XL.com/Excel Airways
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: United Kingdom
Age: 40
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A bit scathing there!
Well I`ve been here 6 months now and thoroughly enjoying it.
XL is a bit different now, settled after the merger with Air Atlanta European and with the management buyout we are heading in a better direction.
We have just started with a new rostering system which is going to make rosters more fairer.
Pay? Well I got paid today and it was about £1400, So i`m happy as that is on the winter 75% contract, so had I have been full time it would have been a nice £1600+.
If you have any question please ask and I`ll do my best to answer them.
For accommodation i used http://www.gatwickcrewaccommodation.co.uk/
Joyce was great and managed to sort out a room for me in 2 hours, for the next day.
Good luck and hope to see you online soon!
Well I`ve been here 6 months now and thoroughly enjoying it.
XL is a bit different now, settled after the merger with Air Atlanta European and with the management buyout we are heading in a better direction.
We have just started with a new rostering system which is going to make rosters more fairer.
Pay? Well I got paid today and it was about £1400, So i`m happy as that is on the winter 75% contract, so had I have been full time it would have been a nice £1600+.
If you have any question please ask and I`ll do my best to answer them.
For accommodation i used http://www.gatwickcrewaccommodation.co.uk/
Joyce was great and managed to sort out a room for me in 2 hours, for the next day.
Good luck and hope to see you online soon!
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: uk
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hey b flyer you obviously had a bad experience xl are not the worst charter airline,im fed up of people slagging off xl,every airline has bad points and good points,if people are not happy with xl go and work for other airlines for a few months and yoll realise xl are not that bad.for those wanting to apply give it a go.and too be honest if you get laid off and not asked back its for a reason and you guys know that its the same with every airline.
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: UK
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Xl.
hey b flyer you obviously had a bad experience xl are not the worst charter airline,im fed up of people slagging off xl,every airline has bad points and good points,if people are not happy with xl go and work for other airlines for a few months and yoll realise xl are not that bad.for those wanting to apply give it a go.and too be honest if you get laid off and not asked back its for a reason and you guys know that its the same with every airline.
yes I had a bad experience with them....I know crew who love the airline.
Have to say the crew is very nice, but I still think the company is unfair in many aspects ( eg. if you earn with 75% contract 1400£ and others just survive...)
I aslo know there is no perfect compant out there, as I mantioned it previously, but XL have almost only bad points....hopefully this will be changed in the future, because they just loose the good crew...
You know everyone is different and everyone have differnet reasons to do this job...I haven't signed for the winter contract, and I just signed off from a Yacht and have to say the money was great over there and I have the opportunity now to pay back my credit here, what I had to use during my employment with XL.
Still think to start a career with XL is fine just be aware about few (?)things.....
Anyway, I wish everyone all the best and a nice summer season!!
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: UK
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babymax,
yes I had a bad experience with them....I know crew who love the airline.
Have to say the crew is very nice, but I still think the company is unfair in many aspects ( eg. if you earn with 75% contract 1400£ and others just survive...)
I aslo know there is no perfect compant out there, as I mantioned it previously, but XL have almost only bad points....hopefully this will be changed in the future, because they just loose the good crew...
You know everyone is different and everyone have differnet reasons to do this job...I haven't signed for the winter contract, and I just signed off from a Yacht and have to say the money was great over there and I have the opportunity now to pay back my credit here, what I had to use during my employment with XL.
Still think to start a career with XL is fine just be aware about few (?)things.....
Anyway, I wish everyone all the best and a nice summer season!!
yes I had a bad experience with them....I know crew who love the airline.
Have to say the crew is very nice, but I still think the company is unfair in many aspects ( eg. if you earn with 75% contract 1400£ and others just survive...)
I aslo know there is no perfect compant out there, as I mantioned it previously, but XL have almost only bad points....hopefully this will be changed in the future, because they just loose the good crew...
You know everyone is different and everyone have differnet reasons to do this job...I haven't signed for the winter contract, and I just signed off from a Yacht and have to say the money was great over there and I have the opportunity now to pay back my credit here, what I had to use during my employment with XL.
Still think to start a career with XL is fine just be aware about few (?)things.....
Anyway, I wish everyone all the best and a nice summer season!!
Another thing:
I think this forum is here to discuss good and BAD things!
Everyone have the right to know the truth, to read these posts and then decide ........
I also believe if someone ( eg. from companys ) read these things, they maybe learn... because this forum should be the mirror and everyone should face their mistaces, like I do !
