Safety, Cleanliness, & COVID-19 Travel Review
British Airways
[Photo courtesy of British Airways]
Cleaning Policy
Key surfaces disinfected after every flight: seat, armrest, tray table, seat belt buckle, stowage area and toilets. More info…
Masks & Distancing
Passengers are required to wear face masks on board and at the airport. No stated policy on blocked seats or distancing on board.
Flexibility & Rebooking
No change fees for bookings from 3 Mar – 31 Aug 20 on trips ending by 30 April 2021 (fare differences apply). Cancel travel thru 31 Aug 20 for credit on BA.
British Airways Safe Travel Info
What's it like to fly British Airways right now?
British Airways clearly communicates its new operational standards following COVID-19 on its web site, detailing the passenger journey with videos and new service standards.
Like other airlines, it’s introduced flexibility into its rebooking and cancellation policies, allowing passengers to rebook flights without change fees for trips ending by 30 April 2021. To benefit from this flexibility, tickets must be booked by 31 August 2020.
On board, BA requests passengers stay in their seats whenever possible. It aims to keep passengers from walking around or lining up at the lavatories.
All passengers and cabin crew are required to wear a face mask on board. BA requests passengers bring face masks for their flights.
On 16 June, BA began using a new temporary approach to onboard catering, noting it will consult with the appropriate health and safety authorities regarding its catering on a longer term basis.
Aircraft cabins are thoroughly cleaned “from nose to tail every day,” while high-touch surfaces like the seat, armrest, tray table, seat belt buckle, stowage area, and toilets are cleaned between every flight.
British Airways
Safe Travel Summary
Check-in: No stated cleaning policies for check-in or gate areas
Check-in and boarding: contactless experience available via the British Airways app or kiosks
Hand sanitizer available throughout the London airport terminals
All employees and customers are required to wear face masks on board
After each flight, key surfaces on all aircraft are sanitized. It’s thoroughly cleaned “from nose to tail” every day
New Boarding process being trialed to increase distance between passengers
Boarding passes can be self-scanned, though staff check passport details when necessary
All aircraft are ventilated with outside air, or air recirculated through HEPA filters, removing 99.9% of particles including viruses
Seat, armrest, tray tables, seat belt buckle, stowage area and toilets cleaned before each flight
Social Distancing: passengers encouraged to stay in their seats to minimize contact around the cabin
Latest Reviews & Resources
What’s It Like Flying British Airways Club World to Sydney Under COVID-19 Pandemic Restrictions? – I feel like I need to start with a small disclaimer. This is in no way a review or reflection of the quality of the typical British Airway’s product or service…
British Airways plans to fly 29 long-haul routes in July, including 13 to North America – British Airways is gearing up for a return to long-haul service. During the coronavirus lockdown, the carrier had mostly halted passenger flights…
Details: British Airways’ New Onboard Catering – Airlines around the world are adjusting service protocols in light of coronavirus. It’s interesting to note the vastly different…
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