What an arcane piece of aviation law says about Britain’s government
The parable of the slots
PASSENGERS can be strikingly loyal to their airlines’ loyalty schemes. People enjoy collecting points; they enjoy perks, such as swish lounges and bigger baggage allowances, even more. Little wonder that British Airways, a flag carrier, faces a backlash after tweaks to its programme will render its coveted “silver” and “gold” cards out of reach for most leisure travellers. IAG, its parent, hopes a £7bn ($8.6bn) investment programme will fix a reputation for so-so customer service, tatty cabins and bad food. (Analysts seem to think so; its share price is ascendant.) Nonetheless its rivals spy an opportunity: Virgin and Air France-KLM have invited disgruntled fliers to join their programmes.
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