British Airways - 2
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Posted by MUFC fan
Yes, my experience also.... but times change.
Prior to retirement a few years ago, I held a BA Gold card for 16 consecutive years and a silver for many years before that. During that time I never had anything other than a good flying experience with BA. The Cabin Crew were always friendly, efficient and professional, and I had total confidence in the Flight Deck Crew and Aircraft Maintenance. Having also flown long haul with BCal, Pan Am, KLM, SQ, Qantas, Virgin and Cathay Pacific, I always described BA long haul as 'As good as any but better than most'.
About 21 months ago I was asked for advice on long haul travel firstly by my daughter who was about to book flights to Hong Kong in January this year, then my next door neighbour who was about to book flights to Vancouver also in January this year.
Without hesitation I strongly recommended BA from MAN via LHR although cheaper alternatives were available. WHAT AN EMBARRASSING MISTAKE.
My daughters view of BA was that the shuttle was fine but as for long haul, the food was awful, the service was generally poor and she described the attitude of the Cabin Crew on the return flight as 'anything seemed too much trouble for them'. She was very disappointed with BA.
My next door neighbour was not at all impressed with the Cabin Crew on both flights describing them as very stand-offish and seemed to go totally AWOL on the return flight. His previous visit to Canada was with Zoom who he rated much better for comfort and service. He said he would not consider BA for any future long haul flights.
Although I was initially shocked and somewhat embarrassed by their comments, it would appear from postings on certain threads that these are not isolated incidents when travelling economy with BA these days.
I can only very sadly conclude that there has been a marked decline in the standard of service since I travelled regularly with them. I just cannot comprehend any reason why the apparently highest paid Cabin Crew in the UK should not provide the best possible standard of service and I'm afraid what little sympathy I had for their fight to retain their current Terms and Conditions evaporated with the timing and length of the proposed industrial action.
From comments on the Cabin Crew Forum there is obviously quite a number of BA CC who take great pride in their job and obviously perform their duties with enthusiasm. Unfortunately there seems to be what I hope is a minority who perhaps are not really suited for that position.
Before anyone makes the point about Cabin Crew being there first and foremost for safety reasons, that is taken for granted.
I feel sure that all Cabin Crew at BA will experience some bitterness and resentment from passengers in the coming months.
BA are noted for their fantastic crews and I have experienced them over the years and they have never let me down
Prior to retirement a few years ago, I held a BA Gold card for 16 consecutive years and a silver for many years before that. During that time I never had anything other than a good flying experience with BA. The Cabin Crew were always friendly, efficient and professional, and I had total confidence in the Flight Deck Crew and Aircraft Maintenance. Having also flown long haul with BCal, Pan Am, KLM, SQ, Qantas, Virgin and Cathay Pacific, I always described BA long haul as 'As good as any but better than most'.
About 21 months ago I was asked for advice on long haul travel firstly by my daughter who was about to book flights to Hong Kong in January this year, then my next door neighbour who was about to book flights to Vancouver also in January this year.
Without hesitation I strongly recommended BA from MAN via LHR although cheaper alternatives were available. WHAT AN EMBARRASSING MISTAKE.
My daughters view of BA was that the shuttle was fine but as for long haul, the food was awful, the service was generally poor and she described the attitude of the Cabin Crew on the return flight as 'anything seemed too much trouble for them'. She was very disappointed with BA.
My next door neighbour was not at all impressed with the Cabin Crew on both flights describing them as very stand-offish and seemed to go totally AWOL on the return flight. His previous visit to Canada was with Zoom who he rated much better for comfort and service. He said he would not consider BA for any future long haul flights.
Although I was initially shocked and somewhat embarrassed by their comments, it would appear from postings on certain threads that these are not isolated incidents when travelling economy with BA these days.
I can only very sadly conclude that there has been a marked decline in the standard of service since I travelled regularly with them. I just cannot comprehend any reason why the apparently highest paid Cabin Crew in the UK should not provide the best possible standard of service and I'm afraid what little sympathy I had for their fight to retain their current Terms and Conditions evaporated with the timing and length of the proposed industrial action.
From comments on the Cabin Crew Forum there is obviously quite a number of BA CC who take great pride in their job and obviously perform their duties with enthusiasm. Unfortunately there seems to be what I hope is a minority who perhaps are not really suited for that position.
Before anyone makes the point about Cabin Crew being there first and foremost for safety reasons, that is taken for granted.
I feel sure that all Cabin Crew at BA will experience some bitterness and resentment from passengers in the coming months.
