BA Cabin Crew - keep doing what you're doing!
May 5, 2018, 2:18 am
#1
Moderator: Qatar Airways
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: LHR/NCE/MIA
Programs: BAEC GfL & GGL, SQ Gold, Amex Centurion, Mucci des Chevaliers des Bons Mots et Qui Savent Moucher
Posts: 8,947
BA Cabin Crew - keep doing what you're doing!
BA gets a lot of stick on this board, and while sometimes it is deserved, there are elements of the airline which make it truly wonderful.
For me, the reason I am happy to continue paying money to BA, is for their crews.
Now yes, many of us have read 'horror stories' of crews being too slow, too loud, or plain unhelpful, but these are fewer and further between than they used to be.
I, for example, have just come off an MF operated 777 from MAD. The crew were marvellous, and were headed up by a CSM who usually spends his time in the Crew Training Centre (opposed to on-board).
Nothing was too much trouble, and the crew members around him were equally brilliant - 3 Golden Tickets were given out to 3 members of the team.
Thanks to the crew on BA461 yesterday, and to S, G, and J!
M
For me, the reason I am happy to continue paying money to BA, is for their crews.
Now yes, many of us have read 'horror stories' of crews being too slow, too loud, or plain unhelpful, but these are fewer and further between than they used to be.
I, for example, have just come off an MF operated 777 from MAD. The crew were marvellous, and were headed up by a CSM who usually spends his time in the Crew Training Centre (opposed to on-board).
Nothing was too much trouble, and the crew members around him were equally brilliant - 3 Golden Tickets were given out to 3 members of the team.
Thanks to the crew on BA461 yesterday, and to S, G, and J!
M
May 5, 2018, 2:32 am
#3
Join Date: Nov 2017
Programs: BA, Hilton
Posts: 2,091
At the risk of turning this into a me too thread, I'll echo those sentiments. Whether MF, EF, WW or Gatwick, I consistently find BA crews to be good to excellent.
On one particular wet and miserable January day this year, I boarded a heaving 767 up to EDI, several hours after our intended but cancelled flight was due. Suffice to say my mood was not bright. By the time I'd stepped off the plane, I was smiling and that's entirely due to a superbly polished performance by a CSD and his team on top of their game. That was the booking that got me gold so sadly no ticket to give, but thank yous sent via ba.com
On one particular wet and miserable January day this year, I boarded a heaving 767 up to EDI, several hours after our intended but cancelled flight was due. Suffice to say my mood was not bright. By the time I'd stepped off the plane, I was smiling and that's entirely due to a superbly polished performance by a CSD and his team on top of their game. That was the booking that got me gold so sadly no ticket to give, but thank yous sent via ba.com
May 5, 2018, 2:45 am
#4
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Manchester but from Yorkshire better known as Gods country
Programs: BA Gold, , Sandals plat
Posts: 839
BA gets a lot of stick on this board, and while sometimes it is deserved, there are elements of the airline which make it truly wonderful.
For me, the reason I am happy to continue paying money to BA, is for their crews.
Now yes, many of us have read 'horror stories' of crews being too slow, too loud, or plain unhelpful, but these are fewer and further between than they used to be.
M
For me, the reason I am happy to continue paying money to BA, is for their crews.
Now yes, many of us have read 'horror stories' of crews being too slow, too loud, or plain unhelpful, but these are fewer and further between than they used to be.
M
May 5, 2018, 2:52 am
#5
Join Date: Dec 2016
Programs: BAEC GGL/CR; Hilton Diamond; Mucci des Puccis
Posts: 5,603
Competent crews, fairly normal. Bad crews, quite unusual. Experience enhancing crews, also quite unusual. When you get one it's great, but it's not all that common in my experience. It's quite patchy.
In comparison with other airlines they're pretty much on par though.
In comparison with other airlines they're pretty much on par though.
May 5, 2018, 3:37 am
#7
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Tokyo
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You get these examples of excellent crews, but you also get the examples where the cabin crew is sitting happily texting on their phone in the jump seat by door 2R on an A321 while the passengers are disembarking. Or doing their makeup in the same place and time.
Crews are far too inconsistent if you ask me.
Crews are far too inconsistent if you ask me.
May 5, 2018, 3:53 am
#8
Join Date: May 2018
Posts: 3
One hundred and ten percent agree that BA crews need more praise after today!
I’m not long off yesterday’s BA93 to YYZ in First. Great flight, young and enthusiastic mixed fleet crew headed by a really impressive CSM called Sophie. Nothing too much trouble. The hours flew by (pun intended).
Then the drama started. Major storms in Toronto yesterday and winds of 119 kph recorded at YYZ, meaning airport was closed on and off throughout the day. We circled for half an hour to let the storm pass before (said the captain) trying to be ready for the approach twice without success. We must have been flying around above YYZ in pretty bad conditions for more than an hour.
On our first proper approach attempt we were jostled around all over the place all the way down. At just under 2,000 feet captain decided had to do a go around. Cabin crew (who was in cockpit jumpseat) told me that this was because an Air France just ahead had aborted because of the wind, and the airport then closed.
We then had insufficient fuel to hang around so were diverted to Detroit to refuel and sit it out. Finally made it back to YYZ at around 2130 (5.5 hours late) and after the later BA99.
Cabin crew were outstanding throughout, keeping people (some of whom genuinely terrified) calm and with good humour. I know mixed fleet is sometimes give a hard time, but if this poise, confidence and service level is the future of BA then I’m in.
