How is it on BA Mixed Fleet, are you enjoying it?
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My understanding is that BMI crew will be joining Eurofleet with an opportunity to apply for Mixed Fleet if they would prefer that lifestyle mix of long and short haul; it will be subject to success at interview I believe.
While on Eurofleet their salary from BMI would be maintained but they would be unable to transfer to WW; on Mixed Fleet they would be signing a new contract, accepting the salary and terms and conditions of that fleet and could benefit from promotion opportunities. Either way, longhaul legacy fleet is not currently an option (but who knows what would happen in the future).
While on Eurofleet their salary from BMI would be maintained but they would be unable to transfer to WW; on Mixed Fleet they would be signing a new contract, accepting the salary and terms and conditions of that fleet and could benefit from promotion opportunities. Either way, longhaul legacy fleet is not currently an option (but who knows what would happen in the future).
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Mixed Fleet (May-Dec 2012)
Does anyone have any more info with regards to further routes being transferred from EF and WW? I believe Boston's just gone to mixed. I'm also assuming that when Seoul is resumed in December it will operated by mixed
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So, As mixed fleet grows, expands, and simply keeps getting better, what are peoples thoughts on it now? The trips are getting longer, LAX going to a 4 day, up to 6 Day Tokyo Trips, 5 Day Rio Trips.
In terms of Manpower we are larger that EF, and in terms of Headcount Larger than LGW.
So what of the longer term future for Mixed Fleet!?
In terms of Manpower we are larger that EF, and in terms of Headcount Larger than LGW.
So what of the longer term future for Mixed Fleet!?
Join Date: May 2006
Location: england
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Gone quiet
This thread is quiet so how is mixed fleet?
What's turnover like? internal promotions ?that why recruiting more people again?
Do you get your bids or not?
Is it worth joining ?
Mash
What's turnover like? internal promotions ?that why recruiting more people again?
Do you get your bids or not?
Is it worth joining ?
Mash
Daughter's best friend (mid 20s) left a good-ish job as a supervisor in a big retail outfit to join MF. She found entry to be easy, (compared to her previous job).
She very much likes being a stewardess. By and large, her BA customers are better than joe public in a big store group! Plus, as she puts it, she gets to parts of the world that she would never otherwise visit.
However, she and her joining cohort are all looking to leave. Whilst they love the job, they just cannot afford to live near lhr on the money that BA is paying.
Maybe the low salaries are a plot by BA to keep turnover high, to keep staff younger, and to keep the Trainers busy?
She very much likes being a stewardess. By and large, her BA customers are better than joe public in a big store group! Plus, as she puts it, she gets to parts of the world that she would never otherwise visit.
However, she and her joining cohort are all looking to leave. Whilst they love the job, they just cannot afford to live near lhr on the money that BA is paying.
Maybe the low salaries are a plot by BA to keep turnover high, to keep staff younger, and to keep the Trainers busy?
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Apparently there are about ten thousand applications so it seems no one is worried about turnover.
Wonder how many are suitable or if they are forced Job centre applicants who have been on the sick or on dole for the last twenty years?
Eventually they will run out of good people
Shame really but that's the economics of it
I wish your daughter well
Wonder how many are suitable or if they are forced Job centre applicants who have been on the sick or on dole for the last twenty years?
Eventually they will run out of good people
Shame really but that's the economics of it
I wish your daughter well
Join Date: May 2006
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Not All agree
There is a good slanging match going on in the cabin crew forums website.
Seems something's are definitely amiss between the vision and reality of MF
Going to stay away, seems to me not much has changed in the last couple of years at BA for all the rheoric still bullying
Mash
Seems something's are definitely amiss between the vision and reality of MF
Going to stay away, seems to me not much has changed in the last couple of years at BA for all the rheoric still bullying
Mash
Join Date: Jul 2011
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Mixed fleet reality from a mixed fleeter
Hi,
I've been with MF for coming up to two years. There have been, and continue to be, lots of untruths and unhelpful rhetoric surrounding MF on chat rooms.
