Sep 29, 2016, 2:55 am
Last edit by: Aus_Mal
This thread is for opinions on the concept of Buy on Board, concerned with the rights or wrongs of the decision to introduce it.
An information thread exists for your questions, particularly if they are on factual matters, here:
Buy on board: Information guide for BA shorthaul economy services
There is a separate thread for experiences, anecdotes, reactions and related comments, which is to be found here:
Buy on board: Experiences and reactions from BA's shorthaul economy services
Useful sub-links
chongcao posted a comparison of other oneworld airlines' BOB prices
Not happy about these changes?
If you have an existing booking, you may be able to complain and get 1000 Avios or cancel for free until 28 days before departure. BA's complaint form.
However, in November 2016, phone calls to BA indicated that "no refunds would be given as food & drinks were complimentary and not part of the T&C."
An information thread exists for your questions, particularly if they are on factual matters, here:
Buy on board: Information guide for BA shorthaul economy services
There is a separate thread for experiences, anecdotes, reactions and related comments, which is to be found here:
Buy on board: Experiences and reactions from BA's shorthaul economy services
Useful sub-links
chongcao posted a comparison of other oneworld airlines' BOB prices
Not happy about these changes?
If you have an existing booking, you may be able to complain and get 1000 Avios or cancel for free until 28 days before departure. BA's complaint form.
However, in November 2016, phone calls to BA indicated that "no refunds would be given as food & drinks were complimentary and not part of the T&C."
Buy on board: Implemented on BA short haul - opinions on the concept
Sep 29, 2016, 2:40 am
#16
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: UK
Programs: BA GGL; Lifetime Gold
Posts: 256
Sep 29, 2016, 2:40 am
#17
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: London
Programs: BA Gold, LH Sen, MUCCI, Junior Jet Club.
Posts: 8,101
Only in BA land could "upgrade" mean taking away something that used to be for free and charging almost £5 for a beef sarnie and £6 for a G&T.
Sep 29, 2016, 2:40 am
#18
Join Date: Dec 2009
Programs: BA Gold Guest List, Concorde Room Card, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 728
£1.80 for a water?
Bye bye, BA. No more short-haul revenue from me.
Bye bye, BA. No more short-haul revenue from me.
Sep 29, 2016, 2:41 am
#19
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: BG
Programs: BAEC Silver, TK Elite, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 827
I wonder how this will effect existing bookings which were sold with drinks and food included?
Sep 29, 2016, 2:41 am
#20
Join Date: Sep 2006
Programs: No more shiny cards -- former LH SEN, SPG Platinum, Flying Blue Platinum, BA Silver
Posts: 704
BA have already updated the catering section of its website:
London Heathrow and London Gatwick
From 11 January, we’re upgrading our food offering in our short haul economy cabins (Euro Traveller and UK Domestic) on flights to and from London Heathrow and London Gatwick.
We’re proud to be partnering with Marks & Spencer, another iconic British brand, to offer you a new 'M&S on board' menu that will replace the complimentary service currently provided. You will be able to select from the seasonally inspired menu and buy your food and drinks in one easy transaction.
M&S on board sample menu
Enjoy delicious sweet and savoury treats from British food favourite Marks & Spencer when travelling in our short haul economy cabins, Euro Traveller and UK Domestic, to and from London Heathrow and London Gatwick.
Here are just some of the exciting food options you can look forward to on board.
Fresh food
Classic Fruit Salad £3.10
Includes pineapple, melon, mango, apple, kiwi and blueberries.
Yogurt with Summer Berry Compote and Crunchy Granola - £1.95
Reduced-fat Greek-style yogurt, blackberry and blackcurrant compote and granola with sunflower and pumpkin seeds.
Mature Cheddar Cheese Ploughman's - £3.00
Farmhouse cheddar cheese with vine-ripened tomatoes, pickle and lettuce on malted brown bread
Aberdeen Angus Beef and Red Onion Chutney Bloomer - £4.75
Soft onion bloomer with Aberdeen Angus beef, red onion chutney and tangy mustard.
Bacon Roll - £4.75
A soft white, buttered roll filled with succulent smoked British bacon. Served hot.
Mozzarella and Tomato Focaccia - £4.75
Buffalo mozzarella, juicy vine-ripened tomatoes and fragrant basil pesto dressing on pesto focaccia. Served hot.
Spiced Chicken with Quinoa and Rice - £4.95
Spiced chicken with quinoa, rice and a smoky tomato salsa.
Savoury snacks
Oriental Snack Mix - £2.00
Sesame-coated roasted cashew nuts, edamame soybeans, and roasted corn with puffed brown rice all with a soy and five-spice seasoning.
Hand Cooked Crisps - £1.00
Salt and Vinegar, or Lightly Sea Salted.
Nut Assortment - £1.60
A selection of almonds, brazil nuts, cashew nuts and hazelnuts.
Wasabi Peas - £1.60
Roasted green peas with a punchy wasabi flavoured coating.
Something sweet
Percy Pig - £1.85
Soft fruit-flavoured gums made with fruit juice…an M&S classic.
Salted Caramel Hazelnut Millionaire Biscuit - £1.45
Made without wheat and deliciously gluten free.
Chocolate Pretzels and Candy Popcorn - £2.45
Milk chocolate-covered toffee popcorn with popping candy pieces.
Super Nut Fruit and Seed Flapjack - £1.45
Soft, chewy all-butter flapjack.
