Originally Posted by
737 Jockey
I’d genuinely appreciate input (particularly, but not exclusively) from those on the inside on the pro’s and cons of joining one over the other. Without giving away too many specifics at this stage, both tick the most important boxes of LGW base and fixed roster pattern. Thanks in advance.
Pay
Quite hard to answer this accurately but Easy take home will be a fair bit more, especially for the first few years. But remember to factor in the 15% company pension contribution at BAEF. Also a new BA pay deal is expected to lead to a very significant rise for junior captains at mainline which will likely lead to big uplift at BAEF. If not already announced by Jan 2026, any uplift will be backdated to then.
Rostering
Easy fixed pattern has more days off and also note that the fixed pattern at BAEF is geared so you work more weekends. However generally slightly easier days at BAEF as the earlies and lates are generally at slightly more sociable times and virtually no 4 sector days. (although some 90+ hour months at BAEF not uncommon)
Overall
Pay at Easy is pretty unbeatable and unless the new BA deal is out of this world Easy remains the best choice for earnings in the short to medium term.
A place on the mainline seniority list is a major draw at BAEF which may swing the argument if you are c<40 yo. Fewer disruptive passengers, decent crew / business class food and a curtain separating off economy may seem trival but definitely helps, as does a smaller base vibe. Staff travel is a can of worms and everyone will have an opinion, but in general EasyJet the winner for SH and BA for LH.
I would also add a few captains have moved from Easy to BAEF but I’m not aware of any that have moved the other way at LGW at least.