Open Skies - The new and Innovative Airline from British Airways

Emily in Gloucester, Massachusetts said: That's great to hear Malti. I speak three European languages and have five years crew experience in the EU (France)so know how picky BA are.

I did get an offer from EOS and Delta but turned them down holding out for OS. If that doesn't work out I'll go back to crewing in the EU.

I hope the rest of us hear soon. I just hope the BA pilot strike ballot doesn't put a spanner in our works.

Emily,

Very impressive background I must say. You are heads above me. I speak English and some Thai.(Grew up in Bangkok) Thai is not, however, a language in much demand. I know you will do very well at the O.S. interview.

I was in the first interview group on January 31, and like many, I am at the "passed phase 2- waiting for references" status on the online employment screen with Open Skies. I am also waiting for the official invitation advise as well. The original communication I received stated that the results of my interview would be sent out 'within 2 weeks' of the e-mail- that is, 2 weeks from January 31 which is February 14. From the posts that I am now reading it may be the 20th, so I do not know what to think.

Rob in Union, Iowa said: Hi Natasha-- I was at the 10am appointment and I believe there was 10sih?? It was kinda hard to tell because the 8am people joined us for the informational part then we(10am) had our 1/1 and 2/1.

Wishing us all NOTHING BUT THE BEST!!

Rob

Interesting how they did your interview format. You mentioned you would be told by the 20th? I had my interview on the 5th, and the email says we would be notified of results within two weeks. I'm figuring I should hear something by the 19th of February. Did you have your interview on the 6th? The 20th would be 14 days from then, no?
And yes, GOOD LUCK to all of us OS applicants here! :-)

Hi DAVID! That's funny, I just posted the same type of question with regard to when some results should be relayed to us. :-)

David in Chandler, Arizona said: Emily,

Very impressive background I must say. You are heads above me. I speak English and some Thai.(Grew up in Bangkok) Thai is not, however, a language in much demand. I know you will do very well at the O.S. interview.

I was in the first interview group on January 31, and like many, I am at the "passed phase 2- waiting for references" status on the online employment screen with Open Skies. I am also waiting for the official invitation advise as well. The original communication I received stated that the results of my interview would be sent out 'within 2 weeks' of the e-mail- that is, 2 weeks from January 31 which is February 14. From the posts that I am now reading it may be the 20th, so I do not know what to think.

David---Think NOTHING but positive thoughts!! Rob

Natasha---I THOUGHT she said something about 7days but not after the 20th??? I guess I was so excited I wasn't really listening as well as I should have.

I will tell you though--I've done nothing for a week now but rehash the interview and questions. Would've - Could've -Should've!! LOL

Rob in Union, Iowa said: David---Think NOTHING but positive thoughts!! Rob

Natasha---I THOUGHT she said something about 7days but not after the 20th??? I guess I was so excited I wasn't really listening as well as I should have.

I will tell you though--I've done nothing for a week now but rehash the interview and questions. Would've - Could've -Should've!! LOL

Oh...I don't know what you mean by "7 days." I'm just referring to the email that followed the interview saying we should hear something within 14 days of our interview. That puts me at Feb. 19th since my interview was the 5th. 5+14=19. What are your thoughts? And DON'T rehash everything, you're going to drive yourself crazy!!!! :-) LOL

Rob in Union, Iowa said: David---Think NOTHING but positive thoughts!! Rob

Natasha---I THOUGHT she said something about 7days but not after the 20th??? I guess I was so excited I wasn't really listening as well as I should have.

I will tell you though--I've done nothing for a week now but rehash the interview and questions. Would've - Could've -Should've!! LOL

Rob,

Thank you so much, you are right- we all need to stay encouraged. I have let some offers and interviews go with the optomistic view that this one is going to come through.

Natasha- yes, I am hoping that we hear within the next couple of days.

Emily in Gloucester, Massachusetts said: One thing I thought of. Is anyone else put off by the lack of commuting options and travel bennies? I mean if you don't live in NY then it's getting to work on your own dime and getting a place in NY means lots of $$$.

Staff travel with BA or OS doen't compare to the US carriers I've looked at. No jumpseat agreements and limited options with your own carrier compared to very generous options with US carriers. The UK has such huge departure taxes that it would cost a fortune to get to LHR or LGW to take advantage of the BA system which is only ID90 at Y class.

