Interesting post Starlight. I am always sad to hear of bad service and I do believe that feedback to the company is vital, both for excellent and poor service. Did you speak to the Cabin Manager at any point during your flight? What was the result (if any) of that? I am sorry your flight was not up to the standard you have the right to expect from BA.

Certainly the glasses and any catering items should have been cleared from the cabin prior to landing, but there is no CAA requirement for window blinds to be raised (other than those on cabin doors).

As spotwelder has pointed out, ANO refers to cabin baggage and not to duvets, however it is standard practice to remove used duvets from customers and stow them in large, fireproof sacks locked away. Mattresses should be refolded and placed underneath the buddy seat (where they should have been stowed on boarding). There is no standard procedure for pillows. Personally, if the customer is not still using it then I stow them either underneath the seat or in the overhead lockers. It just looks tidier!

Interesting, however, that we have rules regarding no pillows/blankets on the floor for Club World, but no such regulation in First. Perhaps I will speak to my friend in training and ask for official clarification for the future. I have never heard of any regulation regarding unused items on empty seats.

As for loose duvets impeding one's escape during an evacuation, I have always thought that those who choose to wrap themselves in blankets during take off and landing (even with seatbelts fastened over the top) are risking impedence to their escape far more than that of a rogue duvet would cause lying loose in the cabin!

Disclaimer : Apologies if there is a lack of coherence in parts of this post. Incredibly jet lagged today, and happy to try to clarify points if necessary!