British Airways

Author: Kalicia Bateman

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The Good

• In-flight services
• Travel insurance
• Help with cancellations
• Frequent flyer program

One exciting thing about flying with British Airways is the list of amenities they offer with each and every flight. All passengers have access to in-flight entertainment systems, with differing system options dependent upon flight class. Entertainment options include, but are not limited to movies, music and games. Additionally, each flight, no matter how short, includes a free snack or meal and bar service. With locally sourced ingredients from trusted suppliers, passengers can really look forward to the enjoyment of a fresh, satisfying dining experience. Options from the full bar service include award winning wines and champagnes, a variety of spirits, non-alcoholic drinks, coffee and tea. Depending on the length of the flight, passengers traveling over breakfast, lunch or dinner can enjoy a three-course meal. Light meals are also available if desired, and mid-flight snacks are offered to quench any hunger that may creep up between mealtimes. Receive peace of mind with the purchase of travel insurance provided through Preferential Direct. With options for coverage on single trips and annual multi-trip policies, customers are sure to find a comprehensive policy that can be tailored to fit their specific needs at a highly competitive price. The two main packages are Value and Deluxe, but there are options for specific needs such as sports cover, golf cover and wedding cover. Detailed quotations, including all policy coverages and exact pricing, can be obtained through British Airways' website. -Value packages include coverage up to nearly $4,400 (4,000 EUR) on cancellations and nearly $825 (750 EUR) on personal property. Coverage is unavailable for pre-existing medical conditions. -Deluxe packages include coverage up to nearly $10,100 (10,000 EUR) on cancellations and nearly $2,200 (2,000 EUR) on personal property. Screening is available for pre-existing medical conditions. Of course airline initiated flight cancellations are something passengers hope to avoid entirely. Still, if there ever is a cancellation in your travels it's nice to know the airline has a policy in place to offer assistance. At British Airways, passengers experiencing a flight cancellation are able to rebook their flight for a later date at no extra charge, or cancel booking entirely and claim a refund. If booking includes a hotel, a rental car, a transfer or an experience in conjunction with a cancelled flight, then passengers may proceed with one of the following options: -For no charge, rebook to travel within a 14-day period after the scheduled departure time of the original flight. This is done on a like to like basis -Rebook to travel 15 days or more after the scheduled departure time of the original flight. No fees will be charged; however, any difference in the price of the hotel, rental car, transfer or experience will be paid by the passenger or refunded to the passenger. -Cancel entire booking and claim a refund to be received in the form of the original payment. British Airways offers a free frequent flyer program referred to as The Executive Club. Members collect Avios, the reward currency of the Club, on each flight with British Airways or any of their one world partners, plus a variety of hotel, credit card, car rental and shopping partners, which vary by location. Avios can be traded in for a range of benefits, some of which include reward flights and cabin upgrades.

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The Bad

• On-time percentage

Punctuality is one of the most important aspects of a good airline. So the fact that British Airlines was on-time with only 79% success isn't very assuring. With 9% of flights being late, 4% being very late, 9% being excessive late and 1% being cancelled altogether, passengers need not be completely surprised to find their flight running a bit behind schedule.

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The Bottom Line

British Airways is an impressive airline. They have been around for many years and have taken the time to incorporate features and amenities passengers appreciate. Competitively priced airline tickets, including Hand Baggage Only fares, a wide list of amenities, options for travel insurance, and a free-to-join rewards program-there's no reason to believe a flight with British Airlines would be anything but enjoyable and hassle-free.