British Airways is about to join the ‘basic economy’ trend over the Atlantic, following moves by American and Delta to sell cheap seats with limited amenities to compete with ultra-lowcost airlines. And, honey, they’re shrinking the seats.
The moves by legacy carriers to compete with low-fare-plus-lots-of-fees Norwegian, WOW and others seem to be accelerating ahead of the summer season. In BA’s case, that includes not only the introduction of stripped-down fares, but also a remake of the economy cabin in some of its 777s.
The remake includes changing the economy section of the planes from 3-3-3 seating to 3-4-3, putting an extra 12 seats in BA 777s flying from London Gatwick, home of routes that most directly compete with the discounters. BA showed off the new seats with 50% bigger TV screens, but did not give measurements for the ‘elegant new seats,’ but it appears that it’s likely the new seats are 17″ wide rather than the present 18.5.”
Coming along behind: Virgin Atlantic, closely-allied with Delta, is now also making plans for more segments in economy, including “Economy Light,” a close match for other carriers’ “Basic Economy.” Details not yet set.
