British Airways suspends famed A318 all-business-class flight from London City to NYC
It's no surprise the ongoing coronavirus outbreak has taken a toll on airline operations. Now, British Airways is suspending one of its most unique and famed routes until September.
Effective March 25, British Airways will suspend its route from London City (LCY) to New York (JFK) via Shannon, Ireland (SNN). The flights, which are known simply by their flight numbers as BA1 and BA2, are operated by the airline's Airbus A318, a single-aisle jet that features an all-business-class configuration.
Related: 10 reasons British Airways 1 is unlike any other BA flight
As reported by One Mile at a Time, and confirmed by the flight schedule loaded on ba.com, BA1 and BA2 are no longer available to book after March 24. The route will remain suspended through Sept. 1, though that could be extended.
A British Airways spokesperson declined to confirm the route suspension, instead offering BA's general statement during coronavirus cancellations.
"This is a fast moving situation, and we recommend all customers check for the latest on their flight on ba.com," the spokesperson said.
The route was so special because, among other reasons, the refueling stop in Shannon, Ireland, also meant passengers could clear U.S. immigration. As a result, the A318 landed at JFK as a domestic arrival, allowing passengers to bypass the sometimes-long immigration queues.
Related: AvGeek dreams do come true: British Airways' all-biz flight to New York
While British Airways used to operate the route on a double daily frequency, it switched to one daily flight, presumably because of decreased demand. And given the route is frequented mostly by passengers travelling for business, the summer is likely a lull for bookings.
The decision to suspend the route until September was likely made easier for BA following Tuesday's decision from the European Commission. Earlier this week, the executive branch of the EU decided it was temporarily shelving its strict "use it or lose it" rule on airport slots.
BA1 and BA2 aren't the first routes the airline has been forced to suspend as a result of the ongoing coronavirus outbreak, which shows no sign of slowing down. The airline has suspended all of its operations to Italy, and before that, it was forced to cancel more than 200 flights through 28 March to destinations in France, Austria, Belgium, Germany, Ireland, Switzerland and New York.
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.