Why I hate the obsession with British Airways
No-one says airplanes as the highlight of their trip. Sure, travelling around Greece on a moped is fun, or Majorca in a tiny car. Once you’re in a location, travelling is part of the memories. But reaching the place is usually a cramped, sweaty and stressful mess of a time that leaves people ragged and tired. That experience is universal, from the plastic chairs of Ryanair to the plush seats of Ethiad.
If people can choose between going to a place immediately, or paying out of your nose for a slightly more comfortable experience, then most would pick the former. It’s a necessity, not a joy.
So I do not understand the obsession with British Airways. It’s a marginally more comfortable experience, sure, but its fans swear by the airline despite its higher prices – most places get to the same location, regardless of carrier.
That obsession comes down to the points system. If you have enough points, you might be promoted to Bronze, or *gasp* Silver! It becomes a boasting-point during corporate dinners, as those who are promoted flash a self-important smirk. And why? Because you then have access to marginal benefits, and maybe a side room where they have lukewarm tea.
The points system brings loyalty by encouraging customers to come over and over again, spending hundreds if not thousands – all for the promise of middle pasta in a lounge. Far better to fly Ryanair and have a proper meal.
“But British Airways is safer, runs better, and works more of the time,” customers say as they sip lounge wine. No it doesn’t. I hate to break it to you, but the airport and weather is a bigger determining factor than the carrier. Heathrow – where British Airways likes to fly from – is famous for having sub-per services due to overstretched teams and a creaking system. That impacts all carriers, regardless of affiliation.
Fans of British Airways clock points and think they are winning the system. No. The system ropes them in and robs them of better deals, opting for a slightly better experience in one of the most boring parts of the travel. Go cheap, and save the money for when you land.
