British Airways has introduced a new Buy on Board policy for short-haul flights that expands paid food and beverage service. Beginning this month, nearly all refreshments offered during these flights will be available for purchase rather than complimentary, and cabin crews will provide drinking water only upon request.
Under the updated policy, cups will be supplied only for items bought on board. Passengers who bring their own tea bags or instant coffee and ask crew members for hot water will be charged the same fee as for a purchased hot beverage. In other words, requesting hot water for a personal drink will incur the tea price whether or not a tea bag is used.
The airline says the change is intended to give customers more choice and improve quality rather than simply to cut costs. British Airways first announced the move to charge for all food and drinks on short-haul services in September. The adjustment affects soft drinks, tea, coffee and other on-board snacks that had previously been complimentary on many flights.
British Airways’ approach reflects a broader trend in the aviation industry toward a la carte pricing on short routes, where airlines seek to balance service levels with unit economics. For passengers, the immediate impact is a clearer understanding that most refreshments will carry a fee and that they should expect to be charged if cabin crew supply hot water for self-brought beverages.
For frequent flyers and occasional travelers alike, the change underscores the importance of checking what is included with a ticket before flying. Travelers who prefer not to pay in flight may want to bring sealed drinks or snacks that meet airline safety rules, or purchase food and drinks before boarding. Those who value an on-board purchase experience can still buy a selection of beverages and snacks, now formalized under the Buy on Board menu.
While the policy may prompt criticism from some customers, British Airways frames the move as a customer-focused choice designed to offer a clearer, higher-quality selection for passengers who opt to buy on board. As with any service change, passenger reactions and operational details will likely evolve once the policy has been in place across the short-haul fleet for some time.