We were scheduled to fly BA to Europe last December, and had to cancel due to a health-related emergency. BA handled the cancellation with grace, and we have now rescheduled our trip for this summer (caveat: I hate going to Europe in the summer with the passion of a thousand burning suns, but we had to use the tickets within twelve months of purchase, so . . . ).

Since tickets had been bought with Aadvantage miles, I had to have it reissued via Aadvantage. They did so, and I have an AA ticket number, but no BA booking reference number. They also failed to input my Aadvantage number on the booking, so I had an assigned seat on the F leg of the trip, but not on the CE and CW legs.

I called up BA today, and asked if they could help. I knew this was an award booking, and it wasn't even their program, so I felt a bit like the proverbial poor relation asking for a handout. It was not like that at all.

Yes, I was on hold a long time, which can be annoying, especially since my calls to the Aadvantage lines are answered really quickly. Truth is, I am a mid-level elite at Aadvantage, and not so at BA. Such is life. Besides, I was playing around on the internet while waiting for BA to answer.

Once the line was answered, I could not have asked for better, more efficient, and frankly more kind service. Every question I had was answered. As soon as my FF number was input, I was given the option of seat assignments over the phone or waiting until AA gives me my booking numbers. The agent went over the aircraft types on each flight and recommended seats. He was enthusiastic about the airline and the flight experience.

I have to say, good service begins at the beginning, and thus far, it's been well done, BA!