British Airways cabin crew 2026: Heathrow vs Gatwick, fleets and contracts explained
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#1 Ten years at BA, so let me untangle the structure people find confusing.
- Heathrow long-haul and short-haul fleets. Since the fleet merger, new joiners come in on the unified Heathrow contract and can fly both.
- Gatwick is a separate operation with its own contract, more leisure long-haul and short-haul.
- Contracts differ in pay and allowances; the Heathrow long-haul network is the reason most people join.Recruitment is via the careers site with a video interview, then an assessment centre. Requirements: 18+, reach 6'11" on tiptoes, swim, passport allowing worldwide travel, small tattoos considered if not visible in uniform.
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#2 Is it true BA does a lot of standby for new joiners at Heathrow?
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#3 First months, yes, more standby blocks than bid trips. It thins out within the first year as you accumulate seniority within the fleet.
