I'm heading to London for another Dad visit in November, so went to the BA site this morning to see what kind of deals might be going (US to UK). There wasn't anything in yesterday's NY Times travel section, my usual resource for BA specials.

Surprise, surprise! They have a great deal starting today (till 9/25), fares from $99 one way depending on day/date of travel; good for Nov thru March. I scored 2 tickets from JFK to LHR for $250 each round trip -- woo-hoo!

<gripe> Only downside is that nasty tax -- adds $100 per ticket. What's up with that, anyway? Why don't the internationally traveling voters rise up and complain? I think it was stealthily introduces as part of the BBA (Budget Balancing Act) some years back. It's annoyed me ever since. And when fares are cheaper, it seems like an even bigger imposition. </gripe>

I'll stop now, and just be thankful that at least the flight is a good deal! Happy trails to all.

I almost didn't open the thread, because I didn't want to find a better fare than I booked months ago! Turns out it's just the same. What a relief!

We're going in December. Enjoy your trip and family visit. Glad you were able to find the same fabulous fare we did.

Thanks Giovanna. It's a great time for deals so we can be traveling!

I daydream about upgrading myself to business class and those nice comfy seats, but the difference in cost is so vast for those 7 hours of flight time that I just can't rationalize it! I'd rather spend that on the vacation.

Enjoy your trip.

Hi SB_Travlr: I have the same dream and have to fly three hours longer, but agree that the expense doesn't justify the comfort!

We have been flying with BA to Europe for several years and basically have no complaints, but was furious when they recently changed their FF program. We in the rear of the plane now only earn half miles. Sent e-mails to two executives protesting the change, and amazingly received a letter from one some months later. The usual blah, blah and that their program was changed at travelers' requests. Perhaps so for those whose "dream" is a reality and can afford to travel in business or first and now receive greater percs.

Regardless, couldn't pass up this wonderful fare, even though it is less comfortable.

Looking forward to our week in London, and wish you a wonderful visit as well.

Giavanna, If you fly in the "back of the plane" on BA you only get 1/4 miles, not 1/2. Their so called "enhancements" do nothing for those who fly coach. I too have written several letters to BA executives only to get back what I consider form letters stating how much the "enhancements" improve things and that they came about based on customer input (ha .. it's based on corporate greed and the bottom line). If you have the bucks for first, business or WT+ on BA you are OK, but if you don't (and I don't) you are going to take a big hit in the FF department.

Everytime they advertise super low fares the first one is NY-LHR .. you'd think the entire world lives in NY (I don't!!) For us, even a cheap fare is a lot more as we are "out west". The taxes can bring the cheap ticket almost up to the price of a regular one anyway in some cases.

I guess I haven't been paying enough attention to the FF changes! How about the BA response -- "traveler request" and "customer input"?? Oh really? Who, exactly?!!

I emailed them when they took away the so-convenient Paddington checkin. We loved that service, were very sorry that they ended it. I got the usual formula response. I realize times are hard for airlines -- but wouldn't it make sense to differentiate yourself from the competition in those small but important ways?

<sigh> Guess that's why I'm not an airline executive.

BA has also discontinued checking your luggage through to your destination unless you book your whole routing through them.

They have also moved their "Ask BA" function (from the webpage) to India and if you do ask a question you get very strange answers, i.e. simply something copied from a manual that you could have read yourself. Their Seat Inventory dept. has also moved to India and I expect many of their call centers will go soon.

BA has really gone downhill in Customer Service lately, they used to be pretty good, now it's as if they don't are and it shows!

meant to say they don't care and it shows.

Lori: I stand corrected! Would have sworn we were getting half miles, but just checked BA's web site and you are correct only quarter miles (it appears the three quarters we lose moved to the front of the cabin and is being rewarded to those who can afford to sit there!).

I am puzzled though about our most recent trip in May. I thought we would get full miles going over and less (under new schedule which supposedly took effect while we were gone) coming home, but it appears we got full one mile for one mile traveled in both directions. (shhh--don't say anything)

You mentioned all low fares seem to originate in the east. I snagged our $99 fare from SFO to LHR, so sometimes you can get a deal from our side of the country.

Guess we'll have to check around and perhaps abandon BA if we find another airline with full FF miles and other amenities we like on BA (free booze and individual screens for movies).

Giavanna,
The new so called "enhancements" at BA started on June 30th if I remember correctly. Your May trip probably got you in under the wire (and the old rules .. lucky you!!!) If BA continues rationing miles to those of us who fly coach we too will soon be thinking of switching to another airline. Problem is, most are doing this sort of thing. I just read where Continental was cutting back on those "in the rear" and "rewarding" those in the front. I believe AA did so recently too and Delta's FF program has gotten all messed up too. What's left ??

When I wrote to BA I told them they were using a reverse Robin Hood strategy. They were taking from the poor and giving to the rich mile wise. Their reply was that customers asked for these new "enhancements". Basically, I don't think they give a darn. I cannot understand why they want to alienate a large segment of their flying public tho (coach) and their answers to that were the same old "this is what customers asked for".

I've hesitated to fly BA over the past few years because service had gotten so bad, but I would on the odd occasion go with them if they had a good deal. But the mess this summer at Heathrow sealed the deal--I don't care if they start giving away free flights. Never ever again will I fly BA. The way BA treated its customers this summer was disgusting, and the only reason they're having these sales is because they can't get most of their customers back.

Ann, thanks for that reminder -- I'd forgotten about the summer chaos when ground personnel went out over a labor dispute. Seems BA treats coach customers with the same high regard (!) as it treats some employees...

Richard Branson must be feeling good about all this. I've flown Virgin and been pleased with the experience, but stayed with BA because they had better flight options and to build up our FF account. Well, if those incentives are gone, where is my incentive to fly BA?

Wonder if BA monitors these boards? Maybe they've cut the staff for that too. One can hope that they will realize this is a bad direction to go down, in the same way they came to that conclusion about that silly rebranding campaign where they repainted all the plane tails, and other goofiness...