Would you have got a command in that time frame if you had joined in time to bid for the following training year? 2016 = yes but not LHR, 2017 = no, 2018 = no for LHR, yes LGW. 2019 training year, rumour is yes for LGW but I believe it’s no for LHR but they have gone very junior. Hopefully that helps.
Now the truth about a junior command. Really really bad rosters. You will work at least 9 in 10 weekends if not more. Generally 2 day 6 again and again. The bonus was TASS which could mean a few extra days off per month over more senior guys who choose their work. Under the new JSS rosters that will have gone. You can expect to work 18 days a month or more all year on low credit trips with long turns at LHR. Add to that 3 reserve periods each year. It’s ok for a bit but for years and years you will sit stuck at the bottom as more senior guys parachute in above you. Essentially it destroys your life. It’s ok though because you will be rewarded with a captain pay check........except you will be paid 30-35k less than at EZY or RYR. Colleagues of mine have not had a clear weekend in a year! (Excluding leave)
LGW is probably a better option due to the rostering system.
BA is a good company to work for but the seniority driven rostering is terrible.