[YvonneEriksson]

Im pretty sure there is precious little I can do at this stage of the game, but I was without a doubt discriminated against by British Airways, definitely while ON the plane, possibly before boarding.

Im a US citizen living in Sweden. I fly to NY from Copenhagen some 6-7 times a year. Its only this year that I went on a quest to find out which would be the best flight to take as I don't prefer flying but do it out of necessity. I flew earlier this year with BA, and this last time on Oct 22.

Rather than flying on my economy ticket, when I got to the ticket counter at JFK, I asked if I could be upgraded, and thought getting there earlier would enhance this possibility. For who knows what reason, i was told I should be able to get this upgrade, but that they would not be able to take cash at the moment, but it would 'doable' at the check in counter. Odd as this sounded, I said ok, and went to the check in counter and waited.

Eventually, one of the persons at the check in said, the flight was 'pretty full' but there were some seats in business and some in first class, but they definitely coulnt' take cash (?!?)... but that I should talk to one of the steward/stewardess on the flight and they might be able to help me out.

Not sure if I was partially losing my own mind I approached a flight attendent upon boarding the plane still wanting to pay for the comfort of an upgrade. As I walked away, the comment was made was "great, t hats the a damn lesbian **** wants first class treatment".

Not only was this offensive, it was completely unnecessary as the designating lesbian symbol she took notice of read on my shirt read, "Lesbians have civil right too" .

To make a long story short, economy was pretty full, but FC and business was not. To make things worse some 4-5 persons were moved from economy into business... but I was not allowed to pay to get there.

I contacted BA about this, explained it as I did above, in response I was offered an apology from a customer relations person. After another 3 email exchange, where I expressed dissatisfaction and a request for at least an upgrade on a future flight ... I was 'awarded 5000 miles' and essentially told to be satisfied as they simply do not discriminated.

With all due respect, 5000 miles, based on my flights requiring thousands of miles for an upgrade was inconsequential.

The truth is, I didn't appreciate this treatment in the least. Gay money spends the same as any other, and if BA has a problem with Gay money this information should be spread around in an international way.

Your thoughts?
Yvonne