Continental breakfasts are now served on British Airways’ shortest flights. As part of a menu overhaul, they replace hot breakfasts.
The changes affect eight of BA’s express flights – those with a duration of approximately 60 minutes or less.
The airline insists that the change is not a cost-cutting measure. It is simply re-adjusting its service on the shortest and longer short-haul flights to get the balance right as a result of feedback from customers and crew colleagues.
Feedback from passengers and crew members has revealed that the airline is unable to deliver the best possible service during the shortest of flights. The time taken to heat and serve hot breakfasts is a key factor.
Club Europe passengers have lounge access included in their tickets, meaning that many enjoy a hot breakfast before boarding the aircraft.
The continental breakfast was trialled on a number BA’s shortest flights, with a duration of around 60 minutes in the air. The trial received positive feedback from crew members and passengers.
A continental breakfast has been introduced on the UK flag carrier’s shortest flights. Consisting of a plate of fruit, yoghurt and a pastry, serving it allows crew more time to focus on customer service.
The full English breakfast will remain unchanged on the majority of BA’s short-haul destinations.
Meanwhile, a new Ploughman’s Afternoon Tea concept is being introduced on BA’s longer short-haul flights. More substantial than the current offering, it includes deli-style savoury bites, cured meats, cheeses and a scone with clotted cream and jam.
The afternoon tea is designed to showcase the originality of British products and champion them.
“Following successful trials in September, we’re updating the meal options on our shortest flights. Due to the limited time available on these journeys, serving and enjoying a hot breakfast has become challenging. To ensure a more comfortable experience, we’ll now offer a continental breakfast on these routes. Hot breakfast will continue to be available on the vast majority of our short-haul flights, as our crew has sufficient time to prepare and customers can enjoy their meal comfortably,” explained a spokesperson for British Airways.
