BA Direct Entry Pilot.
..I’m at the end of a European commute and by the time I’ve paid for the flights (over a year you are looking at at least £100 return,) factored in a £400’ish plus annual car park pass at the home end (no free car parking at the airport for us) and two/three/four nights a month accommodation in a B&B or one of the Purple Palaces @£35 - £50+ per night I reckon £600 p.c.m. is easily achievable on many months, even for a Long Hauler...
(I’ve ignored getting to the starting airport ‘cos you’ll be paying that regardless of whether that is LHR or somewhere more exotic..
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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.
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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!”
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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?
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 Feb 2019 at 12:38.
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Are folk commuting on ID90’s or hotline tickets? Is there much difference in price and thinking within UK would availability of a seat be an issue if only on a standby ticket? Thanks
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 ...
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.
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.
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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:
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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?
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 .
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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.
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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 Feb 2019 at 19:01.
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At the moment, in LGW, it is between 12 and 18 months for LHS. Longer (lot longer) for LHR.
