Don't forget that all these airlines are trying to make money!!! BA have laid off groundstaff to cut costs, so why do you think that they should pay for your transport and meals for an interview.
In my opinion, if buying my own sandwich and driving myself to interview can save one persons job then I am all for it!! I am not so full of my own self importance that I would expect any company to provide anything apart from the person to interview me. At least BA is not charging to view applications like some other airlines in the industry!
I suggest that you ask the people that interview you, the questions that you have asked above an see how quick your letter takes to come through.....Jet pilot or not!!!!
