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Wheelchair passengers treated to surprise BA upgrade

British Airways celebrated International Wheelchair Day by upgrading several customers on long-haul flights from its World Traveller cabin (economy) to Club World (Business).

The initiative was part of the airline’s #BAMagic100 campaign, which BA’s commitment to mark its centenary year with 100 acts of kindness.

The customers, who all required wheelchair assistance, were told the news as they checked in for their flights.

Once upgraded, they and their travel companions were directed to the airline’s exclusive lounges ahead of their flights.

Newly engaged couple, Ashraf Atalla and Hannah Lord (pictured), were upgraded on their flight to Dubai and enjoyed a glass of Champagne in the British Airways Concorde Lounge before their flight.

The initiative highlights BA’s new global accessibility training programme for customer service agents to support customers requiring additional assistance.

Carolina Martinoli, BA’s director of brand and customer experience, said: “Our aspiration is that every customer journey is seamless and we are committed to ensuring customers requiring additional assistance are able to travel as easily and independently as possible.”

Picture credit: Stuart Bailey

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