Originally Posted by
sombrachinesca
I think that the BA policy is fair and just. Should staff be allowed to arrange discounts for purchases by a friend? I don't have a problem with that. Should you be able to walk up to your friend manning a gate or ticket counter and secure an upgrade? I'd say no.
Why do you think this though? From the airlines point of view, giving a discount means less revenue. Giving someone a free upgrade to an empty seat is giving someone much additional value but at no extra cost to the airline.
Additionally, if the customer got a staff discount then used the money saved to then buy an upgrade - would that not be exactly the same situation as the original scenario (an employee giving a free upgrade for an empty seat)?