British Airways has introduced a trial that removes hot breakfasts from its premium Club Europe service on select short-haul domestic routes from Heathrow. Passengers are now being served a continental breakfast, including a fruit plate and pastry, instead of the traditional eggs, bacon, and sausages. The airline cites challenges in comfortably heating and serving hot meals on very short journeys as the reason for the change, based on customer and crew feedback.
Key Takeaways
- British Airways is trialling the removal of hot breakfasts for its Club Europe business class on some short-haul routes.
- Passengers now receive a continental breakfast, such as fruit and pastries.
- The airline states the change is due to practical difficulties on short flights.
- The move has drawn criticism from customers, who accuse BA of cost-cutting and devaluing the premium product.
- This follows a previous U-turn by BA on similar meal changes for long-haul flights.
Trial Details and Customer Reaction
The airline, which previously advertised a "full British breakfast" for its short-haul business class, is now offering a fruit plate and a "raspberry super bowl" with a pastry on the affected routes. Economy passengers continue to receive a bottle of water and a small snack. The changes are reportedly limited to only five routes departing from Heathrow.
This latest move has sparked accusations of cost-cutting from passengers, particularly as British Airways recently reported a healthy operating profit margin of 11.7 per cent. Comments on aviation forums suggest a feeling of disappointment, with one user stating, "Total removal of choice, cheaper option, and yet more devaluation of the Club product." Another expressed that a hot breakfast was a favoured meal and expected from a "British Airways."
Airline’s Explanation and Other Trials
A spokesperson for British Airways explained that the trial is a response to feedback, noting that it has become increasingly challenging to heat and serve hot breakfasts comfortably on very short journeys. They emphasized that the hot breakfast option will continue to be offered on the majority of short-haul flights where there is sufficient time for preparation and enjoyment.
In addition to the breakfast trial, the airline is also reportedly introducing a "Ploughman’s Tea concept" on some slightly longer flights. This new offering is described as more substantial, featuring deli-style savoury bites, cured meats, cheeses, and a scone with clotted cream and jam, aiming to showcase originality and British provenance. Furthermore, British Airways is trialling the removal of water bottles from in-flight drink services as part of efforts to reduce plastic waste, with economy passengers on certain long-haul routes to the US now receiving cups of water instead of bottles.
