Finally, SH Gatwick have very few night stops but many night flights. One of my friends who has been there for 5 years, gets one or two night stops a month (and that is bidding for them, and she is pretty senior). Fewer night stops equates to less allowances... LHR allowances are apparently much better (although I know very little about their structure).
I believe your friend doesn't know how to bid.
I have been here for a year and my roster couldn't be better. I have all the trips I have asked for. All night stops around europe for tjhe whole month, with the exclusion of two turnaround flights (there&back) which, after being away for so long are very welcome.
Many night flights?? NOPE.
We only have 6 night flights a week, 3 are to OTP for sure and 3 I think to Sofia. And it's only for a few months during the summer. Last summer we had 6 night flights a week for ATH and, with all the crews we have, I ended up doing only one (which I got called out for).
We do have late finishes, (I think the latest is a NAP flight landing just before 1am) but they work fine for people who hate the early morning starts.
One thing is for sure, money isn't the same as LHR but man, the atmosphere on board is definitely different. Sorry, but most people at LHR do it for the money. Who chooses to come AND stay here does it for other reasons!!!
We also do work more (I did over 200hrs in may) but overtime pays you back a bit!
Also we have some nice layovers (two nights and a clear day) in italy, switzerland, scotland and germany, which are quite popular.
My advice to anyone considering to join BA is please do not listen to rumours. There are so many people who have been in the business for too long and get bitchy and rant about anything.
EF LGW might not be "as good" as LHR for money, but I promise you we are a great bunch of people, we all work to have a pleasant time (and passengers notice it and compare!) we take very good care of each other (for example for Staff travel..)and ANYWAY despite all the problems we have I stress that we're better off than any other airline in the UK.
Try to work charter for 2 years in the UK and then join EF LGW......I am still thanking my lucky star!!!
So TAD.....welcome on board!!!!!!!!!
xxx
FBW
PS:Tofster...glad you're getting on well honey!!!!
