Mixed fleet reality from a mixed fleeter
Hi,
I've been with MF for coming up to two years. There have been, and continue to be, lots of untruths and unhelpful rhetoric surrounding MF on chat rooms.
Firstly pay.
I checked my GROSS salary after 12 months flying and it was at the higher end of the salary range as advertised by BA on the advert I responded to. So spot on. The problems arise with TAKE HOME pay. It is relatively simple to work out tax and NI on any gross pay amount, so it is also relatively simple to work out a rough take home pay based on the gross pay advertised. The problems arise mainly because of Host, where crew can take out cash and pay for meals etc down route and then have that money deducted from their salary at the end of each month. It's not rocket science to deduce that if crew spend lots of cash down route and eat via room service in the hotels, they could easily rack up hundreds of pounds in Host which will seriously reduce their take home pay. Also sickness would impact on their quarterly bonus.
Crew who have left because they couldn't afford to live on the pay....I wonder if they did any research or budgeted before they joined?
Yes, crew have left but for a variety of reasons, e.g. Relationships problems, commute issues, some who had not flown before simply didn't like the job, and yes, for some, pay.
BA as an employer.
BA is a large multinational company and as with any large organisation, issues to arise. But no worse than any large organisation. I've found that if you play fair with them, you are treated fairly.
Commute.
I commute over 250 miles each way, and I've managed just fine. Yes, home standby's are a 'pain', but then I knew that they were going to be part of my duties.
And things are changing all the time.
Before I joined MF I read and re-read the advert. I studied the role profile. I research the company. I spoke with existing BA MF crew in person and asked them questions. I examined the impact on my personal finances. I thought about the commute issues for me. I discussed it with my partner. I avoided chat rooms. And then, and only then, did I apply.
I absolutely love Mixed Fleet and are proud to be part of BA.
From what I have experienced so far, and with over 30 years previous experience in the workplace, my opinion is that BA are a good and fair employer.
I have been to countries I could never have afforded to visit and work with some fantastic teams of crew.
I have also taken my partner to some fantastic places on amazing discounted fares.
The salary is improving as are the routes.
Don't allow the negativity on chat rooms influence your decision.
At the end of the day, BA is a business there to make profits, and cabin crew is a job, and like all jobs, it's not for everyone.
Some people apply, get in, have issues (usually about things that were clearly explained in the first place) and leave.
Others apply, get in, accept that there will be good days as well as challenging ones, and love it, like me.
Good luck.
p.s. I have been told that great many applications for the current recruitment are ex-mixed fleet cabin crew who have left mixed fleet and are re-applying!