From The Times (23rd Jan):
A nasty little spat has broken out between British Airways and Michael Winner. BA bosses are furious at Winner after he described them as “toilet fodder” and “tacky gangsters” in a recent newspaper article about a trip he made to the Caribbean aboard BA’s arch-rival Virgin.
A spokesman for BA explains: “Mr Winner has a complimentary gold card from British Airways. Given his recent comments, we are sure he won’t be needing it. So we won’t be renewing it. Our message to Michael Winner is: ‘Don’t worry, dear, it’s only a gold card.’ ” The veteran filmmaker claims not to care but says he is confused as to why only this week he was sent a new gold card that is not due to expire until 2009. BA claims that this card remains valid, but will not be renewed. “It’s pathetic,” Winner said. “This is not going to affect my life. If I fly to Europe, I take private planes. The only time I fly with BA is when I go to Barbados. So this is like being told I’m not allowed to use the ladies’ toilet at York railway station.”
http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/columnists/article3234710.ece
By: symon - 25th January 2008 at 20:14
At least he appeals to the ‘younger’ market also: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-jw5sZbyZ4!
Has anyone wondered why on earth BA gave him a ‘complimentary gold card’ in the first place? Considering he doesn’t even fly regulary with them (only to Barbados apparently) and isn’t even that popular/important here in the UK?!
By: Ren Frew - 25th January 2008 at 19:39
Don’t worry dear, it’s just a commercial decision ! 😀 😀 😀
By: Newforest - 25th January 2008 at 19:03
…a complete contrast=
Michael Winner. Words fail me at how important he thinks he is, and how utterly obnoxious is his behaviour.
A sentence lifted from another forum describing best and worst passengers! Enough said.:D
By: T5 - 25th January 2008 at 18:38
So if I said British Airways were crap would they ban me from flying with them?
Probably not. I am sure it has something to do with the fact that Michael Winner has so publicly expressed his opinion. Even so, it does seem very petty!
By: Arabella-Cox - 25th January 2008 at 15:43
So if I said British Airways were crap would they ban me from flying with them?
Did something like this not happen a few days ago with Silver Jet and Ken Livingstone? It’s getting beyond a joke, say something uncomplimentary about an airline and they will ban you.
Do we have a bunch of children running airlines?
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January 25, 2008 at 3:14 pm