Hello all,
I can't help thinking that there are a lot of negative posts on here about life at BA. Sure, BA has its problems and its not perfect, like every other company, but it's not half as bad as its being made out on here! Here is my slant on things...
BA is great if you want to come to work, do your job, and go home. You have to accept that you are a number - one of 3200 or so. Like somebody has said, you are a almost a contract pilot who comes in, does his/her job, and goes home. To me, this is great! As long as you have a life outside work, what is the problem? I have a great life away from BA so this suits me fine.
Flying with someone else every day? Again, suits me fine. Lots of new people to meet. If you are moving to London to fly with BA and do not know anyone else in this part of the world, then sure, I can understand it could be a bit lonely.
Staff travel is great. Ok, if you want to go to Orlando in the school holidays, it ain't going to happen. But with a huge route network, you just need to be a bit flexible and get to know the system. I've been away 3 times this year on long haul hols, all on standby, and been upgraded each time through a cheeky little note to the flight crew. You cannot complain about paying £100 for a club seat to Cape Town.
Cabin crew have their own issues, but as long as you have half a personality and a sense of humour, you'll have a great time on night stops. Sure, there are nights when everyone is knackered and goes to bed, but equally, I've had some of the best nights out I've ever had in Naples, Glasgow, Madrid, etc.
Skippers are a great bunch of guys. At the end of the day, they are just cadets, ex-military guys, or self-improvers, who have been in the company longer and got their command. As long as you can have a bit of banter and hold a conversation, you'll love it. There are also some real characters. I can recall doing 3 day trips with guys where I haven't stopped laughing from check-in to check-out.
With regard to the issues of seniority and time to command, I think that has been discussed to death, so people can make their own judgements. BA does have its fair share of whingers, but these tend to be people who have done nothing else. I had a different career for 5 years before joining the cadet scheme, so I realise how great this job is every day. A bit of perspective is all that is required!
Hope this helps anyone thinking of applying.
Mary