British Airways Drops Last Luxury Touch in European Business

Jan de Vries · 2026-05-05

British Airways is making headlines again, but not for the right reasons. Starting this week, the airline is removing what many called the "last hint of luxury" from its European business class cabins. The move? They are ditching tablecloths on short-haul flights to save cleaning time. It might sound small, but for frequent flyers, those little touches matter. Tablecloths were one of the few signs you were in a premium cabin on a quick hop across Europe. Now, they are gone. ### What Changed and Why British Airways confirmed that tablecloths will no longer be used in Club Europe, their business class product for short-haul routes. The decision comes down to efficiency. By removing tablecloths, the airline can speed up turnaround times between flights. Each plane needs to be cleaned and prepped quickly. Without tablecloths, crews save a few minutes per seat. Multiply that by dozens of seats across hundreds of flights, and it adds up to real time savings. But here is the trade-off: passengers lose that sense of occasion. A tablecloth signals care and attention. Without it, the meal service feels more like a standard economy experience with a nicer seat. ### The Bigger Picture for Airlines This is not just about British Airways. Airlines across the board are cutting costs and streamlining services. The pandemic changed everything, and carriers are still figuring out what to keep and what to drop. - **Cost cutting**: Removing tablecloths saves on laundry, replacement, and handling costs. - **Speed**: Faster cleaning means more flights per day, which boosts revenue. - **Consistency**: Some airlines have already gone paperless or simplified meal trays. Still, there is a risk. Business class travelers pay a premium for comfort and exclusivity. When airlines strip away those perks, loyalty can fade. Frequent flyers notice these changes, and they vote with their wallets. ### What This Means for You If you are flying British Airways in Europe soon, expect a simpler experience. The seats are still wider, you still get lounge access, and the service is generally good. But the tablecloth is gone. For many, this is a minor detail. For others, it is the last straw. It depends on what you value most when you fly. Here is a quick rundown of what Club Europe still offers: - Priority boarding and baggage handling - Access to lounges - Dedicated check-in desks - Complimentary food and drinks onboard - Wider seats with more legroom And what is gone: - Tablecloths on short-haul flights ### A Changing Industry British Airways is not alone in this. Many airlines have reduced amenities in recent years. Some have cut meal service entirely on certain routes. Others have swapped hot meals for cold snacks. But there is still room for premium experiences if airlines choose to invest. The challenge is balancing cost with customer satisfaction. Right now, British Airways seems to be leaning toward efficiency. ### Final Thoughts Travel is changing, and so are the expectations. If you want a truly luxurious short-haul experience, you might need to look at other carriers or upgrade to long-haul business class. For now, British Airways is betting that speed matters more than cloth napkins. Whether that bet pays off remains to be seen. But for travelers who remember the old days, it is a reminder that even small luxuries can disappear without much notice.