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Simon Phipps's personal commentary

BA Rant [PhotoTravel]

British Airways claim they are "the world's favourite airline". Who are they kidding? While their cabin staff can offer great service, on the ground BA still suck big time like they always have.

Many years ago when I worked for IBM I used to travel with them regularly (I was a 'Gold' card holder, their top frequent flier tier), but after a while I realised that most of the courtesies I take for granted with north american airline frequent flyer programmes are unknown to BA, so I stopped flying transatlantic with them. What do I mean? Well, here are some examples:

• Today I am flying from London to Copenhagen. I (well, Sun) paid the full fare for the ticket that BA quote on their web site, yet I am not entitled to any frequent flyer credit on my AAdvantage account for this segment. If I instead give a BA frequent flyer number I will get a few token miles for the flight and no credit towards 'elite' status. In fact, despite flying with BA eight times this year (no alternative) I haven't got enough 'points' even to renew their walk-off-the-street-and-join blue card.
  
• Two weeks ago I met my father for a day out in Amsterdam. Flying back, despite the fact that I am entitled to use the BA lounge becuase of my AAdvantage Platinum status, BA would not allow my elderly father to accompany me because he wasn't flying on BA. That wouldn't happen at the Admiral's Club. I had thought when the same thing happened in Denver airport (I was travelling with my wife) that it was a matter of failed discretion or error, but twice proves policy.
  
• Today I am travelling with my family. Despite the fact that I am entitled to use the BA lounge and we are all flying on BA, they would not admit us because BA lounges will only admit one guest. Once again, that wouldn't happen with American or United who both welcome families.

BA claim they are updating their frequent flier scheme this summer (including a revolutionary new concept called 'upgrades') but a quick look shows it's still desperately mean compared with what US travellers experience, and there's no sign of change in the basic premise of BA's attitude ('you get what you pay for on each trip, and any frequent flier benefit is a huge favour'). Any OneWorld Americans who think that they will get the same benefits from BA as they get from AA had better think again. They will deny you mileage credit, make your family sit out on the concourse and generally take every opportunity to show you that you are there for their benefit.

posted at 3:26 PM (UK) | |