John Baker, a senior partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers, is a Gold Guest List Member. He also sits on the business advisory board for British Airways, and tells The Club why he loves BA’s lounges, family holidays to South Africa and flying into Hong Kong

When did you join the Executive Club?
I have been accumulating points since 1992. I’m now a Gold Guest List Member and, because I sit on the business advisory board, I also have Concorde Lounge access. The Gold Guest List is great because it allows members to nominate two opportunities for travel with a companion using Avios. It also gives you access to the Gold Guest List team, who have helped me out on a number of occasions – for example organising special access for elderly family members.

Do you travel mostly for work or pleasure?
The majority is work, but there is a fair element for family or pleasure. My wife is from the US, so there is a lot of travelling to and from there.

What has been your most memorable travel experience?
I have three. One was my first flight into Hong Kong at the old Kai Tak airport. The landing at the old Hong Kong airport was always an interesting experience – let’s just say you were glad there were a couple of high-quality pilots sitting at the front of the plane. Number two was my one time on Concorde – that was very special. And finally, about a year and a half ago, we were upgraded as a family from Business to First by the Special Service Team. I knew about it, but the look on my eldest daughter’s face was priceless.

Where’s the one place you would return to?
Probably Cape Town – I have a lot of happy family memories there. The one thing to do is to have a picnic lunch at the Roundhouse, a restaurant near Camps Bay that overlooks the Twelve Apostles mountain range.

Where do you escape the crowds in London?
The Wallace Collection is a lovely gallery in Manchester Square. Nobody really goes there. To eat, I always say J Sheekey. London is also a city for walking. Walk up the Mall and cut through Green Park – it’s never crowded and is a lovely place.

Describe your Perfect Day…
Fly into San Francisco, pick up our car and drive to Napa Valley. I would head to Calistoga Ranch where we have stayed about 25 times. It’s a very special place.

What is the best way to earn Avios?
Without sounding obvious, I suggest flying a lot with BA and using the BA Amex card.

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This article has been tagged BA, Travel Tips