BA sells premium seats cheaper than economy

British Airways has started selling fully flexible short-haul business fares at less than economy tariffs for travellers prepared to book well in advance.

Changes have been made to C and D class Club Europe fare categories on most routes, meaning that they will cost less than full-fare economy but offer full flexibility for the first time, with refunds available and no charge for itinerary changes, unlike before.

BA’s head of trade sales Scott Davies said that previously, only the full fare Club Europe J class offered this: “We have made some changes to put more fares in the tariff that offers flexibility,” he said.

“We will have fares in Club Europe that will be cheaper than fully-flexible Y class economy.”

Davies said the new fares would be available on “at least” three-quarters of BA’s short-haul routes and gave an example of Heathrow-Paris, where full-fare economy is £383, but the new D class rate is £349.

However, Davies said the number of C and D tickets would be “inventory managed”, with these fare categories made unavailable closer to departure.

“What we are saying is that in reality, Y class will be available more times than D class, but if you are able to book further out, you will be able to find these fares,” he said.

BA, in common with other carriers, has seen short-haul business class sales plummet during the recession. BA already allows passengers to purchase last-minute upgrades at the airport on certain routes, but Davies denied the latest innovation to woe corporate travellers was a last-ditch attempt.

“BA is committed to providing a cabin for business travellers that allows them space to work and relax,” he said.

The changes to C and D categories also mean new criteria for the cheaper R business class tariff. This was previously non-refundable but changeable. It is now non-changeable and non-refundable and requires a Sunday night stay.