Sep 29, 2016, 2:55 am
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."
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
Sep 30, 2016, 2:18 am
#706
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Netherlands
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Is that actually the case in LHR?
Or anywhere?
I'd love to know where that rule is enforced - because surely to be consistent they would have to ban the sale of any liquids and/or containers past security. Airlines, too, would surely have to ensure that any bottles used in-flight are confiscated from disembarking passengers on arrival (at least in airports where transferring pax don't need security screening, or where arriving and departing pax mix).
If an empty bottle is such a threat, then the ne'er-do-well intent to cause problems with an empty bottle will merely grab one from the airside shop [or just buy one!], and empty its contents - therby obtaining that same dangerous empty bottle that was just confiscated from them, and foiling the finest minds that create these elaborate security theatre pieces...
Or anywhere?
I'd love to know where that rule is enforced - because surely to be consistent they would have to ban the sale of any liquids and/or containers past security. Airlines, too, would surely have to ensure that any bottles used in-flight are confiscated from disembarking passengers on arrival (at least in airports where transferring pax don't need security screening, or where arriving and departing pax mix).
If an empty bottle is such a threat, then the ne'er-do-well intent to cause problems with an empty bottle will merely grab one from the airside shop [or just buy one!], and empty its contents - therby obtaining that same dangerous empty bottle that was just confiscated from them, and foiling the finest minds that create these elaborate security theatre pieces...
Sep 30, 2016, 2:20 am
#707
Suspended
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Canada, USA, Europe
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 31,452
I'd imagine the lounges are next in the firing line. Alex Cruz is not of the opinion that things are included in the ticket price, rather they are things that BA are giving away for free.
Let's have a look. Firstly Avios comp was limited (giving them away), then food in s/h (giving it away) so how long do you really think other benefits are going to last with this mentality?
Let's have a look. Firstly Avios comp was limited (giving them away), then food in s/h (giving it away) so how long do you really think other benefits are going to last with this mentality?
I have not regretted moving 80% of my short-haul flights to *A this year.
Sep 30, 2016, 2:22 am
#708
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: London
Programs: BA Silver, ZSL Silver
Posts: 2,552
One of these would be enough for a short haul flight: https://www.amazon.co.uk/CamelBak-Ed...dp/B00NTYHTYE/ 
Sep 30, 2016, 2:22 am
#709
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: living near Malaga
Programs: BA Gold , Mucci recipient. Coffee Drinker, Blue Sky Thinker
Posts: 2,112
Sep 30, 2016, 2:27 am
#710
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Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Netherlands
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It's against rules and regulations and we all know how disruptive drunks on board can be.
Not currently an issue for BA travellers - but they're now in LCC territory where it happens more frequently.
Besides - it's illegal to drink your own alcohol on board. They will be watching!
Sep 30, 2016, 2:27 am
#711
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Reading, UK
Programs: BA Silver, IHG Platinum, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 666
Seems to have been relaxed. A quick google certainly shows the TSA took a hard line to start with. Like many others, I ignore it anyway.
The idea was that you could bring in lots of small volumes of bad stuff and mix it up in a bigger bottle. As others have pointed out, nothing stops you buying a bigger bottle airside.
Anyway, back to the BA-bashing
The idea was that you could bring in lots of small volumes of bad stuff and mix it up in a bigger bottle. As others have pointed out, nothing stops you buying a bigger bottle airside.
Anyway, back to the BA-bashing
Sep 30, 2016, 2:28 am
#712
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: NCL
Programs: BA Silver
Posts: 484
Just seen this gem from BA on Twitter:
"previously the catering provided was complementary the cost of which was not included in the fare"
Do they think we are stupid? Of course the cost is included in the fare. How else do they pay for it?
"previously the catering provided was complementary the cost of which was not included in the fare"
Do they think we are stupid? Of course the cost is included in the fare. How else do they pay for it?
Sep 30, 2016, 2:31 am
#713
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Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Netherlands
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Apparently some nameless benefactor has been paying for Euro Traveller catering all these years, bless him! But he's now broke and can't pay past January 10
Sep 30, 2016, 2:31 am
#714
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: London
Programs: BAEC Silver, M&M, HHonors Gold
Posts: 1,223
I've seen travellers in USA filling their empty bottles with water airside. Don't see a problem with it in Europie. Good idea with filling it at lounges :-)
Sep 30, 2016, 2:34 am
#715
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I challenged that several times yesterday on twitter, with no response by BA. It is a ridiculous suggestion as you say since complimentary f&b was clearly shown and included in domestic and ET fares. It has been trotted out by BA when anyone has asked what they are due back for bookings made prior to yesterday for travel beyond 11 January.
Sep 30, 2016, 2:38 am
#717
Join Date: Dec 2014
Programs: BAEC (although I might just cut up the card)
Posts: 338
Water is easy - take an empty bottle through the security and fill it with water at the lounge. Cans of beer can be easily smuggled out (done it once for the Iberia operated flight to Madrid ) Not sure what the policy about consumption of alcohol brought on board would be - most LCC ban drinking your own alcohol.
) Not sure what the policy about consumption of alcohol brought on board would be - most LCC ban drinking your own alcohol.They even let them drink during take-off roll (I moved my electronic equipment for fear of spillage).
I highly doubt any of this was normal procedure at all.
Sep 30, 2016, 2:39 am
#718
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 561
I challenged that several times yesterday on twitter, with no response by BA. It is a ridiculous suggestion as you say since complimentary f&b was clearly shown and included in domestic and ET fares. It has been trotted out by BA when anyone has asked what they are due back for bookings made prior to yesterday for travel beyond 11 January.
Sep 30, 2016, 2:40 am
#719
Join Date: Feb 2012
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I challenged that several times yesterday on twitter, with no response by BA. It is a ridiculous suggestion as you say since complimentary f&b was clearly shown and included in domestic and ET fares. It has been trotted out by BA when anyone has asked what they are due back for bookings made prior to yesterday for travel beyond 11 January.
Sep 30, 2016, 2:41 am
#720
Ambassador, British Airways; FlyerTalk Posting Legend
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Indeed. I shall be filing my claim once I count up how many flights of mine it affects - probably around 18-20.