I think you underestimate my own awareness of budget airlines and my familiarity with LCCs, I am fully aware and by no means was I suggesting they compare to BA, I simply said people are shunning BA for these LCCs, thanks to the end of BAEC . But thanks for some of the insights, particularly hand luggage as I will be HBO.

For anyone that does pass through this thread, I discovered you are able to get a seat (for free) by being eagle eyed and selecting “random seat assignment” it’s not a great UX for people and clearly tries to get a payment for a seat.

I’ll report back on the experience.