Loading Page...

Do you have to pay for drinks on BA Long Haul?

Food and beverage. World Traveller passengers receive complimentary food, including a starter, main course and dessert, plus cold, hot and alcoholic drinks. On longer flights, there is a second meal and mid-flight snacks. Children's meals are also available.



No, on British Airways (BA) Long-Haul flights in 2026, complimentary drinks—including water, sodas, juice, tea, coffee, and a selection of alcoholic beverages (beer, wine, and spirits)—are included in the ticket price for all cabins. Unlike the "Buy Before You Fly" model used on BA's short-haul Euro Traveller flights, the long-haul service (World Traveller) provides a full bar service as part of the meal experience. In 2026, BA has even expanded its "Best of British" beverage program, often featuring premium English sparkling wines and local craft gins at no extra cost to the passenger. While there is no strict limit, crew members are trained to monitor consumption for safety. It is worth noting that for "Basic Economy" (Hand Baggage Only) fares on long-haul routes, you still receive the same complimentary food and beverage service as standard economy passengers; the "Basic" restriction only applies to seat selection and checked luggage.

People Also Ask

Complimentary drinks are served to everyone, regardless of their meal selection.

MORE DETAILS

Basic fares are ideal when you want the lowest possible fare. You'll still have an allocated seat when you check in and it includes our generous hand baggage allowance. With Basic fares, you have the option of paying to add a checked bag, choose your seat, or other extras via Manage My Booking.

MORE DETAILS

British Airways lounge access rules You can't pay to access British Airways lounges. You'll have to rely on your fare class or elite status to get access. Elite status in either the airline's Executive Club or the Oneworld alliance will work.

MORE DETAILS

During your flight you can choose from snacks, plus hot, cold and alcoholic drinks, all delivered to your seat. Our signature afternoon tea features on some routes.

MORE DETAILS

However, a long-haul flight is generally any direct or non-stop flight that has a journey time of between 6–12 hours. Due to their long flight times, long-haul flights typically fly only 1 or 2 times a day and are usually operated by aircraft such as the Airbus A380, Boeing 787 or other widebody aircraft.

MORE DETAILS

On long-haul flights, many major airlines include a free hot meal and a heartier snack as well as soft drinks and some free alcoholic beverages in an economy class fare. Other carriers, especially low-cost airlines, charge economy passengers for all refreshments regardless of route length.

MORE DETAILS

Usually long haul complimentary alcoholic drinks means exactly that, not restrictive. - No airline will serve unlimited drinks, it could be limited by what supply they have on board and whether they need to save some for the return flight as not all airlines restock overseas.

MORE DETAILS

You can take solid foods like sandwiches, biscuits, fruit, nuts, etc. on board but the same restrictions for liquids apply to liquid foods, e.g. drinks, soups, sauces, jam or jelly (see guidance above). Be aware that there are no facilities to warm or refrigerate anything that you bring onboard.

MORE DETAILS

Here are my top 15 tips for surviving a long flight:
  1. Upgrade. ...
  2. Choose your seat wisely. ...
  3. Power up. ...
  4. Load up your devices. ...
  5. Pack a pillow (and a blanket) ...
  6. Wear comfortable clothes. ...
  7. Don't forget an eye mask and earplugs. ...
  8. Noise-cancellation headphones and soft music.


MORE DETAILS

When it comes to long-haul flights, you need to allow extra time due to the fact that the planes are larger – so more people need to check-in and drop bags off – and people are more likely to have luggage in the hold. The general rule is to allow at least three hours before your flight is scheduled to depart.

MORE DETAILS

Yes, British Airways do serve free drinks - beer, wine, spirits and soft drinks. Drinks of all kinds are served without a charge on BA's trans Atlantic flights.

MORE DETAILS

Most airlines don't have set limits for how much you can drink or what you can order, but it's important to remember that the flight attendants are there to keep you safe, not be your personal bartender. If you do want to enjoy a few drinks, keep your order as simple as possible.

MORE DETAILS