BA not my cup of tea

SIR – David Swan (Letters, September 19) laments the decline of British Airways.

I once travelled premium economy with BA to Canada. After dinner I asked for a herbal tea bag. “Oh no, madam,” replied the attendant. “That is for first- and business-class passengers only.”

Very reluctantly she allowed me a herbal tea bag but emphasised that it could only be on this one occasion.

We later travelled with Qantas in premium economy, and the service was impeccable. We now avoid travel with BA. Rosanne Greaves

Frodsham, Cheshire

SIR – I have been a loyal BA customer (and shareholder) for many years. On a recent flight from America my entertainment system was unworkable; the seats were scruffy, the carpets tatty, the whole plane past its best and the staff less than sympathetic.

Like Mr Swan, I’m saddened to witness the decline of our national carrier and the relentless cost-cutting being overseen by the chief executive and chairman Alex Cruz.

His credentials as the previous boss of a low-cost airline are clearly being carried over to BA to its detriment.