SIR.—Last year I flew with my family around the world.
Of all the flights, on twelve different airlines, one was noteworthy for delay and discomfort. It was BEA 256 of April 29.
On arrival at London Airport at about 11 a.m. we were told that there would be a one-hour delay. No reason was given. When this hour had elapsed we were allowed into the passengers' waiting room where it was eventually announced that there would be a further delay of one hour. We were given a cup of tea and a sandwich. Lunch would be served on the plane.
Eventually we were shown through customs and emigration and on to a bus. There we were told that
air traffic was too heavy in London, and that we would take off from Gatwick. As I remember, the journey to Gatwick took more than an hour. At Gatwick we were again subjected to emigration formalities, despite protests. Finally we had to wait, standing, at the departure ramp while the plane was 'being prepared.' Passenger protestations at the suf- fering of the several mothers with two or three chil- dren (and not otherwise accompanied) were brushed aside. When we were eventually allowed aboard there was no meal available on the plane. They 'thought we had been given lunch at London Air- port.' Another cheap BEA sandwich was served.
Weather conditions appeared to be no cause of difficulty. Lack of proper communication between the airports, and disregard for passenger comfort must be undeniable in this instance.
As you would expect, many passengers on this flight, myself included, will not fly BEA again if an alternative is available. For those of your readers needing recommendations, Swissair and Air New Zealand were excellent
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