British Airways starts selling 3 new short haul economy fares

British Airways has started selling new short haul economy fares. The three new fare types namely, 'Basic', 'Plus' and 'Plus Flex', that replace the company's six existing options, went on sale on 22 April morning.

When BA announced the plan to introduce the new fares in March, it said the move was aimed at making the airline more attractive against competitors like easyJet.

The new 'Basic' option is the same as the airline's earlier 'Hand baggage only' option. It is the cheapest of the three new options and does not include checked luggage. While it allocates the seats to flyers at the time of check-in, it gives them the option to pay more to choose a particular seat. As for flight changes under this option, flyers will have to pay the difference in fare along with a £60 (€77,$86) charge.

The new 'Plus' fare option is the same option which was temporarily known as 'With Checked Bag' option. Under this option, a flyer is entitled to a baggage allowance of 23kg and other options such as free seat selection from up to 48 hours before departure and free flight changes on the day of departure up to one hour before the scheduled flight time.

The last option, 'Plus Flex' is the most expensive of the three. While this fare is fully refundable to a flyer, it includes a 23kg checked baggage allowance, free flight changes on the day of departure, option to choose the seats at the time of booking at no additional cost and free advance changes subject to fare difference.

This option will be called 'Business UK' on domestic flights and give flyers access to its lounge. It will also give them priority with to boarding.

Robin Glover-Faure, head of short-haul at the flag carrier airline of the UK, said: "Our customers were telling us they wanted a simpler fare structure for economy short-haul flights, rather than six possible combinations. This new approach is much easier to understand and will make booking quicker and simpler."