British Airways Training - My Experiences
Join Date: Mar 2004
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Guys, this short/long haul thing really seems to be a problem aye ??? I must admit I wanted to work for BA but there were no guarantees for long haul so I took a short haul job with EasyJet earning more money than BA short haul. I mean fair enough, we do 4 sectors a day on a 6 on 3 off pattern with 25 minute turnarounds but it's such a laugh and the other crew at Luton are brilliant !!! I thought being ex-millitary would work against me but they really are so open minded about people here... If you really want long haul, I heard that Virgin Atlantic are recruiting hundreds of crew very very soon, in fact, I think they have already started doing it now !!! My whole problem is why leave the UK's second biggest airline for a eurofleet job the same as my own out of a base miles away from me for a hell of a lot less money ??? Sounds silly don't it ??? Anyway, Virgin seems to be the place to go if you want it that much, at least you can be guaranteed of long haul there... Happy flying all, if you're not enjoying it then you're in the wrong job !!!
Take it easy, Danny
Take it easy, Danny
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Why does everyone go on about 'if you dont love it your in the wrong job?' live to work or work to live?
Being away from home, working odd hours, your body clock being semi-permanently out of synch with what seems like everyone else in your world, the lack of routine, working with different co-workers on every trip, often not seeing the same people for months/years, the changes to your schedule, calls from crewing in the middle of the night.... Then after all that you have to look like a happy camper at 6am as you board the first of several flights that day, even though most of your pax are grumpy and miserable.
It's def not your typical job, so while I do agree with the sentiment that I "work to live, I don't live to work", I would also say that I also HAVE To love my job seeing as I spend so much time there, and if I didn't love it I'd be hauling ass pretty quick. And that's not withstanding the fact that as Cabin Crew you really do need to love your job and see it as a lifestyle choice to be able to still be happy, be a great crewmember, and deal with all of the things I mentioned above!
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Floaty is asking questions and making comments just like everyone on this board.
Is she bitter? No - she may HAVE been bitter, but that's not how her posts are coming across to me.
A fair question, made by her earlier...
"Much less politically speaking: Skybabe you mention in a previous reply that you are a rather disappointed in the system. You are flying short-haul and do not speak a foreign language, you have previous experience and have been waiting to be promoted to long-haul for a while if I understand well. So... don't you feel frustrated to see that the company -you so proudly defend- offers L-H permanent contracts to newbies??? C'mon! Be honest!"
Fair point really - whilst she was corrected later on that going to Long Haul isn't a promotion as such, there are NUMEROUS posts on here (and in other threads too!) by BA Short Haul crew (and initial trainees) who are BITTERLY disappointed at the lack of transparency in awarding what are regarded as prestigious flying positions to those who haven't either a) worked for them or b) deserve them (not my words - rather the emotions of others used to paraphrase and make my point).
Floaty is simply trying - in my view - to inject some impartiality into an otherwise total BA thread. Nothing wrong with that - objectivity is something we can all use.
And if she can't ask questions without appearing bitter, then objectivity is something that's evidently in very short supply.
Is she bitter? No - she may HAVE been bitter, but that's not how her posts are coming across to me.
A fair question, made by her earlier...
"Much less politically speaking: Skybabe you mention in a previous reply that you are a rather disappointed in the system. You are flying short-haul and do not speak a foreign language, you have previous experience and have been waiting to be promoted to long-haul for a while if I understand well. So... don't you feel frustrated to see that the company -you so proudly defend- offers L-H permanent contracts to newbies??? C'mon! Be honest!"
Floaty is simply trying - in my view - to inject some impartiality into an otherwise total BA thread. Nothing wrong with that - objectivity is something we can all use.
And if she can't ask questions without appearing bitter, then objectivity is something that's evidently in very short supply.
Join Date: Aug 2003
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Can I just say as somebody who knows what it's like to be at BA short haul LHR, I can't see what all the fuss is about??!! If you're lucky enough to get LHR Eurofleet, then be thankful cause from what I hear we are treated much better over here at LHR then our fellow crew at wrld wide LGW, and Eurofleet LGW. Who ever said we don't get to see places is wrong too. I've been flying two months and have had countless night stops where we're able to go out, see the sights, go to pubs/clubs at night etc, as we speak I'm in Stockholm until 2pm tomorrow afternoon, ok so we do split duties once in awhile where we get about 6 hours at the hotel, but aren't we loosing heaps of them in the summer anyway?? And in all reality, who can complain, one sector out, one sector back, it's like having two days off!
BA doesn't tell us where we will be based util the day of our training cause they probably don't know, they just fit us in where we are needed.
And by the way, not meaning to sound nasty, I highly doubt that an easyjet crew would take home aything close to what I do at BA!
So that's my opinion about short haul vs. long haul, and let's face it, LHR world wide fleet is the place to be, and BA will not be recruiting into that, but lists will open up, things will move, so it's not all bad, in fact I think this job is so great it's a dream! I can't speak for short haul with other airlines, and I have heard it is hard slog with other airlines, but in my opinion, with British Airways, short haul LHR is the best and I wouldn't change for the world!
