British Airways’ Post COVID-19 In-Flight Service

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British Airways has introduced a modified in-flight service as the airline prepares to rebuild its schedules.

In late March 2020, BA significantly reduced the quantity of catering on board flights.

BA has, from Tuesday 16 June 2020, introduced an interim flight service with dedicated meals for all short and long-haul cabins. The quantity of catering remains reduced, but there is at least some differentiation between cabins.

This is likely to continue to some months. There are other changes to in-flight amenities and procedures. A full list of Frequently Asked Questions is available on ba.com

Details of BA’s current route network across London airports are available here.

BA has also reopened some of its Heathrow lounges from Saturday 4 July.

Flight Procedures

Priority boarding will not be available and passengers will board the aircraft by seat row from the rear of the aircraft.

Passengers are asked to wear a face mask or covering during the flight.

Where possible, passengers are asked to put their hand luggage under the seat in front of them. Where this cannot be done, eg for passengers seated in exit row seats or in Club World, passengers are asked to retrieve the items they need from their hand luggage at the start of the flight.

At the end of the flight, passengers will be asked to disembark the aircraft in small groups.

In-Flight Amenities

BA will provide a “personal protection pack” on flights comprising an antibacterial wipe and hand sanitiser gel.

In-flight amenity kits and bedding will continue to be provided on long-haul flights.

Magazines and newspapers will continue to be unavailable. However, passengers can download electronic magazines through PressReader. This is best done before your flight.

Food & Beverage

The meal service remains truncated to reduce interaction with cabin crew and to avoid the need to prepare dishes on board the aircraft.

Hot meals will only be available in First Class.

Special meals, including children’s meals, are not available. However, a vegetarian choice should be available. Meals cannot be pre-ordered in any cabin.

Alcoholic drinks are now available, except in Euro Traveller. These will be served in miniatures or quarter bottles.

Printed menus will not be provided in any cabin. Where appropriate, cabin crew will explain choices and any allergen information.

BA has released images of sample meal boxes prepared by DO & CO who, since May 2020, provide catering for all BA long-haul flights at London Heathrow. (DO & CO has also won a tender to cater for BA flights at airports in North America). When flights resume at London City and London Gatwick, the meal service should be broadly similar.

Euro Traveller – Short-Haul Economy

The M&S Buy On Board service remains suspended. BA will provide a small refreshment and a bottle of water. Juice and hot drinks are available on request.

Club Europe – Short-Haul Business Class

As priority boarding is not available, BA has assured that the Club Europe overhead lockers will be closed whilst Euro Traveller passengers board the aircraft.

Club Europe passengers will be offered a small meal box, either a breakfast or all day option. A bar service will be available.

World Traveller & World Traveller Plus – Long-Haul Economy & Premium Economy

The same meal service, a breakfast or all day meal box, will be offered across World Traveller and World Traveller Plus with a bar service. There is no differentiated meal service in World Traveller Plus.

Pre-paid “gourmet” meals are not available in World Traveller.

Club World – Long-Haul Business Class

In Club World, passengers will be offered a bar service and either a breakfast or all day meal box.

The self-service “Club Kitchen” will be available with ambient snacks only.

First Class

An la carte menu of hot and cold pre-packaged meals will be available. Loungewear will also be provided.