Like so many, I have always been fascinated and somewhat bewitched by the sheer elegance and beauty of the virgin air hostesses, always so glamourous in their bright red uniforms and quite iconic. You only have to watch the classic adverts Virgin Atlantic produces. They capture the style and grace of the girls perfectly as they parade through the departure or arrivals halls, heads turning in all directions. Let’s face it; we would all like to be admired in such a way?
Recently a close friend “acquired” a genuine and current BA and Virgin airways cabin crew uniform at not an inconsiderable sum. We thought it would be a blast to get made up and journey to Gatwick airport as two “Newbie” air hostesses via rail. With the easing of the Covid restrictions in the UK, we planned it for early in the morning on Monday 19th July.
Why on earth we planned it for one if not the hottest day of the year, I will never know! We thought it would be fun to film the experience (You can see it HERE); it was quite a day, remarkably the make-up stayed on! From the onset, we were approached by so many people at the train station asking us when flights were leaving etc. and how smart we looked. While I think we both looked the part, I’m not totally convinced some people just wanted to talk to us and have a photograph or two taken as we were not quite what they expected to see.
At Gatwick, we were approached several times with some very odd questions that make you think of the questions the real air hostesses get asked. The only thing was that the south terminal was like a ghost town with very few people around. In hindsight, it probably would have been better to go to Heathrow, where more flights are operating.
It was a wonderful experience and one I think I would like to do again at some time in the future. It would be wonderful to go with a couple of genuine Virgin airline hostess girls and maybe we should approach Virgin with the idea.
I was a little worried about being approached by security staff at one point, but they just tipped us a wink, so to speak and walked on. It goes to show if you make an effort, anything can and should be possible. This is something that I would have never dreamed of doing when I was younger. Still, society and acceptance have thankfully moved on. I no longer worry about other people’s opinions on the matter; after all, we only have one life to live. I would encourage everyone to push their boundaries a little – it can be quite exhilarating!
Thank you girls for taking time to read this article, watch our film, and check out us going through with a dream we both shared together. Now please feel free to send in responses to my article, our film, and to send in an answer to one or more of the questions I’ve posed to you below:
If you could go into a dream job which is predominantly a female job where you could cross dress every single day while at work, which type job would it be?
Have you ever cross dressed as a lady in a particular uniform worn by ladies in a particular job which required women to wear uniforms?
While cross dressed in public, have you ever walked through a very busy and highly populated area and if so, how did the walk through go?
Thanks again girls and I look forward to seeing all of your responses!
Sincerely, Sophie
Wow what an experience! I’ve traveled a lot back in the day and I always admired the beautiful stewardesses I saw as I walked through an airport. Some of the girls from Asian countries were just fantastic beautiful! This is a novel idea and great that your friend could obtain the uniforms. Love it! To answer your questions – my dream female job would be working in a female lingerie dept. No, I have never dressed in a female uniform. Yes, I’ve walked down a very busy public street during the day time and it was such a thrill I… Read more »
What an absolute hoot, Sophie!
What fun, Sophie!
What a great experience you had. I too always admire how beautiful and perfectly made up the ladies that work for the airlines always look. Them and the ladies that work in Pharmacy shops always look fantastic.
What an incredible article. I had such a wonderful time reading it. Yes yes yes, this is Rebecca’s dream job. Except she would fly for American Airline. This just made me slightly jealous, in a good way I assure you.
Becca
It was a blast and the follow up will hopefully be before Xmas. Thanks for the comment it is so appreciated.
what a joy to read an article from someone who is not currently wrestling with their identity but, instead, just getting out there,enjoying their girl self, and having a hoot besides. Many congrats to you!!
Thanks, Emily, as the saying goes this is no rehearsal you have to get out there and live your life the best way you can. Thanks for watching and of course your nice comments.
Sounds like a fun wonderful day. I am jealous!!
Simply marvelous! What an idea and what an opportunity to ‘show off’ how awesome it can be to really express yourself these days. When it was easy for us to travel (remember those days?) it was a relatively short hop from Sunny/Freezing Canberra to Sunny/Hot Singapore, and, do you know what they always have in the duty free shops there….? Singapore Airlines uniforms! The ‘normal’ blue ones and the ‘upper class’ Green ones. I always wanted to buy one for my ‘better’ half (think who that might be) but now I really want one for my ‘other’ half. Ok, that’s… Read more »
OMG! This sounds like so much fun! Good for you! I’m glad you both had the confidence and verve to pull it off. Wish I could have been there. I’ve always loved the classic fight attendant look. Those vintage 1960s Pucci Braniff and Pan Am uniforms are incredible.
that looked so fun great job girls wish I could do that here,