Virgin Atlantic ITV Documentary

Looking at the Daily Wail article, I'm surprised to find that the stewardesses get minimum wage... I'd have expected more than that... Or is the travel and staying away from home regarded as a perk rather than a problem?

Really enjoyed this. Fascinating to watch the process of the the Dreamliner construction and fitting out. It's refreshing to hear how cost wasn't really an issue when fitting out these aircraft -it's all about the quality of the product. I can't wait to fly on of these now.

The cabin crew training was very interesting too - the VS training came across soooo much better than the BA documentary!! I thought the extra sparkle that is VS came across most on the Flying Nana's first flight with the poorly passenger. They were so quick and professional in dealing with that gentleman - straight away getting him sorted and telling the camera crew to get lost for a while. Never mind the fancy hair, make up and uniforms it's that professional quality of care to pax that makes the difference!

Looking at the Daily Wail article, I'm surprised to find that the stewardesses get minimum wage... I'd have expected more than that... Or is the travel and staying away from home regarded as a perk rather than a problem?

The £12,500 quoted in the programme is just the basic starting salary I think - they also get a payment for each sector they fly and can top it up with commission on duty free sales, promotional work etc etc.

But yes it's still relatively low paid and I think it's fair to say the free (except tax) flights and glamour of long haul trips are definitely pull factors. Many crew, I believe, work second jobs on their two or three days off between flights - one instance where zero hours contracts are a benefit.

I'm also amazed how many VS crew commute vast distances to LHR or LGW. Many live in places like Scotland, Manchester & Newcastle and I've even met crew who live in Dubai and Miami! OK they pay next to nothing for the commute but after working a 10 hour red-eye the last thing I'd want is another one, even as a passenger in UC!

I think I read somewhere that the full financial package is in the region of £20K p/a once trip pay is taken into account.

[honey lamb]

I'm also amazed how many VS crew commute vast distances to LHR or LGW. Many live in places like Scotland, Manchester & Newcastle and I've even met crew who live in Dubai and Miami! OK they pay next to nothing for the commute but after working a 10 hour red-eye the last thing I'd want is another one, even as a passenger in UC!

Some fly over from Ireland. I've seen VS crew in both Dublin and Cork boarding a flight to LHR

I don't understand the obsession with the makeup and hair that they force on their staff. A more natural look would be a lot better.

They can look like Doris Luke as long as they give me two burgers from the Graze menu

[honey lamb]

I don't understand the obsession with the makeup and hair that they force on their staff. A more natural look would be a lot better.

It's a question of good grooming and looking smart which in turn gives the impression of being competent and in control. Would you really like the cabin crew look scruffy, regardless of the airline they fly? People have often commented negatively on websites when cabin crews are dressed very casually.

With regard to hair, I would imagine the reason that hair is either upstyled or tied back is because of food hygiene. They can't really be around food with long hair draping over their shoulders and that is the easiest and most stylish way of managing it.

I don't understand the obsession with the makeup and hair that they force on their staff. A more natural look would be a lot better.

A more 'natural look' as you put it wouldn't fit with the glamorous image VS has always portrayed. One of the things SRB wanted to do when setting up the airline was bring back the glamour that he perceived was missing from air travel that once was. Back in the late 80s in VS early days I knew someone who was CC. She loved the glamour, heads turning as she walked through the airport, and felt empowered by it.

However, even the 'natural look' requires makeup, albeit more muted colours, unless you'd prefer to see CC without any makeup, or their hair done, in that hot red uniform, which would be completely incongruent. Plus, they know going in that the role requires a certain amount good personal presentation.

Thank yousomuch for mentioning the DIBB thread,I have not laughed so much in ages

In honour of #FlyingNana, there's a new design in the Luggage Tag store!

luggage-flyingnana.png

I'll have me a pair of those. She was fab and it was good to see VS investing in someone mature.

Lovin' my new Flying Nana tags Pete

Not a bad programme, thank goodness for a VPN and ITV player

Here's hoping flying nana is on my vs003 August 15th not sure if she will be upper cc yet also get to look at lhr clubhouse on this weeks programme before I use for the first time

Everybody got their popcorn ready for tonight's programme

Got ITV Player on the go!

I wonder how many of these head office jobs still exist after the 500 redundancies have been announced, especially with roles such as 'Head of Hair'

Uuurgh! Not impressed by the UNIQ who commented about not getting a "happy ending" after a massage!

Dirty old man.

Uuurgh! Not impressed by the UNIQ who commented about not getting a "happy ending" after a massage!

Dirty old man.

Very crass comment to make

VS site down again lol

Anyone else find the bloke behind the camera asking questions a little irritating??

[Neil]

Anyone else find the bloke behind the camera asking questions a little irritating??

He is obsessed with how much things cost, which I am finding a tad irritating.

Ahh ...... Valerie, my fave cabin crew ever ... I'm afraid that if Rodrigo presented my petit fours I'd have to decline

Anyone else find the bloke behind the camera asking questions a little irritating??

He is obsessed with how much things cost, which I am finding a tad irritating.

And the prices aren't 'real'

If they paid near $300m for a 787-9 they really do over-spend! Thought they wouldn't say what price they got negotiated.

Neil - exactly, everything is cost this, cost that, you lost money last year etc etc!

Over two episodes how many times have they referenced the airline is losing money, struggling financially, in the red, up against "the big boys" etc etc...Are they looking to lure new pax in by sympathy or what?