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Swindon
Age: 38
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Hey guys,
Thanks for the replys! To be honest when i first started thinking about doing this job i only wanted to go to either virgin or ba!!! Learnt over time that with ba never recruiting and virgin never replying this may not be the best plan of action! lol! Im not looking to xl for a permanent permanent thing, more just a foot in the door. Plus havent all the other companies slowed down on their recruiting now? I thought the pay xl are offering is about average for junior cabin crew....? (very low i agree!) How long have you been at xl glider? Did u get alot of flying time when you first started?
I will be leaving a job in estate agency which i hate with a passion and have wanted to get out of for the past two years but havent had the guts, feel like i finally do! BUT all the bad reviews about xl are beginning to push me back in to my comfort zone a little! lol! xx
Thanks for the replys! To be honest when i first started thinking about doing this job i only wanted to go to either virgin or ba!!! Learnt over time that with ba never recruiting and virgin never replying this may not be the best plan of action! lol! Im not looking to xl for a permanent permanent thing, more just a foot in the door. Plus havent all the other companies slowed down on their recruiting now? I thought the pay xl are offering is about average for junior cabin crew....? (very low i agree!) How long have you been at xl glider? Did u get alot of flying time when you first started?
I will be leaving a job in estate agency which i hate with a passion and have wanted to get out of for the past two years but havent had the guts, feel like i finally do! BUT all the bad reviews about xl are beginning to push me back in to my comfort zone a little! lol! xx
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Swindon
Age: 38
Posts: 30
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Oh another thing guys. Where were u based? I will be at LGW.....as i understand alot more long haul is operated from this base, so maybe theres a chance of more work? i dont know! lol! x
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: United Kingdom
Age: 40
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I had a lot of flying when i started, but that was because it was August, it`s been a bit quieter over the winter, but i`ve mainly been doing Caribbean runs.
I`m off to Antigua on Monday for several days as it happens.
With the new roster I`m sure we`ll see the long hauls more fairly shared. But XL is good for giving you long haul opportunities where other airlines ask that you be there for a while.
I`m off to Antigua on Monday for several days as it happens.
With the new roster I`m sure we`ll see the long hauls more fairly shared. But XL is good for giving you long haul opportunities where other airlines ask that you be there for a while.
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Shoreham
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ive been working for XL since june and love it.. the crew are great and when you join you go straight into long haul (LGW/MAN not sure else where) with other airlines you need to work up to long haul. The pay is not good but average for crew. There are 2 fleets 747 / 767 or 737/757/767 both have long haul. (76 does both long and short haul) If you need a place to stay you will defonatly find people on your training course who are also looking... the jobs great, you do meet alot of people who moan but as the airline is evolving that is becoming less and less thank god...
Anyway if you get a chance go for it... its no different toworking for any other charter airline..
Anyway if you get a chance go for it... its no different toworking for any other charter airline..
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Swindon
Age: 38
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Thanks for the reply! Sounds good! Im going up to look at places this week for training period and beyond! Good to know you will also prob meet people on training to share with too! x
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: UK
Age: 49
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Recruitment?
Hi all, just a quick question!
I appiled to XL at LGW for summer 2007 and recieved an email from hr stating i didn't meet the criteria!
I have previously worked for Air2000(FCA) at LGW 757/767/320/321 also at Air 2000 at BHX 757/767 and also for BA on Eurofleet as an sccm, was offered tcx and myt (but in holding pools both times). I have never had a day off sick in 16 years working, have glowing references and opened my own business which employs 5 staff and has been trading 5 years!! - I really miss flying and have recruited a manageress to run my business so i could concentrate getting back flying again. Does anyone have any ideas - especially if you work for XL in recruitment why i dont fit the criteria on immediate assesment?
Thanks guys and girlies - Brighton_rocks
I appiled to XL at LGW for summer 2007 and recieved an email from hr stating i didn't meet the criteria!
I have previously worked for Air2000(FCA) at LGW 757/767/320/321 also at Air 2000 at BHX 757/767 and also for BA on Eurofleet as an sccm, was offered tcx and myt (but in holding pools both times). I have never had a day off sick in 16 years working, have glowing references and opened my own business which employs 5 staff and has been trading 5 years!! - I really miss flying and have recruited a manageress to run my business so i could concentrate getting back flying again. Does anyone have any ideas - especially if you work for XL in recruitment why i dont fit the criteria on immediate assesment?
Thanks guys and girlies - Brighton_rocks
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: hudd
Age: 58
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XL
What a joke these clowns are. Went for an interview today, fair test, fair group assesment etc, but i was very annoyed at the attitude of the recruiters of whom one fellow rejectee clamined they heard the word "idiot" under their breath. Lets just say ive emailed XL and basicaly they need to sort out the attitude of the recruiters.
