British Airways offers Pittsburghers chance to win prizes, free flight

British Airways and VisitBritain is promoting its new non-stop service from Pittsburgh to London Heathrow by taking a — small — step back in time.

A red phone booth is set up on the North Shore today as a way to celebrate the Pittsburgh Pirates home opener, giving attendees the chance to win prizes and a possible free trip on the airline.

Between 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., the phone booth will be set up along the river across from Hyde Park and the Hyatt Place Pittsburgh. Those who find the ringing phone can answer the call and talk to a British comedian who will offer challenges and prizes.

Anyone who posts a photo with the booth with the hashtag #BALovesPittsburgh could win a trip for two with a non-stop flight to London Heathrow. The photos will be judged on creativity, the use of the booth and hashtag.

Flights from the Pittsburgh International Airport to London start Tuesday at almost $1,070 for a round-trip flight. Prices increase in June and July.

Pittsburgh has not had a direct flight to London since 2004, when U.S. Airways ended flights to London’s Gatwick Airport. British Airways last flew out of Pittsburgh on Oct. 31, 1999.

Now, flights will operate Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Friday and Saturdays, departing from London at 5 p.m. and landing in Pittsburgh at 8:15 p.m. A flight also will leave Pittsburgh at 10 p.m. and arrive in London at 10:35 a.m. the next day. Flights will eventually become daily.

The airport authority will pay British Airways $3 million, split $1.5 million a year for two years. The money comes from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.