Turbulent times

BY shunning British Airways, the Football Association – for once – made a wise decision over its World Cup travel arrangements.

Given the number of flights left at the mercy of the Icelandic volcano explosion and then intermittent strike action, there was no guarantee that BA could get Fabio Capello's side to South Africa in time for England's opening World Cup match on Saturday week.

Yet, even if the flight had taken off on schedule, there was a serious likelihood that the players' kit, and luggage, would have been lost in transit. For, in another blow to BA's once sky-high credibility, the firm now has the worst reputation for lost, delayed or damaged baggage, according to a survey published today.

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Once a global symbol of British excellence, the airline's reputation is now in freefall – and senior managers, headed by chief executive Willie Walsh, appear powerless to reverse BA's fortunes in the near-future and provide the quality of service that passengers, from the occasional traveller to the multi-millionaire footballer relaxing in first class, have every right to expect.