Flexible Economy questions and answers
What changes are you making?
The key changes are:
- The removal of the separate Business Class cabin on routes between Heathrow and Belfast City, Dublin, Edinburgh, Glasgow to operate as a single cabin
- Two fares will be available for shorthaul flights - Economy and Flexible Economy
- Flexible Economy will offer complimentary catering, whilst Economy will offer a paid-for service
- There will be no complimentary catering in Economy for Diamond Club Blue Plus, Silver or Gold card members
Why are these changes being made?
Flexible Economy is being introduced to meet changes in our customers needs. With many corporate customers currently no longer being able to afford to fly in Business Class, this new product will mean customers can receive preferential treatment at an affordable price.
What can I expect when purchasing a Flexible Economy fare?
Flexible Economy offers value for money and a range of benefits including 30 minute check-in at London Heathrow, business lounge access, guaranteed seating at the front of the plane, complimentary food and drinks onboard, priority boarding and disembarking and fully flexible tickets.
Does the new mainline shorthaul product still offer a two cabin service?
No, the new product is one cabin with two fare types - Flexible Economy and Economy
I have booked a Business Class ticket before 18/1/10 for travel after 27/1/10?
You will be able to enjoy the new Flexible Economy product when you travel. All eligible bookings will be entitled to obtain a refund of the APD difference.
Will I be entitled to a refund of the APD tax?
If you're booked to travel in Business Class after 27 January 2010, you may have paid additional APD tax, and you may be entitled to a refund. If you booked directly with bmi, we'll be contacting you shortly. If you've made a booking via a travel agent your travel agent has been briefed by bmi and given a process to follow so will contact you directly.
What complimentary food and drink can I expect whilst travelling in Flexible Economy?
If you're travelling with bmi before 09:30 you can enjoy a hot breakfast Panini, fresh muffin and a hot drink. Throughout the rest of the day you can choose from a range of complimentary food and drinks.
Will I be eligible to gain entry to any of the lounges?
Yes, one of the benefits of Flexible Economy is that you are entitled to use our Business Lounges at your departure airport.
Can I change my ticket on Flexible Economy?
Yes, this is one of the benefits of Flexible Economy. Free changes, cancellation and refunds are permitted.
Are the Flexible Economy changes going to be applied to any other routes?
We have no plans to make similar changes on any of our other services. Our Business Class service continues to be very popular with customers on our longer routes.
Why is this approach not on all your shorthaul routes? (e.g. Regional)
bmi Regional services already operate with a single cabin concept and all passengers receive a complimentary drink and snack.
How will the changes affect me?
• If you have already booked a Business Class ticket you will be put on to a Flexible Economy ticket. However, you can still enjoy complimentary food and drink onboard and be seated at the front of the cabin and we will contact you now regarding the refund of the APD
• Gold and Silver and Blue Plus Diamond Club cardholders who travel in any booking class lower than ‘Y' class will no longer benefit from a free sandwich and drink and a paid-for menu will be offered
• Customers who have booked an Economy Y class ticket will be upgraded to Flexible Economy and benefit from complimentary catering onboard
• The introduction of Flexible Economy will now offer you the chance to travel with a little more ease and flexibility, so if you weren't able to travel business before, take advantage of our new Flexible Economy service.
If you can't find you answer here, please view the Diamond Club specific questions and answers, alternatively please ask us a question.