Originally Posted by
volar
This route was on sale at £250 return in CE just a couple of weeks ago when I booked. That's incredibly cheap I think, but then BA set the price they want to charge, and regardless of how cheap it is I still expect a meal (and cutlery!).
The seat plan shows 7 rows of CE outbound and 9 rows on the return. Will I get the 'curtailed' service if it's full i.e. 36 pax?
(my bold)
Air fares overall are today at lower levels (in real terms), than they were say, 30 years ago - but that's an irrelevance as far as the unsatisfactory scenario reported by the esteemed OP is concerned. As you say, BA are free to set their charges as they wish ; and we do know that they are making good money even though some (perhaps many) ticket prices might appear 'cheap'.
What IS relevant is that BA also choose to maximise their profits by various cost-saving measures - often in the form of obvious cutbacks. No law against it !
As with so many cases of shoddy standards recounted here by FT-ers, I find myself comparing BA's marketing blurb to actual delivery. Herewith some of the language used to describe what Club Europe customers can expect :
-
our feature-packed UK & Europe business class
- comfort & style
- great-tasting food & refreshments
- the Club Europe menu features irresistible meal options crafted to perfectly match the time and duration of your flight
The above extracts paint a pretty picture, but a caveat that seems to be missing from the official site is this one :
"Please note that for some Club Europe passengers, a meal may not be provided. This can happen either because of incompetence on our own part, or that of our suppliers and sub-contractors ; or because we economise by not loading spare meals to allow for any late bookings and/or upgrades. Cutlery may also be a problem. We ask for your understanding. Do also please be aware that complaints regarding such incidents will not always be dealt with in a sympathetic manner".