British Airways - Crew Discussions
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: England, UK
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well, if you think about it logically, terminal 5 is going to be a huge improvement for customers over the current heathrow terminals 1, 3, and 4 the we operate from - so would you not think that terminal 5 would move in the same direction for staff? 
.
there have been numerous 'cabin crew news' (the weekly, internal cabin crew magazine-ette) special editions over the last few months that have focussed on the facilities to frontline staff at terminal 5.
the report centre will be fairley approximate in size to compass centre meridian and west points combined. there will also be shared facilities with our ground staff colleagues in other areas of the terminal (i.e. canteens and 'quiet lounges' etc) as well as there being cabin crew and flight crew only/specific areas within the crew report centre.
there are currently two huge floor plans of the crew report centre at terminal 5 at the compass centre at the minute.
overall, it will be better than compass centre but slightly smaller.
however, i will miss compass centre when we do eventually leave there. it really is a lovely space to call your 'office' - if only for 4/5 hours per month.
.there have been numerous 'cabin crew news' (the weekly, internal cabin crew magazine-ette) special editions over the last few months that have focussed on the facilities to frontline staff at terminal 5.
the report centre will be fairley approximate in size to compass centre meridian and west points combined. there will also be shared facilities with our ground staff colleagues in other areas of the terminal (i.e. canteens and 'quiet lounges' etc) as well as there being cabin crew and flight crew only/specific areas within the crew report centre.
there are currently two huge floor plans of the crew report centre at terminal 5 at the compass centre at the minute.
overall, it will be better than compass centre but slightly smaller.
however, i will miss compass centre when we do eventually leave there. it really is a lovely space to call your 'office' - if only for 4/5 hours per month.
Join Date: Feb 2007
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Nice pics of the inside of the new CRC on Cabin Crew News - Compass is a lovely space and I miss it being in Jubilee House now (I always feel a bit like I am walking into someones house when I go to report there as it's so tiny but our French Bistro is far nicer than the canteen or bitch bridge cafe)
So far as Cabin Crew News points out it will only be BA - there isn't room for anyone else indeed the 757 and (correct me if this is wrong) Aussie BA flights will actually operate from Terminal 3 as T5 will be over capacity already.
BAA are reorganising LHR after it happens - I believe along with our 757 fleet all oneworld (except BA of course) moving to terminal 3 (after some extensive refurb). Star alliance will go to 1 and sky team and non affiliates in to T4. T2 to go altogether to be replaced by Heathrow East (T5 being at the westerley end) or an extension to be added eventually . And poss a T5 D in the future herein is a link I googles for ya http://www.baa.com/assets/B2CPortal/...esentation.pdf
Tells you all about BAA's plans and the regig of some 40 Airlines around the airport. I do hope they decide to throw an extra runway and some taxiways in there at somepoint to.
PS when they number runways - where do they get the number from - in return for my info please.
So far as Cabin Crew News points out it will only be BA - there isn't room for anyone else indeed the 757 and (correct me if this is wrong) Aussie BA flights will actually operate from Terminal 3 as T5 will be over capacity already.
BAA are reorganising LHR after it happens - I believe along with our 757 fleet all oneworld (except BA of course) moving to terminal 3 (after some extensive refurb). Star alliance will go to 1 and sky team and non affiliates in to T4. T2 to go altogether to be replaced by Heathrow East (T5 being at the westerley end) or an extension to be added eventually . And poss a T5 D in the future herein is a link I googles for ya http://www.baa.com/assets/B2CPortal/...esentation.pdf
Tells you all about BAA's plans and the regig of some 40 Airlines around the airport. I do hope they decide to throw an extra runway and some taxiways in there at somepoint to.
PS when they number runways - where do they get the number from - in return for my info please.
Join Date: Oct 2002
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they get the number from the direction/angle in which the runway is facing when placed onto a 360 degree compass.
for example, the runways at heathrow are 09 and 27.
runway 09 is at an angle of 90 degrees from 0 degrees on a compass and the other end of the same runway is 270 degrees (always 180 degrees above the smaller numbered end of the same runway) from 0 degrees, hence the runways being named 09/27.
now, at heathrow, there are two runways which face the same direction/angle and have left (L) and right (R) after their numbers.
so, runway 09L begins at the terminal 5 end of the airfield facing towards central london on the north side of the airport; i.e. if you were standing inbetween the two runways facing towards london this one would be on your left. the opposite end of the same runway is 27R (facing windsor) - the left and right of each parallel pair of runways always swaps around when you face the other direction.
the other runway is 09R/27L - on the south side of the airfield, closest to terminal 4.
for example, the runways at heathrow are 09 and 27.
runway 09 is at an angle of 90 degrees from 0 degrees on a compass and the other end of the same runway is 270 degrees (always 180 degrees above the smaller numbered end of the same runway) from 0 degrees, hence the runways being named 09/27.
now, at heathrow, there are two runways which face the same direction/angle and have left (L) and right (R) after their numbers.
so, runway 09L begins at the terminal 5 end of the airfield facing towards central london on the north side of the airport; i.e. if you were standing inbetween the two runways facing towards london this one would be on your left. the opposite end of the same runway is 27R (facing windsor) - the left and right of each parallel pair of runways always swaps around when you face the other direction.
the other runway is 09R/27L - on the south side of the airfield, closest to terminal 4.
