Mon Jul 14 07:49:28 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
Indian chess Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi publicly criticized British Airways on social media after experiencing a series of issues including an involuntary downgrade, rude employees, poor communication, and baggage delays exceeding 48 hours. His post went viral, prompting other users to share similar negative experiences with the airline, while also mentioning that famous cricket player Sachin Tendulkar had a similar experience with them. The airline has yet to respond. Erigaisi’s travel woes come ahead of the FIDE Grand Swiss 2025 tournament, a crucial qualifier for the 2026 Candidates Tournament, where he is a top seed.
**News Article:**
**Chess Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi Slams British Airways Over Travel Mishap**
**New Delhi, India** – Indian chess Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi has taken to social media to express his frustration with British Airways, describing his recent experience as “the worst.” The 21-year-old, currently the top seed for the upcoming FIDE Grand Swiss 2025, detailed a catalogue of issues including an involuntary downgrade, impolite staff, lack of communication, and baggage delays exceeding 48 hours.
“Worst experience flying with British Airways,” Erigaisi posted on X, formerly Twitter. “Involuntarily downgrade, rude employees, no communication, bags delayed for over 48 hours. This is frustrating.”
His post quickly gained traction, with other users sharing their own negative experiences with the airline. Some users noted that cricket player Sachin Tendulkar had a similar experience. One user went as far as to recommend alternative airlines for travel to various regions, while another echoed Erigaisi’s sentiments, citing arrogance, unprofessionalism, flight delays, and missing baggage as recurring issues.
British Airways has yet to respond to the criticism.
Erigaisi’s travel woes come at a critical time, as he is set to compete in the FIDE Grand Swiss 2025 in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, from September 3-16. The tournament is a vital qualifier for the 2026 Candidates Tournament, which determines the challenger for the world chess championship. Erigaisi, along with reigning world champion D Gukesh, leads a strong field of 172 players vying for a spot in the prestigious Candidates Tournament. Fellow Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa is also among the top contenders. The tournament offers a substantial prize pool of $625,000 in the Open section and $230,000 in the Women’s section.
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