BA doesn't tell us where we will be based util the day of our training cause they probably don't know, they just fit us in where we are needed.
And by the way, not meaning to sound nasty, I highly doubt that an easyjet crew would take home aything close to what I do at BA!
So that's my opinion about short haul vs. long haul, and let's face it, LHR world wide fleet is the place to be, and BA will not be recruiting into that, but lists will open up, things will move, so it's not all bad, in fact I think this job is so great it's a dream! I can't speak for short haul with other airlines, and I have heard it is hard slog with other airlines, but in my opinion, with British Airways, short haul LHR is the best and I wouldn't change for the world!
Last edited by Flying_Sarah747; 16th Apr 2004 at 23:06.
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and erm, not meaning to sound nasty, but we do take home more than BA short haul. 3 BA crew have told me themselves since moving to EasyJet. And erm, do you get promoted to SCCM (Pursar) after one year ??????????
But if you insist that your happy, then the best of luck to you.
But if you insist that your happy, then the best of luck to you.
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BA
Yes, this is a thread about BA and Sarah would do well to remember that.. all cabin crew do the same job but Sarah seems to think she can just go around saying she earns more.
P.S Even if you do keep it to yourself, your likely to end up offending someone here. Your comment was so ARROGANT.
P.S Even if you do keep it to yourself, your likely to end up offending someone here. Your comment was so ARROGANT.
Join Date: Mar 2004
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Any Tips on the Assessment Day??
Hi, I know this thread started as 'Training Experiences' but does anyone have any info on their experiences of that initial step....the interview Assessment Day. I have mine on Monday 26th and would like some feedback on what I may expect.
Also, as I figure it would be EF LHR or poss EF LGW, can anyone currently working either of the EF bases, give an idea of what a typical roster pattern can be.
thanks for any practical advice you may give me.
cheers
Also, as I figure it would be EF LHR or poss EF LGW, can anyone currently working either of the EF bases, give an idea of what a typical roster pattern can be.
thanks for any practical advice you may give me.
cheers
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Delsey
Sorry you didnt get a response before your interview. I hope it all went well for you. It is very difficult to have any idea if its positive or negative until you get your letter. Fingers crossed, and I hope its good news for you, let us know.
Six
Sorry you didnt get a response before your interview. I hope it all went well for you. It is very difficult to have any idea if its positive or negative until you get your letter. Fingers crossed, and I hope its good news for you, let us know.
Six
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Sixmilehigh
thanks for your kind words.
Well I found the interview day all in all not too bad. The group of other candidates were a nice bunch of people. The group exercise we did was actually good fun, I could have done another one or even take that idea with me to use at dinner parties! But I did find the two on one interview quite tough; There were so many situation experience questions coming out the blue that I found myself stumped for good answers, I know it was nerves, but found myself afterwards kicking myself as I thought of examples and things I could of said.
So I have come away from it, not knowing one way or another and my gut feeling is alas leaning towards the negative....that's so I don't set myself up for a fall. Anyway I guess I will know soon enough and I will tentatively open up the letter when I receive it with anticipation.
So I will update you, hopefully positively, when I hear.
bye for now
thanks for your kind words.
Well I found the interview day all in all not too bad. The group of other candidates were a nice bunch of people. The group exercise we did was actually good fun, I could have done another one or even take that idea with me to use at dinner parties! But I did find the two on one interview quite tough; There were so many situation experience questions coming out the blue that I found myself stumped for good answers, I know it was nerves, but found myself afterwards kicking myself as I thought of examples and things I could of said.
So I have come away from it, not knowing one way or another and my gut feeling is alas leaning towards the negative....that's so I don't set myself up for a fall. Anyway I guess I will know soon enough and I will tentatively open up the letter when I receive it with anticipation.
So I will update you, hopefully positively, when I hear.
bye for now
Join Date: Sep 2003
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Eurogatwick???
anybody at BA eurogatwick?
How was the training? They told me it's at LGW but they could change the venue at the last minute....
Could anybody who works there tell me anything they might know about EG please?
Thank you...
FBW
How was the training? They told me it's at LGW but they could change the venue at the last minute....
Could anybody who works there tell me anything they might know about EG please?
Thank you...
FBW
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There was some talk a while ago on this very forum about Eurofleet LGW so try searching for it, some of it was actually very honest useful information.
One piece of advice though. There is often quite alot of negative opinions on EF LGW. Take no notice of it. I work there and its actually great, however there are issues but isn't there in every airline?
Good luck and may see you around Jubilee!!!
feel free to PM me if u want
tilly x
One piece of advice though. There is often quite alot of negative opinions on EF LGW. Take no notice of it. I work there and its actually great, however there are issues but isn't there in every airline?
Good luck and may see you around Jubilee!!!
feel free to PM me if u want
tilly x
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British Airways Eurofleet - LGW or LHR ????
I know there is a BA recruitmen/training/accomodation topic, but this is quite urgent
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Hi all! I'm looking for some advice and I am hoping someone from BA can help me.
