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.
Explore more
London’s pie-and-mash shops are disappearing
Blame higher rents and changing tastes
Britain’s family courts are opening up to reporters
Transparency and privacy can work together
Has the Royal Navy become too timid?
A new paper examines how its culture has changed
A plan to reorganise local government in England runs into opposition
Turkeys vote against Christmas
David Lammy’s plan to shake up Britain’s Foreign Office
Diplomats will be tasked with growing the economy and cutting migration