In the first of this British Airways series, we look at the good side. What are they doing right? Why do people continue flying with British Airways when there is clearly so much wrong with the whole customer experience? It used to be something to aim for – Ooh, flying British Airways, that’s posh, food included – you must be rich. Now not so much, but over 45 million customers choose to fly with British Airways every year. Including us. Why?
British Airways are part of our history, they recently celebrated 100 years in the Sky. Though the celebrations were overshadowed by the shambolic handling of the pilots strike announcement, it’s still a marvellous achievement and the Channel 5, four part documentary ‘British Airways 24/7- Access all areas’ is well worth a watch – there is plenty of ‘wow’ and ‘I didn’t know that’ moments, (as well as non-drama of signs turning up in time). It’s fascinating to see what actually is involved. And truly mindblowing.
What does British Airways do well?
Avios. British Airways Air Miles currency is Avios. You collect Avios and redeem those for flights. Avios are easy to collect, there’s plenty of great ways to spend those miles. Firstly you save a ton of money and secondly, booking with Avios allows you the flexibility of changing or cancelling your flight for a small fee, and luggage is included. The cost savings can be huge and using Avios for flights has allowed us to book Business Class to Tokyo and San Francisco as well as Cyprus a few times a year.
British Airways Executive Club. You can book most Avios reward flights online or via the app. Some bookings can only be made over the phone. Calling the Executive Club to book is a Joy. The staff are UK based, well trained, helpful, polite, friendly and professional.
The Club Europe and Club World experience. This is ok, not fabulous but ok. It’s kind of what you’d hope for in Economy (which BA name Euro traveller and World traveller) . So the Club Europe/ Club World booking includes dedicated check-in desks, fast track through security, lounge access (fab lounges), upgraded seats, and food and drinks on board. Club Europe is the short haul product – the seat is pretty much middle seat free, nothing awesome. Food has always been great and you get tea and coffee in a mug and proper crockery and cutlery. My choice of breakfast is below (they did take off the egg for me!). Club World is Business Class and is a much more comfortable product as it’s designed for long haul. Fab seats, food and drink and entertainment. Best thing is the staff from check in to finish are again friendly, helpful and lovely. Not tried Upper class yet but it’s probably pretty good.
The planes, routes and flight times. British Airways are huge, every 90 seconds a BA flight takes off somewhere in the world. They have flights to 200 cities and times to choose from to and from main Airports. Wherever you want to go, they pretty much go there. This makes it a great option, especially if you are using Avios to book. Ongoing investment in aircraft means the planes are getting more enjoyable to fly in. The new A350 (delivery Sept 2019) introduces BA’s Club Suite which we can’t wait to try.
When we go to Cyprus for example booking with BA Club Europe (with Avios) means – great choice of decent flights, refundable ticket, priority check in, fast track security, lounge and cases included and comfy cabins, decent food, great staff and crew and first off the plane. All the elements for an awesome journey. That’s why we stick with British Airways.
If you are affected by the British Airways strikes, here’s exactly what you need to know. There is likely to be more announced as the pilots can now strike with 14 days notice and no ballot until January. A couple of useful articles are booking flights and hotels separately need to knows and flight cancelled or delayed need to knows. Be prepared!
So that’s Part 1 British Airways – the good. Subscribe to be alerted when the next articles – What British Airways need to do better, is posted. As is part 3 ‘we spent £386 for seats, Crazy?‘ and coming soon ‘How we got a refund for non- refundable seats’. Let me know in the comments what experiences you’ve had with British Airways.
The post British Airways – What BA do well (Part 1) appeared first on Mind over Money Matters.
