British Airways’ new long haul ‘Basic’ fares have gone on sale covering ten destinations.
The fares, being introduced with transatlantic joint business partner airlines, American Airlines, Finnair and Iberia, will cost up to £60 less than the standard return.
They are available on services from London to Austin, Boston, Delhi, Denver, Dubai, Hong Kong, Oakland, Philadelphia, Punta Cana and Singapore.
Rates start at £143 to Dubai, £175 to Boston, £185 to Oakland, £191 to Denver, £210 to Delhi, £228 to Hong Kong, £230 to Singapore, £234 to Philadelphia, £240 to Punta Cana and £246 to Austin from £246. All prices are each way, based on a return fare.
Passengers on the new lower ‘Basic’ fare will be offered improved in-flight meals in the airline’s World Traveller long haul economy cabin, a two-piece hand baggage allowance and use Avios as part payment.
Passengers will have their seat allocated at check-in or can pay for seat selection.
Silver and Gold Executive Club members can continue to select their seat at time of booking and Bronze members can select their seat seven days in advance. The airline says it will also continue to seat families together in advance of travel, although they may be split across aisles or rows.
BA chief commercial officer Adam Daniels said: “We know that when our customers travel with us their needs vary from trip to trip – some will be flying on business, some for leisure, some will be on short hops, others will be longer stays.
“We need to ensure that the fares we provide reflect those differing needs so customers can select the best option for them on that occasion.
“Someone travelling for a short meeting or leisure break, who isn’t planning to check in a bag and is happy for us to allocate them a seat, will appreciate the option to secure a lower fare.
“They’ll still receive our generous hand baggage allowance, a seat allocated to them in advance, complimentary food and drink, in-flight entertainment, blankets and headphones, all at no extra cost. And those looking to make even more savings can use Avios towards the flight too.”