British Airways (BA) has reversed a controversial in-flight menu change following a wave of criticism from its high-fare travelers. The decision to simplify the business class meal offerings on long-haul flights, which had sparked significant backlash, is now being walked back as part of the airline’s response to passenger outcry.
Access to quality meals has long been considered one of the premium perks for business and first-class passengers. Airlines like Qatar Airways, Etihad, and Singapore Airlines are known for their lavish offerings, including meals prepared by renowned chefs and high-end items like caviar and fine wines. However, British Airways’ decision to scale back its food service was met with strong resistance.
As part of its ongoing cost-cutting measures, BA had initially planned to replace the lunch service for its business and first-class passengers with a simpler brunch menu on flights departing between 8:30 and 11:29 a.m. The new offering would include items such as waffles, cheese frittatas, or poached eggs on sourdough, in an effort to reduce costs associated with more elaborate meals.
Additionally, BA had proposed eliminating food entirely on flights departing after 9 p.m.
The menu changes, however, quickly earned widespread disdain from loyal customers, many of whom felt they were being shortchanged. The backlash, which has since been dubbed “Brunchgate,” saw many travelers express their dissatisfaction with the airline’s attempt to replace premium meals with lighter brunch options. Passengers who had previously enjoyed meals like grilled halibut, chicken Wellington, and vegetarian korma, part of the winter menu, felt the change was a downgrade.
Rob Burgess, the founder of the travel website Head for Points, criticized the move, arguing that passengers paying for high-end tickets deserved better. “Expecting business class passengers on £10,000 tickets to be happy with a panini on a night flight or a 1:30 p.m. breakfast — just to save under £5 on food — shows that the old BA is alive and well,” he wrote.
In response to the uproar, BA has officially reinstated its previous menu for flights throughout the day. Breakfast foods will still be served on flights departing before 8:30 a.m., but for the rest of the day, the full menu will be available. For late-night flights, passengers will now have a choice of cold snacks at the beginning of their flight, with either breakfast or the regular menu offered depending on flight time and destination time zone.
While the changes affect business and first-class travelers, the simplified menu for economy class passengers on long-haul flights remains unchanged. Additionally, short-haul flights within Europe will not include complimentary meals, but passengers will be able to purchase food from the in-flight High Line Café.
British Airways’ reversal highlights the importance of maintaining premium services for its high-status passengers, who expect quality experiences throughout their journey.
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