Whether you have to pay for food on British Airways in 2026 depends entirely on the length of your flight and your cabin class. On long-haul international flights (e.g., London to New York), all passengers receive complimentary multi-course meals and drinks, including alcohol. However, for short-haul flights within the UK and Europe in Economy (Euro Traveller), food and drinks are not free. Instead, passengers must purchase items from the "High Life Café" menu, which often features collaborations with British brands like Tom Kerridge. If you are flying in Business Class (Club Europe) on a short-haul route, a full complimentary meal service and bar are still included. It is worth noting that even in Economy on short-haul, BA has recently introduced a small complimentary bottle of water and a snack (like a packet of pretzels or a biscuit) as a standard offering, but anything more substantial requires payment via credit card or Avios points.