BA cuts fares to get travellers back

The sale comes as it was revealed the firm is to offer senior directors unlimited first class flights to anywhere in the world.

People booking before February 6 will be able to take advantage of fares reduced by more than 50% to 48 destinations, with many of the cut price flights departing in the next fortnight.

Andrew Crawley, BA head of sales, said: "We recognise many customers may have delayed booking their flights on BA due to the threat of strike action.

"Now the strike has been called off we have decided to further reduce many of our air fares so air travellers can take advantage of the higher than usual seat availability over the coming weeks at excellent prices.

"The reduced air fares are a superb opportunity to book a last minute spring break."

Yesterday the airline rushed to reinstate hundreds of flights that had been cancelled because of the planned two-day strike by cabin crew.

BA check-in desks at Heathrow were near deserted as the airline lost more than 50,000 of its usual 77,000 passengers yesterday after people expecting the strike made alternative arrangements.

Meanwhile, union leaders have branded BA's executive travel plan "unbelievable".

Ed Blissett, national officer at the GMB, said: "If this is right, it shows BA management are more interested in feathering their nests than offering low-paid workers a fair wage."

Commenting on the directors' travel arrangements, a BA spokeswoman said: "It is common practice at most other airlines to offer these arrangements.

"This is a proposal. It has not yet been agreed or implemented.

"Our annual report states that non-executive directors get non-contractual travel concessions as a benefit."

Some of the best deals in BA's sale are for flights to the US, with a return trip to New York offered at £199, more than a 50% discount.

Flights to Boston and Philadelphia are on sale for £239 (saving 41%) and Orlando and Tampa from £279 (saving 44%).