The free snacks on board British Airways short-haul flights are being dropped from January next year in favour of the airline selling Marks and Spencer’s products, at prices of nearly 50% more than passengers pay in M&S high street shops.

The money-spinning wheeze is part of the customer strategy of new BA CEO Alex Cruz. Passengers who don’t want to be clipped for in-flight snacks can choose to go without, or investigate cheaper alternatives to M&S, including making their own favourite sarnies at home.

Free food will continue to be a feature of BA Business Class fares, at least for the time being.