Passengers on a British Airways flight from Athens to Heathrow were surprised when they were told mid-flight that the prices on their menu cards had increased.
The announcement, delivered by a steward over the PA system, revealed that the food and drink prices had been raised by approximately 10% without prior warning.
According to passenger reports, the card payment readers had already been adjusted to reflect the higher rates, leaving travellers shocked and perplexed by the sudden price hike.
One passenger expressed frustration, stating, “It just feels like they want to rip us off,” highlighting the lack of transparency surrounding the price adjustments.
Before the price increase, food prices on British Airways flights were already considered steep.
For instance, a 90g pack of Naked Japanese Style Chicken Flavour Noodles, which typically costs £1.50 at Sainsbury’s, was priced at around £5 onboard the flight.
In response to the backlash, British Airways attributed the price adjustments to “small alterations” in the prices of snacks and drinks on their short-haul flights, clarifying that these changes were part of scheduled updates to their onboard menus. The airline assured passengers they were updating their menus to reflect the new prices.
This incident adds to a series of recent staffing controversies plaguing British Airways, which has faced criticism for handling customer satisfaction.
Just days prior, news emerged of a BA captain being grounded amid allegations of concealing a history of anger management issues.
The seriousness of the situation was emphasised by a source familiar with the matter, stating, “The idea of a captain in charge of passengers at 30,000 ft suddenly lashing out in fits of rage is a big no-no.” The allegations, which include falsifying medical records, are currently under investigation by the Civil Aviation Authority.
This controversy follows previous incidents involving British Airways pilots, including the dismissal of a pilot last September for allegedly boasting about consuming cocaine before operating a flight. The airline continues to face scrutiny over its internal practices and commitment to passenger safety amidst these ongoing controversies.
Passengers and industry observers are calling for greater transparency and accountability from British Airways regarding the sudden price increases and the handling of staff conduct issues.
As the airline navigates these challenges, it faces mounting pressure to address customer concerns and restore confidence in its operations.
