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BA Pays Tribute to Freddie Mercury -- Its Most Famous Baggage Handler

Sept. 06, 2018
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2 min read
Baggage handlers perform tributes to Freddie Mercury, Heathrow, UK, 4th September 2018
BA Pays Tribute to Freddie Mercury -- Its Most Famous Baggage Handler
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Half a century ago, young Farrokh Bulsara (better known by his stage name Freddie Mercury) worked as a baggage handler for British Airways at London Heathrow International Airport (LHR). His career eventually took him in another direction as the legendary frontman for Queen, but the airline honored his legacy Wednesday with a tribute performance from his successors.

Freddie Mercury would have celebrated his 72nd birthday on Sept. 5. Unfortunately, Mercury passed away from AIDS complications in 1991, but not before becoming one of the most well-known musical icons of all time.

In honor of its most famous employee, British Airways hosted a surprise for travelers in London Heathrow's Terminal 5 on Sept. 5, enlisting a number of current Heathrow baggage handlers to perform a choreographed dance to Queen's song, "I Want To Break Free." The team, who worked with British choreographer Lyndon Lloyd to incorporate bright-colored carry-ons and fake mustaches, practiced for weeks before the viral performance in front of a terminal full of delighted passengers.

Baggage manager Adam Dewey said, "Freddie Mercury is an undisputed rock legend, and it has been an absolute blast planning his birthday celebrations at Heathrow Airport, where he once worked. Myself and the other baggage handlers taking part have put everything into these dance routines, and we can't wait to see the faces on holidaymakers when they strut their stuff in the arrivals hall."

Heathrow had other tributes of its own. Terminal 5 celebrated "Freddie Mercury Day" Wednesday, September 5, by offering travelers named Freddie, Fred, Frederick or Farrokh free access to one of British Airway's posh lounges, along with any travel companions. The airport also posted Queen songs on the arrivals boards and will display memorabilia related to Queen and Freddie Mercury in the departures area of Terminal 5 in anticipation of "Bohemian Rhapsody," the upcoming biopic of Mercury and Queen's musical legacy, which reaches theaters in November.

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  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

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  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
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  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
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  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
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  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
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