I have been flying BA for many years and have always been of the opinion that, compared with its European or US counterparts, the quality and service is far superior.

You get into JFK, have dinner before the flight, fully reclining seats/beds on board and attention to detail.

Sometimes it takes another pair of eyes to question your beliefs: last night I flew from LHR to HK and as I am settling in, I hear “this is the last time I’m flying BA” from the opposing seat.

She, an investment banker from China as it turns out later, had to ask a number of times for a copy of the SCMP. C’mon, that’s not a deal breaker.

Then BA didn’t have the meal choice she wanted… Again, not that big a deal… The congee for breakfast, granted, was awful.

Then the TV system first didn’t work and when it did, I started to put things in perspective.

The screens on Cathay are about three times bigger and technologically we are talking about a 1980s 364 vs. an iPad. The beds are bigger, flatter and the pillows and blankets from another galaxy (think roach infested motel vs Slh). The food menu is vastly superior and the service impeccable. Cathay in addition to all kinds of teas features the best cappuccini this side from Milan.

Don’t get me wrong, I still like BA and don’t mind flying with them – in a quaint anachronistic sort of nod to good ol times, but they can’t hold a candle to Cathay, ANA or even Dragon Air.

Speaking of which, the Chinese of course in addition to deep sea diving and green energy are now focusing their attention on building super jets. Don’t even get me started on comparing the airports in China, Singapore or HK to LHR, CDG or JFK.

Good night and good luck, developed world.