Expurser I echo every word you say. I was one of the lucky ones to work for BOAC and then BA. You had a brilliant lifestle and were proud to work for a decent company that actullay cared for its employees. It was a career to be proud of. OK so we didn't have long range aircraft to take us 7000 miles non stop but when the 744 came out there were long range payments which made up for for loosing Middle East layovers.
Back in those days paassengers and crews used to respect each other. These days we have the low cost carriers to thank for the demise of service levels and standards. Yes the world is changing and us oldies need to keep up with the pace of life, but at what cost?
I will never understand why BA have to have different contracts for cabin crew. It's just inviting trouble.