British Airways Eyes Basic Economy Fares
Joe Cortez March 07, 2018
British Airways aircraft taxi on to the runway at Heathrow Airport in west London, Britain, 22 March 2010. New runways at Heathrow and Gatwick are among the options that have been short-listed by the Airports Commission for expanding UK airport capacity, it was reported 17 December 2013. The three short-listed options include adding a third runway at Heathrow, lengthening an existing runway at Heathrow, and a new runway at Gatwick. epa03994008 (FILES) File picture dated 22 March 2010 of EPA/ANDY RAIN
Another international carrier will soon make the move to offer trans-Atlantic “basic economy” fares to flyers. British Airways confirmed they would join American Airlines and other carriers in offering a no-frills fare for the budget traveler. But the details – including the prices and routes – have yet to be determined.
Make room for another player in the trans-Atlantic low-fare competition – this time coming from the oneworld alliance. The Telegraph reports British Airways will add basic economy options to their international flights as soon as April 2018.
In a statement to the newspaper, a spokesperson for the flag carrier acknowledged they would offer “a new long-haul basic economy fare on selected trans-Atlantic routes.” The spokesperson did not elaborate on which routes would be the first to offer the bare-bones fares.
Much like other basic economy options, the new seat class is expected to come with limited amenities. The basic economy tickets will not allow travelers to choose their seat ahead of time, nor will they be allowed to check luggage for free. Their carry-on luggage will also be subject to weight and size limitations. However, British Airways plans on differentiating themselves by offering meals to all flyers in basic economy – something other trans-Atlantic low cost carriers do not offer.
But the ultimate test may be how British Airways compares in price with other international low-cost carriers. The Telegraph predicts a seat in British Airways’ basic economy from of London Heathrow Airport (LHR) to New York could cost up to $584 for early summer travel. That price is less than double of competing Norwegian Air out of London Gatwick Airport (LGW), at a price starting at $368 to New York – but with less amenities.
In the international space, British Airways trails other major carriers to enter the trans-Atlantic basic economy fare race. In December 2017, American Airlines was the first to announce their expansion of basic economy fares to Europe. This was followed by an announcement from Delta Air Lines one month later indicating they would expand basic economy service to Europe with partners Air France and KLM. United Airlines has not yet decided if they will also offer basic economy to Europe, but did acknowledge seat pitch would decrease on certain international flights when they introduce the domestic Boeing 777-200 to global service.
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