It also turns out that this way the CSM’s safety check (?) flight. Top marks as far as I’m concerned.
OUF
(Long time lurker, newbie poster)
I’m not long off yesterday’s BA93 to YYZ in First. Great flight, young and enthusiastic mixed fleet crew headed by a really impressive CSM called Sophie. Nothing too much trouble. The hours flew by (pun intended).
Then the drama started. Major storms in Toronto yesterday and winds of 119 kph recorded at YYZ, meaning airport was closed on and off throughout the day. We circled for half an hour to let the storm pass before (said the captain) trying to be ready for the approach twice without success. We must have been flying around above YYZ in pretty bad conditions for more than an hour.
On our first proper approach attempt we were jostled around all over the place all the way down. At just under 2,000 feet captain decided had to do a go around. Cabin crew (who was in cockpit jumpseat) told me that this was because an Air France just ahead had aborted because of the wind, and the airport then closed.
We then had insufficient fuel to hang around so were diverted to Detroit to refuel and sit it out. Finally made it back to YYZ at around 2130 (5.5 hours late) and after the later BA99.
Cabin crew were outstanding throughout, keeping people (some of whom genuinely terrified) calm and with good humour. I know mixed fleet is sometimes give a hard time, but if this poise, confidence and service level is the future of BA then I’m in.
It also turns out that this way the CSM’s safety check (?) flight. Top marks as far as I’m concerned.
OUF
(Long time lurker, newbie poster)
May 5, 2018, 4:52 am
#9
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Perth WA/ UK
Programs: BA Gold, Priority Club Gold, Accor Silver, Virgin Australia Gold
Posts: 1,750
BA gets a lot of stick on this board, and while sometimes it is deserved, there are elements of the airline which make it truly wonderful.
For me, the reason I am happy to continue paying money to BA, is for their crews.
Now yes, many of us have read 'horror stories' of crews being too slow, too loud, or plain unhelpful, but these are fewer and further between than they used to be.
I, for example, have just come off an MF operated 777 from MAD. The crew were marvellous, and were headed up by a CSM who usually spends his time in the Crew Training Centre (opposed to on-board).
Nothing was too much trouble, and the crew members around him were equally brilliant - 3 Golden Tickets were given out to 3 members of the team.
Thanks to the crew on BA461 yesterday, and to S, G, and J!
M
For me, the reason I am happy to continue paying money to BA, is for their crews.
Now yes, many of us have read 'horror stories' of crews being too slow, too loud, or plain unhelpful, but these are fewer and further between than they used to be.
I, for example, have just come off an MF operated 777 from MAD. The crew were marvellous, and were headed up by a CSM who usually spends his time in the Crew Training Centre (opposed to on-board).
Nothing was too much trouble, and the crew members around him were equally brilliant - 3 Golden Tickets were given out to 3 members of the team.
Thanks to the crew on BA461 yesterday, and to S, G, and J!
M
May 5, 2018, 5:00 am
#10
Moderator, Iberia Airlines, Airport Lounges, and Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Feb 2010
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Posts: 63,771
May 5, 2018, 5:49 am
#11
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Manchester but from Yorkshire better known as Gods country
Programs: BA Gold, , Sandals plat
Posts: 839
May 5, 2018, 6:32 am
#12
Join Date: Dec 2016
Posts: 587
I think I know the CSM the OP is referring to and, yes, he really is fantastic. I’ve had the pleasure of being trained by him in TBC and having flown with him; he really does motivate the team. A good CSM can make all the difference, especially on a day such as the MAD.
Glad you hold BA Crew in high regard, 99.9% of us really do try our hardest and are proud of what we do. Positive feedback makes it slightly more worthwhile.
Glad you hold BA Crew in high regard, 99.9% of us really do try our hardest and are proud of what we do. Positive feedback makes it slightly more worthwhile.
May 5, 2018, 6:38 am
#13
Join Date: May 2010
Location: UK
Posts: 5,380
People who say 'just saying' rarely are! Can't you allow credit where it is due?
May 5, 2018, 7:09 am
#14
Join Date: Jul 2013
Programs: AA MM, AA EXP; OW Emerald, EK silver
Posts: 928
There is a tendency for people to confuse the actions of the crew, who with rare exception, are hard working and professional under very difficult conditions, with the 'enhancements' dictated by administrative powers. In every job there are exceptions but, as someone who 'hops the pond' on a fairly regular basis, I have nothing but praise for the cabin staff on BA and, wherever possible, will choose BA over AA (in spite of the better lounge choices in T3).
May 5, 2018, 7:41 am
#15
Moderator: Qatar Airways
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: LHR/NCE/MIA
Programs: BAEC GfL & GGL, SQ Gold, Amex Centurion, Mucci des Chevaliers des Bons Mots et Qui Savent Moucher
Posts: 8,947
I think I know the CSM the OP is referring to and, yes, he really is fantastic. I’ve had the pleasure of being trained by him in TBC and having flown with him; he really does motivate the team. A good CSM can make all the difference, especially on a day such as the MAD.
Glad you hold BA Crew in high regard, 99.9% of us really do try our hardest and are proud of what we do. Positive feedback makes it slightly more worthwhile.
Glad you hold BA Crew in high regard, 99.9% of us really do try our hardest and are proud of what we do. Positive feedback makes it slightly more worthwhile.
He classified being onboard, as his 'day out of the office'!
Really nice chap.
M