Firstly pay.
I checked my GROSS salary after 12 months flying and it was at the higher end of the salary range as advertised by BA on the advert I responded to. So spot on. The problems arise with TAKE HOME pay. It is relatively simple to work out tax and NI on any gross pay amount, so it is also relatively simple to work out a rough take home pay based on the gross pay advertised. The problems arise mainly because of Host, where crew can take out cash and pay for meals etc down route and then have that money deducted from their salary at the end of each month. It's not rocket science to deduce that if crew spend lots of cash down route and eat via room service in the hotels, they could easily rack up hundreds of pounds in Host which will seriously reduce their take home pay. Also sickness would impact on their quarterly bonus.
Crew who have left because they couldn't afford to live on the pay....I wonder if they did any research or budgeted before they joined?
Yes, crew have left but for a variety of reasons, e.g. Relationships problems, commute issues, some who had not flown before simply didn't like the job, and yes, for some, pay.
BA as an employer.
BA is a large multinational company and as with any large organisation, issues to arise. But no worse than any large organisation. I've found that if you play fair with them, you are treated fairly.
Commute.
I commute over 250 miles each way, and I've managed just fine. Yes, home standby's are a 'pain', but then I knew that they were going to be part of my duties.
And things are changing all the time.
Before I joined MF I read and re-read the advert. I studied the role profile. I research the company. I spoke with existing BA MF crew in person and asked them questions. I examined the impact on my personal finances. I thought about the commute issues for me. I discussed it with my partner. I avoided chat rooms. And then, and only then, did I apply.
I absolutely love Mixed Fleet and are proud to be part of BA.
From what I have experienced so far, and with over 30 years previous experience in the workplace, my opinion is that BA are a good and fair employer.
I have been to countries I could never have afforded to visit and work with some fantastic teams of crew.
I have also taken my partner to some fantastic places on amazing discounted fares.
The salary is improving as are the routes.
Don't allow the negativity on chat rooms influence your decision.
At the end of the day, BA is a business there to make profits, and cabin crew is a job, and like all jobs, it's not for everyone.
Some people apply, get in, have issues (usually about things that were clearly explained in the first place) and leave.
Others apply, get in, accept that there will be good days as well as challenging ones, and love it, like me.
Good luck.
p.s. I have been told that great many applications for the current recruitment are ex-mixed fleet cabin crew who have left mixed fleet and are re-applying!
I've been with MF for coming up to two years. There have been, and continue to be, lots of untruths and unhelpful rhetoric surrounding MF on chat rooms.
Firstly pay.
I checked my GROSS salary after 12 months flying and it was at the higher end of the salary range as advertised by BA on the advert I responded to. So spot on. The problems arise with TAKE HOME pay. It is relatively simple to work out tax and NI on any gross pay amount, so it is also relatively simple to work out a rough take home pay based on the gross pay advertised. The problems arise mainly because of Host, where crew can take out cash and pay for meals etc down route and then have that money deducted from their salary at the end of each month. It's not rocket science to deduce that if crew spend lots of cash down route and eat via room service in the hotels, they could easily rack up hundreds of pounds in Host which will seriously reduce their take home pay. Also sickness would impact on their quarterly bonus.
Crew who have left because they couldn't afford to live on the pay....I wonder if they did any research or budgeted before they joined?
Yes, crew have left but for a variety of reasons, e.g. Relationships problems, commute issues, some who had not flown before simply didn't like the job, and yes, for some, pay.
BA as an employer.
BA is a large multinational company and as with any large organisation, issues to arise. But no worse than any large organisation. I've found that if you play fair with them, you are treated fairly.
Commute.
I commute over 250 miles each way, and I've managed just fine. Yes, home standby's are a 'pain', but then I knew that they were going to be part of my duties.
And things are changing all the time.
