Friends in High Places?

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Friends in High Places?

#260527 by buns
06 Sep 2009, 16:13
Item in today's Sunday Times

In some of the comments made about the piece there is a suggestion this has been stirred up by VS's opposition[:?] It is true that when you consider it, who is going to benefit by this being reported in the papers

buns

#724586 by Guest
06 Sep 2009, 16:19
and here was I thinking the article was going to be about lunch in your office revolving restuarant ;-)

HG

#724588 by Sealink
06 Sep 2009, 16:39
It's a story and no story at the same time. Companies 'entertaining' MPs is nothing new, but it definitely tarnishes the reputation of all involved and could actually diminish Virgin's arguments against BA/AA.

Using the advertising slogan in a parliamentary motion is a bit blatant though.

#724595 by Bill S
06 Sep 2009, 17:55
A story about the 5 VS upgrades declared by MPs that totally ignores the 7 BA upgrades in the latest register of interests.

However it is good to see that a number of MPs do prefer to fly VS when available.

In many ways I am surprised that there are so few upgrades - perhaps it indicates that many MPs are more honest than we expect - perhaps many actually do book themselves into J or CW rather than booking Economy and expecting upgrades!

#724598 by RichardMannion
06 Sep 2009, 18:33
There is nothing new here in the world of business. Must have been a quiet week for news; not as if you ever see a journo asking for something for free or expecting something in return.

#724600 by buns
06 Sep 2009, 18:41
quote:Originally posted by RichardMannion
There is nothing new here in the world of business. Must have been a quiet week for news; not as if you ever see a journo asking for something for free or expecting something in return.


Too true[y]

One day I might try the ruse that I write for an upmarket Travel Mag and see if thatgets me anything[:w] More than likely chucked out[B)]

buns

#724601 by pkatmk
06 Sep 2009, 18:41
The question that interests me is how were these upgrades facilitated? Do VA maintain a watch list of 'VIPs', perhaps, or did the MPs concerned make a delicate and dignified request for an upgrade at check in?

#724602 by willd
06 Sep 2009, 18:43
quote:Originally posted by RichardMannion
There is nothing new here in the world of business. Must have been a quiet week for news; not as if you ever see a journo asking for something for free or expecting something in return.


It has been a hugely slow news week. This mornings headline on BBC News 24, or whatever it is called now, was that London Midland train drivers are refusing to work Sundays. Ok is a semi news worthy story but hardly the main number one headline.

Some of the comments to the article made me laugh, in particular the one regarding our dear PM.

#724605 by Bill S
06 Sep 2009, 20:04
quote:Originally posted by pkatmk
The question that interests me is how were these upgrades facilitated? Do VA maintain a watch list of 'VIPs', perhaps, or did the MPs concerned make a delicate and dignified request for an upgrade at check in?

You can put whatever title or suffix you like on a passport...
Want to a be an MP lookalike - put Rt. Hon.

#724612 by Sealink
06 Sep 2009, 22:31
quote:Originally posted by RichardMannion
There is nothing new here in the world of business. Must have been a quiet week for news; not as if you ever see a journo asking for something for free or expecting something in return.


Too true. Most of the hotel reviews you read in papers are from journos who haven't paid a thing...

#724613 by Scrooge
06 Sep 2009, 23:26
But nothing about the fact that BA has given free flights to MP's for years.

#724916 by Bazz
11 Sep 2009, 14:43
quote:Originally posted by Bill S
quote:Originally posted by pkatmk
The question that interests me is how were these upgrades facilitated? Do VA maintain a watch list of 'VIPs', perhaps, or did the MPs concerned make a delicate and dignified request for an upgrade at check in?

You can put whatever title or suffix you like on a passport...
Want to a be an MP lookalike - put Rt. Hon.


You may get a visit from Special Branch if you are tempted to do that. A friend off mine used that handle in correspondence for a while until there was an unwelcome knock at his door!

#724924 by tontybear
11 Sep 2009, 16:09
Didn't BAA used to give MPs and other VIPS free parking at their airports? Then they stopped when the same MPs started to be nasty about them (dont blame BAA btw).

Oh and using the prefix 'Rt Hon' when not entitled is a deffo no no as you are impersonating a member of the Privy Council so no wonder your friend was visited by special branch. And not all MPs are members of the Privy Coucil - usually Cabinet members and very senior MPs.

Though at the moment having 'MP' on your passport or any other documentd would more often than not lead to getting worse not better treatment !

#731960 by GodAtum
14 Dec 2009, 23:50
I wouldnt mind having Lord instead of Mr on my passport!

#731963 by Scrooge
15 Dec 2009, 03:04
Look up 10 posts, ask him if he likes his title [:D]

#731972 by Scrooge
15 Dec 2009, 09:17
post above yours

#731977 by n/a
15 Dec 2009, 09:50
quote:Originally posted by GodAtum
I wouldnt mind having Lord instead of Mr on my passport!


'Lord' on my passport never got me more than suspicious glances from the great unwashed and probably spit in my food. If I were you I'd be happy to be a nobody.

GJ

#731979 by Scrooge
15 Dec 2009, 10:12
Are you saying that people spit in the food of LRoM....other than LSoM....But who could blame her [:0]

#731982 by HWVlover
15 Dec 2009, 11:02
I don't bother with title anymore, it now just seems a tad pretentious plus over the years I have received simply far too many Dear Mr Sir letters!
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