BA is introducing two new short-haul fares called Semi-Flex and Hand Baggage Only (HBO) to add to its existing Club Europe and Euro Traveller standard fares. Both have been designed to match the needs of short-haul customers, offering them wider choice and more flexibility.
Semi-Flex caters for BA’s business customers in Euro Traveller who are looking for flexibility at an affordable price. This new fare allows a change of flight on the day of departure so if a customer’s meeting runs over or finishes early, they can simply move to a later or earlier flight. Additional benefits of Semi-Flex include free seat reservations two days prior to travel and no change fee ahead of day of travel.
HBO, already launched successfully at Gatwick, will now also be available from Heathrow and London City allowing customers to opt for a reduced fare if they are travelling with hand baggage only.
Being able to use the new HBO lead-in price of £39 has allowed Gatwick to target on-line comparison sites where previously BA’s fares may not have featured so prominently. The arrival of HBO at Heathrow and London City will allow BA to broaden its appeal to a wider customer base targeting the price conscious who still want a premium travel experience.
Head of short-haul Robin Glover-Faure said, “These new fares will appeal to both leisure and business travellers who want the BA service and great on-board products at a highly competitive price.
“Low cost carriers have always competed strongly in the leisure market and they are now increasingly focusing on the business travel segment. With our generous baggage allowance and complimentary food and drink, BA short-haul already offers great value. The introduction of these new fares will help address price perception issues ensuring our customers’ always consider us when choosing which short-haul airline to fly with.”
Initially the new fares will be available from Heathrow, Gatwick and London City to nine trial destinations – Edinburgh, Glasgow, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Charles de Gaulle, Orly, Stockholm, Rome and Barcelona. On successful completion of the trial the new fares will be rolled out across the short-haul network.
The fares are now available on ba.com.