At one time in the 90s you just had to be a member of BAEC to select your seats at time of booking. I remember joining just for the privilege, a lowly Blue being able to select my seat.It was better than getting to the airport and your seats being at the whim of the check-in agent, no on-line check-in in those days. Was second in line at LAX one time,the couple in front got great seats my family got rubbish ones and the agent wouldn't change them. Started flying United after BA changed it to where you had to have status.