[charlie83]

My partner and I flew in January, MCR- LHR-JHB to visit family. Not cheap, but who is these days. We have flown Virgin previously, but due to relocating 'up north' we though we'd give BA from Manchester a go.
CUSTOMER SERVICE-terrible. Shocking, in fact. Nonchalant ground staff who really made us feel like we were a hindrance on their day, barely even rising their heads to acknowledge us. On the return journey, after missing 1 connecting flight and narrowly catching a 2nd, their staff had me running around T5 like a headless chicken in tears, not exactly how I'd envisaged ending my holiday.
PLANES-Disgusting. Filthy, cramped, smelly, food disgusting (barely edible), no 'extras' like you get on others - (no eye mask for a night flight?! I know I only paid economy but that economy cost me over £800....),rubbish movies. No wonder they no longer carry the flag, I'd be embarrassed too.
They lost my luggage. The tag fell off apparently. Courier returned it at 1am (after being told it would be with us by 10pm) after travelling for 36 hours. It had my malaria medication in.
Some of the staff (I could count them on one hand, mind) were great, particularly the ground staff in SA, very helpful. But then that is the African way. The rest really couldn't be bothered. My partner and I have worked in Hospitality for many years, and have never come across such terrible service, never mind the 'aftercare'-I wrote to BAA (separate complaint regarding security), Willie Walsh and Keith Williams on Jan 23rd. I finally received a response after reseeding on 1 April, saying they would be in touch. I again contacted them 2 weeks ago and I have still had no response. This actually makes me sick. I would rather pay more and get the service you receive on Virgin / Etihad / Emirates. I'm not giving in, I want an apology.

[alwaysflyin]

No eye mask? Oh my god.... How did you survive. I'd demand an apology from the highest levels, especially with an economy seat...

[charlie83]

The eye mask is a small factor. But I paid well over £800, for a 12 hour night flight, I don't understand why every other airline can provide that (and much more) yet BA can't.
But thanks for your helpful post. If you think it's acceptable to experience service that makes you feel like a piece of s**t on the bottom of someone's shoe leaving them in tears at the airport then I suggest flying BA-you'll have a ball.

[anonymouscomments]

You conplain about missing a connecting flight....well this is your responsibility. As for the eye mask dont make me bloody laugh. You probably happened to pay a lot for your ticket because it was bought close to the flights. The majority of people probably booked up sooner and got better price tickets. And essentially just because you paid over the odds doesnt give you rights to any higher level of service.

[azstar]

Originally Posted by anonymouscomments

You conplain about missing a connecting flight....well this is your responsibility.

You are assuming they missed the flights because they are idiots. Possibly they missed the connecting flight because their inbound flight was late. You should attempt to get the facts before you make accusations that might not be accurate.

[jimworcs]

The only real complaint is the lost luggage, the rest is irritating, but really just boils down to not choosing them again. If BA can't keep up with Virgin, Emirates or Etihad then they will have to shape up or lose the business.... they do risk trying to charge premium prices but matching Easyjet service... why pay for low cost service and pay premium prices?

BA definitely does give the impression that they are really only interested in premium cabin travellers.

If the stresses of international travel as described left you in tears, you will need to pack lots of tissues in your hand luggage... most of those experiences are pretty standard. Are you sure you are up to international travel if that can reduce you to tears?

Not sure what the flag thing is all about. I wonder if you looked at any of the aircraft you flew in? The tail of every BA aircraft has a huge flag on it....

Incidently, annoymouscomments claims to work for BA. According to the rules of this site, this should be declared. The tone adopted by annoymouscomments appears to reinforce the validity of the complainants complaint|!