First ever BA flight in 1998, LHR to YUL, going on exchange for a year at McGill University.
I didn't realise it at the time, but my fellow student and I were upgraded at the gate from WT to CW. We sat down with lots of room, alcohol, great food etc etc. I was convinced that BA's economy service was excellent - until i looked behind the curtain and saw what I should have been receiving! I don't think i've had an Op-Up since....