i think if you fly enough you will encounter problems, regardless of the airline.
for example- BA cancelled a flight without telling my mother many years ago. she arrived at the airport with (2) 3 year olds, to be told there wasn't another flight til the morning, and yes, you should have been told, but there's nothing they can do to help.
whereas, i've not made (2) virgin flights because of misinformation/mishandling/untrained ground staff. i'd prefer BA over virgin.
i think the best thing you can do with travel is to go in with a positive attitude, polite words, and keeping your eye on the goal- getting there!