USA_flyer

Travel is a little more stressful than it was 2 years ago however, with a little planning, most of it can be mitigated. I don't think I'd cancel travel unless I absolutely had to.

T8191

Still ready to jump though the hoops … if the destination and price makes sense. Managed 2 x l/h already in 2022, so no intention to quit on travel … but I do accept it’s just we 2 Elders, who are less vulnerable to the stress of Family travel!

jeremyBA

It extreme but if it goes wrong you can’t contact anyone on the phone etc.

their customer service is dire and they don’t deserve customers

dougzz

Oddly the last two years and the impossibility of travel to many countries have made me more determined to deal with the little crap like baggage delays, queues and connection issues. I truly hope we’re in the COVID home stretch but who really knows. I’m not going to delay or dither on a holiday/trip as you just don’t know what’s coming next. Get in there while you’re able.

T8191

Except for BA Holidays, who IME have always been excellent. I could agree a straight BA pax is swimming in the swamp.

225SG

That is a disappointment and a bummer for the family I'm sure. Can I ask how you received a FTV as I didn't think they were issuing FTVs anymore?

flybymonkey

I do wonder how much longer Doyle has left to go with all that's going on and no end in sight. Today Manchester Airports CEO resigned.

corporate-wage-slave

FTVs are being issued, they are then being converted into refunds (for redemptions). More information in the BWC thread.
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On a more general point, I've done one pair of longhauls and quite a number of shorthauls in the last month or so, and though I know I've dodged a few bullets I've not been seriously disrupted, beyond a few 15 to 30 minute waits for the jetty / guidance to be enabled. I am avoiding arrival into LHR at weekends. I would not take it as inevitable that you would have a bad time, particularly on longhaul. I'm reminded on one recent thread, for someone who was badly delayed, but as soon as they were on the balcony enjoying the sunny Med with a glass of something, things quickly started to look much better.

dougzz

Decent parallel there. I understand she started in 2020 and Manchester was crap years before that, the problems now are more understandable. Doyle is fighting years of Walsh and Cruz dismantling of any capability to deal with the slightest bump in the road, and the last couple of years have been very bumpy. I’m no expert but I’m not sure the solution to BAs problems will be cheap or quick, and I can’t see Doyle going will change anything.

Silver Fox

I'm not sure his arrival changed anything though did it? Are there areas he has improved? Too soon to tell?

darthlemsip

Complimentary water and snacks back on ET and a big improvement in F service immediately spring to mind.

Still a lot to do (especially with CW), but things on board are starting to feel better than during Cruz’s years of butchery.

flybymonkey

Don't forget Keith Williams (2011–2016). I know people who would argue cost cutting started as far back as Bob Ayling (1996–2000).

To be fair to Cruz, prior to Covid he had secured the £500m investment and launched the Club Suite and the rollout of new lounge upgrades around the world.

sl1ppy

Family holiday to the Maldives on BA, looking at your post history that would seem unlikely.

HIDDY

Yes I'd dread to think what state BA would be in nowadays if it was still run along the same lines as it was in the so called good old days. Bankrupt I imagine.

To answer the OP's question. Things will improve. Although if you find another airline that will suit your needs better then you'd be silly not to use them...that also applies to everyone else on here.

mikeyfly

Did you book and cancel since your thread of 22nd March? Seems a bit peculiar