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Lost In Space
If you have ever travelled recently with what was once trumpeted as 'The World's Favourite Airline' you will know what I mean. And you will know it is British Airways (BA).
Not so long ago this correspondent, en route from London to Vancouver, lost his luggage on the way in and , to add insult to injury, on the way back. The process of recovery involved a lot of paperwork and precious time. And caused pain.
British Airways loses more bags and operates more delayed flights than any other major airline in Europe. An average of nine passengers on a typical BA jumbo Boeing 747-400 find that their baggage is missing when they arrive at the terminal. (Only TAP Air Portugal has admitted to a higher number of suitcases lost in the year 2007).
Research by the Association of European Airlines says that although most bags were restored to their owners within almost two two days, one in 2,000 were lost permanently.
Budget operators such as Dublin-based Ryanair and easyJet.com tend to lose fewer pieces of luggage because they do not offer connecting services through major 'hub' airports. Which in the UK go by the names of Heathrow and Gatwick.
A BA spokesman says: "We continue to experience a wide variety of difficulties at our main home at Heathrow".
Travel hopefully, but only with toothpaste and/or Y-fronts or a bikini in your carry-on kit. Cross fingers and it might just get you to the next hub.
