The British Airways parent company confirmed it will start flights from Barcelona to Los Angeles (twice weekly), San Francisco Oakland (three-times weekly), Buenos Aires (three-times weekly) and Punta Cana (twice weekly) from June 2017.

Level will operate the service with two new Airbus A330 aircraft branded in its own livery and fitted with 293 economy and 21 premium economy seats.

It will initially be operated by Iberia’s crew and create up to 250 jobs in Barcelona.

IAG said Barcelona was chosen as the launch city but it will look to expand its flights from other European destinations in the near future.

Fares start from €99/US$149 one way and tickets go on sale Friday at flylevel.com

Checked luggage (in addition to a free cabin bag), meals, seat selection and in-flight entertainment will be complimentary for customers flying in premium economy.

However, those flying economy will have to pay for food and in-flight entertainment. Wifi will cost €8.99.

Level’s customers will be able to earn and redeem Avios – the loyalty currency for IAG’s airlines.

Willie Walsh, IAG chief executive, said Level would become IAG’s fifth main airline brand alonside Aer Lingus, British Airways, Iberia and Vueling.

Tickets are already available (until Iberia brand so far) for incredible price of only €189 for return flight!

Book now: Barcelona – San Francisco (Oakland) for only €189, Barcelona – Los Angeles for only €194 or Barcelona – Buenos Aires for also amazing €285.

Currently the competitor Norwegian has flights from Barcelona to San Francisco from €162 for one-way ticket in the winter months, meaning Level could become a serious competitor.

This is exciting news for all fans of low cost traveling and we can definitely look forward to cheaper flights from Europe to the USA and vice versa thanks to increasing competition on this route!

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The airline has confirmed it will scrap free food and drink on its short-haul flights and instead offer passengers the opportunity to purchase snacks and sandwiches provided by Marks & Spencer.

Previously, economy class passengers could expect a small snack, such as a bacon sandwich, and a complimentary drink.

Passengers in Club Europe – the airline’s short-haul business class service – will continue to enjoy a complimentary menu, which is being improved and revamped.

The decision to jettison free food from economy class comes six months after Alex Cruz took over as British Airways chief executive, having previously run its low-cost Spanish sister airline Vueling. Cruz said the change was a response to passengers clamouring for greater choice of upmarket snacks.

“We know our customers expect a great experience with British Airways,” he said. “They’ve told us we are experts in flying and service, but when it comes to catering on short-haul flights, they want to choose from a wider range of premium products.”

Aviation analyst Alex Macheras said it was unlikely BA would use the money it saved on food to cut ticket prices. “Unfortunately you have to be realistic. This sandwich is basically nothing on the ticket price, so what will disappear from the price? Nothing.”

BA released a sample menu comparing its prices favourably with the prices charged by easyJet, Ryanair and Norwegian. A sample meal of the Aberdeen Angus bloomer, a packet of crisps and a bottle of water will cost £7.55, rising to £10.25 if the water is replaced with a quarter bottle of wine.

The changes will be rolled out on services in and out of Heathrow and Gatwick from January 11 next year, with Stansted and London City to follow by the summer.

Cash will not be accepted on flights, with payment only possible via credit or debit card. However, cabin crew will accept BA’s frequent flier points, Avios.

With these recent news, there is hardly any difference between classic airlines such as British Airways or Air France and their low-cost competitors such as Easyjet or Ryanair anymore. But you will still pay approximately €100 more for flying with the classic “old school” airlines, getting hardly any benefit in return for your cash.

New British Airwas inflight menu:

• Greek-style natural yoghurt with summer berry compote and granola (£1.95)
• Fruit salad (£3.10)
• Hot bacon roll (£4.75)
• Tomato and mozzarella focaccia (£4.75)

Lunch

• Beef and red onion chutney bloomer (£4.75)
• Cheese ploughman’s (£3)

Snacks and sweets

• Nut assortment (£1.60)
• Wasabi peas (£1.60)
• Oriental snack mix (£2)
• Super fruit, nut and seeds flapjack (£1.45)
• Salt &vinegar crisps (£1)
• Swiss milk chocolate mountain bar (£1.70)
• Mini oat biscuits (£1.10)
• Percy pigs (£1.80)

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