Away back in 1989, flew to the Soviet Union (remember, the name has changed, possibly also the atmosphere) on British Airways.
To witness for 2 weeks the disintegration of the "evil empire", the sense of an oppressive regime tottering to its amazing implosion, the smelly loos, the feeling the KGB was bugging your room, the hordes of the unwashed at the airport, the jobsworth at the checkin points completely unconcerned whether or not our airplane was taking off without us......and then -
To board the British Airways plane. Home at last! Still holding my breath. Would they permit us to leave? We waited to make sure all passengers had made it though the bottlenecks - and then, and then, taxied out, and TOOK OFF! AND THE ENTIRE CONGREGATION BROKE INTO APPLAUSE!
Usually happens only after a turbulent approach and an acceptable landing....
I understand that some of the same spirit is showing this week, that the passengers, the pilots, and the assortment serving as cabin crew display an exceptional appreciation of each other.
If the spirit of teamwork can be sustained, with pilots and cabin crew and volunteers of every description working - and playing - as teams, BA could be great again. Could possibly still feel like coming home when you board.....