Long-Haul Flights: British Airways' Definition

what constitutes a long haul flight on british airways

British Airways offers two economy products: Euro Traveller and World Traveller. The latter is for long-haul flights beyond Europe, and the former is for short-haul flights. World Traveller is similar to other airlines' economy offerings on international routes, providing free meals, entertainment options, and, in some cases, a baggage allowance. Passengers can enjoy a starter, main, and dessert, with a choice of hot, cold, and alcoholic drinks, as well as mid-flight snacks and a second meal on longer flights. Entertainment options include a personal flat screen, noise-cancelling headphones, games, music, audiobooks, and paid Wi-Fi packages.

Characteristics Values
Flight Duration Much longer than 2 hours
Food Free meals, including a starter, main course, and dessert, plus cold, hot, and alcoholic drinks
Entertainment Personal entertainment screens, noise-cancelling headphones, games, music, audiobooks, and paid Wi-Fi packages
Amenities Carrycots and infant seats provided for free on long-haul flights; baggage collection and check-in services available at select airports
Aircraft Boeing 777-200, Boeing 787-9
Destinations Toronto, Vancouver, Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Cincinnati, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Montreal, New York, Orlando, Washington, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Qatar, Oman, Antigua, Barbados, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, St Lucia, Cancun, South Africa, Malaysia, Australia, Thailand, Japan, Singapore, Seychelles, Mauritius, Maldives

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Food and drink

Economy (World Traveller)

World Traveller passengers receive complimentary food and drinks. This includes a starter, main course, and dessert, plus cold, hot, and alcoholic drinks. On longer flights, there is a second meal and mid-flight snacks. Children's meals are also available.

Business (Club World)

Business class passengers can expect food and drink during their flight, with meals consisting of a choice of main courses, as well as a starter, dessert, and cheese. Snacks and a variety of drinks are available throughout the journey, with British Airways' signature afternoon tea offered on some routes.

First

First-class passengers can indulge in luxurious fine dining.

Euro Traveller (Short-Haul)

On short-haul flights, all passengers receive a light snack and a bottle of water. Everything else is for sale from the Speedbird Cafe, including coffee and tea.

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Entertainment

British Airways offers a range of entertainment options for passengers on long-haul flights. Passengers can enjoy a variety of movies and TV shows on their personal flat screens, ranging from blockbusters to gripping series. Noise-cancelling headphones are provided to ensure an immersive experience without disturbing other passengers.

For those who prefer interactive entertainment, British Airways offers a selection of games, while music and audiobook options are also available. Passengers can stay connected with Wi-Fi services, with free messaging offered to members of the British Airways Club.

Travellers with children will appreciate the dedicated kids' entertainment, including a range of programmes and games tailored for young audiences. British Airways also offers delicious free meals for youngsters between two and twelve years old on long-haul flights, ensuring a pleasant and engaging journey for families.

On certain long-haul flights, passengers flying Business (Club World) may gain access to exclusive Club Suites, elevating the travel experience. Other amenities in Business class include personal charging points, luxury bedding, amenity kits, and private airport lounge access at select airports.

While British Airways generally provides a comprehensive entertainment experience, some reviews have noted occasional technical issues with in-flight entertainment systems. It is recommended to check for recent reviews or updates to ensure a seamless entertainment experience on your next long-haul journey with British Airways.

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Comforts and amenities

British Airways offers a range of comforts and amenities to its passengers, with some variations depending on the travel class and destination.

For passengers flying within the UK and Europe in Economy (Euro Traveller), the comforts include leather seats, a complimentary bottle of water and a snack, and high-speed Wi-Fi access on most aircraft, with a choice of paid plans. On the other hand, those flying outside Europe in Economy (World Traveller) can enjoy ergonomically designed seats with adjustable headrests, lumbar support, and recline, as well as a personal flat screen, noise-cancelling headphones, and a wide range of entertainment options, including the latest movies, TV shows, games, music, and audiobooks.

In terms of dining, World Traveller passengers can enjoy a starter, main, and dessert, along with a choice of hot, cold, and alcoholic drinks. Mid-flight snacks and a second meal are also provided on longer flights. For those travelling with children, the High Life Cafe menu offers a colourful Peggy & Leon Adventure snack box with sweet and savoury treats, a drink, and a small toy. On long-haul flights, complimentary meals are provided for youngsters aged 2 to 12, which can be pre-ordered.

Moving up to Business Class, passengers can expect wider seats with more legroom, head and footrests, and a quilt and cushion for added comfort. The dining experience includes sparkling wine after take-off, two delicious meals, and complimentary bar service and snacks. Business Class passengers also have access to streaming services during their flight and receive an amenity kit containing items like lip balm, an eye mask, socks, and a toothbrush.