I do want to chime in about that! I haven't been able to get a clear picture of how I would commute from FLL every time. No airline will reciprocate with OS, I don't think JB will do it either....what's a person to do? :-(

shanester is looking for a crash pad near the airport. if anyone sees him post, direct him to BTDT forum b/c i found a few links for him and posted them! that boy is getting his wings tomorrow, has no where to stay and we need to help him out!!!!

wooo hooo for the shanester!

Natasha in Pompano Beach, Florida said: I do want to chime in about that! I haven't been able to get a clear picture of how I would commute from FLL every time. No airline will reciprocate with OS, I don't think JB will do it either....what's a person to do? :-(

Natasha,

I will be in the same boat, with a commute to NYC from Phoenix. I have found some fairly cheap fares that I would use for a time and hopefully discover another route to handle this issue. I do plan on finding a place in NY in any event to make it more practical, something I was prepared for. As a novice in the Big Apple, I will have to ask all you local experts about recommendations
when and if that time comes. ( The only area I have been steered toward as a result of information offered from my interview experiences in the New York area is; Kew Gardens-evidently a mecca for F/A's?)

I was also hoping that B/A would offer some staff privileges on codeshare partner-American Airlines. Does not appear this will be the case from what I gather from Emilys' earlier post.

B/A does fly directly into Phoenix from LHR, however, no local stops of course.

David in Chandler, Arizona said: Natasha,

I will be in the same boat, with a commute to NYC from Phoenix. I have found some fairly cheap fares that I would use for a time and hopefully discover another route to handle this issue. I do plan on finding a place in NY in any event to make it more practical, something I was prepared for. As a novice in the Big Apple, I will have to ask all you local experts about recommendations
when and if that time comes. ( The only area I have been steered toward as a result of information offered from my interview experiences in the New York area is; Kew Gardens-evidently a mecca for F/A's?)

I was also hoping that B/A would offer some staff privileges on codeshare partner-American Airlines. Does not appear this will be the case from what I gather from Emilys' earlier post.

B/A does fly directly into Phoenix from LHR, however, no local stops of course.

DAVID, what about Jet Blue, do they offer FAs a low fare to commute, do you know?

Natasha in Pompano Beach, Florida said: DAVID, what about Jet Blue, do they offer FAs a low fare to commute, do you know?

Natasha,

I am not aware of any. Southwest has been the cheapest of any of the carriers I have found. I can get from Phoenix to NY for $99.00. (This is not a special for F/A's- this is just the lowest regular fare I have seen to date.)

I will do more research.

David in Chandler, Arizona said: Natasha,

I am not aware of any. Southwest has been the cheapest of any of the carriers I have found. I can get from Phoenix to NY for $99.00. (This is not a special for F/A's- this is just the lowest regular fare I have seen to date.)

I will do more research.

Thanks, DAVID! I think I remember SHANE mentioning that JB offered jumpseating to any FA....or maybe I read wrong....hmmmm...

JetBlue also has FLL to EWR for $99 each way, but it adds up after a while. I hope we can jumpseat on them...

Natasha in Pompano Beach, Florida said: JetBlue also has FLL to EWR for $99 each way, but it adds up after a while. I hope we can jumpseat on them...

Natasha,

I do as well. The Jet Blue jumpseat deal would be tremendous, if that is an available option.

David in Chandler, Arizona said: Natasha,

I am not aware of any. Southwest has been the cheapest of any of the carriers I have found. I can get from Phoenix to NY for $99.00. (This is not a special for F/A's- this is just the lowest regular fare I have seen to date.)

I will do more research.

southwest only flys to merrick long island or philidelphia. both are way out there from the airports

Hello David,

This is Sara you were very kind enough to send me a few words of encouragement on this post. Congratulations on open skies and good luck on this new venture sounds exciting and fun. You can definately find a place in Kew Gardens "queens" since its close to JFK airport and very accessible, there are quite a few buses that go directly to the airport from kew gardens not a bad area too , you can also consider rego park or forest hills in queens as well, you can take the air train to the airport from the subway stations, hope this helps, all the best.

