British Airways has announced that, starting next year, it will no longer provide complimentary food and drinks on short-haul flights. Instead, the airline will offer for-purchase meals and snacks supplied by Marks & Spencer. This change follows an earlier decision to revise the carrier’s inflight refreshment policy, a move away from the previous stance that free food and drink were a standard part of service on all routes.
Reports indicate that growing competition from low-cost carriers such as Ryanair and easyJet—both of which have long charged for onboard refreshments—has influenced British Airways to rethink its approach to short-haul catering. By replacing complimentary offerings with retail options, the airline aims to rebalance costs and improve its ability to lower ticket prices in order to remain competitive.
Removing free drinks and sandwiches for short-haul economy passengers may allow British Airways to reduce fares and narrow the price gap with budget rivals. The change is part of a broader effort to adapt to a market where many travelers prioritize lower fares over included extras, especially on shorter journeys.
Industry observers, however, warn the shift could provoke customer dissatisfaction. Some experts argue that charging for basic refreshments erases one of the key service differences between traditional carriers and low-cost competitors, potentially making the choice of airline depend almost entirely on ticket price.
“Charging short-haul economy class passengers for drinks and sandwiches removes the final distinction between BA and its low-cost rivals,” said Nick Trend, a consumer expert. “From the consumer’s point of view the choice largely now comes down to which airline offers the best fare for your destination.”
Passengers accustomed to receiving complimentary snacks and beverages on short flights may react negatively to the change, especially frequent flyers who expect a certain level of service from a legacy carrier. At the same time, others may welcome lower base fares if the new commercial model leads to more competitive pricing.
British Airways’ decision to partner with a well-known retailer for onboard sales reflects a trend among carriers to diversify ancillary revenue streams—selling food, drink, and other items onboard to offset operational costs. How passengers perceive this trade-off between lower fares and paid extras will likely influence the success of the initiative.
As the policy is implemented, travelers and industry watchers will be looking for details on pricing, product selection, and how the changes are introduced across different short-haul routes. Clear communication from British Airways about what passengers can expect will be important to manage perceptions and avoid unnecessary frustration.
Ultimately, the move signals a continuing shift in airline business models, where legacy carriers reassess traditional inclusions to remain competitive in a market shaped by low-cost operators and changing passenger priorities.