London Heathrow and London Gatwick
From 11 January, we’re upgrading our food offering in our short haul economy cabins (Euro Traveller and UK Domestic) on flights to and from London Heathrow and London Gatwick.
We’re proud to be partnering with Marks & Spencer, another iconic British brand, to offer you a new 'M&S on board' menu that will replace the complimentary service currently provided. You will be able to select from the seasonally inspired menu and buy your food and drinks in one easy transaction.
M&S on board sample menu
Enjoy delicious sweet and savoury treats from British food favourite Marks & Spencer when travelling in our short haul economy cabins, Euro Traveller and UK Domestic, to and from London Heathrow and London Gatwick.
Here are just some of the exciting food options you can look forward to on board.
Fresh food
Classic Fruit Salad £3.10
Includes pineapple, melon, mango, apple, kiwi and blueberries.
Yogurt with Summer Berry Compote and Crunchy Granola - £1.95
Reduced-fat Greek-style yogurt, blackberry and blackcurrant compote and granola with sunflower and pumpkin seeds.
Mature Cheddar Cheese Ploughman's - £3.00
Farmhouse cheddar cheese with vine-ripened tomatoes, pickle and lettuce on malted brown bread
Aberdeen Angus Beef and Red Onion Chutney Bloomer - £4.75
Soft onion bloomer with Aberdeen Angus beef, red onion chutney and tangy mustard.
Bacon Roll - £4.75
A soft white, buttered roll filled with succulent smoked British bacon. Served hot.
Mozzarella and Tomato Focaccia - £4.75
Buffalo mozzarella, juicy vine-ripened tomatoes and fragrant basil pesto dressing on pesto focaccia. Served hot.
Spiced Chicken with Quinoa and Rice - £4.95
Spiced chicken with quinoa, rice and a smoky tomato salsa.
Savoury snacks
Oriental Snack Mix - £2.00
Sesame-coated roasted cashew nuts, edamame soybeans, and roasted corn with puffed brown rice all with a soy and five-spice seasoning.
Hand Cooked Crisps - £1.00
Salt and Vinegar, or Lightly Sea Salted.
Nut Assortment - £1.60
A selection of almonds, brazil nuts, cashew nuts and hazelnuts.
Wasabi Peas - £1.60
Roasted green peas with a punchy wasabi flavoured coating.
Something sweet
Percy Pig - £1.85
Soft fruit-flavoured gums made with fruit juice…an M&S classic.
Salted Caramel Hazelnut Millionaire Biscuit - £1.45
Made without wheat and deliciously gluten free.
Chocolate Pretzels and Candy Popcorn - £2.45
Milk chocolate-covered toffee popcorn with popping candy pieces.
Super Nut Fruit and Seed Flapjack - £1.45
Soft, chewy all-butter flapjack.
Fantastic !!!!!!!!!!!!
Percy Pigs are the best ...........
Sep 29, 2016, 2:42 am
#21
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 8,769
£6 for a G&T. Wonderful. 
Main question though - not answered in the FAQ - is what about existing bookings for flights post January? I am certainly of the view that complimentary food and drink is part of the contract for tickets already bought.
Main question though - not answered in the FAQ - is what about existing bookings for flights post January? I am certainly of the view that complimentary food and drink is part of the contract for tickets already bought.
Sep 29, 2016, 2:42 am
#23
Join Date: Dec 2004
Programs: BA GGL, A3*G, Mucci de l'expertise des Apps
Posts: 3,365
For anyone wondering about Club Europe:
“Club Europe (short-haul business class) customers will continue to be offered a full, complimentary menu, which is being improved and revamped from spring 2017 as part of the changes to short-haul catering. Further details will be released on the changes nearer the time.” ^
“Club Europe (short-haul business class) customers will continue to be offered a full, complimentary menu, which is being improved and revamped from spring 2017 as part of the changes to short-haul catering. Further details will be released on the changes nearer the time.” ^
Sep 29, 2016, 2:43 am
#24
Join Date: Dec 2014
Programs: BAEC (although I might just cut up the card)
Posts: 338
Sep 29, 2016, 2:44 am
#25
Join Date: Nov 2011
Programs: BA Silver
Posts: 1,222
To me for economy that is a catering improvement as I hate BA's food offering as is.
That includes the sorry excuse for a breakfast they currently serve.
£4.75 for a bacon roll is steep, I wonder how that is going to sell on the red eye lol.
That includes the sorry excuse for a breakfast they currently serve.
£4.75 for a bacon roll is steep, I wonder how that is going to sell on the red eye lol.
Sep 29, 2016, 2:45 am
#26
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: Isle of Man
Programs: IHG Platinum Elite, BA Pleb
Posts: 347
Using BA's prices, my G&T and crisps on UK Domestic is worth just under a tenner. I shall wait with baited breath for UK Domestic fares to decrease by a tenner.
Meanwhile, I'll be transferring my business back to Virgin Trains...
Sep 29, 2016, 2:46 am
#27
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: London and Zurich
Programs: AA, BA, Mucci: Sir Roger des Directions Routières, PCR
Posts: 13,609
The info seems to relate to LHR and LGW routes.
Any info on LCY routes?
Any info on LCY routes?
Sep 29, 2016, 2:46 am
#28
Join Date: Dec 2014
Programs: BAEC (although I might just cut up the card)
Posts: 338
Sep 29, 2016, 2:47 am
#30
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: London, U.K.
Programs: bmi British Midland International Diamond Club
Posts: 3,370
What's in it for BA status members?