Travel Concessions for NATS staff
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Travel Concessions for NATS staff
Just a quick question. I've seen on a couple of post comments regarding travel concessions for NATS staff, but I can't seem to find any details. As its always nice to know what a prospective employer may offer in the way of benefits, would anyone care to share the detail?
Am I to assume that those airlines linked to NATS offer the concessions? And are they a good deal (stupid question really, anythings better than full price
)
Am I to assume that those airlines linked to NATS offer the concessions? And are they a good deal (stupid question really, anythings better than full price
)
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You would need to join the "travel club" called UKATTS when you enter NATS (United Kingdom Air Traffic Travel Section) - there is a nominal annual fee. You need to be a member to see the website though.
Then, as members of UKATTS you can book via Staff Travel tour operators such as Touchdown UK. They have a current list of all UKATTS members. See here
The savings are not bad - but at the moment travel is realtively cheap and the apart from a long haul trip later in the year, my last 5 European flights have been booked with BA/BM directly over the web.
Then, as members of UKATTS you can book via Staff Travel tour operators such as Touchdown UK. They have a current list of all UKATTS members. See here
The savings are not bad - but at the moment travel is realtively cheap and the apart from a long haul trip later in the year, my last 5 European flights have been booked with BA/BM directly over the web.
Perhaps it is also worth adding that UKATTS membership is not confined to NATS ATCOs.
The Guild of Air Traffic Control Officers (GATCO) also runs a similar scheme (Guild Travel Services - GTS) for its members.
The Guild of Air Traffic Control Officers (GATCO) also runs a similar scheme (Guild Travel Services - GTS) for its members.
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Nats has it's own travel club that uses touchdown like ukatts but is free to join. Both ukatts and the travel club require you to have been employed for min 12 months where as iirc you can get some cheap deals through the guild after 6 months.
In reality, there are very very few "good deals" for NATS staff. 9 times out of ten, you are better off going on any old joe public web-site. The days of any sort of priveleged travel are well & truly over.
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Staff travel concessions for NATS.... hmmm. Where do we start.
As previously stated, Joe public can pick up a ticket for the same price as us, a lot of the time. Firm seat fares can be obtained on the net for much the same price as we pay for standbys. Joe Public is guaranteed a seat, yet we have practically the lowest priority when we are on standby (quote from BA crewmember: "Is there really a ticket priority that low?''). The stewardesses friend's dog is more likely to get on than we are if the flight is nearly full. I do grant you, however, that Joe Public doesn't have the travel flexibility that we have on standby, but then they at least know when they ARE coming home instead of when they MIGHT be coming home.
Then there's the fact that you can't get the same concessions for your partner most of the time if you are not married (which is GROSSLY unfair as many of the airlines allow their own staff to nominate a partner). I'm sure it must also be blatant discrimination under EU law...
Then there's the fact that we pay twice as much for the ticket as the airline's own staff despite the fact- in the case of BA/Virgin and the others in the Airline Group- that we are now part owned by said airlines!
I hate to pour scorn on the work that UKATTS do, but I've been paying my £10 a year since I joined. As I haven't used any UKATTS concessions for the last 4 years (due either to not being married or better deals being available on the net) UKATTS have made £40 out of me for doing diddly squat!
Personally, I would be happy to pay more each year if it brought me concessions which were actually worth using. Am I the only one who thinks this or are you all too frightened to speak out for fear of ''jeopardising the concessions''?
As previously stated, Joe public can pick up a ticket for the same price as us, a lot of the time. Firm seat fares can be obtained on the net for much the same price as we pay for standbys. Joe Public is guaranteed a seat, yet we have practically the lowest priority when we are on standby (quote from BA crewmember: "Is there really a ticket priority that low?''). The stewardesses friend's dog is more likely to get on than we are if the flight is nearly full. I do grant you, however, that Joe Public doesn't have the travel flexibility that we have on standby, but then they at least know when they ARE coming home instead of when they MIGHT be coming home.
Then there's the fact that you can't get the same concessions for your partner most of the time if you are not married (which is GROSSLY unfair as many of the airlines allow their own staff to nominate a partner). I'm sure it must also be blatant discrimination under EU law...