Before I joined MF I read and re-read the advert. I studied the role profile. I research the company. I spoke with existing BA MF crew in person and asked them questions. I examined the impact on my personal finances. I thought about the commute issues for me. I discussed it with my partner. I avoided chat rooms. And then, and only then, did I apply.
I absolutely love Mixed Fleet and are proud to be part of BA.
From what I have experienced so far, and with over 30 years previous experience in the workplace, my opinion is that BA are a good and fair employer.
I have been to countries I could never have afforded to visit and work with some fantastic teams of crew.
I have also taken my partner to some fantastic places on amazing discounted fares.
The salary is improving as are the routes.
Don't allow the negativity on chat rooms influence your decision.
At the end of the day, BA is a business there to make profits, and cabin crew is a job, and like all jobs, it's not for everyone.
Some people apply, get in, have issues (usually about things that were clearly explained in the first place) and leave.
Others apply, get in, accept that there will be good days as well as challenging ones, and love it, like me.
Good luck.
p.s. I have been told that great many applications for the current recruitment are ex-mixed fleet cabin crew who have left mixed fleet and are re-applying!
Well said! Flying is a great job but it has its draw backs. The people who continually knock the changes brought about in order to keep up in this cut throat business need to stop and think hard.
Even MF pay is pretty good when compared to a lot of jobs outside.
I'm glad you took into account the fringe benefits such as seeing the world for free, staying in very nice hotels and taking the family on very nice holidays for very little money.
Stay with it and enjoy!
Even MF pay is pretty good when compared to a lot of jobs outside.
I'm glad you took into account the fringe benefits such as seeing the world for free, staying in very nice hotels and taking the family on very nice holidays for very little money.
Stay with it and enjoy!
Join Date: Dec 2007
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golden_oldie_surfer,
It is really good to hear about MF from an insider! As I dont have any friends flying on MF, I just get to hear the stories at work from one side...and as you say there are many untruths floating around and the silly rivalry between MF and "legacy" crews
just annoys me. Safe flying!
It is really good to hear about MF from an insider! As I dont have any friends flying on MF, I just get to hear the stories at work from one side...and as you say there are many untruths floating around and the silly rivalry between MF and "legacy" crews
just annoys me. Safe flying!
Join Date: Apr 2013
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I'm so glad to finally read a post like yours. I'm going to start MF training in June and I'm so excited about it that it's difficult for me even to explain how glad and proud I am to have the opportunity to join BA. I know many applied (they told us 'bout 10k) and I also know it makes you feel great to be one of the few who made it.
I've never worked as a cabin crew before, but I was working at the check-in, just waiting for my english and my customer care skills to be good enough to become a CC. This is my dream job since when I was a kid and finally it seems to become true. I can't wait to wear my BA uniform, to fly around the world, visiting places I've never been to and to work onboard with coleagues who have the same passion as me. I want to thank you for your post once again, because lately, people around me started to be negative and I needed to read a positive point of view from an "inside-man" like you. I have some questions for any MF in the forum, What is your favourite destination? Why? Wich destination do you hate? Why? How was your first roster? Is the training difficult?
To fly. To serve.
I've never worked as a cabin crew before, but I was working at the check-in, just waiting for my english and my customer care skills to be good enough to become a CC. This is my dream job since when I was a kid and finally it seems to become true. I can't wait to wear my BA uniform, to fly around the world, visiting places I've never been to and to work onboard with coleagues who have the same passion as me. I want to thank you for your post once again, because lately, people around me started to be negative and I needed to read a positive point of view from an "inside-man" like you. I have some questions for any MF in the forum, What is your favourite destination? Why? Wich destination do you hate? Why? How was your first roster? Is the training difficult?
To fly. To serve.
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BA Mixed fleet rosters
Just wondering if anyone could help me with some info on how a typical BA mixed fleet roster looks? I've been cabin crew (long haul) for a while now and hear all sorts about different pros and cons for mixed fleet. Just want some proper factual info please? Thanks!
