News

British Airways revamps short-haul economy fare structure

21 Mar 2016 by BusinessTraveller
British Airways is making changes to its short-haul economy fares structure from, with the number of fare types simplified to just three options. The move has been communicated to BA’s trade partners, and will come into effect from mid-April, although as one reader has commented some of the changes have already been loaded into the carrier's reservations systems. The current fare structure offers six options, with Hand Baggage Only and With Checked Bag fares both available in standard, semi-flex and Fully Flex. The new structure will see this simplified to just three options, which have been referred to in the trade communication as Hand Baggage Only, With Checked Bag, and Fully Flex. The key point for business travellers is that all checked luggage fares (ie: the With Checked Bag and Fully Flex fares), allow for free flight changes on the day of departure, up to one hour before the scheduled flight time. This is subject to availability, and the original routing must remain unchanged. BA short-haul seating Hand Baggage Only fares will offer the standard hand baggage allowance, seating allocated at check-in (or paid-for seat selection), and flight changes for a fee plus any difference in fare. With Checked Bag fares will include a 23kg baggage allowance, free seat selection from 48 hours before departure, the free flight changes mentioned above, and no change fees (although a fare difference may apply if the flight is changed before the day of departure). Finally Fully Flex fares are fully refundable, and offer the 23kg baggage allowance, the free flights changes on day of departure, no change fees, and seat selection at the time of booking. On UK Domestic routes Fully Flex fares will be known as Business UK, and will include lounge access and priority boarding. Club Europe fare are not affected by this announcement. What is not yet clear, is what the price difference will be between Hand Baggage Only and With Checked Bag fares – at the moment it can be as little as £10, but the new free flight changes benefit suggests this may increase. Business Traveller will report further when it has more information. ba.com Mark Caswell
Loading comments...

Search Flight

See a whole year of Reward Seat Availability on one page at SeatSpy.com

Business Traveller March 2024 edition
Business Traveller March 2024 edition
Be up-to-date
Magazine Subscription
To see our latest subscription offers for Business Traveller editions worldwide, click on the Subscribe & Save link below
Polls