Being a flight attendant on a private jet isn't always an easy job. Photo / 123RF
Being a flight attendant on a private jet isn't always an easy job. Photo / 123RF
A former VIP flight attendant has opened up about life on board private jets, from looking after Burberry-clad pet monkeys to being propositioned by married men.
Writing in the Telegraph, Emilia George, who does not reveal exactly where in the world she was based, says shewitnessed all kinds of bizarre antics in the air.
Detailing some of sights she saw, she reveals: "From a £1 million dinner service to a US$700 ($960) bag of salad, money is no object when you can afford your own private jet ... There's been on-board gyms, disco rooms featuring poles for girls to dance on and even a solid gold throne."
During her time as a flight attendant for the rich and famous, Emilia said she was often faced with off-the-wall demands.
Tasks could include sourcing a 200-piece brass band to welcome a client, paying a $905 taxi fare to pick up caviar and making an emergency landing mid-journey to purchase McDonald's.
Touching on some of the wackier requests, Emilia continues: "Being asked to serve salmon that's had classical music played to it all its life is not an unreasonable request, apparently."
Emilia said the requests could be a little harder to deal with when it came to the more powerful businessmen.
Emilia George said she was often propositioned by rich, married men. Photo / 123RF
She reveals that invitations to "intimate dinners", "inappropriate touching", and impromptu hotel visits weren't unusual.
Apparently one private owner even had his cabin crew dress up in "kinky outfits" instead of their air hostess uniforms, with those who declined getting the cold shoulder for a few days.
But on the plus side, Emilia says there were many perks to her job, including generous tips up to $5400 in cash, luxurious Rolex watches, Hermes handbags and VIP entertainment tickets.
When they stopped somewhere, Emilia said she would check into some of the world's most expensive hotels and dine at the finest restaurants.
Sometimes she would even get her own driver and personal assistant to help her out.
There would also be a budget for her to purchase designer uniforms and she never worried about going hungry on the job, as she would eat the same high-priced ingredients as the clients.
Emilia says there were many perks to her job, including luxury hotel stays, designer shopping budgets and four-figure tips. Photo / 123RF
So, what are the qualities needed to be a VIP air stewardess?
Emilia says that you have to be able to deal with an irregular schedules, be able to think on your feet and also be discrete.
The globetrotter adds that you must also be able to handle some mischievous passengers - not just screaming babies - and cites her most extreme patrons as falcons, playful lion cubs and even a monkey dressed in Burberry.
