The Bob Ayling's years where the golden ones if you traveled mainly in premier cabins. Lounges were more basic than now, but you didn't need to spend so long at the airport, just somewhere for a quick drink before a flight. BAEC was then a CIP programme Y flyers got nothing unless on flex fares. Lounges were less busy, there was still a UK network with small lounges at most regional airports often accessed by swiping your card. Before Ayling's changes cheap fares used to get TPs but not air miles.