Flights Travel Advice

Flight Review British Airways Euro Traveller

It’s been a few years since we have flown with British Airways and it was a pleasant surprise to find fares to Budapest, including bags, cheaper than the budget airlines with their Euro Traveller class. The only issue was the flights were from Heathrow and not from our local airport but at least we shouldn’t get stuck behind a tractor trying to get there.

BA have recently been in the news regarding their plans to ditch the inflight meal on short haul economy flights. BA are not a budget airline, is this a sign of things to come and will there be a ‘Ryanair’ style approach to economy customers? We hope not, keep the biscuits coming, especially on the economy Euro Travller class.

The Airport

Heathrow Airport T3
Unfortunately, as we were flying economy we did not have access to the lounge. This is something we miss as Terminal 3 is very busy and Mellissa (Mrs W) is not a big fan of flying and does need a bit of relaxation before getting on the plane. Read more of Mellissa’s stress free travel tips.

However, despite being very busy, getting through security was quick. Also, there is excellent airport shopping at Terminal 3. Those shops are getting closer and closer to security, we expect by next year the security staff will be trying to sell you aftershave while X-Raying your shoes.

The Plane

BA Airbus A320
Getting onboard the plane (an Airbus A320) wasn’t the quickest but the staff were polite and once we finally reached our seats there was actually room in the overhead lockers for our cabin bags. We had extra legroom seats (rows 11 and 12 on the Airbus A320) which were comfortable although they do not recline, not really an issue on a 2 hour flight.

Once boarded there was a delay due to the plane having an issue with the brakes, we were kept informed by the pilot although it did result in a 30 min wait. One issue which we’ve noticed is that planes do get hot during boarding or waiting on the tarmac. It is not the most comfortable and it would be good to be a bit cooler but the air-con does not seen to be switched on until taxying.

The delay did give us plenty of time to read the inflight magazine, now we’re both experts in the Icelandic music scene!

Onboard Service

Onboard British Airways
BA have not yet ditched the inflight snacks and drinks, this is planned for summer 2017. On this BA Euro Traveller flight, the food consisted of  a choice of a small salad or a pastrami roll, both tasted good but were only snack size. There was also a choice of soft drinks, beer, wine and spirits. We recommend avoiding the wine, it’s rarely chilled and not the best tasting, stick to the safer option of beer or spirits.

The inflight service does break up the monotony of a flight and you also get the excitement of opening the mystery meal box, what miniature food item will you find?

Overall, despite the delay we had a good experience flying with BA. The flight staff including the pilot were very customer focussed and friendly. We hope this service will continue and they don’t veer towards the style of the budget airlines.

We hope to try their Business Class, Club World seats soon and see how they compare to Virgin Upper Class.

Have you recently flown with British Airways? Share your experience and any hints or tips, thanks.

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  • Cathy Glynn
    October 28, 2016 at 12:18 pm

    It is not fun sitting in a plane on the runway, we had problems with our plane in Mexico and 5 people passed out due to the heat. It would be a shame if they did away with the inflight meals.

    • Mr and Mrs W
      October 28, 2016 at 1:13 pm

      Luckily we were not delayed that long and it wasn’t the height of summer. Being stuck on a plane in the heat of Mexico must have been a nightmare.

  • Dean of Little Steps
    October 28, 2016 at 3:38 pm

    I’m glad they haven’t ditched the inflight food yet. I found it ridiculous though that they plan to start charging for that. Haven’t flown with BA in a while, but I did enjoy their flights in the past.

  • joanna
    October 28, 2016 at 4:15 pm

    It’s a shame of they do ditch in-flight meals they can be so handy especially with little ones.

    • Mr and Mrs W
      October 28, 2016 at 5:59 pm

      Yes, after all BA are not a budget airline and the little touches help make the overall experience better. I read in an article that removing the meals will only save them a very very small amount while slightly annoying customers so what is the point.

  • Natalia Molinero
    October 28, 2016 at 5:42 pm

    I’ve never used British Airways, but I think 30 minutes delay is quite good, actually it’s the minimum delay I normally experience with other companies…hahah x

    • Mr and Mrs W
      October 28, 2016 at 5:56 pm

      The delay was for a technical reason so I’m glad they got that fixed.
      We have only used BA on short haul around Europe, would like to try their longer routes.

  • Erica Price
    October 28, 2016 at 6:31 pm

    I was quite sad to hear that BA are ditching their free food and drink on short haul. I think it does have a negative impact on image. I used to fly with them quite a lot, but they no longer fly from my local airport which is a real shame.

    • Mr and Mrs W
      October 28, 2016 at 10:47 pm

      Our local airport is Cardiff and BA no longer fly from there. Bizarrely, BA does have a large service centre there where they refit their planes. So there are lots of BA planes around just not for passengers.

  • Jayne @ Sticky Mud and Belly Laughs
    October 28, 2016 at 7:38 pm

    I haven’t flown with BA for quite a while, but have always had a pleasant experience with them.
    As others have stated, it seems a shame that they will be ditching the in-flight meals though.

  • clairejustine
    October 28, 2016 at 7:52 pm

    It has been 12 years since we have flown, I can not wait to renew my passports and start to travel again 🙂

  • Five little doves
    October 28, 2016 at 11:16 pm

    I haven’t flown with BA for years but I was disappointed they have scrapped the in flight meal too! I remember flying with them from Manchester to London and having a lovely little packed lunch type meal!

  • Fashion and Style Police
    October 29, 2016 at 1:03 pm

    I have not flown with BA in ages. I enjoyed reading this post xo

  • Anosa
    October 29, 2016 at 2:59 pm

    I have only travelled with BA twice, when we moved to the UK almost 15 years ago now and in June on my way to Hamburg and i have had good experiences both times

  • Rachel
    October 29, 2016 at 4:28 pm

    The inflight meal is one of the best things about a flight sometimes and you are right, it does break up the monotony x

  • Lisa Lambert (mumdadplus4)
    October 30, 2016 at 8:07 am

    I flight meals are one of the highlights of the flight as you mention I love getting that little tray and seeing what’s inside, gutted if they get rid 🙁

  • Baby Isabella
    October 30, 2016 at 9:46 pm

    Can’t believe that BA are ditching inflight snacks in 2017! Sounds like you had a relatively pleasant flight!

  • Evelina
    October 31, 2016 at 12:06 pm

    I am flying with BA for the first time early next year, have heard so many great comments about them.

  • May EatCookExplore
    November 2, 2016 at 12:52 pm

    I always try to fly BA for short haul flights and surprisingly, you can get them cheaper than the budget airlines. Plus the perk of food and drink too. Shame that is going away