Hi this is my first post, after being a lurker for sometime.

I think BA should either fully commit to offering good catering whether it be free or has to be purchased (in Y), instead they seem to be sitting on the fence with a half hearted effort consisting of tiny portions of food.

I remember reading that US Airways on their shuttle routes (DCA-LGA-BOS) had at one point a free mini meal box which consisted of a sandwich and a carton of juice and a small snack I believe, I am unable to find a link. It didn't cost the company anything as the snack box had advertisements on them which subsidised the cost of the food. Maybe BA could do something similar by using the box as advertising space and if they can contact companies who are introducing a new range of products they could get a few thousand free samples for these snack boxes. Although they will contain garish advertisements they would be free and if it means an enhanced catering experience at no cost then it seems good. They would be free of charge and could even be given out at at the airport to save the logistics cost for the plane and to save weight.

Just an idea but I think it's worth exploring.