Ah, BA Flyertalk.
My thanks for the tips, the knowledge and the experiences.
When I started to travel much more with work about 12-15 years ago -- economy 99% of the time, baby! (and on many various airlines) -- it ignited an interest in me, which grew into a passion and, daresay, a hobby.
I wouldn't have called myself an aviation geek then, but it seeps under the skin somewhat over time. I still wouldn't necessarily call myself one now, but I know a lot more -- and find it genuinely interesting.
What I'm most grateful for, however, is the gift of travel -- of seeing the globe, opening my eyes, submerging into cultures, and pursuing personal travel endeavours as a result, outside of work.
On occasion, BA has been quite generous in making this more pleasurable.
In the last decade I've travelled 1.1-million miles with British Airways.
That's the MyFlightPath BA-metal-flights-only reading. I've done a lot more, though. Quite a lot more, realistically.
I've held Gold Guest List for the last eight consecutive years, which has been both a happy accident and a pleasure -- and a Flyertalk-supported hobby, as I reinvested personal money in getting over the line each year via one complex 'TP run'!
Now, at the age of 40, I've finally stepped over the Gold for Life threshold. And it's time to bow out of the game... more or less.
I'll make GGL this one final year (for 2026-7) -- partially owed to personal pre-bookings on the 'old system' within this year -- and then it's cash-out mode.
I'll still be working, travelling and holidaying -- but for the lowest price I can get.
It's disheartening that BA has pulled the plug for revenue over loyalty -- but predictable; inevitable even.
I'm but a small cog in the system, ultimately, but against the backdrop of general bad press against the flag carrier, I've by and large had a wonderful time.
So cheers for the tips, cheers to BA for when it goes right, and cheers to not having to 'play the game' any longer.
I'll miss GGL, but it's highly apparent that BA doesn't want me among those ranks any longer. And that's just fine. I shall take my Avios and run... safe in the knowledge that I now know how to travel 'best case scenario' with BA each and every time, whatever the plane or airport.
Cheers again all ✌️