BA to bring back free tea and coffee for some passengers after backlash.
British Airways is bringing back free tea and coffee in short-haul economy – the airline’s latest effort to revive its image.
Complimentary hot drinks were axed back in 2017 as part of a money-saving attempt, in a move that angered customers, who saw it as a step in the direction of low-cost companies such as Ryanair and EasyJet.
It is another step by British Airways boss Sean Doyle to reverse the cost-cutting measures implemented by his predecessor, Alex Cruz, that left some passengers saying they would fly “Abba” — “Anyone but British Airways”.
In a message to staff last week, Doyle said: “We want to surprise and delight customers, and what’s more delightfully British than a cup of tea? We’re looking at introducing this on some of our longer short-haul routes.”
Flights such as those to Cairo in Egypt or Amman in Jordan are typically four to five hours long, and it is those passengers who will benefit from the new offering.
The offer will also see passengers travelling on long-haul flights in premium economy (World Traveller Plus) receive some ice cream and the offer of a pre-flight glass of fizz.
Passengers with lounge access can enjoy the airline’s new Whispering Angel rosé wine bar in one of its Heathrow lounges.
The moves are part of a multi-million-pound investment programme by British Airways to improve its service, which Doyle hopes will boost the airline’s image as it enters the peak summer season.
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