Cabin Crew
- Location:
- London Heathrow
- Status:
- Permanent, Full-Time
- Job ID:
- 20229
- Posted Date:
- 30 July 2025
- Closing Date:
- 30 July 2025 (Applications may close early due to anticipated high interest)
- Salary:
- A competitive compensation package is offered, comprising a basic salary starting at £20,229. This is supplemented by an average expected trip pay of approximately £5,000, along with other variable payments and subsistence allowances provided during layovers. The average expected total compensation is based on approximately 48 trips per year.
About Virgin Atlantic
Virgin Atlantic, an iconic global airline, boasts four decades of redefining air travel and pushing industry boundaries. Having recently celebrated its 40th anniversary, the airline remains committed to its distinctive bold spirit, impeccable service, and the exceptional people who embody its unique brand. Virgin Atlantic continues to deliver unparalleled flying experiences, consistently delighting customers with its signature flair.
The Role: Cabin Crew
Virgin Atlantic is actively seeking vibrant, people-focused individuals to join its world-class Cabin Crew team. This pivotal role involves operating flights globally, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Successful candidates will become integral ambassadors of the Virgin Atlantic brand, dedicated to delivering unforgettable customer experiences at cruising altitude. This opportunity offers a remarkable career trajectory within the dynamic aviation sector, fostering continuous professional development.
Key Responsibilities
As a Cabin Crew member, individuals are expected to uphold Virgin Atlantic's esteemed standards of energy, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to exceptional guest care. Primary duties include:
- Safety and Security Leadership: Demonstrating unwavering confidence and expertise in all onboard safety, security, operational, and medical procedures to ensure the well-being of all passengers and crew.
- Collaborative Teamwork: Operating as a crucial member of a cohesive and supportive team, contributing to the professional and personable delivery of in-flight services.
- Exceptional Service Delivery: Providing attentive, high-quality service that consistently exceeds guest expectations and reflects Virgin Atlantic's renowned commitment to going above and beyond.
- Passenger Wellbeing Support: Offering compassionate assistance to passengers, including those who may be nervous, require special accommodations, or need medical attention, ensuring a comfortable and secure environment for all.
Candidate Profile and Requirements
Virgin Atlantic is seeking passionate individuals who align with its mission to be the most loved travel company and are eager to contribute to an award-winning team prepared for any eventuality. Ideal candidates possess a genuine desire to care for people, a proactive "can-do" attitude, and a commitment to delivering outstanding experiences.
Minimum Requirements:
- Possession of the legal right to live and work permanently in the UK. (Please note: Skilled worker visa sponsorship is not provided for this position.)
- Absence of any live or unspent criminal convictions, or cases pending investigation.
- Demonstrated ability to swim 25 metres unaided and board a raft from the water using a rope ladder without assistance.
- A minimum of 18 months of relevant customer service experience at the time of application submission.
- Attainment of at least three GCSEs at grades A*-C or 9-4, or an equivalent academic qualification.
- Proven fluency in both written and spoken English.
Assessment Centre Physical Requirements:
During the assessment process, candidates will undergo evaluations for specific physical capabilities, which include:
- Ability to reach a height of 210cm without shoes, including standing on tiptoes if required, with both arms extended. This measurement is vital for accessing emergency equipment stored in overhead lockers.
- Ability to comfortably adopt the brace position in a crew seat, which is 45cm above the floor, ensuring feet are flat on the floor (without shoes), and securing the harness effectively without the need for an extension seatbelt.
Comprehensive Training Programme
Virgin Atlantic is dedicated to investing significantly in the development of its Cabin Crew, ensuring they are thoroughly prepared to excel. The training programme is highly meticulous, demanding dedication, yet immensely rewarding:
- Initial Induction: The journey commences with a 'First Dates' initiation day at Virgin Atlantic's vibrant headquarters.
- Preparatory Modules: Prior to hands-on practical training, candidates must complete seven online modules, each approximately one hour in duration, to establish a solid foundational understanding.
- Intensive In-Person Course: A comprehensive 28-day in-person course (excluding weekends) is structured into three critical subject areas:
- Safety and Security, encompassing equipment familiarisation and operational procedures.
- Aviation Medicine.
- Excellence in Service.
- Rigorous Assessment: The training includes a combination of classroom sessions, practical exercises (including a crucial swimming element), daily tests, comprehensive examinations, and final assessments to ensure mastery of all required competencies.
- Graduation: Successful completion of all training examinations culminates in a 'Wings ceremony,' signifying readiness for active flying duties. Virgin Atlantic fosters a culture of continuous learning, ensuring even seasoned crew members continue to develop professionally.
Compensation and Benefits Package
Virgin Atlantic offers an attractive and comprehensive benefits package designed to support the financial security, health, and wellbeing of its Cabin Crew, complemented by industry-leading travel perks:
- Exclusive Staff Travel: Generous staff travel benefits for employees and their nominated loved ones, including up to seven complimentary flights per year to any Virgin Atlantic destination, with only applicable fees and taxes payable.
- Professional Development: Ongoing coaching and dedicated development support throughout the career, provided by a personal crew performance manager.
- Financial Security: Access to a generous contributory pension scheme and comprehensive life assurance coverage.
- Health & Wellbeing: Options for self-funded private medical insurance and convenient access to online digital GP services (Doctor@Hand).
- Flexible Benefits Scheme: A comprehensive catalogue of optional salary sacrifice benefits, including travel and dental insurance, gym memberships, and various healthcare schemes.
- Exclusive Discounts: Access to a wide array of discounted products and services through corporate partnerships.
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Virgin Atlantic is a proud equal opportunity employer, wholeheartedly committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. Recognizing that its global customer base and colleagues originate from all walks of life, the airline actively encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds. Virgin Atlantic celebrates and values every aspect of diversity, including age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disabilities, religion, and beliefs. The aim is to uphold an inclusive environment where every colleague can thrive, be their authentic self, and experience a profound sense of belonging.
To ensure an accessible and individualised recruitment journey, applicants are encouraged to communicate any requirements for additional assistance or specific considerations at any stage of the application process. Virgin Atlantic's dedicated team is readily available to provide the necessary support.