Virgin Australia is known for its fun, laid-back, and professional cabin crew team. If you’ve ever considered joining, this guide will walk you through the requirements, qualifications, and steps needed to become a flight attendant with one of Australia’s most popular airlines.

Meet the basic requirements

Virgin Australia has a set of specific qualifications that all aspiring cabin crew members must meet:

  • Age: You must be at least 18 years old.
  • Height: Maximum height of 180 cm to ensure you can safely operate cabin equipment.
  • Residency: You must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
  • Passport: A valid passport with at least 18 months of validity left.
  • Certificates: You’ll need a Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) certificate and Australian First Aid and CPR certificates.
  • Availability: Cabin crew members must be able to work on a 24/7 rotating roster, which includes weekends, public holidays, and early or late shifts​[1].

Strong customer service experience is essential

Virgin Australia emphasises its focus on customer experience, so having a solid background in customer service is key. If you’ve worked in retail, hospitality, or a similar service-based industry, this experience will make you stand out in your application.

  • You’ll need to show that you can remain calm under pressure and handle difficult situations with professionalism and empathy​[2].

Submit your online application

Virgin Australia’s recruitment process begins online. You’ll need to fill out an application via their Careers Portal, which includes submitting your CV, RSA, First Aid certificates, and other relevant documents.

  • Applications are often location-specific, so make sure to apply for the city you wish to work from (e.g., Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, etc.).
  • After applying, wait for the recruitment team to contact you about the next steps​.

Prepare for the assessment day

Once shortlisted, you’ll be invited to Assessment Day. This includes a series of group activities and interviews to assess your problem-solving skills, teamwork, and how well you handle challenging situations.

  • Group exercises might involve icebreakers, role-playing scenarios, and communication tests to ensure you can work effectively in a team.
  • Make sure to stay calm, be yourself, and show your passion for customer service​.

Ace the face-to-face interview

The next step is a face-to-face interview. Virgin Australia looks for candidates who are personable, calm under pressure, and committed to providing excellent customer service.

  • Be prepared to discuss your past experience, especially how you’ve handled challenging customer service situations. Share specific examples of when you went above and beyond for customers​.

Complete cabin crew training

If you pass the interview stage, you’ll undergo Virgin Australia’s comprehensive Cabin Crew Training Program. The training lasts between 5 and 9 weeks and covers everything from safety protocols to in-flight customer service.

  • You’ll also receive practical training on the airline’s specific aircraft, ensuring you’re ready to deliver a high standard of service and maintain safety.

Salary and benefits

Virgin Australia offers competitive salaries and benefits for its cabin crew. On average, you can expect to earn around $51,140 per year[3], with potential for additional pay on international routes.

Benefits include:

  • Free and discounted flights for you and your loved ones (with up to A$1,000 in flight credits annually).
  • Six weeks of annual leave, free physiotherapy, and discounts on hotels, car rentals, and other travel-related services.
  • Access to a wellbeing app and free counselling services​.

Opportunities for growth and career advancement

Virgin Australia offers plenty of career advancement opportunities for its cabin crew members. Whether you aim to become a senior flight attendant, trainer, or move into other roles within the company, the airline supports professional development through training and internal job openings​.

Conclusion: Start your journey with Virgin Australia today

If you’re ready to take off with Virgin Australia as a cabin crew member, now’s the time to apply. Make sure you meet the basic requirements, prepare for the assessments, and submit your application through their Careers Portal.

Have questions about the recruitment process? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Join our Cabin Crew Forum to connect with experienced flight attendants who can offer advice, and be sure to check our Cabin Crew Jobs page for the latest openings.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the basic requirements to apply for a flight attendant position at Virgin Australia?

You must be at least 18 years old, no taller than 180 cm, and an Australian citizen or permanent resident. A valid passport with at least 18 months left, along with Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA), First Aid, and CPR certificates, are also required.

2. Is customer service experience important?

Yes, having strong customer service experience is essential. Virgin Australia values candidates who have worked in service roles, like retail or hospitality, and can handle difficult situations calmly and professionally.

3. How do I apply for the cabin crew position?

You must submit your application online through the Virgin Australia Careers Portal. Ensure you include your CV, RSA, and other relevant documents, and apply for the location you prefer to work from.

4. What happens after applying?

If shortlisted, you will be invited to an Assessment Day, which involves group exercises and interviews to assess your problem-solving and teamwork skills.

5. What is the face-to-face interview like?

The interview focuses on your customer service experience and how you handle challenging situations. Be prepared to share examples of when you went above and beyond for customers.

6. What does the cabin crew training involve?

Training lasts 5 to 9 weeks, covering safety protocols and customer service. You will also get hands-on training with Virgin Australia’s aircraft to prepare you for in-flight duties.

7. What is the salary for Virgin Australia cabin crew?

The average salary is around $51,140 per year, with additional pay possible for international routes. Benefits include free flights, six weeks of annual leave, and travel-related discounts.

8. Are there opportunities for career advancement?

Yes, Virgin Australia offers opportunities for cabin crew to advance into roles like senior flight attendant, trainer, or other positions within the company.

References:

1. Virgin Australia. “Cabin Crew.” Virgin Australia Cabin Crew Job Offer. Retrieved September 27, 2024.

2. Virgin Australia. “Cabin Crew.” Virgin Australia Cabin Crew Job Offer. Retrieved September 27, 2024.

3. Indeed. (2024, September 9). “Flight Attendant yearly salaries in Australia at Virgin Australia.” Indeed Website. Retrieved September 27, 2024.

4. Glassdoor. (2024, August 16). “Cabin Crew Salaries in Switzerland.” Glassdoor Website. Retrieved September 26, 2024.