Join Date: Nov 2003
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T5 - Same crew car park you have now using GTS/MT to get you to the terminal.
Check in your bags alongside the pax - no cage this time.
All similar facitilies to the CCO now. You have briefing rooms with a check in facility/ computer inside each room. a lounge area, cafe, banking area and washrooms, etc.
For those asking about the BKK incident, I feel it best not to mention the details here.
However, I urge and reiterate all crew to take care of themselves whilst downroute in BKK. Do not take taxis or Tuk Tuks alone, if you can, have at least one male crew in your chosen transport. If there is a large group of you needing 2 taxis, again, split males between two cabs. Taxis from the hotel note the licence number.
Do not leave heavy tips anywhere. Stick to 10%. It may encourage locals to become dependent on higher earnings which may not be sustained. When money gets tighter, desperation kicks in then we get ripped off, or worse, mugged.
Do not advertise the hotel you are staying in whilst out in town, don't even tell passengers, pretend you've forgotten. Do not advertise your room number. If you have an envelope with your keycard, leave it behind. If you forget your room number, go to reception on your return to remind you.
If someone steps into the lift behind you and you're on your own late at night, either get out and take another lift, preferably with others, or stay in the lift and head back to the reception floor.
If when you check in you know you're going out that night, try to get on the same floor as someone else you know will be going out too.
The same goes for any destination. Treat it like its not safe, and you'll always keep yourself safe. It's only when we visit places so often, we feel safe and become complacent. Most perpetrators of crime do so because an opportunity has presented itself, someone has put themself at risk and made it easy for someone. These crimes are usually not planned.
Enjoy your downroute time, but keep enjoying it by staying safe!
Check in your bags alongside the pax - no cage this time.
All similar facitilies to the CCO now. You have briefing rooms with a check in facility/ computer inside each room. a lounge area, cafe, banking area and washrooms, etc.
For those asking about the BKK incident, I feel it best not to mention the details here.
However, I urge and reiterate all crew to take care of themselves whilst downroute in BKK. Do not take taxis or Tuk Tuks alone, if you can, have at least one male crew in your chosen transport. If there is a large group of you needing 2 taxis, again, split males between two cabs. Taxis from the hotel note the licence number.
Do not leave heavy tips anywhere. Stick to 10%. It may encourage locals to become dependent on higher earnings which may not be sustained. When money gets tighter, desperation kicks in then we get ripped off, or worse, mugged.
Do not advertise the hotel you are staying in whilst out in town, don't even tell passengers, pretend you've forgotten. Do not advertise your room number. If you have an envelope with your keycard, leave it behind. If you forget your room number, go to reception on your return to remind you.
If someone steps into the lift behind you and you're on your own late at night, either get out and take another lift, preferably with others, or stay in the lift and head back to the reception floor.
If when you check in you know you're going out that night, try to get on the same floor as someone else you know will be going out too.
The same goes for any destination. Treat it like its not safe, and you'll always keep yourself safe. It's only when we visit places so often, we feel safe and become complacent. Most perpetrators of crime do so because an opportunity has presented itself, someone has put themself at risk and made it easy for someone. These crimes are usually not planned.
Enjoy your downroute time, but keep enjoying it by staying safe!
Join Date: Sep 2003
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Very sensible advice, sixmile, well done!!
I want to stress the point of not disclosing your hotel name and details to anybody , passengers or people you meet overseas. This is also valid for domestic nightstops, I could tell a few stories of girls (and boys) being disturbed (and even worse) by angry passengers or passengers/local people with not very good intentions in the hotels where we were staying as crew. (Newcastle layover anyone?)
ALWAYS say you don't really know - at the end of the day when you go from country to country and sleep in different hotels every duty you do, it is understandable if you forget where you're going and where you're staying. Blame it on the jetset life!!!
I want to stress the point of not disclosing your hotel name and details to anybody , passengers or people you meet overseas. This is also valid for domestic nightstops, I could tell a few stories of girls (and boys) being disturbed (and even worse) by angry passengers or passengers/local people with not very good intentions in the hotels where we were staying as crew. (Newcastle layover anyone?)
ALWAYS say you don't really know - at the end of the day when you go from country to country and sleep in different hotels every duty you do, it is understandable if you forget where you're going and where you're staying. Blame it on the jetset life!!!
Join Date: Sep 2003
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.... I don't remember, it must be the jetset life!!!
I personally didn't like it at all (they kept giving us the same dirty old rooms and never repaired any faults!!). So I am not so sad that we've stopped them from LGW as I never really enjoyed staying there, although to be honest I used to spend as little time as possible in the hotel and can recall many good dinners out with my crew. If we had had a decent hotel I am sure I would have had much more fun (and less sore-throats due to the freezing cold in the room) and would probably miss it a lot!!
