British Airways scraps meals on short-haul flights
British Airways (BA) is to scrap its free meals, except breakfast, on short-haul flights in a bid to save £22m a year.
The cost-cutting measure, beginning 3 August, will affect passengers on flights after 10am that last less than two-and-a-half hours. Snacks and drinks will be served instead of a sandwich, but there will be no option to buy food.
A BA spokesman said: "It is not unusual to make small changes to avoid waste and save money where it makes sense and meets customers' changing tastes."
Research conducted by the airline suggested that passengers require more substantial refreshment only two-and-a-half-hours in the air.
According to the BBC, the airline has informed the BA cabin crew union British Airlines Stewards and Stewardesses Association (BASSA) of other money saving measures being considered. These include the removal of chocolates and Jacob's crackers from first class passengers and complimentary packets of pretzels in economy.
While budget airlines have always sold food and drink as optional extras, BA insists it will remain a "full service" airline with passengers flying before 10am continuing to be served breakfast.
Hospitality needs ‘radical' approach to VAT to ride out recession >>
Foliage chef Chris Staines to create menus for Lufthansa >>
BA caterer Gate Gourmet lands celebrity chef >>
By Janie Stamford
E-mail your comments to Janie Stamford here.
Caterersearch.com jobs
Looking for a new job? Find your next job here with Caterersearch.com jobs
|
