Jan 11, 2017, 7:42 am
Last edit by: KARFA
This thread focuses on experiences and reactions for the implementation of buy on board for shorthaul, mainly led by impressions taken from flying on board British Airways' shorthaul services.
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
If you have an opinion about the concept of Buy on Board, the right thread is:
Buy on board: Implemented on BA short haul - opinions on the concept
Photos of current BoB menu (September 2018) post #125 in information thread
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
If you have an opinion about the concept of Buy on Board, the right thread is:
Buy on board: Implemented on BA short haul - opinions on the concept
Photos of current BoB menu (September 2018) post #125 in information thread
Buy on board: Experiences and reactions from BA's shorthaul economy service
Oct 13, 2017, 7:08 am
#2042
Join Date: May 2009
Location: London
Programs: BAEC
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Oct 13, 2017, 11:06 am
#2043
Join Date: Sep 2013
Programs: BAEC Gold, EK Skywards (enhanced Blue !), Oman Air Sindbad Gold
Posts: 6,399
They have some interesting dishes in their (main) stores. But their sandwiches seem to me to be not that different from those found in many supermarkets : perfectly acceptable for a quick snack, but mass-produced and nothing really special or memorable.
Oct 13, 2017, 12:47 pm
#2044
Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club, easyJet and Ryanair
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: UK/Las Vegas
Programs: BA Gold (GGL/CCR)
Posts: 15,928
How many people actually regard the M&S BoB items as 'posh' anyway
They have some interesting dishes in their (main) stores. But their sandwiches seem to me to be not that different from those found in many supermarkets : perfectly acceptable for a quick snack, but mass-produced and nothing really special or memorable.
They have some interesting dishes in their (main) stores. But their sandwiches seem to me to be not that different from those found in many supermarkets : perfectly acceptable for a quick snack, but mass-produced and nothing really special or memorable.
Oct 13, 2017, 1:36 pm
#2046
FlyerTalk Evangelist, Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Somewhere between 0 and 13,000 metres high
Programs: AF/KL Life Plat, BA GGL+GfL, ALL Plat, Hilton Diam, Marriott Gold, blablablah, etc
Posts: 30,540
It also seems to me that BA's belief does not seem to be that customers only want sustainance based on their BoB menu: there is, after all, a significant emphasis on alcoholic drinks including Champagne, hardly a sign of thinking that customers will only focus on basic necessities. I mean, if there are customers to buy BA's over-priced BoB champagne (£16 for a half bottle of monopole), then presumably, those same customers might be tempted to something a little bit more extravagant than a cheese and ham sandwich or a packet of those ghastly percy pigs especially with a pre-order option.
I have no idea if the BoB market is 'basic needs' or 'extravagant pleasures' since I'm not really in the market for BoB myself, but arguably, BA is a little 'in between' here and I'll admit that the 'posh drinks but basic food' is not the most intuitive combination to understand.
Oct 13, 2017, 1:38 pm
#2047
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Location: Argentina
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Oct 13, 2017, 1:41 pm
#2048
FlyerTalk Evangelist, Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Somewhere between 0 and 13,000 metres high
Programs: AF/KL Life Plat, BA GGL+GfL, ALL Plat, Hilton Diam, Marriott Gold, blablablah, etc
Posts: 30,540
PS: You've made me horrrrribly craving for a pastrami sandwich at Artie's!
(which I personally prefer to Katz's) and I need to wait a couple of weeks before I get my next one!
Last edited by orbitmic; Oct 13, 2017 at 2:11 pm
Oct 13, 2017, 1:59 pm
#2049
Join Date: May 2010
Location: UK
Posts: 5,380
I can, and I'm not a sandwich person by nature. Most trips to the US include at least one or two spectacular sandwich offerings, I occasionally crave sandwiches at home and have fun with my own creations, many a French bakery offers some sandwiches that one would cross the city to return to, and there are quite a few gorgeous 'ethnic' sandwiches to be found all over London too!
^
Oct 13, 2017, 2:54 pm
#2050
Join Date: Sep 2013
Programs: BAEC Gold, EK Skywards (enhanced Blue !), Oman Air Sindbad Gold
Posts: 6,399
Perhaps 'sustenance' is indeed the goal for many short haul travellers.
But that's a long way from how BA chose to portray things when they first launched their particular version of BoB (which, of course, allegedly came into being directly in response to customer feedback).
