British Airways has
launched a new basic fare on long-haul flights that means passengers will be
charged extra for checking in baggage and reserving seats.
The new no-frills fare category is now available on
flights from London to Austin, Boston, Delhi, Denver,
Dubai, Hong Kong, Oakland, Philadelphia, Punta Cana and Singapore
The low-cost option includes two-item hand luggage
allowance, food and drink on board, in-flight entertainment, and blankets and
headphones. However, checking in a bag will cost from £80 return and reserving
a seat from £20 each way.
Basic fare customers who don't choose their own seat
will be allocated one by the checking-in computer.
The fares, which the airline is launching in
conjunction with its transatlantic joint business partner airlines, American
Airlines, Finnair and Iberia, will cost up to £60 less than the standard return
fare, the carrier said.
They will start from as little as London to Dubai from
£143, Boston from £175, Oakland from £185, Denver from £191, Delhi from £210,
Hong Kong from £228, Singapore from £230, Philadelphia from £234, Punta Cana
from £240 and Austin from £246. All prices are each way, based on a return
fare.
BA's long-haul no-frills competitors include Norwegian,
which offers a one-way flight from London to Chicago for £139.90 and to New
York for £155, and Wow Air, which offers flights to New York from London for
just £99.
A Norwegian spokesperson said: 'We’re flattered
competitors are just starting to see the importance in giving consumers lower
fares and the flexibility to choose what they need. We welcome competition.'
Adam Daniels, British Airways' chief commercial
officer, said: 'We know that when our customers travel with us their needs vary
from trip to trip – some will be flying on business, some for leisure, some
will be on short hops, others will be longer stays. We need to ensure that the
fares we provide reflect those differing needs so customers can select the best
option for them on that occasion.
'Someone travelling for a short meeting or leisure
break, who isn't planning to check in a bag and is happy for us to allocate
them a seat, will appreciate the option to secure a lower fare.
'They'll still receive our generous hand baggage
allowance, a seat allocated to them in advance, complimentary food and drink,
in-flight entertainment, blankets and headphones, all at no extra cost. And
those looking to make even more savings can use Avios towards the flight too.'
The airline added: 'Silver and Gold Executive Club
Members can continue to select their seat at time of booking and Bronze Members
can select their seat seven days in advance as they do now. To make travelling
with British Airways easier, the airline will also continue to seat families
together in advance of travel.'
More info: Daily Mail.com
No comments:
Post a Comment