Additionally, British Airways offers a premium economy option called World Traveller Plus, which provides passengers with a stylish quilt and cushion, as well as an amenity kit featuring sustainable items. This class also includes dining perks such as sparkling wine and a three-course meal, along with snacks and a selection of drinks. Passengers can also enjoy high-speed Wi-Fi and a vast entertainment library.

For the ultimate in comfort and luxury, First Class offers exceptional comforts, including private suites, fine dining, and access to elegant departure lounges.

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Destinations

British Airways offers a wide range of destinations for long-haul travellers. From London Heathrow and London Gatwick, you can explore the world and experience new cultures. For those seeking sun and relaxation, the Caribbean is a popular choice, with destinations such as Antigua, Barbados, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, St Lucia, and Cancun. The Indian Ocean also boasts island havens such as the Seychelles, Mauritius and the Maldives, offering tropical beauty and pristine beaches.

For those seeking adventure and unique cultural experiences, British Airways can take you to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Qatar or Oman in the Arabian Peninsula. Alternatively, you could explore the wild wonders of South Africa, Malaysia or Australia. If you're drawn to the vibrant cities and landscapes of Asia, consider Thailand, Japan or Singapore.

For travellers dreaming of the American experience, British Airways offers flights to iconic US destinations, including New York, Orlando, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Washington. You can also explore other North American cities, such as Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, and Denver.

Previously, British Airways also operated flights to Kuwait, Dallas/Fort Worth, and Abu Dhabi, but these routes have been suspended or are served by joint business partners.

With a variety of long-haul destinations to choose from, British Airways provides opportunities for travellers to create unforgettable memories and experiences around the globe.

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Ticketing and baggage

Ticketing

British Airways offers two economy products: World Traveller and Euro Traveller. Your choice between the two depends on the length and type of flight. World Traveller is the economy cabin for long-haul flights beyond Europe, while Euro Traveller is for most short-haul routes.

World Traveller has two types of tickets: Basic and Standard. Basic fares are less expensive but do not include as many perks as a standard ticket. However, all World Traveller passengers can expect complimentary food, including a starter, main course, and dessert, plus cold, hot, and alcoholic drinks. On longer flights, there is a second meal and mid-flight snacks. Children's meals are also available. Entertainment options include personal entertainment screens and headphones with access to films, short-subject programs, and music. Children's programming is also available.

Euro Traveller has three fare classes: Basic, Plus, and Plus Flex. Basic fares offer fewer benefits for a lower cost, while Plus and Plus Flex give you more options. All passengers, regardless of fare class, will receive food and beverages, including a light snack and a bottle of water. Everything else is available for purchase from the Speedbird Cafe, including coffee and tea.

Baggage

British Airways allows you to take a handbag with specific dimensions (40 x 30 x 15 cm or 16 x 12 x 6 inches) and weighing up to 23 kg as carry-on baggage. You can place this bag under your seat. Cabin bags are also permitted, with maximum dimensions of 56 x 45 x 25 cm (including wheels and handles) and a weight limit of 23 kg. However, these may need to be placed in the hold if there is insufficient cabin space.

World Traveller passengers can store checked bags in the hold, and some routes and tickets offer an even greater allowance. You can also add extra bags for a fee. A doorstep-to-airport baggage collection service is available for flights departing from Heathrow, Gatwick, Geneva, Zurich, and Vienna. This service ensures your baggage is securely transported to the airport and checked in, allowing you to travel to the airport without any baggage.

When travelling with infants on long-haul flights, carrycots and infant seats are provided free of charge and can be used when the seat belt signs are off. British Airways also provides baby food on long-haul flights, but it is recommended to bring your own unopened food as well.

Frequently asked questions

British Airways' economy cabin for long-haul flights outside of Europe is called World Traveller. This includes flights to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Qatar, Oman, the Caribbean, South Africa, Malaysia, Australia, Thailand, Japan, Singapore, the Seychelles, Mauritius, the Maldives, and various cities in the US.

On long-haul flights, passengers receive complimentary food and beverages, including a starter, main course, and dessert, as well as cold, hot, and alcoholic drinks. On longer flights, a second meal and mid-flight snacks are provided. Passengers also have access to personal entertainment screens and noise-cancelling headphones, with options like films, TV shows, games, music, and audiobooks.

For hand baggage, you are allowed to take a bag up to 40 x 30 x 15 cm (16 x 12 x 6 inches) in size and weighing up to 23 kg. For cabin bags, the dimensions can be up to 56 x 45 x 25 cm (22 x 18 x 10 inches), including wheels and handles, and they can also weigh up to 23 kg. However, there is a chance these bags will need to be placed in the hold.

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