Then there's the fact that we pay twice as much for the ticket as the airline's own staff despite the fact- in the case of BA/Virgin and the others in the Airline Group- that we are now part owned by said airlines!
I hate to pour scorn on the work that UKATTS do, but I've been paying my £10 a year since I joined. As I haven't used any UKATTS concessions for the last 4 years (due either to not being married or better deals being available on the net) UKATTS have made £40 out of me for doing diddly squat!
Personally, I would be happy to pay more each year if it brought me concessions which were actually worth using. Am I the only one who thinks this or are you all too frightened to speak out for fear of ''jeopardising the concessions''?
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The best that NATS can officially come up with is deals through Touchdown which to be frank is nothing short of a disgrace. Considering that we are owned by 6 major UK airlines,most of whom are struggling to fill seats wouldn't it have been a good move by NATS to sort out some sort of concessions.
In view of the derisory pay rise on the table at present,surely it isn't beyond the realms of possibility that a scheme could be started to pacify the troops if there really isn't any more money available.
On the subject of UKATTS:atco-matic, if you don't use it then why keep on paying for it? This organisation was set up and is run by a number of individuals in their own time. New deals do come on line occasionally but remeber this was set up in the mid 80s, well before the low-cost operators started. Hardly their fault that they took the money but you didn't use it!
In view of the derisory pay rise on the table at present,surely it isn't beyond the realms of possibility that a scheme could be started to pacify the troops if there really isn't any more money available.
On the subject of UKATTS:atco-matic, if you don't use it then why keep on paying for it? This organisation was set up and is run by a number of individuals in their own time. New deals do come on line occasionally but remeber this was set up in the mid 80s, well before the low-cost operators started. Hardly their fault that they took the money but you didn't use it!
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I wonder if there's any chance of us getting the staff travel benefits afforded to the employees of our "owners" - The Airline Group. I don't see any reason why not?
I often wander past the BA Staff Travel office and peer in dreaming of cheap, satff discounted flights to heaven and beyond.
We do work for them, in a funny sort of way, after all
I often wander past the BA Staff Travel office and peer in dreaming of cheap, satff discounted flights to heaven and beyond.
We do work for them, in a funny sort of way, after all
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Ahhh, the joys of Staff Travel!!
Standing out like a sore thumb in your shirt, tie and smart trousers whilst everybody else wears the more suitable 'holiday apparel'. "Don't tell anybody on the aircraft that you are a Staff Traveller" says the Airline Rulebook - as if anybody needed telling once they have clapped eyes on you!
Embargoes that thwart your best-laid plans; offloads at nondescript places far, far short of your destination - and they don't put you up in a hotel - you're on your own, pal!; watching the last few seats on the flight given to others, just because they are friends of the Redcap - and ba**s to your seniority!!
Watching the smirk on the Check-in girl's face when she spots the priority code on your (UKATTS-issued BA) ticket, knowing full well that you've got more chance of winning the Lottery without even buying a ticket than you have of getting on this particular flight! Or any flight, for that matter!
Yes, Staff Travel has a lot going for it - for Airline staff, that is. For us, its a big no-no. BA will never give the full ID90/100 Matrix-fare based concession to NATS, so you will have to live with the restrictions placed upon you, or don't use it at all. Other airlines will possibly give a little more, but not much. Better to book something on a confirmed basis from a travel agent or discount Internet travel shop. At least your holiday will be far less fraught with worry than it would be if you turn up with your 'pretend' Staff ticket.
This is one particular perk that doesn't always live up to expectations. Yes, there will be times when it works perfectly for you - but there will be just as many when it doesn't!
Standing out like a sore thumb in your shirt, tie and smart trousers whilst everybody else wears the more suitable 'holiday apparel'. "Don't tell anybody on the aircraft that you are a Staff Traveller" says the Airline Rulebook - as if anybody needed telling once they have clapped eyes on you!
Embargoes that thwart your best-laid plans; offloads at nondescript places far, far short of your destination - and they don't put you up in a hotel - you're on your own, pal!; watching the last few seats on the flight given to others, just because they are friends of the Redcap - and ba**s to your seniority!!