There was nothing understated or low-key about the original announcement - seemingly composed by a member of their PR team just moments after he/she had swallowed a dictionary.
The breathless announcement contains no mention of 'sustenance' - but it certainly includes the word 'special' ; along with other hyperbole such as heritage, innovation, passion and incredible. Not to mention 'inflight dining experience' too (er ...which BA did manage to mention!)
"British Airways is proud to be partnering with Marks & Spencer to offer an exciting new menu on all short haul flights to and from London Heathrow and London Gatwick.
Quality, innovation and choice are the hallmarks at the very heart of the M&S Food brand. Rich in heritage and with a commitment to 'making every moment special', echoing our own passion and ethos for service, we’re excited to bring you this new inflight dining experience - offering you a range of great value, incredible food prepared for your convenience and enjoyment."
https://www.britishairways.com/en-gb...7C%7C%7C%7C%7C
Oct 13, 2017, 3:59 pm
#2051
Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club, easyJet and Ryanair
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: UK/Las Vegas
Programs: BA Gold (GGL/CCR)
Posts: 15,928
Perhaps 'sustenance' is indeed the goal for many short haul travellers.
But that's a long way from how BA chose to portray things when they first launched their particular version of BoB (which, of course, allegedly came into being directly in response to customer feedback).
There was nothing understated or low-key about the original announcement - seemingly composed by a member of their PR team just moments after he/she had swallowed a dictionary.
The breathless announcement contains no mention of 'sustenance' - but it certainly includes the word 'special' ; along with other hyperbole such as heritage, innovation, passion and incredible. Not to mention 'inflight dining experience' too (er ...which BA did manage to mention!)
"British Airways is proud to be partnering with Marks & Spencer to offer an exciting new menu on all short haul flights to and from London Heathrow and London Gatwick.
Quality, innovation and choice are the hallmarks at the very heart of the M&S Food brand. Rich in heritage and with a commitment to 'making every moment special', echoing our own passion and ethos for service, we’re excited to bring you this new inflight dining experience - offering you a range of great value, incredible food prepared for your convenience and enjoyment."
https://www.britishairways.com/en-gb...7C%7C%7C%7C%7C
But that's a long way from how BA chose to portray things when they first launched their particular version of BoB (which, of course, allegedly came into being directly in response to customer feedback).
There was nothing understated or low-key about the original announcement - seemingly composed by a member of their PR team just moments after he/she had swallowed a dictionary.
The breathless announcement contains no mention of 'sustenance' - but it certainly includes the word 'special' ; along with other hyperbole such as heritage, innovation, passion and incredible. Not to mention 'inflight dining experience' too (er ...which BA did manage to mention!)
"British Airways is proud to be partnering with Marks & Spencer to offer an exciting new menu on all short haul flights to and from London Heathrow and London Gatwick.
Quality, innovation and choice are the hallmarks at the very heart of the M&S Food brand. Rich in heritage and with a commitment to 'making every moment special', echoing our own passion and ethos for service, we’re excited to bring you this new inflight dining experience - offering you a range of great value, incredible food prepared for your convenience and enjoyment."
https://www.britishairways.com/en-gb...7C%7C%7C%7C%7C
Oct 13, 2017, 4:10 pm
#2052
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 11,584
Perhaps 'sustenance' is indeed the goal for many short haul travellers.
But that's a long way from how BA chose to portray things when they first launched their particular version of BoB (which, of course, allegedly came into being directly in response to customer feedback).
There was nothing understated or low-key about the original announcement - seemingly composed by a member of their PR team just moments after he/she had swallowed a dictionary.
The breathless announcement contains no mention of 'sustenance' - but it certainly includes the word 'special' ; along with other hyperbole such as heritage, innovation, passion and incredible. Not to mention 'inflight dining experience' too (er ...which BA did manage to mention!)
"British Airways is proud to be partnering with Marks & Spencer to offer an exciting new menu on all short haul flights to and from London Heathrow and London Gatwick.
Quality, innovation and choice are the hallmarks at the very heart of the M&S Food brand. Rich in heritage and with a commitment to 'making every moment special', echoing our own passion and ethos for service, we’re excited to bring you this new inflight dining experience - offering you a range of great value, incredible food prepared for your convenience and enjoyment."
https://www.britishairways.com/en-gb...7C%7C%7C%7C%7C
But that's a long way from how BA chose to portray things when they first launched their particular version of BoB (which, of course, allegedly came into being directly in response to customer feedback).