Hi all. I'm packing to leave my friend's place and head home. I do know that on my OS day someone asked about jumpseating with Jet Blue or anyone else and they said absolutely not. There has to be an agreement with Jet Blue for cabin crew to use it.

I was planning on living in the DC area and commuting in with a NYC crash pad. I just don't see how I could afford it. I'd be spending over half my salary getting to work and paying a crash pad fee. :(

Emily in Gloucester, Massachusetts said: Hi all. I'm packing to leave my friend's place and head home. I do know that on my OS day someone asked about jumpseating with Jet Blue or anyone else and they said absolutely not. There has to be an agreement with Jet Blue for cabin crew to use it.

I was planning on living in the DC area and commuting in with a NYC crash pad. I just don't see how I could afford it. I'd be spending over half my salary getting to work and paying a crash pad fee. :(

Yep, I can totally relate to the dilemma. It's not looking very good for us, is it? I'm not willing to relocate to NY at this time in my life and spending the money on commuting plus a crashpad cost ....well, what's the point? :-(

a few crash pad sites...

newyork.craigslist.org/que/roo/570591932.html

newyork.craigslist.org/que/roo/570319836.html

easy access to the airport and inexpensive. well, maybe. the prices seem to be reasonable. kew gardens is easy and popular. not the most pleasing to the eye place in NY. quiet tho. everything you need is right at your front door and transportantion is everywhere!

Great links. How far would that be from Newark if they end up flying out of there?

sara in Elmwood Park, New Jersey said: Hello David,

This is Sara you were very kind enough to send me a few words of encouragement on this post. Congratulations on open skies and good luck on this new venture sounds exciting and fun. You can definately find a place in Kew Gardens "queens" since its close to JFK airport and very accessible, there are quite a few buses that go directly to the airport from kew gardens not a bad area too , you can also consider rego park or forest hills in queens as well, you can take the air train to the airport from the subway stations, hope this helps, all the best.

Sara,

Thank you for the information and suggestions. I will follow up on them. Stay in touch with us and let us know what you are doing.

NYCgirl- thank you for the sites.

hey guys...no problem

from newark you would take the "E" train to penn station. about 25 minute subway ride.
from penn station you get onto NJ transit which goes drops you off at newark airport. thats probably about a 20 minute ride. the subway would cost $2 and NJ transit would be ....
Adult One Way 15.00
Child/Senior/Disabled One Way 11.25*
Ten Trip 139.00
Monthly 154.00

its a flat rate that doesnt change weekday to weeend. its the airport that charges you. its a good ride tho. subways and trains are relaxing....
unless youre running late!!!!

hope this helps

the first sentence i meant from kew gardens queens.......not newark

oh, and the "ten trip" is cheaper and the tickets do not expire so its always better to get that package than individule rides.....

im laughing at my spelling. i actually CAN spell when its not dark! sorry!

Emily in Gloucester, Massachusetts said: Great links. How far would that be from Newark if they end up flying out of there?

Forget that! I'm moving in with NYCGirl! hahahahaha ;-)

PAR - TAY!!!

Natasha in Pompano Beach, Florida said: DAVID, what about Jet Blue, do they offer FAs a low fare to commute, do you know?

Guys, don't quote me on this (Natasha knows how I got by head bitten off last time I posted incorrect info on one of the "other" forums lol)

JB has jumpseat aggreements with A LOT of airlines. OS obviously isn't one, but I was told that if you are crew and your airline does not have an agreement with them, you can fly them for $25 plus tax eachway.

I paid to become a member of another forum of mostly current FAs. I will ask this question for you on that forum. This would be a good option, but you'll have to give yourself plenty of time before a trip. (Of course with OS you can do that). I've heard it can be difficult to get on JB sometimes b/c they offer seats to so many different airline employees.

I've never flown JB and I want to so bad for the experience!
I've heard it's fun.
Sadly, AirTran works pretty hard to keep both them and SWA out of ATL.

MattATL in Atlanta, Georgia said: Guys, don't quote me on this (Natasha knows how I got by head bitten off last time I posted incorrect info on one of the "other" forums lol)

JB has jumpseat aggreements with A LOT of airlines. OS obviously isn't one, but I was told that if you are crew and your airline does not have an agreement with them, you can fly them for $25 plus tax eachway.

