British Airways To Scrap Free Meals

London, United Kingdom: British Airways is scrapping free meals for short-haul economy fares from next year and inviting passengers to instead pay for Marks and Spencer sandwiches, creating a stir on social media.

The pair announced the tie-up on Thursday, which sees BA joining the no-frills airline model of charging passengers for food and drink.

From January, BA will charge 4.75 pounds ($6.2, 5.5 euros) for a tomato and mozzarella focaccia, 1 pounds for hand cooked crisps and a minimum of 4 pounds for alcoholic drinks. No food item will cost more than 5 pounds.

BA said the move "follows extensive customer research and feedback, which highlighted dissatisfaction with the airline's current short-haul economy catering".

But customer Lee Butterley tweeted: "Hey @British_Airways literally no reason to pick you over EasyJet and Ryanair anymore then?"
 

Hey @British_Airways literally no reason to pick you over EasyJet and RyanAir anymore then? https://t.co/N6H94L3xHs

— utterlee (@LeeButterley) September 29, 2016

James Forshaw added: "Wow @British_Airways taking away the free food is one thing, but drinks, even soft ones? Really is no reason to fly BA short haul anymore."
 

Wow @British_Airways taking away the free food is one thing, but drinks, even soft ones? Really is no reason to fly BA short haul anymore.

— James Forshaw (@tiraniddo) September 29, 2016

Others welcomed the move, with Jan Brian tweeting: "At last, the chance for some decent food on flights. Don't mess it up!"
 

@marksandspencer @British_Airways At last, the chance for some decent food on flights. Don't mess it up!

— JAN BRIAN (@BOMBERBRIAN) September 29, 2016

BA chairman and CEO Alex Cruz described the tie-up with Marks as "an ideal partnership, providing... customers with a choice of products they recognise and value".