I have always dreamt of being a cabin crew member. In fact, I know a lot of people have often wished they could live the life of a flighty. Fortunately for me I have been lucky enough to be the envy of my friends and family, literally living the dream, so to speak, having been flying with V Australia for just over a year now.

And what an amazing journey it has been… with a job like no other.

It has been exciting being a part of a brand new airline, meeting Richard Branson for the first time and sharing the excitement of all our accomplishments.  From our fabulous launch party on Cockatoo Island, to the arrival of our first brand new aircraft, to our inaugural flight to LA after our grueling proving flights – an absolute testament to all my fellow crew that were able to pull it all off…

And in fabulous style I must say.

Already we have won Best Business airline and winning the hearts of lots of happy customers and celebrities that are choosing to fly with us.  I must admit that I get a bit star struck when I see the likes of Britney Spears, Liam Hemsworth, the cast of Glee and New Moon coming on board. It’s become a regular occurrence to have VIP’s on every flight.

On my last flight I was chatting to some of the ten or so WWE wrestlers flying from LA to Sydney to start their tour. They tell me that they have done quite a lot of international flights and particularly loved the uniqueness of V Australia. They referred to us as the “Party Plane”.

One of the wrestlers flying in Business class was so big he requested to sit with some of his fellow competitors in economy, so we made room for him in a spare row of three seats. He was impressed that we were able to accommodate his needs and managed to have a comfortable flight despite his size.

The wrestlers spent the whole flight chatting to cabin crew and passengers alike and even arranged tickets for us to attend the Sydney event. Being a huge WWE fan, I got to have my photo with Brutus Beefcake who happens to be one of my favourites!

Not only do we have lots of fun at work we are also flying to some great destinations such as Phuket in Thailand, Fiji and Johannesburg in South Africa – in time for the Soccer World Cup next year.

I guess that’s why when you travel with us, you really do fly like a rock star!  So come and enjoy the V Australia difference.

Becoming a Fly Girl: The process was a bit like an Australian Idol audition, but without the singing. There were four rounds on the day – a team activity, an English proficiency test, a customer role play and a behavioural interview. If we passed all four rounds on the day and got great references we got through to the final round – the medical, the most nerve racking aspect for many in the hiring process. Many a crew member has suffered performance anxiety when faced with the ‘cup’.

Travel tips: Get to the airport early, so that you are relaxed and can settle in to your journey. If you suffer from sinus pressure take a nasal decongestant before a flight and before landing to open up the sinus tract. Also avoid caffeine, drink lots of water to stay hydrated and wear loose, comfortable clothing.

Favorite in-flight meal: I actually really like the Business Class breakfast, as you have a range of options to choose from. I think that there is nothing better than a Continental breakfast with muesli, fruit, fruit yoghurt, a crispy, buttery croissant and a refreshing nudie smoothie.

Quote: I believe you can tell a lot about a flight attendant by the way he or she pushes a trolley.

Still looking for more?  Share your questions below, and we’ll go straight to the source to get the answers from Millie.

Fact: V Australia is both humorous & ironic

I never expected to find so much kitsch it one work place! Australia has the Big Banana, the Big Crab, the Big Pineapple, and the Dog on the Tucker Box; now it has another cultural icon – the V Australia 777. It’s worth just taking a trip to check out the “fully sic” spew bags, our miniature Opera House Salt and Pepper shakers, the “flying sauces” that accompany our tea cups and the Where’s Wally style Australian wall paper positioned throughout the cabin.

Myth: “mirror, mirror, who is the fairest flight attendant of them all?”

Mirrors are scarce, and as a highly valued flight attendant resource it’s open season when one becomes available. Half the time the fly girls are fighting the fly boys for a bit of preening space.

Any decent flight attendant worth her trolley will know that there is no such thing as natural beauty and that a plane’s lavatory mirror never lies; every flaw and open pore is magnified under the stark lighting.

Pet Peeve: Hummers, Crop Dusters & Town Troubadours

Sitting in a cabin in a pressurized environment can be tricky. I know we have a lot of mileage to cover, but be fuel efficient.  No one likes a gas leak.

The usual suspects come in two forms – the Hummer and the Crop Duster. The Hummer is loud and proud. They use a lot of fuel and are happy to remain parked and expel gas from the one location. The Crop Duster likes to permeate their scent through out the cabin – usually under the pre-tense of ‘stretching their legs”. The Crop Duster’s reach is far and wide and they spread the seeds of discontent to the widest crop of people.

You may think you have arrived because you are flying with V and feel safe in the serenity of our little aviation community; that is the cabin, but you are not the town troubadour; if you need to blow your trumpet please use our wonderful lavatories.

