British Airways ditches free food on short-haul flights

British Airways has joined forces with Mark and Spencers to dish out a premium food range to fliers on short-haul routes.

The airline has ditched its complimentary plane food and drink menu for an array of items from Marks and Spencer's Food on the Move selection, with no food item priced more than £5.

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The new selection will be available in the economy cabin on short-haul and domestics flights from Heathrow and Gatwick from January 11, 2017, and from London City and London Stansted by summer 2017.

The premium menu will include fresh and packaged meals – as well as vegetarian and gluten free options – and a range of comfort foods. The items, some of which will be designed specifically for British Airways customers, will also change seasonally.

Breakfast options include a Greek style natural yoghurt with a berry compote and granola (£1.95), a warm bacon roll (£4.75) and a tomato and mozzarella focaccia (£4.75).

Fresh sandwiches available include an Aberdeen Angus beef and red onion chutney (£4.75) and the classic cheese ploughman's (£3.00).

Other confectionery options on offer are a nut assortment (£1.60), wasabi peas (£1.60), milk chocolate popcorn (£2.45) and the much-loved Percy Pigs (£1.80).

The airline will also offer customers soft drinks priced from £1.50 and alcoholic drinks from £4.

Customers will be able to pay for their meals with the quick and easy option of debit or credit card, with contactless transactions if preferred. They'll even be able to pay with Avios via the British Airways app or with their Executive Club card.

Club Europe (short-haul business) fliers will continue to be offered a full, complimentary menu which is also being revamped from spring 2017.