I have been for Thomas Cook and Thomsonfly interviews and they were very friendly and warm. JET2 and XL are just pure arrogant, and im not bitter im stating a fact.
I have been for Thomas Cook and Thomsonfly interviews and they were very friendly and warm. JET2 and XL are just pure arrogant, and im not bitter im stating a fact.
Join Date: May 2005
Location: SWINTON
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Having worked with many major airlines crews over the past two years including FCA, MON MYT TCX and 
TOM!!! i can honestly say that XL crew are the nicest. Their attitude to passengers and to each other is second to none and the ground crew they employ are also very friendly. They are professional and are a fantastic company to work for.
For all you cabin crew wannabees i would say if you have the chance to get in with XL then your onto a winner and won't look back.
Good Luck to you all.
TOM!!! i can honestly say that XL crew are the nicest. Their attitude to passengers and to each other is second to none and the ground crew they employ are also very friendly. They are professional and are a fantastic company to work for. For all you cabin crew wannabees i would say if you have the chance to get in with XL then your onto a winner and won't look back.
Good Luck to you all.
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: 40,000 feet
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PLease don't knock XL! Arrogant? They have won awards for being the best charter airline going! I thank them gladly! I only flew for a summer season with them, but thanks to the experince I gained, I am now in the position I'm in now! Good goly, it does seem that the adage of cabin crew and 'female dog' get more and more intertwined daily!
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Brighton
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i am sure xl is the same as other companies, my partner works there and they obviously have a good time down route as i have just found he has been enjoying the xl girls down there.
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: London
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sorry u didnt get through boygeorgefan, , but the tone of your message is a bit strong. I applied & found XL very helpful & approachable, unfortunately the base I wanted was already full so I didnt get an interview. To 'claim that someone else heard someone say something' is a bit unfair. They do interviews to find the right people for the job, & loads of people dont get through to the second stage - dont take it too personally, it just wasnt your lucky day. Dont let it put you off & good luck for next time
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: 40,000 feet
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sxyhosty I'm sorry to hear that, I had a long term partner enjoy the delights of XL too, their supernumery flight too!... If they're prepared to do that to you, they don't deserve you!!!!!
XL as a company are very well established, some people comfortable with areas of the company before mergers etc would easily point out the bad points of XL, but everyone is entitled to an opinion...
Sorry to disappoint, but no matter what folks, you are objectively scored! Why do you think there are 2 to 1 interviews???? to intimidate you? nope... to get a fairer opinion... Interviewers do have a little sway, but to say they are unfair isnt't true... they have to be standardised! I left Xl afer a dreadful summer season, but I will sing their praises, cos at the end of the day, although I had a raw deal at an outbase, with no option to be kept on as I wasn't at a main base etc, I still thoroughly enjoyed myself!
Forget the attitude that sems to be preconceived when it comes to being crew... you are selected for your ability to handle whatever situation comes your way, and if you think you are too good for the job, then maybe you should rethink your career!
XL as a company are very well established, some people comfortable with areas of the company before mergers etc would easily point out the bad points of XL, but everyone is entitled to an opinion...
Sorry to disappoint, but no matter what folks, you are objectively scored! Why do you think there are 2 to 1 interviews???? to intimidate you? nope... to get a fairer opinion... Interviewers do have a little sway, but to say they are unfair isnt't true... they have to be standardised! I left Xl afer a dreadful summer season, but I will sing their praises, cos at the end of the day, although I had a raw deal at an outbase, with no option to be kept on as I wasn't at a main base etc, I still thoroughly enjoyed myself!
Forget the attitude that sems to be preconceived when it comes to being crew... you are selected for your ability to handle whatever situation comes your way, and if you think you are too good for the job, then maybe you should rethink your career!
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: London
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Excel on board catering
Hi, just wondered if any of you excel guys can help. I am travelling to Sharm and am wondering what in flight meal is these days, am trying to follow a diet of sorts and wondered if I need to purchase something in the terminal instead beforehand? Thanks
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: UK
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xl interview !!!! help !!
hi guys !! ,I have an interviwe with xl next week and was wondering if anyone could help me on a few things . I am currently crew working out of manchester and gave up long haul with virgin last year (tired of commuting and man base very boring !!).
1) What are the possibilities of being kept on ?
2) What is average come home pay ?
Thanks for your info guys !!
happy flying
xxxx
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Manchester
Age: 43
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You will be on the 737/757/767 fleet "shorthaul". The chances of being kept on are nil to zero. Contract will end in October and xl are vastly overcrewed at the moment, no one has hardly any flights. You'll be lucky to come out with £200 flight pay!