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AIBU?

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Original poster

British Airways no longer have a drinks trolley

82 replies

SkyFlyers · 24/04/2023 20:36

I’ve just flown on a short haul European flight.

I asked when they would be coming round with drinks, as I fancied a gin and tonic.

Reader, they told me that they no longer have an onboard trolley service, and if you want food or drink you must preorder it. There is no way to purchase anything on board.

At least EasyJet and Ryanair are desperate to sell you things - but nothing at all… come on BA.

Be warned if you are using them for your summer holidays.

OP posts:
Gilmorehill · 24/04/2023 22:15

We flew to Cairo last year- a 5 hour flight- and all they provided was a bottle of water and crisps. You could order snacks but they were dire and overpriced. We were particularly annoyed as dh had checked ahead.

Mylittlepea · 24/04/2023 22:19

Just did a BA short haul over the Easter hols, they came with a trolley and I had a double gin & tonic on a 7.30am flight. No preordering. Done last 3 flights with BA, really good and cheap, all on time too.

just waiting for the judgy mumsnetters to come along now to tell me I have a drink problem🤣🤣🤣

GWBistired · 24/04/2023 22:21

Totally agree
actually quite an easy jet fan tbh
although budget airline?? Not sure it’s in that category anymore
if you want bags seats etc
but the service is great

twilightcafe · 24/04/2023 22:25

I flew BA to Rotterdam last October - drinks were definitely served and no need to pre-order.

GeraltsBathtub · 24/04/2023 22:34

I flew BA in January and you were able to buy drinks onboard. Not sure about food as we ordered that in advance. They were still doing a free cup of juice and bag of pretzels as well.

JingleBellez · 24/04/2023 22:40

Air France! Go 1st Class!

MeetMyCat · 24/04/2023 22:45

I did BA long haul a few weeks ago, there was a drinks trolley in each direction!

Rebellingwithacause · 24/04/2023 22:55

audweb · 24/04/2023 21:18

Got a BA flight from Scotland to London last month and we got got a drink and snack? Maybe it’s just some routes?

Yes, I flew BA London City to Ibiza return a couple of weeks ago and we were given complimentary sandwiches, cake and drinks and it’s only a short flight.

Twotothreeagain · 24/04/2023 22:58

user1471483687 · 24/04/2023 20:56

I just flew BA London to Dublin, and there was a trolley service with complimentary drink and snack.

Me too, but there were no hot drinks and I really wanted a cup of tea!

bert3400 · 24/04/2023 23:05

I flew BA on Wednesday back from the Maldives, the service was great to start with but 5 hours in they got bored of serving people. Even when they bought the 2nd meal service out, no drinks were offered....not even Water. Pretty crap especially as it was BC . Wouldn't use again - Etihad are so much better.

DestinationTravel · 24/04/2023 23:12

Rebellingwithacause · 24/04/2023 22:55

Yes, I flew BA London City to Ibiza return a couple of weeks ago and we were given complimentary sandwiches, cake and drinks and it’s only a short flight.

Show quote history

All London City BA flights serve a meal or free snack on flight, even though other short haul sectors don’t

itsserendipity · 24/04/2023 23:20

I flew BA last week and they indeed had drinks and snacks for sale! Short haul European flight. And a free cup of water and mini bag of pretzels 🤣

flyygirl · 24/04/2023 23:32

So, I can give you a definitive answer to this!

Out of Heathrow, on short haul flights, in economy, everyone will be offered water and a small snack. Depending on the length of the flight other items are available if pre ordered and a selection of items available to buy on board.
Up until very recently these items were to be ordered over the onboard Wi-Fi, however a trolley service has just been reintroduced.

Due to disruption such as strikes, bad weather etc sometimes the full product is not on board.

Abitofalark · 24/04/2023 23:54

I've just been on two BA flights within the UK in the last three weeks and we were given a bottle of water and a packet of pretzels each time.

AlmostAJillSandwich · 24/04/2023 23:57

One of my fondest memories of my first ever flight (around 2000) was the plane food!

Nevermind31 · 24/04/2023 23:58

Short haul to Europe (1 hour), choice of drink and snack.
short haul to Europe (2hours) - bottle of water and snack, no choice

Happyhappyday · 25/04/2023 00:43

I hate BA. In-laws insist on flying them when they visit us (we live long haul away and there are only 4 direct options, BA, virgin, a US airline and a low cost euro carrier). BA is flying manky old 767s while every other carrier has been flying 787s for years, including the low cost carrier. I get that maybe they were once the nice British airline but they are tired and looking decrepit.

flyygirl · 25/04/2023 00:55

"BA is flying manky old 767s"

Doubt it, they've been retired for many years. 777s maybe......

XelaM · 25/04/2023 01:09

Rainbowshine · 24/04/2023 20:44

It’s been like that for about 10 years, it’s not a new thing!

Err... no.

EveryWitchWaybutLoose · 25/04/2023 01:49

Huh! I got told by a sniffy rude Qantas steward a couple of months ago that I couldn't have both a G&T and a little bottle of wine. He was very rude, implying I was a soak. BA steward had given me exactly this, and indeed offered me a 2nd G&T.

This was long haul cattle class. Qantas is sometimes a necessary evil, & I much prefer BA.

notimagain · 25/04/2023 06:57

@Happyhappyday

BA is flying manky old 767s

No they most definitely are not (as per @flyygirl 's comment BA retired their 767's about five years ago).

TenoringBehind · 25/04/2023 07:23

Mostly Airbus a320s on shorthaul flights

EsmeSusanOgg · 25/04/2023 07:23

SkyFlyers · 24/04/2023 20:58

@berksandbeyond

Not on this flight - no WiFi, no stickers, no menus

They said you could not order on board at all, and had to pre order

It’s the best part of the flying experience!

Which route did you fly?

EsmeSusanOgg · 25/04/2023 07:25

flyygirl · 24/04/2023 23:32

So, I can give you a definitive answer to this!

Out of Heathrow, on short haul flights, in economy, everyone will be offered water and a small snack. Depending on the length of the flight other items are available if pre ordered and a selection of items available to buy on board.
Up until very recently these items were to be ordered over the onboard Wi-Fi, however a trolley service has just been reintroduced.

Due to disruption such as strikes, bad weather etc sometimes the full product is not on board.

Cheers! We're flying to Europe in a couple of weeks!

CountFoscosMice · 25/04/2023 07:28

Agree about easyJet being far better than BA!