British Airways is changing its short-haul economy fare structure, giving more benefits to passengers who pay to check in luggage.
The changes, which will come into force next month, will see BA offer three fare types with different levels of flexibility: Hand Baggage Only, With Checked Bag and Fully Flex.
Previously the airline had two types of fares, hand baggage only or with checked bag. Each of those could be bought with three levels of flexibility – standard, semi-flex and fully flex – depending on whether the traveller needed the option to change flights.
One of the major changes will see those passengers who pay for check-in baggage receive free flight changes on the day of departure.
Wings Travel Management client business manager Alastair Dickenson told BBT they’ve been notified about the changes and are “in favour” of anything that “simplifies fare structures”.
"Free flight changes on day of departure for checked baggage fares will be the biggest win for our clients I think, but it's fair to note this has been in place with Easyjet for a long time," he said.
The three options are:
Hand Baggage Only:
Standard hand baggage allowance (no Checked Baggage allowance)
Seating allocated at check-in or paid for seat selection
Flight changes can be made for a fee plus any difference in fare
With Checked Bag:
Includes a 23kg Checked Baggage allowance, plus the standard hand baggage allowance
Free seat selection from 48 hours prior to departure
Free flight changes on the day of departure, up to one hour before scheduled flight time
No change fees (a fare difference may apply if flight is changed before day of departure)
Fully Flex:
Fully refundable
Includes a 23kg Checked Baggage allowance, plus the standard hand baggage allowance
Free seat selection at time of booking
Free flight changes on the day of departure, up to one hour before scheduled flight time
No change fees (a fare difference may apply if flight is changed before day of departure)
These fare products are only available on short haul flights.
On UK domestic routes, Fully Flex fares will be branded ‘Business UK’. These fares include access to BA lounges and priority boarding.
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