Posts from April 01, 2006

On the return flight from Newcastle to Heathrow, I was sitting behind a family who were lucky enough to be going to Sydney, Australia for a holiday. I was immediately behind two young lads (8 and 6). Obviously both were very excited at flying for the first time.

They were excited when we pushed back, they were nervous when we accelerated down the runway and they were delirious when we left the ground.

The lads were absolutely amazed when they could see the houses, rivers, mountains, railway tracks and motorways from 20,000 feet. Forty five minutes later, as we descended below the cloud base, the two boys took in the sights of London. The excitement of the youngest lad now reached fever pitch.

'Look Paul, Big Ben. Paul. Look there is Big Ben'

I glanced across. I couldn't see Big Ben but I could see a church in Richmond.

'DAD LOOK THERE IS WEMBLEY STADIUM. LOOK DAD ! WEMBLEY STADIUM'

I glanced across. I couldn't see Wembley Stadium but I could see Twickenham. Gear down. Airport complex in sight.

** 'MUM, DAD, PAUL. LOOK ! LOOK ! THERE IS SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE. SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE. LOOK !' **

I glanced across. The little boy was right. Off to the right - Sydney Opera House.

Or, in my case: Hello BMI, Goodbye BA.

Last Monday, my flight to Newcastle was cancelled and the later one was delayed. When I re-booked at Ticket Sales, I asked whether I could make use of the business lounge as a gesture for the inconvenience caused by the delay.

Ticket Sales said that might be possible and to ask at Fast Bag Drop. Fast Bag Drop said that might be possible and to ask in the Business Lounge.

Business Lounge stared at me disdainfully, in complete disbelief (even though I was wearing a suit and carrying a laptop) and said: 'But, Sir, you do not have a business class ticket so that simply will not be possible'.

When I explained my case again, the lady replied 'But Sir, if we admitted every delayed passenger into the Business Lounge, there would be (cash from) chaos'. I nearly asked 'How many delayed passengers have come here today and asked for access to the lounge ?' but instead I meekly accepted defeat.

Two hours later, when I finally got to the boarding gate. I asked a different lady: 'Can I quickly ask about the possibility of compensation for the delay ?'

She stared at me disdainfully, in complete disbelief as if I had asked whether this flight was going to Mars. She replied 'I'm sorry, Sir. Could you repeat that ?' So I did. She said 'Who told you that you could enquire about compensation ?' 'No-one' 'So why are you asking about compensation ?' 'Well there was a notice at Fast Bag Drop stating that for delays for over 2 hours, passengers should enquire at the gate about the possibility of compensation'. 'Oh I see. So why are you asking about compensation ?' 'Well my original flight was cancelled and this one has also been delayed so the total delay is now 2 hours and 15 minutes' 'Yes, Sir, but this delay is caused by the weather. There is no compensation payable for delays caused by the weather'.

Of course, I knew this but thought it would be worth asking just to see her reaction.