Disko,
I don't want to put a downer on your aspirations,far from it.If it's what you want to do,then go for it.But I think it is important to face some harsh facts and not to perhaps paint the financial side as glossy as has been made out.
I don't work for Virgin,but I have shared houses with VS crew and my ex lodger was a VS hostie,so I do have knowledge of their pay etc.
£700-750 take home is accurate.(the first hostie I shared with was taking home £525......this was 4 yrs ago though)
This "basic" is really all you can safely rely upon.Don't forget,if you are sick,or on leave/holiday,or need time off for medical reasons or whatever,you will NOT earn any allowances.This is the same for any airline!
Also bear in mind that the allowances you receive in the hotel are not just for your pleasure....you need to feed and water yourself from these.As you'll be new,you won't want to sit in your hotel room and save your dosh,you'll want to SEE some on the great places you stay at.And SHOPPING! I'm yet too meet a hostie(any female for that matter)who can walk around a shopping mall without spending any money,especially in the USA.
People who fly don't do it because they love being on aircraft,they want to have fun,see some of the world and enjoy the time there.This costs.
My ex lodger very rarely did 6 trips in a month,so I think that £1300 per month is at the max and very infrequent.Don't forget you are paid in LOCAL currency.Your allowances will be peanuts in certain countries(not literally of couse,but you get my meaning)
If money is no issue to you,then fine,but I noticed you had a mortgage and it may be a consideration.My ex lodger had a second job on her days off to make ends meet as the basic would not cover her living expenses(she had expensive taste,mind)
As I say,I don't want to put you off.. just be prepared! I have seen good friends get into awful trouble financially because they thought they were going to earn more than they actually did.Better to be pessimistic than optimistic in this case.
I would just say that I think VS guys and gals are great and that they have some of the best people in the industry working for them....so if you are reading this Mr Branson...pay them what they are worth!!I think they are worth TWICE the pittance you seem to think they are worth.At the very least,bring them in line with the rest of the industry,it can't be much fun for your crew to be at the bottom of the pay league looking up!!
Rant over...good luck Disko.