BA Direct Entry Pilot.
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 995
Likes: 103
From: Botswana
Fair enough Wiggy in my crown dependency we benefit from free parking at the home end, although the airport are keen to close this loophole (out of pure spite and vindictiveness as none of us will be using the long stay car park instead if they force us out) and a return ticket to Gatwick mixed between easyJet staff travel and BA staff travel usually averages £50, skewed towards the easyJet side of things as that’s what I usually use. I had absolutely horrific months in my first year as a Heathrow Short hauler where I had pre assignments and daytrips that I couldn’t get rid of where the cost was nudging up towards £1000! Something for any potential short hauler commuters to bear in mind. The latest inexplicable JSS twist where 2/3 day trips have been inhibited will not help commuters either.
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,729
Likes: 104
From: The Winchester
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 898
Likes: 74
From: UK
JSS inhibitors appear to be pure trial and error at the moment, but it does seem as though they are aiming for, “You can create your own roster which is tailored to your particular needs, just as long as it looks just like this one!”
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: UK
Thanks for the replies. I’ve budgeted for £1000 a month commuting from elsewhere in the UK. A car park pass at my ‘home’ airport is £53/month and as people have mentioned, hotels are on average £50 a night. I don’t know Hotline prices but standby tickets are around £80-90 return. As SH I’m assuming I’ll be down there 5-6 times a month. Does that sound realistic to those in the know?
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,729
Likes: 104
From: The Winchester
Is there any reference material for potential new joiners to read about JSS? I feel to join with eyes wide open requires a complete understanding of what the rosters will look like / are capable of looking like since that’s such a huge part of the lifestyle aspect. PM me if you would rather not put anything in the public...
Currently most "education" is being done via in house yammer conversations, posts on the BALPA forum, or drop in sessions at crew report or simply by word of mouth around the network/over a beer or coffee on a trip
Last edited by wiggy; 27th February 2019 at 12:38.
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,729
Likes: 104
From: The Winchester
For ID90s seats can be problem, again depending depending on route, day of the week, holidays etc. Jumpseats may be available but there are never any guarantees ...
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,198
Likes: 32
From: France
ID90 v Hotline pros and cons:
ID90 fully flexible and cancellable.
Hotline possible to change after midnight UK time on the day of travel. Such change can be free but may also incur a fee.
Hotline cancellation only refunds the APD.
Sometimes Hotlines are cheaper than ID90s. Even if the particular flight that you want is more expensive, you can book the cheapest flight and then change it on the day to a better time, normally for free.
Hotline tickets give you full commercial passenger rights. Your seat is confirmed and you can normally choose a seat for free in advance. You can check in 24 hours before departure. You also gain avios points and Club tier points (not many on LHR-CDG!). You can clear through departures and security as soon as you like.
ID90s are issued on a “standby” basis; i.e. if space is available. No remote check-in. You must physically check in at LHR by STD-45 at the latest and then it’s a lottery whether or not you’ll be allocated a seat or whether you’ll remain on standby. Sometimes you have to plead with staff to get an “airside indicator” so that you can get to the departure gate. LHR departures security-gate cut-off is STD-35 which can be a bit stressful. Contact with the operating crew is useful as they can authorise a jump-seat which gets you over these hurdles.
In summary, I try to use Hotlines as often as possible as the experience is altogether more pleasant. The only time I would use ID90s is if I’m unsure of my plans and chances of changes/cancellations are high. Also, sometimes there just aren’t any cheap deals on Hotline, normally because I’ve left it too late.
ID90 fully flexible and cancellable.
Hotline possible to change after midnight UK time on the day of travel. Such change can be free but may also incur a fee.
Hotline cancellation only refunds the APD.
Sometimes Hotlines are cheaper than ID90s. Even if the particular flight that you want is more expensive, you can book the cheapest flight and then change it on the day to a better time, normally for free.
Hotline tickets give you full commercial passenger rights. Your seat is confirmed and you can normally choose a seat for free in advance. You can check in 24 hours before departure. You also gain avios points and Club tier points (not many on LHR-CDG!). You can clear through departures and security as soon as you like.
ID90s are issued on a “standby” basis; i.e. if space is available. No remote check-in. You must physically check in at LHR by STD-45 at the latest and then it’s a lottery whether or not you’ll be allocated a seat or whether you’ll remain on standby. Sometimes you have to plead with staff to get an “airside indicator” so that you can get to the departure gate. LHR departures security-gate cut-off is STD-35 which can be a bit stressful. Contact with the operating crew is useful as they can authorise a jump-seat which gets you over these hurdles.
In summary, I try to use Hotlines as often as possible as the experience is altogether more pleasant. The only time I would use ID90s is if I’m unsure of my plans and chances of changes/cancellations are high. Also, sometimes there just aren’t any cheap deals on Hotline, normally because I’ve left it too late.
Joined: Mar 2018
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 544
Likes: 110
From: U.K.
In terms of the latest recruitment page on the BA website, do find it a little funny that the final bullet point highlighting the benefits of joining British Airways is:
- At our Waterside Head Office, you’ll have access to: a cashpoint, Waitrose, HighLife Shop, company gym, dental care, Waterside Hair and Beauty.
