A Brit living in Morgantown, W.Va., with my dear wife Bernadette (Caprina1). Spring is sprung, but t...
A Brit living in Morgantown, W.Va., with my dear wife Bernadette (Caprina1). Spring is sprung, but the snow's not over yet! Can't wait until summer's here!
Member since:11.07.2000
Reviews:40
Members who trust:40
“The British Airways Executive Club isn't just another frequent flyer programme. It's been designed to recognise and reward business travellers with exclusive benefits every time they fly.” This was the advertisement which I saw whilst making my first business trip in 1994, travelling to Dulles Airport, Va., and not knowing what it was all about. I had boarded the BA 747 aircraft at LHR (London Heathrow Airport), and was travelling to the USA for three months to do some teaching.
Just a year earlier I had faced possible redundancy with the job, but due to my linguistic abilities (I speak five languages), I had been selected for this very prestigious assignment. The company I worked for at that time used BA exclusively for their business travel – mainly because it offered exceptionally better discounts than the other airlines, but also because the service was second-to-none.
I had been placed on the upper deck of the aircraft and the cabin staff really couldn’t do enough for me (I was one of only five people on the upper deck, but I had been made to feel like I was the only person there).
During the journey, one of the stewards had come round and had advised us that there were points (or airmiles as they were called then) to be made for any in-flight purchases. I hadn’t heard of airmiles, so I enquired as to what they were. He explained it briefly and had an application form with a temporary membership card in my hands shortly afterwards. He said that as I was going to be living in Maryland for the next three months that I should call the 1-800 number and let them know my temporary address. In conjunction with my credit card protection company, they were able to offer me various services such as easy no-commission method of obtaining US dollars, passport and driving licence registration and local information in Baltimore, Md., where I was going to be living.
After I returned back to England, received my plastic permanent card and received additional information from BA, I realized that this was going to be one business relationship that was worthwhile having. Over the course of the next two years I needed to make well over 25 business trips using BA and various other airlines, but whenever possible I chose British Airways: the service is better, the cabin staff are much more attentive and sincere, and they love to use the “yes” word more regularly than those of the other airlines.
I have to admit to being a little perplexed when the BA points system was introduced a few years ago now, but by enrolling within the deadline and transferring all my “old” airmiles to the new “BA Points” the relationship has only improved. I love their website: it’s easy to use and you can be made aware about deals and discounts, rather than rely on traditional methods of advertising. It allows you to have a specific menu type, and also record your seat preference (aisle or window).
You receive a monthly/seasonal magazine for additional special deals and discounts along with your current membership statement. Having done so much business travel, it’s nice to be able to use the airmiles for personal trips too – I would go visit my family in Italy much more often as I could plan flights months in advance and make even more use of the system.
All-in-all British Airways Executive club gets two thumbs up!
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I personally have never flown with BA but I have heard thatr for long haul flights there is not in-flight entertainment. Now being 13 I get bored easily, and in-flight entertainment is a great help. I get this only on Virgin. I've never flown in an Executive Club but by the sounds of it BA get the recommendation! Alex
alexandrapontecaille 24.05.2002 15:01
I used Ba just once and it was with my swimming team. I have to say i was impressed by the service but i tend to use cheaper companies for financial reasons.
great opinion
Alex
Dalesman 22.05.2002 14:46
BA are very good if you fly with them regularly, I have been with their executive club for 4 years now, but am also a member of Virgin, Klm & Delta schemes...you need to be at least silver level with BA before they take any notice of you.....nice Op though...Andrew
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Record Rent a Car is present in the main spanish airports and has a very wide fleet. We offer: exceptional discounts, free additional drivers,
unlimited mileage... subscribe to our Club Record and take advantage of special offers.
Advantages: Best mileage programme on Economy Class and short distance flights. Excellent promotions. Good service and frequent flyer benefits. Disadvantages: Only average on Business & First Class and long distance flights. Alliance may eventually fall apart. Website likes to crash.
From_The_Continent 21.05.2001 (21.05.2001)
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May 11th, 2002
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