Hi ATC
I take home between 3500-4000 after deductions and pension contributions (6% from me 15% from Virgin) depending on the sort of month I'm having. Allowances are on top of that paid in green downroute. This is the source of some controversy with the taxman at the mo on an industry wide basis.
The pay is less than my equivilant at BA but I work a maximum 750 hrs per year and they do 900, so pro rata its probably about the same or maybe a bit less.
Not too short of money and certainly don't want to fly any more than I do. Plenty of day off working if you want it, crewing are never off the phone sometimes. Average 4 or 5 trips per month. Good outfit, as sociable as you want to make it. I tend to keep myself to myself but thats just me.
Commuting, well I'd rather not do it but I like living where I do so I put up with it. The best fleet for commuting is the Airbus as they get more late starts and longer trips.This may well change as new aircraft and routes come along in the fullness of time. I'm on the Boeing so lots of early Gatwicks and lots of time in the Travelodge. However, we do Manchester trips (Orlando, BGI, UVF) and you can now state a preference for the airport you want to operate out of (LHR/LGW/MAN). One or two of these a month makes a BIG difference.
Living on the West coast mainline, I make frequent use of the train, In fact I always travel home by rail as it is more flexible at the sort of times I need it, especially from LGW. Typically I'll either fly down on the day or train the day before and a night in the dreaded Travelodge. We get a deal on the trains as they are run by Virgin, although advance booking on the website can be just as effective. They are getting busier. If in uniform and at the weekend, the odd upgrade is available, but don't push it. Advance airfares are available one way from both BA and BMI. In fact its hardly worth using ID90 shuttles any more unless you live in Scotland/Ireland or abroad. Standby usually works out Ok since you can elect to be contacted on a day off. Works fine for me.
Typical door to door times are 2 1/2 hrs LHR 3 1/2 hrs LGW by air or train which aint bad.
Unfortunately when it goes wrong it falls apart in a spectacular fashion although I have never caused a flight to leave late yet. No worse than being stuck on the M25 I suppose. Crewing tend to be ok about it providing you don't do it too often.
Hope this is of use.