I tend to like airline food no matter the cabin, I cynically tend to think this is about depleting a surplus of hot meals more than elevating service standards. But I’m not complaining!
image: British Airways
Why even still fly with BA?
Looking at the picture, Does the, ENJOY YOUR MENU! need an … or else? Edible menus?
Always nice to have a hot meal keeping up close and personal company with a cold bottle of water.
In BA F next week, long haul. Can’t say I’m looking forward to it.
Please report back on what was served. There are very few data points. Enjoy your flight!
I’ve always thought it ridiculous, and even more so coming from a British company. It really should say “enjoy your meal”.
Well, the meal pictured looks about as good as can be expected, at least for now…and infinitely better than those radio-active looking/sounding sandwiches on the domestic flight the other day
Hopefully Turkish will follow shortly. Took them on Friday and the cold meal was disgusting.
I can confirm this. In Economy last night on BA269 I was served a hot meal on a tray like the olden times. The pre-landing brown bag mini sandwich, kit Kat and water bottle was the same.