There was nothing understated or low-key about the original announcement - seemingly composed by a member of their PR team just moments after he/she had swallowed a dictionary.
The breathless announcement contains no mention of 'sustenance' - but it certainly includes the word 'special' ; along with other hyperbole such as heritage, innovation, passion and incredible. Not to mention 'inflight dining experience' too (er ...which BA did manage to mention!)
"British Airways is proud to be partnering with Marks & Spencer to offer an exciting new menu on all short haul flights to and from London Heathrow and London Gatwick.
Quality, innovation and choice are the hallmarks at the very heart of the M&S Food brand. Rich in heritage and with a commitment to 'making every moment special', echoing our own passion and ethos for service, we’re excited to bring you this new inflight dining experience - offering you a range of great value, incredible food prepared for your convenience and enjoyment."
https://www.britishairways.com/en-gb...7C%7C%7C%7C%7C
BA are all fur coat and no knickers? No way... Hate Speech that is.
Its stated on the Gold welcome letter that "Galleries First" lounge is 'an oasis of calm'. Henceforth I have called it the "Oasis of Calm" because thats what it is, 100% fact. I would love to come up with this stuff, I am an expert at talking hot air, I could take over from Alex.
Oct 13, 2017, 4:15 pm
#2053
Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club, easyJet and Ryanair
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: UK/Las Vegas
Programs: BA Gold (GGL/CCR)
Posts: 15,928
Well, at any rate, some other airlines which have decided to try and use food and beverage as ancillary products do think some might. As mentioned by others, OS's "Do and Co a la Carte" has some options which, compared to BA, are verging on the spectacular. It is not unconceivable that there might be a market for those at least on former band 4 flights with a pre-order option. Even the likes of SN, not known for particularly hot cuisine carry a few fancy options - including several salads and a chestnut gratin! (not to mention Belgian fries...). As for OK, apart from a number of 'gourmet' options, they offer Y pax the possibility to buy their C meal for a fee, which has the advantage of being cheap to procure for an airline.
It also seems to me that BA's belief does not seem to be that customers only want sustainance based on their BoB menu: there is, after all, a significant emphasis on alcoholic drinks including Champagne, hardly a sign of thinking that customers will only focus on basic necessities. I mean, if there are customers to buy BA's over-priced BoB champagne (£16 for a half bottle of monopole), then presumably, those same customers might be tempted to something a little bit more extravagant than a cheese and ham sandwich or a packet of those ghastly percy pigs especially with a pre-order option.
I have no idea if the BoB market is 'basic needs' or 'extravagant pleasures' since I'm not really in the market for BoB myself, but arguably, BA is a little 'in between' here and I'll admit that the 'posh drinks but basic food' is not the most intuitive combination to understand.
It also seems to me that BA's belief does not seem to be that customers only want sustainance based on their BoB menu: there is, after all, a significant emphasis on alcoholic drinks including Champagne, hardly a sign of thinking that customers will only focus on basic necessities. I mean, if there are customers to buy BA's over-priced BoB champagne (£16 for a half bottle of monopole), then presumably, those same customers might be tempted to something a little bit more extravagant than a cheese and ham sandwich or a packet of those ghastly percy pigs especially with a pre-order option.
I have no idea if the BoB market is 'basic needs' or 'extravagant pleasures' since I'm not really in the market for BoB myself, but arguably, BA is a little 'in between' here and I'll admit that the 'posh drinks but basic food' is not the most intuitive combination to understand.
Oct 14, 2017, 12:14 am
#2055
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: BOS
Programs: BA Silver, Mucci
Posts: 5,289
I can, and I'm not a sandwich person by nature. Most trips to the US include at least one or two spectacular sandwich offerings, I occasionally crave sandwiches at home and have fun with my own creations, many a French bakery offers some sandwiches that one would cross the city to return to, and there are quite a few gorgeous 'ethnic' sandwiches to be found all over London too!
PS: You've made me horrrrribly craving for a pastrami sandwich at Artie's! (which I personally prefer to Katz's) and I need to wait a couple of weeks before I get my next one!
PS: You've made me horrrrribly craving for a pastrami sandwich at Artie's!
(which I personally prefer to Katz's) and I need to wait a couple of weeks before I get my next one!Not exactly suitable for airline food, unless they provided bibs and vinyl gloves, followed by a hot towel!
I think just about any M&S or supermarket sandwich would be better than the nasty CE sandwich offerings.