A letter to British Airways. Dear Willie

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Feedback is important. I believe that acting on feedback is the best way to improve customer service. The problem with British Airways is that they refuse, steadfastly to listen to their clients. This entry started as a letter to Willie Walsh, to moan about the fact that no one at BA gives a damn about the passengers. Then it transpired into an open letter to BA cabin crew (LHR) to realise that there is a global financial crisis, and now finally, after 670 views of this ever changing article.... I have decided to send this letter in its current form.... to Dear Willie...


Dear Willie,

I'll talk openly, because you are a straight talker. When you took over BA after Air Fungus (Aer Lingus) I thought: "Oh no- BA is doomed". I could not have been more wrong. My respect for you has grudgingly increased as every month goes by. True, I do have some moans, true, you'll probably never read this, but just in case you do, I think you've pulled off a near miracle- and kept BA in the air inspite of its self destructive staff.



Well, best to get stuck in: What's on my mind?



The INTRO:
We all have our pet hate airlines, and our favourite airlines. And some are worse than others. But there is a recession, we accept that, and we fly with who we can. Who we can afford, and who we can put up with.

A while ago, I broke an oath that I made in 1994 on a BA 747-400 from Bombay to London. I won't go into it, but I got stuffed around from pillar to post. I was no 1 at check in, and got rubbish seats, rubbish service, the run around by the CSD, and a lecture from an air steward on what was, and was not Halal. So I swore, in seat 48A or wherever I was, that I would never ever again "fly the flag" or anything else to do with British Airways.

But one day KLM went technical in Dar es Salaam and I was forced onto BA 046 and flew to London. The seat was fine, the food was excellent and the whole experience quite pleasant. So I thought I'd give BA another try.
And you know what Willie, it's not all bad:

So why on earth would I want to complain about BA?



THE MOAN:
Five years ago, I complained that BA serves a snack with Pork products on the London to Amsterdam leg. Flights between Europe’s largest muslim city and one of Europe’s largest jewish cities.

I have tried to order a special meal? But it's not not possible on the short sector. This means that you have to eat Pork. Three days ago on the 7th February, I had an extra bag, and I had an early morning flight. So I upgraded to CLUB. Now that's business class to the rest of you. I spent, my VERY hard earned money, during a recession, (that has dramatically affected my business) on CLUB. I was looking forward to the breakfast that I an always smell in economy. I thought here I go...

And then its PORK. AGAIN!!!!! A full PORK meal. NO alternative Willie! IN business. I was furious. I was livid. You have never been so close to a case of air rage on a flight as this. I wanted to beat my head on the tray table until I passed out. I had wasted all my money......But your CSD was marvelous. (Gatwick based of course- not the commies at LHR) and offered me fruit and bread. I very politely refused as it was nothing to do with him, And I had three coffees instead.

So that's your Muslim meal en route to Amsterdam Willie. 3 coffees in BUSINESS CLASS!!!!!

Now what do I want in return? A refund? NO. Free Air Miles? NO.
No wille, what I want you to do, is tell the chap in charge of catering (short haul)
That he or she is a - RACIST MORON.

You know I've been subjected to Racial abuse a few times in my life, but NEVER in Britain. So I am no stranger to this. I just hate paying to be insulted.

So that would be fine Willie. Just tell that person, that they are no better than the Germans.
Well. Enough from me,

I wish you well in your career, but after this, I don't wish BA well. I hope you cabin crew strike again, I hope that you sack them all, I hope BA goes bust in its current form, and that you can re-build a new BA with all the good people, the good cabin crew, the good engineers and the good pilots on new contracts (Not like O'Leary mind and his slave labour) I hope that you can turn BA into what it could and should be: A good airline, full of good people

God Bless you Willie, and may the road rise up and meet you. (but not at more than 800ft per minute!)
Yours Sincerely

Farhat Jah





PS: While we are on improvements, here are some top tips for you to start with:

a. Legroom on longhaul economy is terrible. Increase it to match the competition. Right now, even my short friends will not fly to Singapore with your 31 inch legroom.



b. Ask the people who reply to complaints to write in English that the world can understand. Not in Bullshit business speak that 3% of the population of the United Kingdom understadn.

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