Unfortunately i can echo the above sentiments about BA cabin crew, on a flight from Venice to Gatwick, not even a full aircraft, the crew were chatting to each other as they threw out the meals " i just cant wait to get off this awfull flight".
Right infront of all the pax!!
General concensus from those i talk to are there are much better products out there!
Same with VS crew, 11 hr flight, inc 3 hrs rest couple of meal and drink services and they feel like they have been worked to the bone!! with only 3 days off down route before a similar return!
UK scedule crews seem to put a lot less effort in than those form other countries, have flown Malyysian and Olympic recently and they both have far superior products to BA and VS.
Brits (not all) want money for doing nothing and it shows!!
Right infront of all the pax!!
General concensus from those i talk to are there are much better products out there!
Same with VS crew, 11 hr flight, inc 3 hrs rest couple of meal and drink services and they feel like they have been worked to the bone!! with only 3 days off down route before a similar return!
UK scedule crews seem to put a lot less effort in than those form other countries, have flown Malyysian and Olympic recently and they both have far superior products to BA and VS.
Brits (not all) want money for doing nothing and it shows!!
Join Date: Jan 2008
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Interesting to see that the UKs 'supreme' court, could find time instantly, to hear BAs case for halting a strike... 
The High Court heard the case on the injunction at short notice just as it did the case on the injunction against the changes to crewing levels.
The courts have the capacity to deal with cases like this at very short notice. The most common examples being individuals/corporates seeking an injunction against a publisher/broadcaster against running a particular story.
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: UK
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BBC News Article - Salary Costs
Interesting article on BBC1 news over the weekend regarding salary costs at BA. Basic point was that average cc salaries at BA are significantly higher than those at Virgin. Basis of assessment was average basic salary + average benefits. Worked out as (Ł16k + Ł8k = approx.) Ł24k at Virgin and (Ł24k + Ł9k = approx.) Ł34k at BA. Further interesting point was that the comparison included all cc at Virgin, but senior cc at BA were excluded. In other words, the disparity would have been great had senior BA cc been included.
I'm perfectly aware that this was only a snap-shot and who verified the figures used!? On the surface it would suggest that Virgin cc should be striking. Then again, it's BA management that are responsible for arriving at the wage bill they're complaining about.
Still, interesting article!
I'm perfectly aware that this was only a snap-shot and who verified the figures used!? On the surface it would suggest that Virgin cc should be striking. Then again, it's BA management that are responsible for arriving at the wage bill they're complaining about.
Still, interesting article!
Join Date: Oct 2009
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British Airways And The A380
This has probably been discussed a lot before but now that it is 2010 it might be interesting to look at any progress with British Airways and how they will operate their A380s.
I have a few questions that maybe can be answered:
- Will the aircraft be deferred due to BA's financial difficulties or could they be brought forward as a result of other airlines pushing theirs back?
- How will the aircraft be configured? Any news on a new economy and first class product to debut on the WhaleJet?
- What routes will they be operated on?
- Any idea on registrations and if a new livery/corporate identity could be revealed with the arrival of the A380?
BA changed their livery in 1984, 1997 and then again in about 1999 (?) although the latter change was only the tails due to public opposition to the concept. So 2012 could be the time for a new identity although the new one is pretty timeless imho.
Looking forward to hearing your responses!
I have a few questions that maybe can be answered:
- Will the aircraft be deferred due to BA's financial difficulties or could they be brought forward as a result of other airlines pushing theirs back?
- How will the aircraft be configured? Any news on a new economy and first class product to debut on the WhaleJet?
- What routes will they be operated on?
- Any idea on registrations and if a new livery/corporate identity could be revealed with the arrival of the A380?
BA changed their livery in 1984, 1997 and then again in about 1999 (?) although the latter change was only the tails due to public opposition to the concept. So 2012 could be the time for a new identity although the new one is pretty timeless imho.
Looking forward to hearing your responses!
Join Date: May 2004
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380
The A380's have already been deferred. 1st ones were due in 2012, now 2013. The later ones have been put back further, spreading out the introduction of the firm orders.
The configuration and routes have not been announced. There isn't much point - a lot can happen between 2010 and 2013. Also no point in tipping of the competition.
CB
The configuration and routes have not been announced. There isn't much point - a lot can happen between 2010 and 2013. Also no point in tipping of the competition.
CB
Warning Toxic!
Disgusted of Tunbridge
Disgusted of Tunbridge
Join Date: Jan 2005
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New livery? Hopefully retro- a blue/white colour scheme with blue fin and a giant gold 'speedbird' on the tail. Not a flag carrier anymore, so ditch the flag and all the garish red. Large BOAC painted on the fuselage (nothing to do with the fake who inhabits these pages who never worked for BOAC BTW)
Join Date: Apr 2009
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Did BA serve Santo Domingo?
