LONDON: British Airways’ new long haul ‘Basic’ fare is now on sale on flights from London to Austin, Boston, Delhi, Denver, Dubai, Hong Kong, Oakland, Philadelphia, Punta Cana and Singapore.
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 and 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.
British Airways customers who select the new lower ‘Basic’ fare will be able to enjoy the improved in-flight meals now being served in the airline’s World Traveller cabin, take advantage of the airline’s generous complimentary two-piece hand baggage allowance and use Avios as part payment to further cut the cost.
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.”
Customers will have their seat allocated for them by British Airways at check-in or can pay for seat selection. 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*.
Travellers who wish to check in a bag or allocate their own seats can still purchase the current standard fare or choose to add checked bags and seating before travel.
British Airways is investing £4.5 billion for customers over the next five years, including the installation of the best quality WiFi and power in every seat, fitting 128 long-haul aircraft with new interiors and taking delivery of 72 new aircraft. The airline is also investing £600m specifically in Club World, including outstanding catering and luxurious White Company bedding – plus, from 2019, a new seat with direct aisle access.
