British Airways has released details about its new Hand Baggage Only transatlantic fares.
The new fares called ‘Basic’ fares are Hand Baggage Only and were announced last month.
British Airways announces transatlantic hand baggage only fare
The update today is over the pricing, which the airline says is up to £60 less than the standard return fare (so £30 less than the fares quoted below) and also the fact that they are available not only on transatlantic routes but other destinations as well.
The airline says that these new fares will start from £143 each way, based on a return fare, and are available today on flights from London to Austin, Boston, Delhi, Denver, Dubai, Hong Kong, Oakland, Philadelphia, Punta Cana and Singapore.
British Airways is launching the Basic fares in conjunction with its transatlantic joint business partner airlines, American Airlines, Finnair and Iberia.
Fares quoted start from
- 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
- Austin from £246.
All prices are each way, based on a return fare.
The new ‘Basic’ fare includes in-flight meals, two-piece hand baggage allowance and allow the use of Avios as part payment.
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 the time of booking and Bronze members can select their seat seven days in advance as they do now. 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 for extra cost.
The hand baggage allowance is one handbag/laptop bag (max. 23kg / 51lb and up to 40 x 30 x 15cm / 16 x 12 x 6in) plus one additional cabin bag (max. 23kg / 51lb and up to 56 x 45 x 25cm / 22 x 18 x 10in)
Changes to the booking can be made for a fee, plus any difference in fare
Basic fares can be combined with other fare types e.g. basic fare outbound and a standard fare return
British Airways says it will try to seat families together several days ahead of travel, however they may be split across aisles or rows. Children under 12 will always be seated with an adult on the same booking.
Executive Club Members can still collect Avios and Tier Points on their bookings.