I personally didn't like it at all (they kept giving us the same dirty old rooms and never repaired any faults!!). So I am not so sad that we've stopped them from LGW as I never really enjoyed staying there, although to be honest I used to spend as little time as possible in the hotel and can recall many good dinners out with my crew. If we had had a decent hotel I am sure I would have had much more fun (and less sore-throats due to the freezing cold in the room) and would probably miss it a lot!!
Join Date: Oct 2002
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LGW isn't "... getting rid..." of the 737's.
SOME of the oldest 737's at LGW are being replaced with SOME of the older A319's from LHR.
the 737 will still be around for a good few years yet.
SOME of the oldest 737's at LGW are being replaced with SOME of the older A319's from LHR.
the 737 will still be around for a good few years yet.
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I probably am one of the few who doesn't look forward to the airbus coming down to LGW. We're returning the leased 737-500s and -300s as it is not convenient anymore paying for the lease when they are so old and falling apart the -400s will stay with us for a long time still as some are BA's property and some we're still paying the mortgage for (a few of them have "property of such and such bank" written on a plate inside the cockpit!!
I know our 737s are quite old but I have a hate for the Tuk Tuks (as my very first captain used to call them....bless his soul) I had way too many bad memories and incidents on them when flying for another carrier and am not looking forward to working on them again. We'll see if BA can keep them more serviceable!!!
the -400s will stay with us for a long time still as some are BA's property and some we're still paying the mortgage for (a few of them have "property of such and such bank" written on a plate inside the cockpit!!I know our 737s are quite old but I have a hate for the Tuk Tuks (as my very first captain used to call them....bless his soul) I had way too many bad memories and incidents on them when flying for another carrier and am not looking forward to working on them again. We'll see if BA can keep them more serviceable!!!
Join Date: Sep 2003
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Far be it from me to start a childish argument regarding which is better, but having flown both the 737 and the Airbus, the latter wins hands down every time - wider aisles, more space in galleys, simple arming mechanism and generally more user-friendly.
Having said that, it also depends on the age of the aircraft...LHR have some very old Airbus a/c which are very possibly just as smelly and 'knackered' (if not more so) than any 737 down at LGW...fortunately there is a plan to dispose of them sooner rather than later, but there will be a few lurking around for a while yet; they are mainly confined to domestic runs.
Having said that, it also depends on the age of the aircraft...LHR have some very old Airbus a/c which are very possibly just as smelly and 'knackered' (if not more so) than any 737 down at LGW...fortunately there is a plan to dispose of them sooner rather than later, but there will be a few lurking around for a while yet; they are mainly confined to domestic runs.
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Manchester
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Commuting from MAN to LHR
Hi all I have recently set up a google groups site especially for commuters MAN-LHR-MAN to arrange car share for cost saving or just company...anyway here is the link.
http://groups.google.co.uk/group/ba-...mmuters/?hl=en
Cheers Jarvis
you can PM me for more info..
http://groups.google.co.uk/group/ba-...mmuters/?hl=en
Cheers Jarvis
you can PM me for more info..
Join Date: May 2007
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AMS,
Yes,you're allowed to take DVD players & laptops etc on trips with you & many crew do.
You just have to put them through the X-Ray machine at the Compass & at the airport downroute prior to getting on the jet like a normal passenger.
LHRKrew
Yes,you're allowed to take DVD players & laptops etc on trips with you & many crew do.
You just have to put them through the X-Ray machine at the Compass & at the airport downroute prior to getting on the jet like a normal passenger.
LHRKrew
Join Date: Jan 2007
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Ams-lhr
I Have Read Lots Of Your Posts And Have Come To The Conculsion That Every Reply To Every Question Has Another Question Attached............do You Think One Day You Get A Reply And Thats Good Enough???????????
J
J
Join Date: May 2003
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AMS-LHR,
In answer to your question, it entirely depends wheich country you are flying from. From the UK, you have the same restrictions as pax. So check with the airport manager of the airport you're flying from. But, to be honest, if you are checking in a bag for a night stop, may as well check it in both ways, less hassle that way.
I always take my laptop away with me, but don't make the same stupid mistake that I did and leave it on board, someone will have it in a flash!!!
Good luck on your course, my sis starts on the 16th.
In answer to your question, it entirely depends wheich country you are flying from. From the UK, you have the same restrictions as pax. So check with the airport manager of the airport you're flying from. But, to be honest, if you are checking in a bag for a night stop, may as well check it in both ways, less hassle that way.
I always take my laptop away with me, but don't make the same stupid mistake that I did and leave it on board, someone will have it in a flash!!!
Good luck on your course, my sis starts on the 16th.
Join Date: Apr 2007
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i just want to say that its peeps like Ams that make the forums less stagnet and keeps the forums alive
keep the questions rolling x
ive learnt so much from the response of Ams questions and other peoples too!
keep the questions rolling xive learnt so much from the response of Ams questions and other peoples too!
Join Date: Jan 2007
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Ams-lhr
You don't bore me quite from it...I am just amazed how many questions you can come up with....don't take it the wrong way keep it up your not just helping yourself but many others.
Jarvis
Jarvis