I work for BA on shorthaul and now longhaul. If you were successful in getting a job at BA, it would be necessary to set up a base in the UK, close to the airport to start off with. New crew tend to share accommodation with fellow newies who they meet on the training course.
It would be near impossible to commute before and after every trip if you were on Eurofleet.
After 6 months you get your staff travel concessions, where you would pay 90 percent of the full fare ticket. Bear in mind that you would be on standby and not guaranteed a seat. BA take a very dim view of 'commuters' failing to report if they failed to get on a flight.
I have no experience of AF, but I feel BA is a fair employer. Your basic salary would be around £9000, plus allowances. There is an opportunity to transfer to worldwide fleet, but the waiting list is VERY long at the moment.
Hope the above is of use.
Very best wishes.
[This message has been edited by Rocket Scientist (edited 23 January 2001).]