There IS parking at Swampside.

Either turn right at the roundabout and through the barrier with the code security give you to the visitors carpark, or turn left and parking up by the Community (or whatever they call it) portacabin.

Do they really not give you any information about parking when they invite for an interview?

When I went through there was some pretty explicit information available on the recruitment portal about not parking at Waterside, but at T5 and taking the staff bus... maybe have a read through that again.

Train then bus is the general info.

Re: travelling for interview, etc..yes, there is parking at Waterside but given even existing staff temporarily visiting Waterside (e.g. for a medical) find parking there somewhat problematic due to lack of space I’d second the advice given to use public transport and/or one the frequent shuttle buses....especially if you are up against the clock...

If you really really have to drive into LHR then consider using one of the perimeter car parks and then either their own shuttle buses, or one of the TfL buses (hopefully within the free zone) to travel onwards..FWIW the weekday BA1 shuttle bus that goes via T5 and Waterside actually picks up/drops off up at Hatton Cross at one end of it’s route, and Harlington Corner at the other....just don’t forget your letter...

Seems like that is the thing to do. Thanks. May get a lift if I’m lucky.

Has anyone recently undertaken day one assessment. If so can I ask if is the same tests as before or have they changed it slightly since 2015?

Any feedback much appreciated.

Any updates or info from those who have been through this weeks process please ???

Unfortunately got caught up in the tail back on M25 caused by a 4 vehicle crash. I hope all those involved are okay. I will live another day. Let’s hope BA see it the same way.
Waiting to see.

unfortunate, but frankly, forseeable. Why didn’t you book a local hotel? Schoolboy error.

Ignore him ^

Sorry to hear about your M25 experience! I would have found it extremely stressful! Good news is the people in pilot recruitment are actually very understanding and decent people so I'm sure they won't hold it against you.

Fingers crossed you'll get another assessment day booked and you'll be joining us soon after :)

Thanks. Waiting. Keeping calm.

Cycles gladiator: I would not worry about BA this happens everyday with pilots, cabin crew, managers etc. Most times I call to say I am in traffic they can tell me what the cause is and what the delays are likely to be. I would be very proactive in getting back into the recruitment system and if you have numbers pick up the phone and speak to someone then follow it up with an email etc. The last thing you want to do is fall into a dark hole within the computer booking system. Anyone coming down the M4 today at about 7am got stuffed too.

Yes ignore by all means. Frankly I can’t believe you wouldn’t book a hotel on th bath road fr every stage. For gods sake there’s only a few stages and it’s £60 a night to eliminate the risk of the M25.
I would say it’s unlikely you’ll get another shot.

I know someone whose car broke down on the way to the interview who is now a long haul captain.

My sim partner was 20 minutes late arriving due to bad traffic on the M25, he got in too.

Disregard the rubbish written above, we've all been there. Don't worry!

Thanks for all your advice. The wheels are now in motion.

On that basis, you'll be in a hotel before every duty I presume? Unless your crystal ball advises you in advance of every single pile up on the M25.

The BA assessment takes enough out of you without adding unnecessary financial cost as well. Travel, parking, practice sims, (hotels) - it all adds up. And that's assuming you do it only once.

CG - hope you get it rearranged and good luck with it.

I wouldn't recommend paying for a practice sim either. It isn't necessary to get the job offer.

You might not have done one yourself, but I imagine those who did (and got in) don't regret it.

I suppose, but it isn't necessary to succeed is all I'm saying - I'm just supporting your comment "The BA assessment takes enough out of you without adding unnecessary financial cost as well."..

It’s a funny old profession when people are happy to pay £100k+ for their training, £1k on a Bose headset etc and yet don’t want to spend £60 for a hotel room when they have an assessment with the national carrier.

Aside from anything else, the delayed assessment might cost you 50-100 places on the seniority list, which might make all the difference to your lifestyle and cost you 6 months Captain’s salary down the line. Each to their own I suppose