Am I bovvered? You bet I am
LONDON – Bookmakers Ladbrokes has instructed staff not to fly with British Airways following an incident involving its chief executive’s daughter.
Telegraph Online said the airline told Ladbrokes boss Chris Bell there was no room for his 14-year-old and her friend when they flew back from Barbados last month.
After offering them £250 not to fly it relented, but her father has now banned BA unless there is no alternative.
BA said it was sorry Mr Bell felt he was unable to fly with the company. It added that he was a valued customer.
The three passengers had already checked in their luggage when they were told there was no space for the two girls.
The airline then offered the pair £250 each not to fly, before eventually backing down.
Ladbrokes spends several million pounds on BA flights for its 14,000 staff each year.
The company says it has had other problems with the airline, including incidents at Terminal 5.
A Ladbrokes spokesman said: “Recently Ladbrokes executives have had a number of problems travelling with BA both personally and on business.
“We have prioritised use of other airlines for business travel until these matters are resolved.”
British Airways said there had been a problem with seating and the issue arose as Mr Bell’s daughter was travelling on a separate ticket.
A spokesman said: “As soon as staff realised that Mr Bell was travelling with the two girls, despite them being on different bookings, the issue was resolved and the whole group travelled back as planned.”
He said Mr Bell had been offered £500 compensation.
Ian Jarrett
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