Sep 29, 2016, 2:55 am

FlyerTalk Forums Expert How-Tos and Guides

Last edit by: Aus_Mal

This thread is for opinions on the concept of Buy on Board, concerned with the rights or wrongs of the decision to introduce it.

An information thread exists for your questions, particularly if they are on factual matters, here:
Buy on board: Information guide for BA shorthaul economy services

There is a separate thread for experiences, anecdotes, reactions and related comments, which is to be found here:
Buy on board: Experiences and reactions from BA's shorthaul economy services

Useful sub-links
chongcao posted a comparison of other oneworld airlines' BOB prices

Not happy about these changes?
If you have an existing booking, you may be able to complain and get 1000 Avios or cancel for free until 28 days before departure. BA's complaint form.

However, in November 2016, phone calls to BA indicated that "no refunds would be given as food & drinks were complimentary and not part of the T&C."

Buy on board: Implemented on BA short haul - opinions on the concept

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Oct 15, 2016, 4:58 am

#1516

aceman

Join Date: Apr 2006

Location: London

Programs: BA bronze, Hertz pres circle, Marriott Platinum, hilton diamond

Posts: 2,537

has anyone else had CC imploring them to write in about this change? ones that I've spoken seem quite mortified about the whole thing

Oct 15, 2016, 5:00 am

#1517

flashware

Join Date: Jan 2007

Posts: 4,709

Quote:

Originally Posted by aceman

has anyone else had CC imploring them to write in about this change? ones that I've spoken seem quite mortified about the whole thing

Because of the abuse they know they'll cop, no doubt. Admittedly the FA's will have it much worse

Oct 15, 2016, 7:08 am

#1518

highpeaklad

Join Date: Jun 2006

Location: UK, Peak District near MAN

Programs: BA- blue, BD,DL

Posts: 2,027

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bluebirdnick

. Even in economy you can sit back, relax and enjoy a g&t whilst watching the world pass by out of the window.

That probably cost BA tuppence but I valued it at pounds.

You won't mind paying pounds for it then.

Last edited by highpeaklad; Oct 15, 2016 at 7:15 am

Oct 15, 2016, 8:09 am

#1519

Lioneye

Join Date: Jan 2012

Location: London

Programs: BA BLUE BADGE

Posts: 1,323

Quote:

Originally Posted by cme17

Very helpful agent allowed me to cancel my BA holiday flight with full refund. Excellent service and no waiting on getting the call answered.

Can anyone confirm if the refunds include seat fees? I will be cancelling May flights next week and have paid for exit seats x2 both ways.

Oct 15, 2016, 8:45 am

#1520

simons1

Join Date: May 2013

Posts: 6,349

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lioneye

Can anyone confirm if the refunds include seat fees? I will be cancelling May flights next week and have paid for exit seats x2 both ways.

Surely any seat costs will be included. Although I suppose you can't rule out some stunt. Maybe some bonus form filling.

Oct 15, 2016, 10:00 am

#1521

cme17

Join Date: Aug 2009

Location: London

Programs: BA Gold, SPG Gold, Club Carlson Gold, Hilton Gold, Priority Club Platinum, Best Western Diamond

Posts: 444

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lioneye

Can anyone confirm if the refunds include seat fees? I will be cancelling May flights next week and have paid for exit seats x2 both ways.

My seat selection was free so afraid I don't know the answer to your question.

Oct 15, 2016, 1:28 pm

#1522

icegirl

Suspended

Join Date: Mar 2014

Programs: Regarded as total and utter snob amongst the BAEC community.

Posts: 971

A bit of an interesting development has come about. BA have a req for a new Head of Catering.

https://jobs.ba.com/jobs/vacancy/hea...9/description/

https://jobs.ba.com/jobs/vacancy/hea...8-175625ba118d

Oct 15, 2016, 1:33 pm

#1523

elitetraveler

Suspended

Join Date: Dec 2005

Posts: 9,916

Quote:

Originally Posted by icegirl

Qualifications:

- Have your own shopping cart

Responsibilities:

- Run to M&S to procure sandwiches when supplies run low

Notes:

- Having a large van or tractor trailer will be advantageous

Oct 15, 2016, 3:54 pm

#1524

Flyingturkey

Join Date: Jul 2015

Posts: 415

I might just go to Heathrow and buy up the whole of M&S and just sit outside each gate charging a few pence more per item. Burn an avios flight to get access to airside and take it from there!

Oct 16, 2016, 2:39 am

#1525

Deltus

Join Date: Oct 2015

Location: LON

Programs: BA Gold; LH FTL; IHG Diamond; Marriott Gold; ALL Gold

Posts: 1,758

Just got the reply to my follow-up that 1k avios wasn't enough, and their response included:

Quote:

We're very grateful you've taken the time to let us know about your views and comments. It’s only through your feedback we’re able to focus on areas where we need to improve, so we can offer you the best possible service. Sometimes it can take time for us to fix the problems we’re having, but we’ll always work hard to make sure they get resolved. Our Chairman and CEO, Alex Cruz, makes sure we improve continuously across all areas of our business, and I know you’ll see positive changes very soon.

I wonder what positive changes Cruz has got planned very soon then! I'm tempted to buy a couple of IAG shares to go to the AGM next year and ask him...

Oct 16, 2016, 4:38 am

#1526

Silver Fox

FlyerTalk Evangelist

Join Date: Apr 2009

Location: where lions are led by donkeys...

Programs: Lifetime Gold, Global Entry, Hertz PC, and my wallet

Posts: 20,343

Positive for the exec bonus of course.

Oct 16, 2016, 5:03 am

#1527

T8191

FlyerTalk Evangelist

Join Date: Mar 2010

Location: JER

Programs: BA Gold/OWE, several MUCCI, and assorted Pensions!

Posts: 32,146

From that second link ...

Quote:

 Drives innovation and continuous improvement in response to customer feedback/insights
 Monitors consumer trends in food and drink as well as competitor initiatives, and devises timely actions to maintain BA’s relevance and competitiveness.
 Optimises catering costs by saving unnecessary spend and investing where valued by the customer

1. "Customers would prefer to pay for food than have it free."

2. "Fly Ryanair and see what they're doing - forget the other airlines."

3. "Remove all possible food products until the customers notice."

Oct 16, 2016, 7:06 am

#1528

rockflyertalk

Join Date: Jun 2015

Location: LHR, LGW

Programs: BAEC

Posts: 3,439

Quote:

Originally Posted by icegirl

I'm guessing whoever was in charge, has either left willingly at the intro of BoB or has been ousted by Team Cruz and whoever comes in will need to be a puppet on a string and drive down costs and be good at buying sandwiches & Percy pigs...!

Oct 16, 2016, 8:09 am

#1529

BA or bust

Join Date: Jan 2005

Location: UK

Programs: Mucci. And BA Gold – previous awards - Gold 11, Silver 7, Bronze 4.

Posts: 4,235

Quote:

Originally Posted by icegirl

An in the general blurb it says (referring to food)... After inflight service, this is the most important factor influencing customer satisfaction with their journey.

The lunatics are truly running the asylum!

Oct 16, 2016, 8:34 am

#1530

elitetraveler

Suspended

Join Date: Dec 2005

Posts: 9,916

Quote:

Originally Posted by BA or bust

Interesting as this conflicts against those posters who claim catering doesn't have an influence, complainers = whiners who expect too much, and BA management carefully studies and understands the ramifications of their moves.

Clearly, cutting appetizer choice, removing amuse bouche in F, removing the bistro menu in F, stripping down Club Kitchen, cutting the second Y meal, seem to conflict with this statement.

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