BA TO INTRODUCE BUY-ONBOARD (BOB) ON SHORT-HAUL?

DATE May 2, 15:26

I would quite happily put a wager on BOB being introduced. I’ve been told by a senior figure that the green light has been given for buy-on-board refreshments for short-haul flights from Heathrow and Gatwick.

openfly May 2,15:54

An interesting prospect and it would be a bold decision by BA. To start buy-on-board would mean an extra crew member per flight to absorb the extra work in collecting money, plus the extra expense that would incur.

MrMichael May 2, 17:44

I’m not sure BOB needs more crew. Iberia has had it in economy for years and I have not noticed extra crew to manage it. I guess fewer people buy, and so there is less to serve. I figure the rumour is likely to be true – it will bring BA into line with the rest of IAG.

rferguson May 2, 18:07

There would be no extra crew overall for BOB but the cost would wipe out any savings – especially on legacy-fleet short-haul.

openfly May 2, 19:55

Flying from London to Amsterdam last week, the crew only managed to serve half the economy cabin. What would happen if they had to collect money as well?

SimonS1 May 2, 20:14

I’ve never understood why airlines bother with catering on a 40-minute flight. On my last Easyjet flight I would say about one in five people bought something, so I’d be surprised if service took any longer than it does now.

Edski777 May 2, 21:35

BA would probably keep their ticket price the same. The difference between BA and Easyjet or Ryanair is quickly disappearing, except for the fact that Ryanair is most likely less expensive.