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British Airways to restore service in first and business class

Madison Blancaflor
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Madison Blancaflor is a senior content operations editor for TPG focused on helping our broader editorial team bring news, features and advice to our readers. When she’s not working, you’ll find her planning trips to visit unique filming locations, historic libraries and thrilling theme parks.
Dec. 19, 2020
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2 min read
British Airways First Class soft product upgrade food
British Airways to restore service in first and business class
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British Airways is set to restore most of its business and first-class service for flights starting Jan. 20, 2021.

To limit the risk of spreading COVID-19 onboard, many airlines reduced in-flight services — replacing hot meals with prepackaged snack boxes, no longer distributing blankets and pillows, no open-pour drinks in the main cabin.

But with a vaccine already in the early stages of distribution, the industry is starting to see a light at the end of the tunnel and make plans for 2021.

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British Airways bringing back full service

(Photo by Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Turning Left for Less reported that British Airways will be bringing back the following in-flight services for business and first-class:

  • Standard business and first-class china, cutlery and glasses
  • Dine on demand and a la cart dining in first class
  • Hot meal service in regional business class (Club Europe)
  • Signature afternoon tea service and special meals
  • Normal Club and First bar service with premium drinks
  • Full tray service for the main meal in long-haul premium economy (World Traveler Plus) and economy (World Traveler)

Though, note that dine-on-demand meals will be served on a single tray.

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There are a few things not yet returning:

  • No mattress toppers or blankets for Club World
  • No pre-departure drinks
  • No warm towel service

Related: Why you shouldn’t pay to fly British Airways Club Europe during the pandemic

Bottom line

Currently, all meals are served in snack boxes and there is no hot meal service (with the exception of international first-class cabins).

It's nice to see British Airways — which was one of the airlines to most drastically reduce in-flight services — start reintegrating a more full-service flight experience for business and first-class passengers.

Featured image by Image courtesy of British Airways