Nothing new there. This is the standard bmi response. At least someone at bmi took the 60 sec it takes to call up the standard response to 'we don't like modular' complaints on the word processor, change the addressee to yourself, print it and put it in an envelope.

Perhaps Joanna would like to explain why bmi feels it appropriate to respond in this way, if indeed they have the courtesy to respond at all, rather than addressing the points raised.

Or perhaps Joanna has absolutely no idea whatsoever, as she works for Diamond Club the Frequent Flyer Programme and NOT bmi the airline.

Staggering how many are still failing to differentiate between the two.

Not sure, seemed right at the time. I think it is more of a sentiment.... like I'd bust a gut to avoid other airlines... or I'd bust my gut walking rather than go on BMI.

It's amazing how the term "MODULAR AIRLINE" has now entered the bmi vocabulary to the extent where people actually believe that it means something.

What the hell does "modular" mean in the context of an airline. It's just a piece of marketing bollox that management now use to justify strategy.

The only people who know what it means are the 10,000 fictitious people who got researched.

- You can choose whether to earn miles or not

-You can choose whether to have lounge access or not (after Nov1)

- You can choose whether to pay for food & drink, or go without

-You can choose whether to fly BMI or not, since apart from Saudi Arabia - BA flies where they do anyways.

Me...I'll choose to keep flying BMI & the Star*, so long as these �0+ tax deals to ORD, PVG & PEK keep coming my way! Also on the odd accasion need to go to BRU & unfortunately costs �79 with BD, but �250 with BA for same times.

I believe however that BD will need to appeal to a broader horizon of customers other than those like myself, Flashyphotos or GU Wonder, in order to remain viable this Modular concept.

Man Flyer

The FF Programme and and the airline are closely linked as the FF Programme is a marketing initiative of the airline. The changes which have been made by the airline have severely reduced the benefits of diamond club. Adeline Hampton, diamond club manager, e-mails me to tell me how the withdrawal of business class to Manchester is an enhancement. If she tells me this then surely I can expect her to tell me why, rather than receiving a "nothing to do with me guv" response.

There is little distinction between, for example, the LHR domestic lounges, upstairs provided by DC because I have a Silver card, and downstairs, because I have bought a full fare ticket.

Whoever is responsible, I believe a customer deserves a relevant response to enquiries, whether to DC, customer services or admin.

The reply you were getting excited about was from bmi customer relations. Joanna works for Diamond Club. While of course they are linked, there is a difference, and I don't believe it's fair to demand answers from Joanna about a reply someone got from BD.

If you are looking for an official response from them about what you deem 'appropriate' then maybe you should take this up with this Adeline Hampton, who you say you've already been in touch with.

Just a thought...

That may have been true 2 decades ago when FFP's were in their infancy. Nowadays a lot of the FFP's of major airlines are totally separate entities that are managed by people who may have little or no contact with other operating departments. Infact, some airlines (eg. AC) have actually severed the umbilical cord from their FFP's, which are now run as totally separate organizations.

I quite agree with Man Flyer that a serious distinction needs to be made between reacting to issues related to Diamond Club the FFP and bmi the airline.

I wrote to Adeline since she e-mailed me. What I would like, and what it also looks like Yorkshire Flyer wants, is a reply which addresses the questions raised. If Adeline could provide a constructive response then I would be happy to repeat my questions to her. If however, the treatment of diamond club members is of no concern to diamond club, then I would be happy to take the issue up with customer relations, provided someone could supply a contact who actually reads a letter, e-mail etc before sending out a list of platitudes which completely miss the point.