Wouldn't be so sure about BMI (Baby) being any more punctual than BE...
I have a friend over from Belfast at the moment, and his BMI Baby flight on Tuesday night (Belfast to Birmingham) was delayed by over two hours. No explanation given.
He is 6ft 3in tall, and the a/c was only 50% (estimate) full. He asked that given the delay, the time of day (midnight) he could move to a seat in the first row for some leg space. "Yes sir... of course you can. Thats £15 please."
Now that is brilliant BMI customer service. Keep you waiting for several hours then charge you to use an otherwise unoccupied seat. Not impressed.
I pointed out that BE had always been good to me - he is now flying back with them and will not fly BMI Baby again.
I know this may be an exception, etc etc; please don't bite my head off, just reporting a particular incident in which BE and BMI were involved!