Watching the smirk on the Check-in girl's face when she spots the priority code on your (UKATTS-issued BA) ticket, knowing full well that you've got more chance of winning the Lottery without even buying a ticket than you have of getting on this particular flight! Or any flight, for that matter!
Yes, Staff Travel has a lot going for it - for Airline staff, that is. For us, its a big no-no. BA will never give the full ID90/100 Matrix-fare based concession to NATS, so you will have to live with the restrictions placed upon you, or don't use it at all. Other airlines will possibly give a little more, but not much. Better to book something on a confirmed basis from a travel agent or discount Internet travel shop. At least your holiday will be far less fraught with worry than it would be if you turn up with your 'pretend' Staff ticket.
This is one particular perk that doesn't always live up to expectations. Yes, there will be times when it works perfectly for you - but there will be just as many when it doesn't!
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I seem to recall that durnig the post PPP roadshows, the question about staff travel was raised and we were told that they couldn't speak for all the airlines in the group, but we would certainly be eligible for membership of the Virgin staff travel scheme (can't remember the name of it though) - More PPP promises gone to the dogs
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Can't remember the last time I got a UKATTS flight - it was probably a PF-SS return with Air UK (RIP...). Since then, the low cost carriers have sprung up and made shorthaul staff travel more or less unnecessary. On long haul trips I never liked the idea of being off loaded anyway so I only used UKATTS a couple of times. Oh, and on one of those times I was off loaded 
However, I reamin a member as I have taken advantage of both Touchdown and Airperx who offer firm seats at very good prices along with cheap accommodation. The deals with car hire firms, especially Alamo in the States, are also good, as is the deal with BCP airport car parking.
All in all, for fifteen quid a year I think messers Hobbs, Warner et al do a pretty good job.
As for our Airline Group owners, they don't even offer discounted travel to NATS employees on official business so I'm not holding my breath for them to give it to us for fun
However, I reamin a member as I have taken advantage of both Touchdown and Airperx who offer firm seats at very good prices along with cheap accommodation. The deals with car hire firms, especially Alamo in the States, are also good, as is the deal with BCP airport car parking.
All in all, for fifteen quid a year I think messers Hobbs, Warner et al do a pretty good job.
As for our Airline Group owners, they don't even offer discounted travel to NATS employees on official business so I'm not holding my breath for them to give it to us for fun
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Accepted-but surely in these days of tight margins in terms of pay rises it would be worth thinking a little more laterally in terms of what may be offered.
I understand that FMU at Brussels have a deal with a least one of our major shareholders which gives guaranteed club class flights every year. Now I know that must be tantamount to bribery but it is a sweetener which I suspect could save NATS at least 1% in the present pay negotiations.
I understand that FMU at Brussels have a deal with a least one of our major shareholders which gives guaranteed club class flights every year. Now I know that must be tantamount to bribery
but it is a sweetener which I suspect could save NATS at least 1% in the present pay negotiations.
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Are staff travel concessions a right or a privilage? - the latter me thinks.
I cannot for the life of me think why anyone in NATS would expect a staff travel concession to be part of their contractual terms and conditions, even if you got it, it would be a taxable perk - tax which would have to be paid by all employees entitled to it regardless of whether you used it or not.
If you didn't get it, what are you going to do? Refuse to speak to the pilots of the operators concerned?
Balix talks Bolix:
"On long haul trips I never liked the idea of being off loaded, so I only used UKATTS a couple of times, Oh, and on one of those times I was off loaded" .
Well Balix, what did you expect? A full fare paying passenger to give their seat to you? or perhaps the least airline could have done was to put on an extra aircraft just for you!
I am a member of UKATTS, and I know exactly what to expect when I use a standby ticket, equally, I've used their services for the many other very good discounts they give on the other offers available, and never been let down in that respect.
I know that the UKATTS discounts have in some cases, taken many years of very hard work to negotiate, and all that could be very easily undone by some of the breathtaking arrogance displayed in some of your posts, as well as being perfect fodder for the press.
