Originally Posted by henkybaby

Just to remind you, the problem is also that this is not the first email we got from BA which is worded this way. I remember quite a few 'based on extensive feedback from our clients and knowing how much you appreciate the element of surprise we have once again made Gold more exclusive by shooting you in the back' emails.

I really don't care about this perk so much but it does take away from that rare feeling that BAEC gave me that I was always welcome, even when I made a mistake and booked on a different airline.

I can't see how this perk could be abused. A Gold card holder has spend a considerable amount of money on BA to become/remain one. Maybe there are a few airports (LGW/EDI) where the 'abuse' is high but they could have simply taken away the perk there.

I still hope that BA fires the person responsible for compiling this (and the other) email(s) because they really are insulting. The communications director should wake up in the 21st century and realize this is not how you communicate with people over the age of 10 in 2011.

On a more positive note, I have some suggestions for real enhancements to Gold (one of which you will not believe):

1. Grant people who travel with children access to the lounges even if only one of the parents is a status holder (I told you, you would not believe it!)
2. Give Gold holders one 'Lounge Joker' per year where they can invite up to 4 people in the lounges on a complete PNR
3. Give Gold holders one CCR Joker per year for themselves.
4. Allow Golds to buy lounge access for additional guests at the cost of 5K miles or GBP 20 or something
5. Open up a 24/7 Gold Line for non UK GCH. Now that is feedback I gave you a million times.

If lounge access is so precious, please make sure that in AMS (and probably other lounges) that see high business travel there is some actual food in the mornings since BA is no longer serving food on SH.

Taking away this benefit has not turned me off remaining a Gold. The real perks are the upgrades, the FLounge and the feeling I am slightly higher in the pecking order than others when things go south. But, dear BA, one more mail that is worded like I am a complete idiot will make me turn away in disgust and I will fly slanted seats again...