I have to totally disagree with both nhl and Bally. This month I've flown as a pax 8 times, 4 times with bmi, the rest with BA. BA completely put bmi to shame. On the evening shuttle BA provide everyone with a good meal , bmi just throw out a tasteless sandwich. The early morning breakfast is better too. Furthermore, the seats are more comfortable, the crew are more friendly and the check-in facilities are far better. I could carry on.
Regarding the recession; its not entirely true. Yes some sectors are suffering, particularly some parts of the financial sector, but as a whole the economy is doing well. When house prices start falling and high street spending plummets then we'll call it a recession. At the moment things may have slowed in some sectors of the economy but as a whole its certainly not a recession in this country. The US is suffering but again, the economy is still growing, if only just.
Recession - looking at retail sales - I think not...