British Airways has withdrawn its generous free amends and cancellation policy without warning.

Its ‘Book with confidence’ policy introduced during COVID to allow customers to make free changes to their flights or holidays will no longer apply to new bookings.

The airline said that instead its standard amendment and cancellation fees will apply to all new flight bookings from today.

Customers who book packages with BA Holidays will be charged a fee of £100 for any changes made up to 14 days before travel or £500 if within 14 days, plus any price difference. If they book a cheaper holiday, they will be refunded the difference.

However, BA bookings made before 8 June will still be covered by the Book with Confidence guarantee, which allows fee-free changes or cancellation of any flights due to be completed by 30 September. Customers can change their booking – or cancel in exchange for a voucher – up to an hour before check-in.

The airline said the Book with Confidence policy was only introduced as a temporary measure at the beginning of the pandemic.

A BA spokesperson added: “We offer a wide range of fares to give greater choice to our customers, and the vast majority of our tickets already provide flexibility.

“If a customer’s flight is cancelled, we’ll always offer them a range of options including a full refund.”

BA said that if new COVID restrictions prevent customers from travelling, it will ‘aim to provide the necessary support and flexibility’.