CREW’S CONTROL
Think trolley dollies are only there to hand out of nuts and point to the emergency exits? Wrong. Four of Virgin Atlantic’s finest reveal that they are prepared for everything from delusional passengers and used nappies to hungry sharks
WORDS: DOM TOP // PHOTOGRAPHY: VICTOR HENSEL-COE
Exotic locations, stylish uniforms, one never-ending holiday! That’s the common perception of life for airline cabin crew. And looking at the attractive, smiling faces of the staff of Virgin Atlantic, arguably the world’s sassiest airline, it’s easy to see where that idea comes from. But is life at high altitude all it’s cracked up to be? Is there more to it than high heels and high glamour? And what really happens if there are snakes on a plane? We spoke to four of Virgin’s finest to find out.
What do you think of the term trolley dolly?
CAMILLA: I don’t mind it.
CRAIG: It’s a light-hearted take on our role.
PAUL: It might have bothered me when I was new and felt as if I had something to prove, but now I’m a flight manager. I drive a Range Rover. I’m not bothered. I’ve got all-round parking sensors. I’m fine, babe.
DANIEL: You become comfortable in yourself and in your role. It just goes over your head after a while.
PAUL: Craig did get told he was “just a representative” once though.
CRAIG: He said: “you are just a representative in a uniform that serves tea and coffee. Now go away, boy.” I sent the head “representative” to go and deal with him!
How long is the training process to become a member of Virgin crew? Is the interview process difficult?
CAMILLA: It’s six weeks and very difficult: intense, hard work, tiring and lots of studying.
PAUL: Daily exams! You’re set homework each evening and then you’re tested on that knowledge the following day in the form of an exam — in silence. You learn each day, then have an exam the next. It’s like a rolling test of knowledge. People have said it’s like getting a degree at university with the amount of work you have to put in. Your social life has to be put on hold.