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I'm currently undergoing my Mixed Fleet training (into week 3 of 6)
There's not really a typical roster because our roster system is a preference bidding system. So if you prefer to work short haul, your roster would be different to someone that prefers to work long haul.
The roster I have is for the last week of July (after my training finishes);
FRI 26 JUL - OFF DUTY
SAT 27 JUL - OFF DUTY
SUN 28 JUL - OFF DUTY
MON 29 JUL - OFF DUTY
TUE 30 JUL - LHR to KBP
Report time 0825 Local Time LHR (GMT+1)
0840 departure from LHR, arriving at KBP 1150 GMT
1255 GMT departure from KBP, arriving LHR at 1625
Clear at 1755 Local Time LHR (Local time being GMT+1)
WED 31 JUL - LHR to LAX
Report time 1035 Local Time LHR (GMT+1)
1105 departure from LHR, arriving at LAX 2210 GMT
SAT 03 AUG - LAX to LHR
0045 GMT departure from LAX, arriving at LHR 1100 GMT
Clear at 1230 Local Time LHR (Local time being GMT+1)
The LAX return leaves Friday night. 0045 BST is a late evening departure from LAX, arriving here the following morning.
Hope this helps somewhat. i know it's not a full roster but it's all I have at the moment. Once I get my full roster (mid july) I'll PM you and answer any question you have.
Things to remember:
- We get 9 rostered OFF DUTY days (sometimes 10) each month, so you only work 21 possible days in a month
- Each long haul trip nets you 2 OFF DUTY days (3 if you get the early morning arrival, where you get back to base as early as 0600, which works out as an extra day off
)
- On average we get one home standby and two airport standby's a month
- We also get AVAILABLE days on our roster, which at 1900 the night before will either change to OFF DUTY, airport standby, home standby, or a there and back. Sort of a wildcard which keeps things "interesting" shall we say
In effect, you get half the month off if you bid sensibly and don't pin your hopes on having nothing but RIO's and LAS's all month
However, that does mean that the other half of the month you're working, it is hard work. Lots of there and backs to plug in between the long hauls and you could quite easily have 2 there and backs with a long haul pinned after it. For example:
Day 1: LHR-LED-LHR
Day 2: LHR-LED-LHR
Day 3: LHR-LAS
Day 5: LAS-LHR (leaving on Day 4)
Day 6: OFF DUTY
Day 7: OFF DUTY
This is what my original roster had, but thankfully Scheduling overlapped my training roster so I can't do the above as per my old roster haha!
But it is what I was rostered to do, so certainly possible.
There's not really a typical roster because our roster system is a preference bidding system. So if you prefer to work short haul, your roster would be different to someone that prefers to work long haul.
The roster I have is for the last week of July (after my training finishes);
FRI 26 JUL - OFF DUTY
SAT 27 JUL - OFF DUTY
SUN 28 JUL - OFF DUTY
MON 29 JUL - OFF DUTY
TUE 30 JUL - LHR to KBP
Report time 0825 Local Time LHR (GMT+1)
0840 departure from LHR, arriving at KBP 1150 GMT
1255 GMT departure from KBP, arriving LHR at 1625
Clear at 1755 Local Time LHR (Local time being GMT+1)
WED 31 JUL - LHR to LAX
Report time 1035 Local Time LHR (GMT+1)
1105 departure from LHR, arriving at LAX 2210 GMT
SAT 03 AUG - LAX to LHR
0045 GMT departure from LAX, arriving at LHR 1100 GMT
Clear at 1230 Local Time LHR (Local time being GMT+1)
The LAX return leaves Friday night. 0045 BST is a late evening departure from LAX, arriving here the following morning.
Hope this helps somewhat. i know it's not a full roster but it's all I have at the moment. Once I get my full roster (mid july) I'll PM you and answer any question you have.