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
From: WILTSHIRE
In terms of the latest recruitment page on the BA website, do find it a little funny that the final bullet point highlighting the benefits of joining British Airways is:
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
From: WILTSHIRE
Thanks for the replies. I’ve budgeted for £1000 a month commuting from elsewhere in the UK. A car park pass at my ‘home’ airport is £53/month and as people have mentioned, hotels are on average £50 a night. I don’t know Hotline prices but standby tickets are around £80-90 return. As SH I’m assuming I’ll be down there 5-6 times a month. Does that sound realistic to those in the know?
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,729
Likes: 104
From: The Winchester
There is at least one "crew friendly" proper hotel that usually has a crew rate £51 (and can be cheaper if you pick the right day and look at their public rates...).
If the BA shuttle buses aren't running then remember (?) that the TfL red buses are free around the perimeter, as far as and including Hatton Cross/Harlington Corner.
But yes, food isn't cheap (then again there's M&S in T5), so £70 sounds reasonable .
If the BA shuttle buses aren't running then remember (?) that the TfL red buses are free around the perimeter, as far as and including Hatton Cross/Harlington Corner.
But yes, food isn't cheap (then again there's M&S in T5), so £70 sounds reasonable .
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 615
Likes: 8
From: Middle England
I've got an invite. Has anyone got an idea how long it takes to get a LHS A320? Assuming one passes all the requisite LPC/OPC, suitability criteria etc and has sufficient hours already.
Thanks.
Thanks.
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 0
Likes: 0
From: Germany
There is at least one "crew friendly" proper hotel that usually has a crew rate £51 (and can be cheaper if you pick the right day and look at their public rates...).
If the BA shuttle buses aren't running then remember (?) that the TfL red buses are free around the perimeter, as far as and including Hatton Cross/Harlington Corner.
But yes, food isn't cheap (then again there's M&S in T5), so £70 sounds reasonable .
If the BA shuttle buses aren't running then remember (?) that the TfL red buses are free around the perimeter, as far as and including Hatton Cross/Harlington Corner.
But yes, food isn't cheap (then again there's M&S in T5), so £70 sounds reasonable .
Perfectly adequate HOTAC available within 10 mins of staff car park for mid thirties staff rate, plus a parking charge. Its costing on average 41 a night. Less if not driving. It is sometimes cheaper online, so check first. Bring food with you or use the local tesco on the bath road with ample supplies. If you want to slum it, Pizza or KFC. Eat lots of in flight!
Last edited by VinRouge; 27th February 2019 at 19:01.
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Somewhere
At the moment, in LGW, it is between 12 and 18 months for LHS. Longer (lot longer) for LHR.
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
From: Holland
Hey guys, was looking for some thoughts from guys who have applied and been unsuccessful but kept going and eventually got in. Tempted to apply again this year but not entirely sure what I would do differently. For reference I’m a 30 year old current short haul FO with long haul experience also and have around 3500h tt.
Basically I got to stage 1 first time and last year got through to stage 2. I didn’t feel the group ex went that well, but we worked together okay and the rest of the group thought it went fine. When it came to the interview I’d go as far as to say I left the room thinking it was the best interview I’d ever had, had answers to all their questions etc and was confident, one thing I didn’t really do was push the whole ‘BA is my dream’ etc etc. That said, everyone seemed to leave their interviews feeling it went well. But I really felt I’d done enough to get to the sim.
Anyway, a week or so later got a PFO and somewhat decided after that, that maybe BA just wasn’t the airline for me but now almost 12 months has passed I am tempted once again to have another go.
I suppose what I want to know is, what would the guys who have failed then subsequently passed say the main reason was? Is it luck of the draw as to who is interviewing you? I really struggle to see what it exactly is they are looking for, which is why I am a bit cautious about applying again.
Thoughts appreciated.
Basically I got to stage 1 first time and last year got through to stage 2. I didn’t feel the group ex went that well, but we worked together okay and the rest of the group thought it went fine. When it came to the interview I’d go as far as to say I left the room thinking it was the best interview I’d ever had, had answers to all their questions etc and was confident, one thing I didn’t really do was push the whole ‘BA is my dream’ etc etc. That said, everyone seemed to leave their interviews feeling it went well. But I really felt I’d done enough to get to the sim.
Anyway, a week or so later got a PFO and somewhat decided after that, that maybe BA just wasn’t the airline for me but now almost 12 months has passed I am tempted once again to have another go.
I suppose what I want to know is, what would the guys who have failed then subsequently passed say the main reason was? Is it luck of the draw as to who is interviewing you? I really struggle to see what it exactly is they are looking for, which is why I am a bit cautious about applying again.
Thoughts appreciated.
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 465
Likes: 0
From: Finland
What do we have here?
An approach was flown into a known difficult airfield.
The approach became unstable.
A go around was flown and a diversion was made to another airfield.
A successful landing was carried out, as I understand it, at the diversion airfield.
I think that was what I was paid to do for 30+ years.
Thank goodness I retired before I had to justify my decisions to social media.
Well done to the crew.
An approach was flown into a known difficult airfield.
The approach became unstable.
A go around was flown and a diversion was made to another airfield.
A successful landing was carried out, as I understand it, at the diversion airfield.
I think that was what I was paid to do for 30+ years.
Thank goodness I retired before I had to justify my decisions to social media.
Well done to the crew.
