LONDON: British Airways celebrated International Wheelchair Day by upgrading a number of customers on long-haul flights from its World Traveller cabin (economy) to Club World (Business).
The gestures are part of the airline’s #BAMagic100 campaign; British Airways’ commitment to mark its Centenary year with 100 acts of kindness.
The customers, who all required wheelchair assistance, received the surprise news as they checked in for their flights. Once upgraded, they and their travel companions were directed to the airline’s exclusive lounges to start their trip in style.
Newly engaged couple, Ashraf Atalla and Hannah Lord (pictured above), were thrilled to be upgraded on their flight to Dubai and enjoyed a glass of Champagne in the British Airways Concorde Lounge before they took to the skies.
Today’s celebration highlights British Airways’ commitment to customers with disabilities. The airline has introduced a new global accessibility training programme for all customer service agents to enable them to fully support customers requiring additional assistance. It is enhancing the entire customer journey, from the point customers search for and begin the booking process, through to the airport and on board experience, and is listening to customers’ views on what more can be done to improve.
On board today’s flights, the upgraded customers were able to enjoy the airline’s Club World experience, with a new restaurant-style dining experience, an award-winning wine menu and a lie-flat bed with luxurious White Company bedding.
Carolina Martinoli, British Airways’ Director of Brand and Customer Experience said: “Our aspiration is that every customer journey is seamless and we are committed to ensuring customers requiring additional assistance are able to travel as easily and independently as possible. Our customers with additional needs are telling us the improvements we’ve already made are having a positive impact on their journey experience and our teams are working hard to continue this good work.”
New developments in the airline’s accessibility programme will be announced throughout British Airways’ Centenary year. BIZ TODAY MONITOR