Think of our lavatories as an ozone layer from which noxious gases must not pass. Our lavatories are a sound proof respite from the noise and bustle of the cabin. Toot along to the sounds of the Beach Boy’s Good Vibrations and Groove Armadas “I see you baby shaking that ass” – you’ll like it and your fellow passengers and crew will appreciate it.

That’s all for now, friends, but stay tuned for more witty banter with Millie.  To contribute to the conversation share your questions below and we’ll pass our favorites on to the Fly Girls.

Only a half hour ferry ride from Circular Quay across Sydney’s picturesque Darling Harbour and you will find yourself in sunny Manly, nestled away on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. As you step off the ferry, it is hard to miss the long jetty bar to your right, situated on the waterfront and showered in sunlight. This large, trendy bar sports a variety of 4 bars, including the ever popular outside Jetty Bar. Along with it, a dine in restaurant, a delicious pizza kitchen, pool tables for the boys and a cocktail lounge, not to mention the other 3 bars located inside. With over 5 plasma screens, all live sporting events can been spectacled from the bar with a beer in hand.

With a great atmosphere, friendly crowd and live music, it is no surprise this waterside bar is a hot spot for a Friday afternoon drink or the perfect place to unwind over lunch and a few wines on a relaxing Saturday or Sunday afternoon. Keeping in tune with the beachside values, locals and travellers alike don trendy yet casual beach-style attire. This is a place to be seen, whilst still in the comfort of your boardies and haviana’s.

Located on George Street in the heart of Sydney’s CBD, The Ivy Bar is newest additional to the Merivale group. This high end bar is made up of a multilevel inside and outside bar. With a roofless and funky interior courtyard, the Ivy is the place to be seen. The exclusivity of this very suave establishment is catered for with a VIP area and exclusive indoor pool area, open only to members.

With its extremely modern interior, it is no surprise to see the glamorous crowd it attracts. Thursday and Friday nights are popular with the corporate crowd, as the city-working Suits are happy to pause their hectic work schedule for an imported ale or a glass of bubbly, and commence the unwind of their working week. Despite being in the heart of the CBD, The Ivy continues to pull a very fashionable weekend crowd and is always a hive of activity amongst the extremely sleek, sophisticated party crowd that weaves its way through the Sydney nightlife scene.

However, if your wallet is not quite ready for high roller status, no worries, you are still invited to the party.  Even the Ivy Bar, in all its high fashion glory is currently catering to the budget savvy hipster with their $5 Fridays, from 5 to 7 pm guests can enjoy a variety a cocktails at the Pool Club.  This deal definitely has the cool kids seal of approval, see you next Friday.

Recently, a little haggling at the car hire counter had me cruising Hollywood Boulevard in a sleek black Hummer.  Constantly, checking my mirrors for paparazzi I soon found myself caught up in a media frenzy courtesy of the latest Terminator movie premiere. With red carpet laid out and barricades in place, super sized limos were lined up outside the Kodak Theatre depositing the beautiful. For a moment I thought they mistook my black Hummer with tinted windows and a mysterious air as containing someone of interest, but no, I was waved on without thought.

Whilst driving the Hummer through the LA streets was fun, it was the car I scored on my latest trip that afforded me the biggest buzz to date.  Having decided to drive north to Santa Barbara, on arrival at the car hire, my friend and I were given the choice of hiring either a red Dodge or a silver convertible Mustang.  No prizes for guessing which one we chose.

From LA proper the 101 carves through the hills framing the Los Angeles basin and eventually hugs the coastline. This route is a pleasure to drive, particularly if you have the luxury of a convertible and Bob Segar crooning his love of Hollywood nights as the wind whips through your hair.

The Santa Monica Pier

After a few hours exploring the sights of Santa Barbara we were headed back to our base, but were easily tempted into a spontaneous shopping trip at the famous Santa Monica Pier.  After all, who are we to ignore an iconic destination? That would just be rude, so while minding our manners (mostly, we were on holiday) we set out for the Third Street Promenade.

Rumbling stomachs guided us to Bravo, a quaint looking Italian restaurant. Pinot Grigio accompanied by delicious bruscetta as local buskers serenaded us in the relaxed atmosphere was just what the doctor ordered.  To walk off our meal, we wandered past shops such as Abercrombie & Fitch, American Eagle, Gap, H&M and Victoria’s Secret and did our part to support the American economy.

Without the luxury of a car, our trip would have included a lot more time in and around the hotel, instead of a series of Hollywood-esque adventures.  If you do happen to find yourself a lost or daunted, stay positive and attentive because you could stumble upon a red carpet or at least a great sale.