"Enhancements" for August
Jul 22, 2016, 7:40 am
#61
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2002
Programs: Mucci des Hommes Magiques et Magnifiques
Posts: 19,087
The tuck boxes are only on flights over 8.30, these flights retain the second meal, the flights with the "basket of shame" never the tuck box.
Jul 22, 2016, 7:43 am
#62
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: London
Programs: IHG Spire Amb, BA Gold, Hyatt
Posts: 131
This constant downgrading of service in small increments is really horrible for customers. How can you ever know what kind of product and service you'll end up with by the time you fly? I have flights already booked and now wonder how bad will these "enhancements" get by then.
I think the lack of meals in WT/WT+ will definitely be noticed when people are starving at the end of their flights. The changes in CW service aren't as drastic, at this point. But who knows what will be coming next. They're probably just starting slowly to see how much they can push their CW customers.
It's all a deplorable way to deal with customers.
I think the lack of meals in WT/WT+ will definitely be noticed when people are starving at the end of their flights. The changes in CW service aren't as drastic, at this point. But who knows what will be coming next. They're probably just starting slowly to see how much they can push their CW customers.
It's all a deplorable way to deal with customers.
Jul 22, 2016, 7:50 am
#63
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Dubai
Programs: BAEC Gold
Posts: 396
One good thing has happened here...fever tree in all cabins. I don't travel in WT and have done WT+ twice in the last 3 years but for those who do this is a genuine enhancement. Also can't hurt the healthy stock price of fever tree which I have seen a 100% return on in around a year of being a shareholder.
Jul 22, 2016, 7:59 am
#65
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Arizona
Programs: BA (GGL G4L), AA (Gold), HH (Diamond); Marriott (Gold)
Posts: 3,011
The only time recently that I recall not getting my first choice was in AA F. On my recent BA F flight they were definitely short on the popular choice (a very nice seared prawn dish). That said, I'm sure there are some passengers without status that do not end up with their choice.
Jul 22, 2016, 8:24 am
#68
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Provincie Antwerpen, Vlaanderen, België
Programs: MUCCI Gold
Posts: 2,512
BA's staff at least manage to be pleasant even if the rest of their offering isn't so much.
Jul 22, 2016, 8:30 am
#69
Join Date: Oct 2004
Programs: BA Gold
Posts: 1,008
Allegedly the crew walk down the aisle with the 'basket of shame' and offer the passengers "muffin or nuffin" - amused me anyway...
Jul 22, 2016, 8:46 am
#71
Join Date: Jan 2005
Programs: BA Gold, several other less interesting cards...
Posts: 3,712
There was an analyst note released about 18 months ago that picked up on the fact that the ability to squeeze margins any harder without pissing off passengers had been exhausted. The monthly product erosion shows this perfectly - the cuts are now meaningful to passengers.
(Must admit I was a bit surprised when I saw that we had no choice of starter on my CW flight next month, but thought it was a gatwick thing...)
(Must admit I was a bit surprised when I saw that we had no choice of starter on my CW flight next month, but thought it was a gatwick thing...)
Jul 22, 2016, 8:49 am
#72
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: IAD/DCA, USA (MD Suburbs)
Programs: AA Lifetime PLT, HH Diamond, Fairmont RIP, Hertz Plat, BA Gold
Posts: 1,622
I don't even recall getting an Arrival Lounge "invitation" on my last couple of flights (arriving well before noon). We just know to head to the lounge upon arrival.
Jul 22, 2016, 9:12 am
#73
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2002
Programs: Mucci des Hommes Magiques et Magnifiques
Posts: 19,087
Actually they are not an invitation but a information card, entry is by eligible boarding card or status, if you know how to get there you don't need the card.
Jul 22, 2016, 9:14 am
#74
Moderator, Iberia Airlines, Airport Lounges, and Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Feb 2010
Programs: BA Lifetime Gold; Flying Blue Life Platinum; LH Sen.; Hilton Diamond; Kemal Kebabs Prized Customer
Posts: 63,761
On the other hand the changes this time (and last month) in WT/WTP are quite detrimental. If the IFE goes down the food service is pretty much the only thing to look forward too, and I was quite impressed by the effort that went into the design and content of the second meal boxes.
The two things that will make a difference are adverse Customer Voice scores - so make sure you feedback to crew on the afflicted services; also the corporate customers who send their unfortunate staff in WT or WTP: I would hope their account managers will point out to BA that since the service has deteriorated the fare constructs should be reviewed too. A downward spiral none the less.
Jul 22, 2016, 9:17 am
#75
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: London
Posts: 1,503
There was an analyst note released about 18 months ago that picked up on the fact that the ability to squeeze margins any harder without pissing off passengers had been exhausted. The monthly product erosion shows this perfectly - the cuts are now meaningful to passengers.
I just re-read one, focusing on IAG and the North Atlantic long haul market, particularly as it's the most profitable in the world for airlines (across cabins).
It therefore amazes me that BA decided to downgrade their offering in non-premium cabins on these exact routes. One of the most illogical decisions in relation to overall route profitability, especially when faced with new entrant threats from the likes of Norwegian. If passengers feel like they're on an LCC then they might as well be, and benefit from the cheaper price.
Classic bean-counter salami-slice cuts with no reference to the wider/strategic importance to the firm of their most important markets.