Things to remember:
- We get 9 rostered OFF DUTY days (sometimes 10) each month, so you only work 21 possible days in a month
- Each long haul trip nets you 2 OFF DUTY days (3 if you get the early morning arrival, where you get back to base as early as 0600, which works out as an extra day off
)- On average we get one home standby and two airport standby's a month
- We also get AVAILABLE days on our roster, which at 1900 the night before will either change to OFF DUTY, airport standby, home standby, or a there and back. Sort of a wildcard which keeps things "interesting" shall we say
In effect, you get half the month off if you bid sensibly and don't pin your hopes on having nothing but RIO's and LAS's all month
However, that does mean that the other half of the month you're working, it is hard work. Lots of there and backs to plug in between the long hauls and you could quite easily have 2 there and backs with a long haul pinned after it. For example:
Day 1: LHR-LED-LHR
Day 2: LHR-LED-LHR
Day 3: LHR-LAS
Day 5: LAS-LHR (leaving on Day 4)
Day 6: OFF DUTY
Day 7: OFF DUTY
This is what my original roster had, but thankfully Scheduling overlapped my training roster so I can't do the above as per my old roster haha!
But it is what I was rostered to do, so certainly possible.
Last edited by SunnySahota; 28th Jun 2013 at 12:10.
Join Date: Jul 2011
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Typical MF Rosters
Hi,
I can honestly say that with regard to a typical roster, the short answer is that there isn't one.
I have had everything from a month of mainly just MAN's, to a month of mostly Standby's, to month of nothing but LH's, etc. etc..
e.g. currently I have four consecutive LAX's.
Last month I had 14 days of standby's/AV days
The same applies to home/ airport standby days and AV Days. There is no typical month or average.
Individual rosters will depend on a multitude of factors
- bidding
- recency on a/c types
- training courses
- staffing levels
- changes to routes
- etc etc
And we may get ad hoc EF, WW or even LGW routes, should it be required.
I have never had the same type of roster twice even though my bids very rarely change.
With regard to days off, not all LH trips generate 2 or more days off after.
e.g. crew might only get a single day off after a NBO.
I could post an edited version of one of my rosters, but honestly, it would represent nothing and would be of no value.
Some crew like LH trips and other prefer SH or T&B's.
We all get a mixture of SH, LH, T&B's and, yes, standby's.
That's one of the great things about MF. The variety!
As mentioned in the previous post, if all a crew member yearns or bids for is nothing but GIG's or SIN/SYD's each month, they are going to be disappointed.
I embrace and enjoy this constant variety that is the core of BA MF.
safe flying.
I can honestly say that with regard to a typical roster, the short answer is that there isn't one.
I have had everything from a month of mainly just MAN's, to a month of mostly Standby's, to month of nothing but LH's, etc. etc..
e.g. currently I have four consecutive LAX's.
Last month I had 14 days of standby's/AV days
The same applies to home/ airport standby days and AV Days. There is no typical month or average.
Individual rosters will depend on a multitude of factors
- bidding
- recency on a/c types
- training courses
- staffing levels
- changes to routes
- etc etc
And we may get ad hoc EF, WW or even LGW routes, should it be required.
I have never had the same type of roster twice even though my bids very rarely change.
With regard to days off, not all LH trips generate 2 or more days off after.
e.g. crew might only get a single day off after a NBO.
I could post an edited version of one of my rosters, but honestly, it would represent nothing and would be of no value.
Some crew like LH trips and other prefer SH or T&B's.
We all get a mixture of SH, LH, T&B's and, yes, standby's.
That's one of the great things about MF. The variety!
As mentioned in the previous post, if all a crew member yearns or bids for is nothing but GIG's or SIN/SYD's each month, they are going to be disappointed.
I embrace and enjoy this constant variety that is the core of BA MF.
safe flying.
Last edited by golden_oldie_surfer; 27th Jul 2013 at 13:18.
