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British Airways brings back hot main meals to long-haul flights

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Effective immediately, British Airways has brought back hot main meals to its long-haul flights.

Substantially later than other carriers – Virgin Atlantic has been offering a virtually full meal service in Upper Class for weeks, and Emirates has even reopened its A380 bars – BA has made a move.

The official BA crew guidance has been published on this Facebook page, Inflight With James.

British Airways BA 777X 777 9X

The text says:

The following service changes will be introduced on 25 October 2020 (ex LHR, LGW & America) and on inbound flight from 26 October 2020 (ex Far East, Asia & Caribbean).

There are no changes in First, Club Europe or Euro Traveller.

CLUB WORLD

  • Primary meal service includes a hot meal which will be served on a meal tray with tablecloth for an interim period.
  • Secondary meal service has been replaced with a chilled snack and will be served on a meal tray with tablecloth.
  • On 77M for return catered flights (only), the secondary service will continue to be loaded in a box, due to space availability.

WORLD TRAVELLER & WORLD TRAVELLER PLUS

  • Primary meal service now includes a hot meal which is to be served on a lined half-size meal tray for an interim period.
  • Secondary meal service has been replaced with a chilled snack service to be served in caterer provided box/bag packaging.”

The good news is that, in most cases, the cardboard boxes have gone from long haul, at least for main meals, and that a hot main course will be available.

The bad news, Part 1, is that the pizza slice / toasted sandwich has gone from the second meal to be replaced by a cold snack.

The bad news, Part 2, is that there is no mention of the standard drinks service being resumed, or even the reintroduction of glassware.

Overall, this is still a relatively tawdry offering compared to other airlines, many of which has resumed their usual level of catering. We need to give new CEO Sean Doyle the benefit of the doubt that this was signed off during the Alex Cruz era.


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Comments (45)

This article is closed to new comments. Feel free to ask your question in the HfP forums.

  • Robert says:

    Good news and about time too.

  • Ming The Merciless says:

    … the Alex Cruz era.

  • Andrew says:

    A shame the plastic plates, cutlery and cups continue – seems so puzzling when most other airlines including their LHR neighbour Virgin have reintroduced months ago. Always one step behind…

  • Damien says:

    What’s with the drinks service in club world?

    • Mike says:

      I would be interested to find out what drinks are being served in business class currently

  • Doc says:

    Step in the right direction. But far from satisfactory.

  • Mike says:

    oooh lets hope they are replaced by Waitrose……

  • Mr(s) Entitled says:

    “We proudly launched our buy-on-board catering in 2017 with high street favourite, M&S. After a successful journey, we are headed off on a new flight path. We look forward to announcing our exciting new buy-on-board proposition with a great British brand that customers have told us they love.”

    Sounds like Greggs to me.

    • Anna says:

      “Greggs and Waitrose are in a dog fight” – Waitrose stand no chance against a northern pasty shop in a fight 🤣

    • Andrew (@andrewseftel) says:

      Pret could probably use the trade

  • Jason says:

    So I have just flown LHR to Dubai ….Could anyone please explain to me why in First they are not serving Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle (I was told due to multiple touch of large bottle)
    HOWEVER in Club Europe they are serving bottled water from a large bottle……….
    So does this mean you are unable to transmit Covid through large water bottles however champagne bottles carry the disease?
    Just seems to me like yet another excuse for a cut back?????

    • Anna says:

      What utter rubbish – I assume the water was being served by cabin crew and not just passed round the cabin for everyone to help themselves?!

    • Andrew says:

      That’s exactly what it is Jason – convenient theories for them to save money.

    • TGLoyalty says:

      Pinching any penny they can!

    • Lady London says:

      🙂
      The brass neck of BA is beyond belief.

      Amazing how no one thought of just handing out half-bottles of champagne one per person.

This article is closed to new comments. Feel free to ask your question in the HfP forums.

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