Very interesting thread and perspectives from all members. Some observations from my side:

- I asked some trusted no-BS contacts in McK … the Firm have not been given the boot - they’ve been paid their full fee for their strategy work on the BAEC transition and are actively involved in other engagements across BA / IAG.
- The status match thing probably isn’t something that is keeping the BA senior team awake at night. On current and future flagship / tier 1 routes (i.e. LHR-JFK / LAX / DXB / BOM, etc), BA has an exceptionally strong market position. As an example, DXB loads are through the roof - even if EK offers a more complete product. Indeed, at the company I work for, policy often has EK F available, but very few take it up, preferring BA F / J. Same point with BOM, preferring BA J over AI F.
- Treatment of status passengers in WT appears to have increased noticeably. From discreet champagne to being offered a larger pillow to getting the amenity kit. Anecdotal of course and could be limited to JFK / EWR, but I noticed that I wasn’t the only one, at least on my last few flights.