When I first flew BA (BOAC) in the 1960's, the concern for the country was something called balance of payments. Every time the flier chose to travel with a non-British airline (yes, I remember the BCal and Dan Air days too), we would be weakening our own economy. In 2021, concern about where our ticket money goes seems to be inconsequential. After all, the airlines are global corporations and the airline alliances mix everything up. But we users of air travel should consider who and why we should support these businesses. Should we be helping the finances of ME, Asian and African carriers whose governments are repressive and dictatorial? It's not easy when countries like Qatar have a stake in BA. But for me, the choice is not whether an airline has a better seat, wine or lounge, but helping to creating jobs and financial stability for our own nation. For that I shall suffer the shortfalls for BA and do that old fashioned patriotism thing.