I cannot for the life of me think why anyone in NATS would expect a staff travel concession to be part of their contractual terms and conditions, even if you got it, it would be a taxable perk - tax which would have to be paid by all employees entitled to it regardless of whether you used it or not.
If you didn't get it, what are you going to do? Refuse to speak to the pilots of the operators concerned?
Balix talks Bolix:
"On long haul trips I never liked the idea of being off loaded, so I only used UKATTS a couple of times, Oh, and on one of those times I was off loaded" .
Well Balix, what did you expect? A full fare paying passenger to give their seat to you? or perhaps the least airline could have done was to put on an extra aircraft just for you!
I am a member of UKATTS, and I know exactly what to expect when I use a standby ticket, equally, I've used their services for the many other very good discounts they give on the other offers available, and never been let down in that respect.
I know that the UKATTS discounts have in some cases, taken many years of very hard work to negotiate, and all that could be very easily undone by some of the breathtaking arrogance displayed in some of your posts, as well as being perfect fodder for the press.
Last edited by niknak; 29th Oct 2003 at 09:29.
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UKATTS
It takes a lot for me to post a reply (a lot of wine that is) but I feel I must spring to the defence of the fine UKATTS people.
Granted the times are changing and the low cost guys are spoiling it a bit for us ATCOs who secretly revel in getting cheap fares whilst all around us are paying a fortune but I have nothing but good experiences to relate about flying standby.
I have been everywhere and back on standby tickets and the only time that I have not got on a flight has been the dreaded LHR-GLA leg. The odd charter flight has bumped me but a bit of legwork to another carrier has always worked.
The jumpseat option has gone but even so, I have planned 1 week holidays with a booked villa on the bet that the flights work out. Been 1st class and business with BA and Virgin on a few occasions for a measly few quid too. Touchdown are no great shakes compared to the old days but there are the odd gems too....just booked NZ with Cathay for £469 in Feb which ain't bad and got the tickets already.
Credit where credit's due, standby is still fun...wondering whether you will get back to work in time ...... bit like flying with a low cost..........
I'm Just A Lawnmower
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Erm, Niknak
I think you misunderstand what I was saying. I was not slating anyone for the fact that I might get off loaded, I'm quite well aware that it might happen. I personally don't fancy dealing with the potential hassle to save a few quid but good luck to those who do...
Me too, which is why I mentioned it in the original post.
As far as I'm aware I have only ever made one posting on the subject and that was quite complimentary towards that organisation.
Do you really think paying UKATTS a compliment is arrogant bolix or did you perhaps read some meaning into my posting that wasn't there
Balix talks Bolix:
"On long haul trips I never liked the idea of being off loaded, so I only used UKATTS a couple of times, Oh, and on one of those times I was off loaded" .
Well Balix, what did you expect? A full fare paying passenger to give their seat to you? or perhaps the least airline could have done was to put on an extra aircraft just for you!
"On long haul trips I never liked the idea of being off loaded, so I only used UKATTS a couple of times, Oh, and on one of those times I was off loaded" .
Well Balix, what did you expect? A full fare paying passenger to give their seat to you? or perhaps the least airline could have done was to put on an extra aircraft just for you!
I am a member of UKATTS, and I know exactly what to expect when I use a standby ticket, equally, I've used their services for the many other very good discounts they give on the other offers available, and never been let down in that respect.
I know that the UKATTS discounts have in some cases, taken many years of very hard work to negotiate, and all that could be very easily undone by some of the breathtaking arrogance displayed in some of your posts.
Do you really think paying UKATTS a compliment is arrogant bolix or did you perhaps read some meaning into my posting that wasn't there
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Sub-load travel....
Yep, ATCO's have ZERO priority for any travel that an airline might offer...
I'm very gracious to all the airlines that have taken me on board in many countries around the world. It's been a interesting journey that has taught me a lot about how the industry works at the commercial and customer level.
For the punters, a short story of one occasion in Changi Airport after being stranded for three days...
