BA sandwich rip-off
Free snacks out, M&S sarnies in... but you’ll pay more than on ground
BRITISH Airways officially joined the no-frills brigade yesterday as it confirmed it is to drop free snacks in economy class on short-haul flights.
Instead, passengers who fancy a nibble will have to pay for Marks & Spencer sandwiches – but at what the Mail has learnt will be a significant mark-up.
In one case, a roll will cost £1.50 more than on the high street – a 46 per cent leap. Other prices will include £1 for crisps, £3 for a cheese ploughman’s sandwich and £4.75 for a bacon roll.
But if the customer were to buy exactly the same item in an M&S store in the airport terminal they would pay £2.60 for the cheese sandwich, 85p for the crisps and £4 for the bacon roll. It’s cheaper still in M&S’s high street stores.
Last night BA justified the prices by saying every item put on a plane had to be security screened. The decision to do away with free food is a major change for an airline where the service has distinguished it from budget rivals. The move will allow the airline to bring down fares.
At the same time, it will be able to cash in from selling snacks and drinks, where there are big profit margins.
Complimentary food has been a feature of BA’s service ever since it was created in 1974. Passengers in economy on short haul trips are currently given a light snack, such as a bacon roll, and a soft drink. The change in policy follows the arrival of new chief executive Alex Cruz, who previously ran its Spanish budget airline sister company. He said: ‘We know our customers expect a great experience with British Airways. They’ve told us we are experts in flying and service, but when it comes to catering on short haul flights, they want to choose from a wider range of premium products.’
The M&S food will replace free snacks on short haul and domestic flights from Heathrow and Gatwick from January 11 2017 and from London City and Stansted by next summer. Business class customers will continue to be offered a full, complimentary menu.
When rumours of the plan first emerged over the summer there was criticism on social media. One commenter complained: ‘British Airways considering charging for food, seriously? Joining the race to the bottom?’
BA said: ‘We will be slightly more expensive because there are a lot more logistics associated with airline food.’