British Airways gears up for Christmas in the Air

With Christmas approaching faster than you can say, “Oh heck, I need to start buying gifts,” British Airways is adding its own festive touches—both on the ground and in the air.

World Traveller Christmas offerings

Long Haul Festivity

Across all classes, specially designed headrest covers are being rolled out to bring a festive spirit to an aircraft. For those travelling long haul, there will be a special IFE channel featuring Christmas Entertainment.

In terms of food, British Airways seems to be catering to a lot. The airline’s culinary team has also created a traditional British turkey dinner featuring all the trimmings, alongside a vegetarian option, available to enjoy on long-haul flights on selected routes.

First Class Christmas Afternoon Tea. 

The airline estimates it will serve over 250,000 turkey dinners to fly across the world on board British Airways’ aircraft this Christmas, including over 700,000 Brussels sprouts and 40,000 pigs in blanket between 29 November to 27 December.

The Club World festive menu

Festive drinks are covered too, whether it’s a warm cup of Twinings Christmas tea or a glass of BrewDog Hoppy Christmas IPA. First and Club World (long-haul business class) customers can tuck into a special afternoon tea on board, complete with a luxurious chocolate éclair and traditional fruitcake, and can sip a special winter warmer cocktail, featuring Johnnie Walker Blue in First and Johnnie Walker Black in Club World.

In First, customers can expect a limited-edition Alice Temperley amenity kit throughout December, with an intricate design inspired by flights through starry skies at 35,000ft.

Continuing the tradition started last year, those travelling from 23 to 25 December can add another collectable Christmas bauble to their tree. This year’s edition features a beautiful, hand-painted design incorporating Indian and British landmarks to mark 100 years of British Airways connecting the UK to India.

Club World customers will be offered a bespoke box of British Cartwright & Butler fudge between the 23rd to 25th of December.

Customers hoping to get into the holiday spirit in World Traveller (economy) will receive a complimentary Christmas hat with their meal between 15 and 27 December.

The airline’s youngest travellers can enjoy festive chocolate treats, as well as Peggy and Leon activity sheets between 15 to 27 December. They can also send special mail directly to the North Pole by posting it through Santa’s letterbox in its Heathrow Terminal 5 lounges.

Shorthaul

For those in EuroTraveller (the short-haul cabin), there are Christmas offerings from High Life Café. This includes Tom Kerridge’s ultimate turkey feast sandwich, The Jolly Hog ‘pigs in Blankets’ roll, sweet treats from Pullins Bakery, as well as a variety of drinks including BrewDog’s Elf lager and Bottlegreen Edwards’ Vodka Raspberry Spritz. These are available for pre-ordering now.

In Club Europe (short-haul business class), customers can enjoy the airline’s festive menu on selected routes from 24 to 27 December.

On the Ground

For those who frequent the lounges in both Terminal 3 and Terminal 5, as well as across its lounge network, there are some offerings.

And Horselamp is festive. What more do you want? 

Customers travelling through the airline’s Heathrow and Gatwick lounges can pick up special gifts at pop-up festive stalls featuring original British brands, such as individually wrapped chocolates by Harry Specters and The Cocobean Company in its Club (business class) lounges, and hand-piped baked goods by Biscuiteers in the Concorde Room.

Those visiting the Concorde Room between 23 and 25 December can also enjoy a special premium tipple by sampling Talisker’s exclusive limited-edition 45-year-old Scotch whisky.

Meanwhile, A bespoke winter picnic menu will also be available in all British Airways Heathrow lounges, including mince pies, brie and cranberry sandwiches, and a specially crafted Christmas cocktail for those looking to enjoy some festive fare. In the airline’s First lounge, Santa’s helpers will be on hand to offer to wrap last-minute gifts for customers, with specially designed snowflake wrapping paper incorporating the airline’s iconic speedmarque.

Bringing Cheer to the Community

As well as what’s happening at the airports and in the air, British Airways is sponsoring the Royal Albert Hall this December, as part of its ‘Christmas at the Hall’ carol concerts. All donations raised at the concerts will be split between the Alzheimer’s Society and the Royal Albert Hall’s engagement programme, which promotes well-being through creativity.

The airline also welcomed the Alzheimer’s Society choir to its Christmas lights-on event, to spread Christmas cheer for customers and colleagues at Heathrow Terminal 5.

To date, the airline has raised more than £270,000 for the Alzheimer’s Society

In Quotes

Calum Laming, Chief Customer Officer at British Airways, said:

“Christmas is such a special time, and this year is no different. We want to make it truly special, so we have pulled out all the stops to spread some cheer and create a truly British Original Christmas.

“To our customers, wherever you are travelling and however you may celebrate, we hope that you enjoy our extra touches throughout your journey this festive season delivered by our incredible colleagues. We wish you all a very Merry Christmas!”

Let the festivities begin

With the festive period now in full swing, airlines are going to roll out their Christmas offerings. British Airways has kept theirs traditionally British in some respects, but has added world elements, whilst inviting its customers to relax at a stressful time of year – especially if long-haul travel is on your agenda.

As we go through this festive season, we’ll need moments of lightness, as well as knowing that there will be some home comforts – no matter where you are when travelling.

Hopefully, British Airways has enough Brussels sprouts, as well as pigs in blankets for the festive season. That’s for sure.

All Images, British Airways.

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