I paid to become a member of another forum of mostly current FAs. I will ask this question for you on that forum. This would be a good option, but you'll have to give yourself plenty of time before a trip. (Of course with OS you can do that). I've heard it can be difficult to get on JB sometimes b/c they offer seats to so many different airline employees.

Thank you MattATL,

This would, of course, be a wonderful commute option. I would be anxious to know the particulars if this is a reality.

Thanks again for thinking of this and sharing.

nycgirl in ny, New York said: PAR - TAY!!!

YEA, BABEEEEEEE!!!! :-)

MattATL in Atlanta, Georgia said: Guys, don't quote me on this (Natasha knows how I got by head bitten off last time I posted incorrect info on one of the "other" forums lol)

JB has jumpseat aggreements with A LOT of airlines. OS obviously isn't one, but I was told that if you are crew and your airline does not have an agreement with them, you can fly them for $25 plus tax eachway.

I paid to become a member of another forum of mostly current FAs. I will ask this question for you on that forum. This would be a good option, but you'll have to give yourself plenty of time before a trip. (Of course with OS you can do that). I've heard it can be difficult to get on JB sometimes b/c they offer seats to so many different airline employees.

MATT, thank you so much for looking into that for us!!!! Yeah, that would be helpful if I didn't have to pay $99 each time to commute to my flight..... LOL

Wait a minute, where's MALTI???? Is she getting ready for her EOS? Is it tomorrow?.....
MALTI! GOOD LUCK AT EOS!!!!!!! :-) :-) :-)

OK for all the OS planners. I actually decided not to attend my FTF because JB does not fly out of ATL. However, y'all have me curious about their compensation plan. I can't imaging having to pay $25 - $99 each time I had to get to work. I am sure that it could not be managed on the SA compensation plan. I plan on secondary income as it is. Is OS just double or triple the money per flight/block hour?

Hi All:

I have a quick question for anyone that has been to the Eos interview.

How is it set up..meaning what do I do when I get there?
Obviously... I know the basics and will mingle and all that jazz...
but, what I'm curious to know is...
how does the process start?
We all sit... listen to the company info?
And then speak one at time for 30 seconds...
afterwards..is there a break and then names posted or called... of the people they wish to speak with in more detail?

When is the one on one?
After the survival exercise or before?

BTW: my hair... oh boy... I look like Ivana Trump!! The hairdresser I went to..whoa..she gave my hair some wicked height in my french twist. :)
Nycgirl.. I would show it to you... but its too late... you would so pee your pants with laughter...
I'm not kidding... Just call me Ivana.

It looks good... but.. geeee... it really did need to be so high that I hit my hair when I get in my car. :)

Hey guys!! Just thought I'd throw in a bit of info....Key Gardens/Forest Hills area is very nice. Great neighborhoods, very easy if you don't have transportation. Subways, buses, taxis--ya got it all.

Not sure what NYC ment about it not being that pleasing to the eye or whatever--But WHATEVER.....it's VERY nice as far as Queens goes. I've kept an apt. in Briarwood which is one stop on the E/F from forest hills. I like it and it's very convient and SAFE....

JETBLUE---For Flight Attendants. You have to be an American carrier part 121 to use the j/s with them! Sorry!! won't work for OS. However....STATION agreements are easy enough to be set up. IMO.

OOH forgot...car service from Briarwood/Forrest Hills area is roughly 12-15 bucks each way with out tip. FYI!!
I was based at JFK for 10 years so if ya need any info please let me know.

Rob

For those of you relocating to NYC.....I live uptown Manhattan. I am about an hour and a half commute to JFK or to Newark (not the most convenient, but it is a straight shot to JFK ....and one subway ride + one NJ transit ride to EWR...PLUS you would be living in Manhattan). I have a one-bedroom apt., but I would consider renting out half my space to another FA for a very cheap rate. Not ideal, but it would be less expensive and nicer than a "crash pad" where you share a small space with bunk beds and 8 other people.

Rob,

by no means was i putting down kew gradens! what i said was it is quiet and convenient! i gave the trains to JFK and NWR. all easily accessable!

not pleasing to the eye means that its just a plain place w/o geenery, palm trees, grren grass to run your feet around, etc.
dont forget, our friends here are not used to queens, manhattan, brooklyn bronx or SI living! many may come from greener pastures!

clear?

