It’s summer, so it’s time for British Airways to update its inflight service – and yes, Ice Cream is coming for those down the back of the aircraft.
Starting today (7th July), the airline is offering complimentary ice cream on daytime flights departing London Heathrow and London Gatwick before 17:00 UK time, partnering with fellow British brand, Jude’s, to offer a range of flavours from very vanilla, strawberries and cream, truly chocolate and salted caramel.
The treats, which are produced less than 60 miles from Heathrow in Hampshire, will be available for customers to enjoy over the coming months when travelling in World Traveller Plus (premium economy) and World Traveller (economy) on long-haul flights out of Heathrow and Gatwick.
Into World Traveller Plus and Club World
British Airways is also re-introducing sparkling wine in its World Traveller Plus cabin from mid-July as part of its pre-take-off drink offering.
Those travelling in Club World (business class) can savour a unique glass of British bubbles during their flight with the Balfour Rosé de Noirs, made only from red grapes. This lighter rosé English Sparkling wine is an exclusive blend for British Airways, making it the perfect tipple ahead of summer travels.
The airline is also introducing a rosé blend for the first time in its First cabin. Whispering Angel’s big brother, Rock Angel is making an appearance on board, with more structure and oaky flavours than its younger sibling.
There are other catering updates too, with a range of summer-inspired menus across its cabins, available until September. Travellers in First can choose from lighter dishes including a classic prawn cocktail, grilled fillet of Atlantic halibut and British summer staple, berry bread and butter pudding.
Meanwhile, those travelling in World Traveller Plus can delve into a fresh calamarata pasta followed by a raspberry panna cotta.
Meanwhile, in Short Haul…
If you’re travelling on a short-haul flight you can also get a taste of Château d’Esclans’ creations, as Whispering Angel’s Provence rosé is now available to pre-purchase through the airline’s newly branded High Life Café (previously Speedbird Café).
The rebranding of the High Life Café will launch on the 20th of July.
In Quotes
British Airways’ Chief Customer Officer, Calum Laming, said:
“We know that so many of our customers have been looking forward to their summer holidays, so we’ve added these extra touches in time for summer to make their trips even more special.
‘Each and every one of our customers are unique and have their own original reasons for travelling, so our fantastic colleagues will be on hand to bring some summer joy to our customers, whether they’re visiting family, exploring a new part of the world or heading to the beach for a week in the sunshine.”
Nice to see British Airways catching up with its partners…
Ice Cream is always a crowd-pleaser in Economy Class – if you’re not lactose-intolerant (there are enough of us out there to make me wish they’d add a sorbet as an option). It’s simple enough to hand out, whilst consuming minimal galley and bin space.
However, British Airways is playing catchup with at least two airlines – compatriot Ibiera, as well as oneworld partner American Airlines.
And many others give it out as part of a service pattern that fills in that mid-flight snack requirement.
At least the airline is trying to improve the service – and not just at the front of the aircraft, but down the back too. That, in itself, is something to be grateful for.
Welcome to Economy Class and Beyond. Your no-nonsense guide to network news, honest reviews, in-depth coverage, unique research, as well as the humour and madness I only know how to deliver.
We’ll have an update on social media handles over the weekend – there’s been a lot of movement as things have upheaved. For now, you can find us on Twitter at@EconomyBeyond, on Mastodon and Instagram too!
Also, remember that we are part of the BoardingArea community, bringing you the latest frequent flyer news from around the world.