Originally Posted by
SteveF
I believe that the OP's definition of "premium passenger" here relates to class of travel (CW), not that he/she is a BA frequent flyer with status.
Flying once in a blue moon in CW does not a premium passenger make.
simons1, as already noted, BA doesn't expect you to pay it unless you have a) no status, b) want to select a specific seat, c) don't want to wait until OLCI. If you are happy to wait you pay nothing.
EDIT: i should have added d) have not booked a flexible/semi-flexible ticket (thanks for reminding me on that
shefgab)