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Virgin Atlantic: Where Overnight Silence Is Golden


We recently flew Virgin Atlantic from JFK to London, and had an unusual and somewhat humorous problem. Because of advanced age and gradual loss of hearing, we often carry small, portable amplifier buds for our ears.

However on this overnight flight, the devices weren’t on when a flight attendant approached our seat. The lights were low and most other passengers were asleep. She leaned over and whispered something we couldn’t hear. In a loud voice, we responded with, “What did you say?”

Of course, it awakened everyone nearby, who shot dirty looks our way. She gave us a frown and said in a normal voice, “Virgin is training us in proper whispering. Would you like a cup of tea?”

Later we found out Virgin has hired voice coaches who instruct crew members on how to whisper when cabins are dark and passengers asleep.

JetBlue brings aboard former NYC cops in blue PDF Print E-mail

Old cop photo

This has nothing to do with the JetBlue attendant who went ballistic on a flight when a passenger hit him with her carry-on bag. However, don't be surprised if the burly flight attendant on your next JetBlue flight is a former New York City police officer or firefighter.

According to the Wall Street Journal, over its ten-year history, JetBlue has hired many former New York City cops and firefighters. These employees are among the best of the airline’s mature and reliable workers. Many of the veteran JetBlue flight attendants are fully-qualified EMTs, and came to the job with years of real-life experience in security, emergency procedures and working under stressful condtions. New York City cops and firemen can retire after just 20 years  in similar pension deals members Armed Forces acquire. The pension is usually 50 percent of their salary at time of retirement. That means Jet Blue ex-cop and ex-firemen recruits start their new airline careers in their early 40s, still in good physical health and able to handle every duty along of the younger attendants.

Incidentally, the JetBlue guy who went ballistic is not an ex-cop nor firefighter. And considering his goofy behavior, you can bet he’ll soon be an ex-JetBlue employee.

 
 
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