I see on Wikipedia it says BA previously served Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Does anyone know when they stopped flying there? Was it a typical twice weekly service or was it an add on to another flight? With BA starting services to Punta Cana last October, I wonder why they didn’t chose to return to Santo Domingo.
Anyone have any ideas?
Anyone have any ideas?
Join Date: Apr 2005
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BA previously served Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
Join Date: Aug 2007
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Centrefix25
Rebranding will occur, it may be a year or two from now. It will happen, make no mistake.
If the Cabin Crew take industrial action, it will accelerate the process.
Rebranding will occur, it may be a year or two from now. It will happen, make no mistake.
If the Cabin Crew take industrial action, it will accelerate the process.
Join Date: Nov 2007
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The explanation give in the BA shareholders November newsletter is that it's all about ground facilities...not for aircraft but for travellers. BA withdrew because the DR was a low-cost destination for tourists. They have restarted to flights to PC because of the number of more upmarket hotels that have opened, presumably catering for the sort of passenger that would be prepared to pay business leisure fares on BA services. It's interesting to note that the BA language has shifted from business travellers to include premium leisure travellers.
Join Date: Feb 2007
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Ok, guys/girls. Let's back BA here.
e-Poll by the TimesOnline; Which is your favourite airline? (wait for the poll to load first!)
Money Central - Times Online - WBLG: ePoll: Which is your favourite airline?
e-Poll by the TimesOnline; Which is your favourite airline? (wait for the poll to load first!)
Money Central - Times Online - WBLG: ePoll: Which is your favourite airline?
Join Date: Nov 2006
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British Airways likely to end business class on short-haul
Willie Walsh, the chief executive of British Airways, has, in effect, called time on European business-class travel, saying that the service may not survive the recession.
With companies looking to cut travel budgets, the added expense of flying executives in slightly larger seats for one or two-hour journeys has become unsustainable.
As a result, BA has seen a sharp drop in short-haul business-class passengers. These travellers have either traded down to the economy cabin or moved to budget carriers instead. One in five easyJet passengers, for example, is now travelling on business.
Mr Walsh said: “Short-haul premium will never recover. That part of the business has changed for ever and we have to address it.” BA is understood to be reviewing its short-haul operations and the premium seats could be removed from planes operating out of Gatwick and regional airports.
However, BA may hold on to premium in short-haul flights operating from Heathrow, to take advantage of business-class transfer traffic.
With companies looking to cut travel budgets, the added expense of flying executives in slightly larger seats for one or two-hour journeys has become unsustainable.
As a result, BA has seen a sharp drop in short-haul business-class passengers. These travellers have either traded down to the economy cabin or moved to budget carriers instead. One in five easyJet passengers, for example, is now travelling on business.
Mr Walsh said: “Short-haul premium will never recover. That part of the business has changed for ever and we have to address it.” BA is understood to be reviewing its short-haul operations and the premium seats could be removed from planes operating out of Gatwick and regional airports.
However, BA may hold on to premium in short-haul flights operating from Heathrow, to take advantage of business-class transfer traffic.
Mr Walsh said: “Short-haul premium will never recover. That part of the business has changed for ever and we have to address it.” BA is understood to be reviewing its short-haul operations and the premium seats could be removed from planes operating out of Gatwick and regional airports
Join Date: Apr 2008
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Hi Parky
Interested to know where your information has come from.
I can understand BA wanting to remove premium seats from SH services out of LGW as there is a lot of competition from the Loco's and the demand is not particulary good.Also there is no premium cabin on flights from regional airports as the only services that are offered from the regions are to/from LHR and LGW.
My partner is CC on Eurofleet out of LHR and she says that the Club loads are very buoyant.
If this is something new that has reared its head maybe WW has another masterplan up his sleeve!
Interested to know where your information has come from.
I can understand BA wanting to remove premium seats from SH services out of LGW as there is a lot of competition from the Loco's and the demand is not particulary good.Also there is no premium cabin on flights from regional airports as the only services that are offered from the regions are to/from LHR and LGW.
My partner is CC on Eurofleet out of LHR and she says that the Club loads are very buoyant.
If this is something new that has reared its head maybe WW has another masterplan up his sleeve!
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LHR will see good C loads on short haul flights as most will move onto long haul. LGW does have F and C on long haul as well obviously but the destinations served from LGW are very much more focused on UK based passengers: Caribbean etc.