Where "uptown" and how much?? Thanks

ok, so if anyone needs information on living, transportation etc, ask rob...he knows...i'm outta any suggestions from here on in. apparently i insult people and do not know the area. if you only knew how many years i worked all 5. yes, its queens...you said it rob.

malti

i so wish you a ton of luck tomorrow! you and that ivana hair will knock 'em off their chairs! i hope you're wearing that extremely flattering black calvin!
please call me when you are finished so i know how you are!

Well....guess we'll have to agree to disagree on this one NYgrl.....I'll have ya over for a glass of wine and you can check out the scenery for yourself!! No it's not Palm Beach.....But it is NY after all! LOL ps I do have a nice pool at my building!!(But it's only open in the summer.)
Not picking an argument here...just my view from my world!! In Briarwood off of Main St. and Queens BLVD.

i know it well rob.

you took what i wrote the wrong way and if you scroll back up and read it as i did you will see. i re read it and found nada wrong with it.

i can say that i'm done with giving info if it has to do with location and SCENERY. or lack of

Nycgrl--Have you flown before?? If so with whom may I ask? Thanks Rob

nycgirl in ny, New York said: ok, so if anyone needs information on living, transportation etc, ask rob...he knows...i'm outta any suggestions from here on in. apparently i insult people and do not know the area. if you only knew how many years i worked all 5. yes, its queens...you said it rob.

malti

i so wish you a ton of luck tomorrow! you and that ivana hair will knock 'em off their chairs! i hope you're wearing that extremely flattering black calvin!
please call me when you are finished so i know how you are!

If turn my head.. I will surely knock someone off their chair... most likely the poor soul sitting next to me.
I plan to fix it tomorrow... a little steam shower may help.
I guess that serves me right... trying to get a french twist in NJ...
i forgot some stylish are stuck in the 'high hair' days of the past.

Thanks for the hopes of glory!
I will call you of my way back from Purchase...

Goodnight all!

i flown to many parts of the world but not as a FA. advid traveler. i have been a a private invetigator out of manhattan for the past 9 years and i work in every part of the 5 and long island. may i ask what being an FA has to do with knowing an area

OOOH Fuuur CHRIST SAKE!!!!!! All I'm commenting on was your "not pleasing to the eye" remark!! Get OVER IT! Would ya!!

Obviously you DON'T know the area your telling people is unpleasing to the eye or you wouldn't say it!! NOW GIT!!

BTW----I would certainly HOPE that as a fellow crew member your not this combative as what I've seen on here the last few days. It's very unbecoming dear.

malti in HHI, South Carolina said: If turn my head.. I will surely knock someone off their chair... most likely the poor soul sitting next to me.
I plan to fix it tomorrow... a little steam shower may help.
I guess that serves me right... trying to get a french twist in NJ...
i forgot some stylish are stuck in the 'high hair' days of the past.

Thanks for the hopes of glory!
I will call you of my way back from Purchase...

Goodnight all!

night shug! HA! PLEASE be careful not to hurt yourself with that hair!

looking forward to hearing from you tomorrow!

now, now... you two New Yorkers should go out and get a drink.. and tour each of your respective areas. How about
Valentines Day?

I personally know nothing about NY..
Only the shopping areas and the Bronx.
My grandmother had a home in the Parkchester area. Nice bakery on the circle by the subway. I think it is Zabbaro? Very yummy.

rob,
please. i'm not a child and truly do not appreciate your CAPS and the nasty attitude you are displaying! i do not appreciate the tone in your words and have nothing to say to someone like you anymore. its a shame really that you turned this part of the forum into the others. im over it hun.
yes rob. i do know the area so PLEASE yourself. im actually finished with this conversation since i have done nothing but give good information to anyone who asks.

be my guest and answer all questions about the city since you live in IOWA.

UUMMM.....I'm in Iowa at my parents while they winter in Texas love!! Nice try though!!

Anyway---I do wish you the best in all future endeavors, maybe we'll have the chance to fly together.

I'll be back in Briarwood on the 20th if you'd like to meet up!

Rob