If you’re a frequent flyer of British Airways economy class then you may have been startled to hear that there will be no more free meals on flights on short-haul flights (previously people were offered a small snack and complimentary drink). Instead, passengers will soon have to pay for sandwiches supplied by Marks & Spencer if they want to eat mid-air – a development that has got a lot of our readers talking.
British Airways haven’t given a meal for some time
To be fair, the short haul BA food is shocking these days. So I'd personally rather pay for a nice sandwich than have a totally crap roll for free.
They've been charging for luggage on short haul, so this is just a continuation.
Plus M&S is a nice brand tie up. Why not.
I love the whole experience of plane food, including being nudged awake
I love proper aeroplane food. With the little containers with lids or cellophane. And the small plastic cutlery. Usually comes with a delicious dessert and/or fruit.
It is the service experience too. Being gently nudged awake to be offered options and not having to move while everything is done, ensconced in that cubby. The noise of the plane is soothing too. And you know you can go back to sleep in a moment.
It is especially cool warming up one's hands over the hot food, on the little table.
Plus you used to be able to get any premium drink you like, way too extravagant to buy yourself.
I’m not fussed about the food, but I am furious about the drink
I'm not fussed about the food. But I'm furious about the drink. You can't take a drink with you through security and in some airports - not Heathrow obviously but some in Europe - you can't get a bottle of Diet Coke or water or whatever once you are through the security. So now, we are going to be forced to pay over the odds for a drink and we can't even make alternative arrangements. That's very poor.
Why do you need food for a short flight?
Why do you need to be given food on a short flight when, these days, you seem to have to arrive at the airport about 3 hours before take off so you have ample time to stock up?
Expect the cabin of your average BA Airbus A319 now to be filled with the whiff of Big Macs
Great. This will inevitably that ever more BA passengers bring their own food on board, so expect the cabin of your average BA Airbus A319 now to be filled with the whiff of Big Macs, hot dogs and pizzas.
Also, I fail to see what 'choice' this offers to passengers. Will these M & S sandwiches have a Halal or Kosher option? Will there be options for vegetarians or vegans? What about those passengers who are boycotting Israeli goods (Marks and Spencer import potatoes, lemons, and pre-wrapped mixed peppers from Israel).
When I fly from the UK or fly back to the UK, the very last thing I want to see is an overpriced, ready-made, sarnie overflowing with horseradish or mustard mayo that serves as a depressing reminder of home.
You can’t always eat hours before, you might not be hungry
Compared to the utter misery that is the modern airport I can't get too bothered about the lack of free food on a short flight.
However some of the comments about eating before you get on board do rather miss the point that this might mean eating several hours before your accustomed time. I rarely fly these days ( those damned airports ) but on short haul often preferred to take something on with me so I could eat when I chose too. But I would drink the wine any time.
On long haul the function of meals is relief of boredom, not nutrition.
You wouldn’t demand to get free food on a bus, so why do we expect it on a plane?
It's funny how nobody ever demands to be served free food on a bus, despite it being more expensive per mile, but put wings on that bus and suddenly people's expectations change dramatically.
The only reason inflight meals ever became a 'thing' is because airlines were not allowed to compete on price in the days before deregulation. It's really just a hangover from a bygone era. Just bring your own crisps and sandwiches.
I flew to Aberdeen earlier this month with BA and didn't get a meal. We were given a drink and a choice between a biscuit, pack of nuts or a bag of crisps. Unless the sarnies are given out on the longer flights?
The main reason why you would spend a little bit more on a short haul flight with BA is the free checked baggage allowance.