Apparently, an Air India aircraft had broken down in Hong Kong or some other SE Asian capital city airport, so the story was relayed to us... and, as a result, all the full-fare paying passengers off that aircraft had been shunted onto other airlines to clear the backlog... a dubious story that may or may not have been true.... all we knew was that there were 44 people hanging around the staff travel counter of a certain European airline in Singapore hoping to be offered a seat on the next flight back to London. I knew our chances were close to zero when I spotted two Captains of said airline at the front of the queue being told that there wasn't a seat available. ATCO's being down the butt end of the queue, I knew there was no chance of getting back to London on that airline so my girlfriend (who worked for a certain Irish airline, and who's father was a Captain for said Irish airline, and who's brother was a first officer for said Irish airline, and who's mother was a former Flight Attendant for said Irish airline) and I proceeded to investigate alternative avenues to Europe through other airlines...
We had a brief discussion with a tech crew from the Flying Kangaroo airline and after being told by ground staff that there were no seats available we were about to move onto the next counter, when the crew phoned down from the aircraft... not to offer both of us a seat.... but to offer my girlfriend a seat.... only!!
We laughed about it at the time, but we never knew whether it was because her Father was an airline Captain.... or whether it was because she was a gorgeous little babe... and a lot better looking that me...!!!
I was not impressed... and spent another day in Singapore before getting back to London via Frankfurt on a excellant German airline, to which I am forever grateful...
I'm very gracious to all the airlines that have taken me on board in many countries around the world. It's been a interesting journey that has taught me a lot about how the industry works at the commercial and customer level.
For the punters, a short story of one occasion in Changi Airport after being stranded for three days...
Apparently, an Air India aircraft had broken down in Hong Kong or some other SE Asian capital city airport, so the story was relayed to us... and, as a result, all the full-fare paying passengers off that aircraft had been shunted onto other airlines to clear the backlog... a dubious story that may or may not have been true.... all we knew was that there were 44 people hanging around the staff travel counter of a certain European airline in Singapore hoping to be offered a seat on the next flight back to London. I knew our chances were close to zero when I spotted two Captains of said airline at the front of the queue being told that there wasn't a seat available. ATCO's being down the butt end of the queue, I knew there was no chance of getting back to London on that airline so my girlfriend (who worked for a certain Irish airline, and who's father was a Captain for said Irish airline, and who's brother was a first officer for said Irish airline, and who's mother was a former Flight Attendant for said Irish airline) and I proceeded to investigate alternative avenues to Europe through other airlines...
We had a brief discussion with a tech crew from the Flying Kangaroo airline and after being told by ground staff that there were no seats available we were about to move onto the next counter, when the crew phoned down from the aircraft... not to offer both of us a seat.... but to offer my girlfriend a seat.... only!!
We laughed about it at the time, but we never knew whether it was because her Father was an airline Captain.... or whether it was because she was a gorgeous little babe... and a lot better looking that me...!!!
I was not impressed... and spent another day in Singapore before getting back to London via Frankfurt on a excellant German airline, to which I am forever grateful...
I'm Just A Lawnmower
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Spank Me (That was not an invitation...)
Just out of interest, is their something wrong with saying the words 'Aer Lingus', 'Lufthansa' and 'QANTAS'
Still, three days at Changi with an Irish babe isn't too bad. It is a good airport. Better than spending three days at some others I could mention.
Just out of interest, is their something wrong with saying the words 'Aer Lingus', 'Lufthansa' and 'QANTAS'
Still, three days at Changi with an Irish babe isn't too bad. It is a good airport. Better than spending three days at some others I could mention.
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Balix,
Probably not, but I guess certain "arrangements" came with the proviso that a certain "discretion" was exercised. Hence a certain reluctance on my part to blatantly name the parties involved...
Probably not, but I guess certain "arrangements" came with the proviso that a certain "discretion" was exercised. Hence a certain reluctance on my part to blatantly name the parties involved...
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Probably not, but I guess certain "arrangements" came with the proviso that a certain "discretion" was exercised. Hence a certain reluctance on my part to blatantly name the parties involved
I thought it might have been some Macbeth type superstition. You have to say 'The German Airline' rather than 'Lufthansa' otherwise some ghastly event will befall ye 