Getting into VIP Cabin Crew

[Hostie123]

Hello,

I have flown commercially for a few years (including VIP Charter) and now wish to take the next step into the VIP industry on Private Jets.

I was just wondering if anyone could advise me as to how I get into the VIP Cabin Crew world?

Preferably, I would like to be full time and in the UK, London area. Is this achievable?

Additionally, what is the money like?

Would anyone have any contacts or can point me in the right direction?

Thank you! :)

[whisky777]

I have been flying for 17 years now including the last 10 years on private jets - the industry has changed considerably in that time... In my last position I recruited, trained and managed VIP crew and even wrote a book about it! It is a very interesting world to work in...
Most companies ask for a minimum of 2 years in business or first class and any experience that you have with luxury product, wines and spirits, gourmet catering knowledge, silver service etc will put you ahead of the game. A second language is a bonus. In an ideal world I would suggest either gaining some freelance experience on private jets (sometimes hard to get without experience but will be great on the CV) or starting with an airline that does a bit of VIP charter work (although you may already have done that.) There is a lot of competition for jobs now and it may take some time to actually break into the industry. Networking with people already in the industry will help a little as many jobs are by word of mouth or through your colleagues. I can think of a few operators you could work with, with a London base so it is achievable. Money these days is quite low around 2000-2500 euro plus per diem seems to be the average per month. But it is a rewarding and fascinating job once you break into the industry :-)

[Hostie123]

Thank you for replying. I was just wondering if you have any advice as to how I get into freelancing? The do's and don'ts?

[whisky777]

Here are some links to some articles I wrote for a cabin crew website, you might find them useful:
http://www.cabincrew.com/career-advice/the-vip-corporate-flight-attendant-guide-to-freelance-work/1145 (http://http://www.cabincrew.com/career-advice/the-vip-corporate-flight-attendant-guide-to-freelance-work/1145)

How to find your first VIP Flight Attendant role ? CabinCrew.com (http://www.cabincrew.com/career-advice/how-to-find-your-first-vip-flight-attendant-role/1118)

I hope that helps a bit!:O

[Tray Surfer]

Hi Hostie123,

What is "a few years" in regard to your commercial flying?

I flew commercially for over 9 years and made the change, permanently, to VIP/Private recently. I also did freelance before that, to build my experience and work towards a full time position.

You need to network your behind off. LinkedIn is a good place to network online with people in the industry, but I do hear that for ladies it can be a bit hit and miss as there are some sleazy individuals who use it for scams and "picture collecting".

Usual rule of thumb seems to be that, if it sounds too good, it usually is.

There are some courses you can do, to learn more about the job. I can assure you, that it is a very, very different job from commercial flying, and there is a heck of a lot more to do, think about, plan and execute for a trip than just checking in and briefing for a flight. So, a good start can be worth its weight in gold. You will need to build up a network of people who you can trust to ask for advice and help when you get started, which can be a god send when you think "WTH am I doing ?!?!?"

Please feel free to ask any questions and I am sure some of the others and myself will be happy to answer.