As British Airways strips back its service like its budget rivals, find out short-haul airline is best

BRITISH Airways is our most iconic airline and the only one that flies the Union Flag at 35,000ft.

But cutbacks have led some customers to compare it to Ryanair — once rated as among the worst for customer service.

British Airways has been cutting costs[/caption]

BA is reducing legroom in economy by an inch, has started charging for food and drinks for the first time and also wants payment for checked-in bags and the chance to choose seats.

Even business-class passengers have been hit, with some costly spirits cut and other perks dropped, such as fresh flowers in the premium toilets.
So what airline is best when you fly short-haul?

While BA has been imitating its budget rivals, the previously “no frills” operators have been trying to attract wealthier customers.

Cutbacks have led customers to compare BA to Ryanair

Champagne and spacious seats are now available, for a price, on airlines such as Thomas Cook.

Even Ryanair, which once prided itself on floating controversial ideas including charging to use the toilet, is raising its game.

The Irish carrier’s new planes boast two more inches of legroom than BA’s — 31in compared to 29in — while its Business Plus tickets offer perks such as priority seats and security fast track.

Here, we look at which short-haul carrier offers best value to Brit fliers heading off to Tenerife on Easter Sunday, either from Gatwick or Stansted in London.

Prices can vary depending on departure date and time of flight.

British Airways

LEGROOM: 29in. Width 18in.

FOOD: M&S sandwich, £4.75 for a Beef Bloomer, £3 ploughmans.
BEER: £4 for 330ml Heineken.
BAGGAGE: One bag, up to 23kg, checked in free as standard.
CHOOSE YOUR SEAT: Reserve from £7 for economy or £20 for business.
CHEAPEST FLIGHT: £98
(from Gatwick).

Ryanair

LEGROOM: 30in to 31in. Width 17in.

FOOD: A ham and cheese panini costs £4.50.
BEER: £4.50 for 330ml Heineken.
BAGGAGE: £10 for a 15kg bag and £15 for a 20kg bag.
CHOOSE YOUR SEAT: £15 for its best seats and you also get priority boarding.
CHEAPEST FLIGHT: £52 (from Stansted).

Norwegian

LEGROOM: 30in. Width 17.2in.

FOOD: Ultimate Ploughmans Cafe sandwich, £4.50.
BEER: £4 for a 330ml Heineken.
BAGGAGE: Around £20 for the first bag on its “LowFare” ticket.
CHOOSE YOUR SEAT: £7 to £16 depending on the flight.
CHEAPEST FLIGHT: £52 (from Gatwick).

Easyjet

LEGROOM: 29in. Width 17.5in.

FOOD: Chicken Caesar baguette, £4.50. BEER: £4.50 for a 330ml Heineken. BAGGAGE: From £27 per bag. CHOOSE YOUR SEAT: £16.99 for front row seats and £11.99 for over wing exit seats. CHEAPEST FLIGHT: £58 (from Gatwick).

Monarch

LEGROOM: 28in or upgrade to 32in. Width 17in.

FOOD: Cheese & tomato toasted bloomer, £4.40.
BEER: £4 for 330ml Stella Artois.
BAGGAGE: £25 on average.
CHOOSE YOUR SEAT: £7.
CHEAPEST FLIGHT: £46
(from Gatwick).

Thomas Cook

LEGROOM: 28in or upgrade to 33in. Width 16.2in or 18.5in.

FOOD: Cheese sandwich, £4.33.
BEER: £4 for 330ml Stella Artois.
BAGGAGE: £23 for first bag up to 20kg. Infants get 10kg free.
CHOOSE YOUR SEAT: £10 for a standard seat and £15 for an XL one offering more room.
CHEAPEST FLIGHT: £29 (from Stansted).

Thomson

LEGROOM: 28in. Width 16.5in to 17.2in.

FOOD: Chicken Caesar wrap, £4.
BEER: £4 for 330ml Stella Artois.
BAGGAGE: Free up to 15kg, then from £15 for an extra 5kg.
CHOOSE YOUR SEAT: Prices vary according to the flight.
CHEAPEST FLIGHT: £59
(from Gatwick).