For the record 100% self funded here too. I would argue that we are a much larger group than anyone realises. Why? 1. As companies tend to book premium tickets, many business fliers never see the real benefit of status, they can use the lounges and priority queues anyway. I'm amazed how many I come across who don't join or use any FF scheme. 2. When flying for business many companies have tie ups with particular alliances or airlines that restrict who you can fly with, this may not be an airline of your choice.

I choose *A and BMI in particular because I like (liked? ) the product and the company. I've spent well over the odds to fly BD (and *A by extension) over the years when I could have flown much much cheaper in many cases.

This pretty much sums it up for me.