I have been offered LGW or LHR Eurofleet c.c. position and I am wondering which one is best. At the moment I am LGW based but I am not working. Relocation would cost me a little but I would do it if the LHR terms and conditions were best.
The LHR training starts in August whilst LGW is still to be confirmed but should be September.
What aircraft types would I fly from LHR? I know LGW is only on 737.
...and of course the usual question... What are the probabilities to join long-haul/WW in the future? Would I receive WW in LGW if I am already in LGW or is there no logic there? (I know the waiting list is abt 4 years but how does it work??)
Please reply to this topic or send me a private message. I gotta let them know A.S.A.P. 'coz once the course is assigned, it cannot be changed.
Thank you so much for your help! I owe you a pint!
FJ
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Hi all! I'm looking for some advice and I am hoping someone from BA can help me.
I have been offered LGW or LHR Eurofleet c.c. position and I am wondering which one is best. At the moment I am LGW based but I am not working. Relocation would cost me a little but I would do it if the LHR terms and conditions were best.
The LHR training starts in August whilst LGW is still to be confirmed but should be September.
What aircraft types would I fly from LHR? I know LGW is only on 737.
...and of course the usual question... What are the probabilities to join long-haul/WW in the future? Would I receive WW in LGW if I am already in LGW or is there no logic there? (I know the waiting list is abt 4 years but how does it work??)
Please reply to this topic or send me a private message. I gotta let them know A.S.A.P. 'coz once the course is assigned, it cannot be changed.
Thank you so much for your help! I owe you a pint!
FJ
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It all depends on what you want wether you take LHR or LGW.
On Eurofleet LHR you would work on Airbus 319/320, 757 and 767 doing the usual european routes. Could be Manchester one day, Istanbul the next. LGW is purely 737, soon to be Airbus flying much the same routes around UK and europe.
As for WW that is a sticky issue at EF LGW. As it stands the only fleet you can transfer to from EF LGW is EF LHR. From there once spaces are available and you have enough seniority you can go to WW LGW or WW LHR. But bear in mind it will more likely be over 4 years as alot of euro LGW crews have transfered across recently and there has been a hell of alot new entrants, all will have higher seniority than you.
I cant speak for EF LHR but lgw is a great base, with some fab people. Morale is quite low at the minute, we are working lots, have lost a few nitestops for the summer and theres the usual management pressure but despite all this we are having some laughs!!
Also bear in mind it is going round the rumour mill that things at LGW will soon change and it may be possible to transfer to WW and that terms/conditions etc want to be brought in line with LHR or something similar.
Its up to you!! When I joined I didnt have a choice - looking back I am pleased.
On Eurofleet LHR you would work on Airbus 319/320, 757 and 767 doing the usual european routes. Could be Manchester one day, Istanbul the next. LGW is purely 737, soon to be Airbus flying much the same routes around UK and europe.
As for WW that is a sticky issue at EF LGW. As it stands the only fleet you can transfer to from EF LGW is EF LHR. From there once spaces are available and you have enough seniority you can go to WW LGW or WW LHR. But bear in mind it will more likely be over 4 years as alot of euro LGW crews have transfered across recently and there has been a hell of alot new entrants, all will have higher seniority than you.
I cant speak for EF LHR but lgw is a great base, with some fab people. Morale is quite low at the minute, we are working lots, have lost a few nitestops for the summer and theres the usual management pressure but despite all this we are having some laughs!!
Also bear in mind it is going round the rumour mill that things at LGW will soon change and it may be possible to transfer to WW and that terms/conditions etc want to be brought in line with LHR or something similar.
Its up to you!! When I joined I didnt have a choice - looking back I am pleased.
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Mmmmhh! From what you write it sounds like BA are not treating the LGW staff very fairly... do they think it is too much of a challenge to learn how to arm the doors of a Jumbo for someone who's worked on a 737? Bah! 
What about LGW WW? Would I still need to go arond LHR for a few years before I can finally return to base?
Thanks for all the info, sounds like LHR is the option... but I'd like some more opinions if possible.
Cheers guys!
FJ
p.s. the first pint is gone!
What about LGW WW? Would I still need to go arond LHR for a few years before I can finally return to base?
Thanks for all the info, sounds like LHR is the option... but I'd like some more opinions if possible.
Cheers guys!
FJ
p.s. the first pint is gone!
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Theres nothing wrong with getting on your hands and knees to arm the door of a 737, atleast you know its done despite having dirt lodged in your nails!!!!
As I have said at the present time yes you will have to work at LHR EF in order to get WW LGW, but beware things could be changing with LGW euro crews getting direct transfer but as you're probably aware anything can happen!!! And also bear in mind you'll be bottom of a very long waiting list?!?!!!
The decision is yours, it depends wether you want to move and take a risk?!
As I have said at the present time yes you will have to work at LHR EF in order to get WW LGW, but beware things could be changing with LGW euro crews getting direct transfer but as you're probably aware anything can happen!!! And also bear in mind you'll be bottom of a very long waiting list?!?!!!
The decision is yours, it depends wether you want to move and take a risk?!