British Airways is to offer UK members of its Executive Club frequent flyer programme free black cabs and executive car journeys to and from London Heathrow Terminal 5.

The offer is available on new bookings made from Monday 18 May through to Saturday 15 August 2009 for passengers travelling in First and Club World and who are travelling from within 100 miles of the airport. The transfers will be provided by Computer Cab.

“There is no better way to travel to and from Heathrow than in a black cab,” said Richard Tams, British Airway’s head of UK and Ireland sales. “You can use the M4 bus lane to beat the traffic queues, and you have the most knowledgeable drivers in London at your service. This is a fantastic additional service for premium customers whether they live in Belgravia, Bath or Birmingham.”

Passengers who are not yet members of Executive Club can join the BA frequent flyer programme here to take advantage of the offer.

The offer is expected to hit the UK's chauffeur companies. Dean de Beer, CEO of Tristar Worldwide Chauffeur Services, said: "BA is one of the only airlines that fly from Heathrow that doesn’t currently offer some sort of car service to the airport for their premium passengers. This promotion highlights that BA have recognised that transportation to from the airport is a valuable add-on for the premium passengers.

"We would, however, question the choice of vehicle and service – we find that premium airline passengers prefer the comfort of a luxury saloon vehicle, they like to be met at the barrier and have their bags carried and placed in the boot by a chauffeur whose aim is to make their journey as comfortable as possible. Whether the premium class traveller will enjoy searching out their cab and bouncing around in the back with their baggage remains to be seen."