Oh dear, I really hoped this thread had died a death, not least because every time I express any view I get attacked by one or other of the BA people here...

But no, you're wrong. This is nothing to do with the people to whom oversold tickets are sold. Indeed it appears from BAPremier's comments that he didn't know that BA had sold him a seat already allocated to someone else until he found out on the plane, and he was fully entitled to stay in the seat he was given. When anyone buys a ticket they have no idea if there are truly seats available or the airline is overselling in accordance with its policies. And as has been said, nearly always enough people no show to ensure there isn't a problem.

So it's extremely unfair to attack BAPremier or anyone else to whom oversold tickets are sold. In my view any blame rests with BA, as their decision to downgrade one out of a party of people made it almost inevitable that the others would discuss the situation on the plane.