British Airways has extended its online policy to allow customers to use a credit card issued in any country to book and pay for a journey originating in any worldwide destination served by the airline. Previously the website only accepted credit cards for payment if they were billed in the country of departure.

'The improvement allows customers to purchase tickets for themselves and friends, colleagues and relatives whose journeys originate abroad,' said BA's Simon Parks-Smith.

It could also benefit those who live abroad but still have bills mailed to their home country. For example, the tax and charges for a flight from Sydney to Heathrow cost £101 if booked from Britain, but £92 if booked from Sydney.