BA to Launch Pre-Ordering of Meal Options
Aug 6, 2014, 6:13 am
#61
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Wirral, UK
Programs: BAEC Silver, IHG Gold, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 432
Aug 6, 2014, 6:22 am
#62
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,188
But it seems like BA is only trying to guarantee that all pax will get the choice they want, not like SQ or other airlines where the pax can pre-order something special that may not be on the inflight menu
And it would a shame if they do reduce the number of meals (or choices) onboard just because some pax choose to pre order
And it would a shame if they do reduce the number of meals (or choices) onboard just because some pax choose to pre order
Aug 6, 2014, 6:49 am
#63
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: PHL
Programs: AAdvantage Platinum, Hilton HHonors Diamond
Posts: 1,211
I am a fan of the AA system and I think it would add some value to F and CW for BA.
Charging for WTP is a little tacky. Passengers have already paid a small premium for the cabin. If it is a charge for a better meal than what is currently offered then it could be OK. Since WTP already receives an option of limited CW meals, it would be silly to charge to reserve one of the two options. Maybe they'll open it up to the entire (3-4) CW choices.
Charging for WT could be a good step, if the meal is improved. If it is simply "reserving" chicken or beef, it's a money grab. I guess the back of the plane can run out of economy meal selection but I've never experienced it on any airline yet. Offering more options for WT fares isn't bad, but it should be a free service for WTP, CW, and F IMO.
Charging for WTP is a little tacky. Passengers have already paid a small premium for the cabin. If it is a charge for a better meal than what is currently offered then it could be OK. Since WTP already receives an option of limited CW meals, it would be silly to charge to reserve one of the two options. Maybe they'll open it up to the entire (3-4) CW choices.
Charging for WT could be a good step, if the meal is improved. If it is simply "reserving" chicken or beef, it's a money grab. I guess the back of the plane can run out of economy meal selection but I've never experienced it on any airline yet. Offering more options for WT fares isn't bad, but it should be a free service for WTP, CW, and F IMO.
Aug 6, 2014, 8:52 am
#64
Join Date: May 2009
Location: London
Programs: BAEC
Posts: 2,746
And in my experience the chances of an OpUp from CW to F are negligible. And, if you got to F, surely you'd be happy with anything on the menu ?
Aug 6, 2014, 9:20 am
#65
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: UK
Programs: BA Blue, IC Spire Ambassador
Posts: 5,238
Aug 6, 2014, 9:36 am
#66
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Naples, FL
Posts: 166
As a not too frequent traveler who books WTP and gets upgraded to CW some of the time, what is says to me is 'continue to bring sandwiches'.
Aug 6, 2014, 9:37 am
#67
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Argentina
Posts: 40,230
However the wife is extremely fussy when it comes to food. No fish, mushrooms,spices or sauces shall pass her lips which makes her a ruddy nightmare to travel with.
At least she'll know what she'll get when pre-ordering although there's no guarantee she'll like it.
Aug 6, 2014, 10:02 am
#68
Join Date: Mar 2007
Programs: BAEC Gold, M&M Sen, Delta Skymiles Gold
Posts: 866
In CW, I would never pay extra for food, drink or entertainment. If I pay 3000 or more for a ticket, I expect those things to be included, and of good quality too.
Aug 6, 2014, 11:54 am
#69
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Buckinghamshire
Programs: BAEC Gold Guest List, Hilton Honours Diamond, Accor Gold
Posts: 2,303
I wonder if it will mean I can take off my special meal requirement in my preferences, then I might, for one, be eligible for an OP upgrade 
Aug 6, 2014, 12:50 pm
#70
Join Date: May 2012
Location: London
Programs: BA Gold, HH Diamond
Posts: 663
Aug 6, 2014, 1:16 pm
#71
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: MAN
Programs: MUCCI, BA Blue, IHG Gold
Posts: 1,402
BA, once again, playing catch up
Aug 6, 2014, 1:21 pm
#72
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Alameda, CA, US
Programs: BAEC Gold (GGL/CCR), HHonors Diamond
Posts: 1,346
I wonder how many people actually use the pre-booking options on AA. If you're on business and your PA or corporate travel booker has made the booking will you remember (or even think) to pre book a meal?
Also, I can understand the revenue generation aspect, but why charge for pre-booking a meal in WT/WTP? What's the incentive?
Also, I can understand the revenue generation aspect, but why charge for pre-booking a meal in WT/WTP? What's the incentive?
Aug 7, 2014, 5:43 am
#73
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Carrickfergus, Northern Ireland.
Programs: BAEC, Hilton Gold.
Posts: 23
Article on Business Traveller about this today: http://www.businesstraveller.com/new...ection-service
A BA spokesman told Business Traveller: "We are always looking at ways to enhance our catering and give our customers more choice. We plan to run a trial on a small number of routes, to offer customers travelling in First and Club World the opportunity to pre-select their menu choices in advance of their flight."
They state: "It is thought the trial will take place later this year although no firm dates have been set."
So confirmation that it is happening, but little extra detail!
A BA spokesman told Business Traveller: "We are always looking at ways to enhance our catering and give our customers more choice. We plan to run a trial on a small number of routes, to offer customers travelling in First and Club World the opportunity to pre-select their menu choices in advance of their flight."
They state: "It is thought the trial will take place later this year although no firm dates have been set."
So confirmation that it is happening, but little extra detail!
Aug 7, 2014, 5:56 am
#74
Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club, easyJet and Ryanair
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: UK/Las Vegas
Programs: BA Gold (GGL/CCR)
Posts: 15,946
Article on Business Traveller about this today: http://www.businesstraveller.com/new...ection-service
A BA spokesman told Business Traveller: "We are always looking at ways to enhance our catering and give our customers more choice. We plan to run a trial on a small number of routes, to offer customers travelling in First and Club World the opportunity to pre-select their menu choices in advance of their flight."
They state: "It is thought the trial will take place later this year although no firm dates have been set."
So confirmation that it is happening, but little extra detail!
A BA spokesman told Business Traveller: "We are always looking at ways to enhance our catering and give our customers more choice. We plan to run a trial on a small number of routes, to offer customers travelling in First and Club World the opportunity to pre-select their menu choices in advance of their flight."
They state: "It is thought the trial will take place later this year although no firm dates have been set."
So confirmation that it is happening, but little extra detail!
Aug 7, 2014, 6:39 am
#75
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: London
Programs: BA Gold, Skywards, Hilton Honors and lots of other under-utilised Hotel Schemes
Posts: 321
^+1 - haven't eaten at WTP meal for ages although kind of irksome when you get upgraded at the gate and what to do with your Pret Bag of goodies. A Daily Mail reader would of course be demanding a credit back for the distress of having purchased sarnies and then be unable to consume them