British Airways Dishes Out Four-Course Menu for Long-Haul Economy Passengers

For passengers in economy class, airline food is rarely something to look forward to. From tepid entrées to paltry bags of pretzels or soy nuts, it's slim pickings as your friends up front languish between filet or lobster.

British Airways, however, is mixing things up in its World Traveller (economy) cabin, unveiling a new catering service with more meal and snack options rolling out on all long-haul flights beginning January 17, 2018.

Previously, passengers on the London-based airline traveling in the economy cabin were only served a complimentary snack, a three-course meal or light meal depending on the flight duration, and complimentary bar service. Options now include:

• Pretzels with the welcome drink
• Four-course meal with starter, entrée, dessert, cheese and biscuits, accompanied by a bread roll and bottle of water
• Second meal or substantial snack depending on the length of the flight
• Regional meal options served according to destination
• Magnum ice-creams
• Tuck box with chocolates and crisps
• Hot breakfast on longer overnight flights
• Graze movie-snack box on longer flights
• Complimentary drinks from the bar

The new menu, which features desserts such as a Pots & Co salted caramel and chocolate mousse, is expected to change every six months and vary depending on the destination. The regional main meal options include everything from chicken in spicy Chengdu sauce on flights to and from China, Hong Kong, Japan and Korea, to chicken in spicy Arabic sauce for customers flying to the Middle East. Regional breakfasts are also available when applicable.

In a time when seemingly every airline amenity comes with a fee, BA guests get even more snacks and/or sandwiches depending on the length and time of their flight. Overnight flights will also include a hot English breakfast.

Daily Newsletter

Reward your inbox with the TPG Daily newsletter

Join over 700,000 readers for breaking news, in-depth guides and exclusive deals from TPG’s experts

Email address

Sign up

By signing up, you will receive newsletters and promotional content and agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.

In addition to shelling out for the new economy class catering, British Airways is also investing more than four billion pounds over the next five years to cover the installation of Wi-Fi and power in every seat, new interiors and the delivery of 72 new aircraft.

The first flight with the new catering service will be on January 17 and will depart from London Heathrow (LHR) to New York (JFK).

Images courtesy of British Airways.