British Airways scraps free food in favour of selling Marks & Spencer sandwiches

Scrapped: Economy class passengers on short haul BA flights will no longer get a free meal
British Airways
Jamie Micklethwaite29 September 2016

British Airways is scrapping free meals in economy class on short haul flights in favour of Marks & Spencer sandwiches and salads.

Prices for passengers will include £1 for crisps, £3 for a cheddar cheese ploughman's sandwich and £4.95 for a spiced chicken with quinoa and rice salad.

The airline has claimed the move is in response to customer feedback.

Passengers in economy class on short haul BA flights are currently given a light snack, such as a bacon roll, and a soft drink for free.

But business class customers on short haul flights will continue to be offered a full, complimentary menu the airline says.

BA chairman and chief executive Alex Cruz claimed their offering "sets a new standard in short haul catering".

He said: “We know our customers expect a great experience with British Airways.

"They've told us we are experts in flying and service, but when it comes to catering on short haul flights, they want to choose from a wider range of premium products.

"Like British Airways, Marks & Spencer is a well-known, premium British brand that is respected and trusted, so it's an ideal partnership, providing our customers with a choice of products they recognise and value."

Low cost airlines such as easyJet and Ryanair already offer small snacks for sale on their flights.

The M&S food selection will replace free snacks on short haul and domestic flights from Heathrow and Gatwick from January 11 next year and from London City and Stansted by next summer.

The selection will be updated four times a year.

Andy Adcock, director of food at M&S, said: "We're proud to be supplying a great British brand with a reputation for quality and customer service that mirrors our own.

"For 35 years we've had a market leading Food on the Move offer and we'll supply British Airways with customer favourites and healthy choices made with outstanding ingredients, all with the provenance you'd expect from M&S."

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