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

Jan. 10, 2018
2 min read
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British Airways Dishes Out Four-Course Menu for Long-Haul Economy Passengers
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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.

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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.

Featured image by Miles Willis

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  • Recommended Credit

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Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

Pros

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  • 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.