The renewal thing makes sense. Travelling ET to GVA a week or so ago ordered two G&Ts, offered card to pay with and was told ‘don’t worry, they’re on us as you’ve just renewed Gold’. Nice touch and seemed natural, no awkward greeting stuff.

Two guys in the row behind - chattering incessantly about their flash cars, investments a bit like they were stuck in the 80s boom days - also ordered 2 G&Ts and also expected them free but were told to pay. One asked why we didn’t have to and was told ‘because these guys are our best customers and do more flying than me’. Thanks to all at FT for the advice over the years, it was worth it for that one moment