Hi Pink,
I commute from MAN and it's not really a problem but far from ideal.
Just so you know, we're eligible for a Tribe card which enitles us to discounts on the train from day 1. It's just staff travel that you have to wait 6 months for.
I personally find it easiest to take the train down as it guarantees me getting there then jump on the first flight back up.
I'm on the Airbus so luckily most of our flights are in the evening and ex LHR which suits the commute. However, according to some of my friends it isn't too difficult to swap with crew that prefer the LGW flights.
Good luck with the application
Cheers
