A number of British Airways medium-haul flights from London Heathrow which ordinarily operate with BA’s Club World cabin will operate with a Club Europe cabin on selected dates in late January and early February 2019.
No specific reason has been given. However, it’s a safe assumption that aircraft shortages are the cause.
These flights are usually operated with Airbus A321 aircraft with a unique 23 seat business class cabin in an alternating 1-2 and 2-1 configuration. BA has been progressively converting these aircraft into its standard short-haul configuration.
This means that Club passengers will not have the benefit of a fully flat bed with in-flight entertainment. Leg room will be reduced very significantly. The meal service routine will also follow the standard of Club Europe.
Affected passengers do have the option of changing their flight to an alternative date. Moscow does also have an alternative daily flight: BA235 / BA234. However, full or partial refunds are not available.
BA is likely to resist any claims for downgrade compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004.
The disrupted flights are as follows. Note this is subject to change. Affected passengers should contact BA or their travel agent.
Amman
Flight BA147 / BA146 – Thursday 24, Thursday 31 January, Saturday 2 February 2019
Beirut
Flight BA149 / BA148 – Sunday 27 January, Sunday 3 February 2019
Moscow Domodedevo
Flight BA237 / BA236 – Tuesday 22, Tuesday 29 January 2019
Update: Tuesday 11 December 2018
BA has since updated its guidance to advise that Club passengers who travel on a downgraded service will be entitled to claim a proportion of the fare as a refund by request after travel has been completed.
