26 March 2024 , 11:27
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Rylan Clark has fulfilled a lifelong dream of working the aisles at 30,000 feet.
The TV star decided to give his 'plan B' career a go this week when he took part in a high-altitude training session as a member of Virgin Atlantic’s cabin crew. The Essex man had been weighing up a career as a flight attendant before soaring to fame on the X Factor.
Virgin Atlantic put Rylan’s skills to the test as he donned the Vivienne Westwood uniform for an in-flight training session in the air, joining the team in economy on a flight from London Heathrow to Miami. Rylan welcomed customers onboard, put his height to good use by helping to stow hand luggage in overhead lockers, added his flair to the safety demonstration, mixed G&Ts from the drinks trolley and handed out refreshing ice lollies mid-flight, as well as kids packs to keep little flyers entertained.
Following a pre-flight briefing, cabin crew members Ombi Barham and James Cooper grilled Rylan on his aviation knowledge and offered some extra tips.
Like any new starter, there was room for development, with crew catching Rylan taking a sneaky unscheduled snack break to enjoy the Mile High afternoon tea, which is complimentary for all economy passengers – and getting caught up with families enjoying the Virgin Atlantic kids’ packs.
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Rylan said: "I’ve always been obsessed with the idea of being cabin crew, so to have the opportunity to try and get my wings with Virgin Atlantic, and be taught by the best in the business, was literally a dream come true. If you’ve flown Virgin Atlantic before, you’ll know how amazing the crew are and how hard they work to make everyone feel special. Now I know how to serve a signature Mile High Tea, I know who’ll be getting a copy of my CV if the TV career doesn’t work out."
Ombi Barham, flight service manager at Virgin Atlantic, said: "It was a pleasure having Rylan onboard to test out his service skills and see if he can embody our unique red spirit. We want all of our customers to feel special when they fly Virgin Atlantic - no matter which cabin they’re in - and Rylan really did go the extra mile to do that. He brought the energy, warmth and fun that our customers know and love."
Virgin Atlantic Economy has three different subsections - Economy Light, Classic and Delight. Economy Light offers hand luggage only, Economy Classic includes 23kg baggage allowance plus hand luggage, while Economy Delight offers Premium check in desks and priority boarding, plus extra legroom on board. All economy services include food and drink as well as the likes of afternoon tea, ice lollies, and kids' packs.
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