Mr Orange,. .. . </font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica">The assertion that BA pilot's have better control of their lifestyle is tosh. </font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica">I work at LGW (not bidline, but Carmen), I can therefore bid for:-. .. .Days off, Destinations, Where to night stop, Where to layover (and how long), No of sectors per day, No. of sectors per tour, Length of tours (1-6 days), Time of check in (e.g. Not before 07.30am). I also bid for when I want to do my Sim check and SEP, and when I want to do my reserve(standby).. .. .And all this from in the comfort of my own home via the internet. You obviously don't get everything you ask for, but its not exactly 'tosh' is it. I aplogise if my use of the phrase 'standard of living' confused the issue, 'Lifestyle', is what I meant....I think.. .. .I live within 30 mins of Gatwick and dont find the property too bad, I'm not living in a two bed and I'm certainly not living in a 'hole'. As for the M25, as already pointed out, very rarely do I hit a jam on a SH roster.. .. .Pre 9/11 times for command at BA ranged from 4 yrs (737 LGW) to 13yrs (744+777) comparable to other airlines (though obviously things have changed).. .. .Your point regarding other airlines closing the pay gap with BA is conceded. Lets hope the situation is resolved as the company recovers. However the more senior LH BA, is still the most lucrative flight deck position in this country. . .. .Honestly not trying to argue, just trying to point out some of the positives in working for BA amidst the sea of negativity. At the end of the day its the individuals choice. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" />. . . . <small>[ 08 March 2002, 22:22: Message edited by: Super Stall ]</small>