cabin

While budget airlines don’t typically offer complimentary products or refreshments on board, there is a time when passengers could get some extra perks, a flight attendant revealed

It’s not unusual for airlines to charge extra for refreshments on board, but there’s a way you can get extra perks for free.

While we get to lap up the benefits of meals, drinks, and snacks included on long-haul flights, these sadly don’t apply to many short-haul flights, especially on budget airlines. Despite their appealing, affordable flight tickets, we can end up paying extra on board, especially if we’re in need of a snack or drink.

However, that doesn’t mean budget airlines never offer complimentary services. Adam Hodge, 35, who has worked as Wizz Air cabin crew for eight years and is based at Luton Airport, exclusively revealed to the Mirror just how passengers can take advantage of the perks on board without paying extra.

READ MORE: Travellers to Spain ‘should be up to date with these vaccines’READ MORE: European island hailed one of the best places to visit — not Spain or Italy

“If it’s someone’s birthday, if they’re travelling for a special occasion, or on their anniversary, I do like to go above and beyond where I can, “Adam, originally from Newcastle, explained.

“So I might make them a coffee or a tea just to say, ‘Happy wedding anniversary’, I try to make it special for them with what I can do.”

He sweetly added: “If someone purchases one of the lovely Proseccos that we have on board, I’ll tie a little handkerchief on the end, just to make it more special, for those little touches.”

While no one wants to be delayed on their flight, this is another time that airlines might offer a freebie to their passengers. Adam explained: “We do have situations where we have to do what’s called a ‘complimentary service on board’, that’s where we have a delay over a certain amount of hours. It depends on the actual destination and the journey time as to when we initiate a complimentary service.”

Explaining why this can occur, he added: “Sometimes in the summer when there’s really bad air traffic control delays, we can be faced with what’s called the ‘air traffic control slot’ where you have to wait.

“We could have been boarded 10 minutes early, but because we have a slot, we then might have to wait for 45 minutes or more to actually have that permission to get up due to the airspace. Sometimes, when passengers are onboard the aircraft for an X amount of time, we’ll offer a complimentary service, providing them with a snack and water on the house.”

But if it’s not a special occasion while flying, and without any unwanted delays, there’s plenty of chargeable refreshments onboard for passengers to enjoy. Adam even noted that Wizz Air has a new, nifty on-board ordering service available on flights, where passengers can order a drink or snack to their seat through an app, without waiting for the trolley service.

“After take off, we do app ordering first, followed by the trolley service,” he said. “Passengers scan the QR code and connect to our bluetooth where they can browse all of our products and promotions, and order to their seat. When the order arrives at their seat, they pay for it.

“It gives passengers more freedom and flexibility; they can order when they want. That service is available from after take-off to before landing, so they can order throughout the flight.”

For more information about Wizz Air flights or to book your next trip, visit their website.

Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

AFTER just one day of emergency scenario training and mastering the art of the trolley service, I’ve learnt more about life at 30,000ft than in all my years of flying.

It takes five weeks for Virgin Atlantic cabin crew to earn their wings (qualifying to fly as cabin crew) – I had less than eight hours.

Recently, I joined Virgin Atlantic’s ‘Group 1000’ – the landmark 1,000th cabin crew intake to train at the Canadian Aviation Electronics (CAE) centre in Gatwick – which is part of the world’s largest civil aviation training network.

And across the day I discovered things I never knew about cabin crew and some brilliant tips for when you fly…

Dashing in red

For these recruits, getting their uniform isn’t like getting dressed for school: it’s a rite of passage.

One Group 1000 crew member even told me that getting your ‘red threads’ is like your unofficial graduation before getting your wings.

Read more on travel inspo

ALL IN

I found the best value all inclusive London hotel… just £55pp with free food & booze

HOL YES

I’m a travel editor & mum-of-3… my favourite family holidays from just £3pp a night

Having explored Virgin Atlantic’s ‘uniform boutique,’ I knew exactly why.

It’s like stepping into a walk-in wardrobe drenched in two shades of red – bright and burgundy.

Pro tip: Next time you’re on board, look at the shoes.

Female cabin crew will be wearing red ballet flats during the flight for comfort and safety, but pop on their signature red heels when back on the solid ground.

In case of emergency

Donning the iconic Vivienne Westwood red uniform, I was ready to join Group 1000 for the day – though they had already been training for four-and-a-half weeks and had now been wearing their uniform for a few days.

Moving from glamour to grit, I got a sneak peak at what it is like to train for emergencies by sitting in on a scenario with trainees where the cabin filled with smoke.

With noises of the plane grumbling and smoke weaving between rows of seats, it didn’t feel like a movie – it felt terrifyingly real.

Watching the crew spring into action, one shouted “I’m coordinator” while another shouted “I’m the firefighter”.

By defining roles, each cabin crew member knows their responsibilities in the emergency.

The coordinator got to work, ushering passengers away from the smoke; this is the person you must listen to.

The firefighter then calmly investigated the area, using the back of their hand to feel if the panels of the side of the plane were warm.

When they found a ‘burning’ iPad (which you might hear them calling a PED (Personal Electronic Device)) another member of the cabin crew opened a special lithium battery fire bag – a piece of kit not every airline has.

It allows cabin crew to seal off the device and the flight to continue as normal.

My biggest surprise, during another training exercise, is that you may not even know a fire is happening.

When a small fire emerged in the area cabin crew prepare food, it was dealt with quickly, without alarming passengers, and the flight was able to continue unaffected.

Cracking the codes

Whoever thought in-flight food service could be so complicated?

I certainly didn’t until I learnt that cabin crew actually have to memorise 14 different food options, each with a specific letter code.

For example, ‘VGML’ means Vegan Meal and ‘CHML’ means child’s meal and will usually be chicken nuggets or pasta.

Passengers can of course request a meal before flying, depending on their needs.

For flying with kids, this can be extremely useful to ensure picky kids get an easy meal or a baby gets fruit or veg pouches or a jar of baby food when ‘BBML’ is requested.

There’s even a ‘DBML’ Diet Balanced Meal, which is generally low in sugar, low in salt and low in fat.

Virgin Atlantic also caters for a variety of religions, including a ‘VJML’ Vegetarian Jain Meal, which is prepared according to strict Jain dietary customs and will be in a plastic bag that the passenger opens themselves.

Trolley service secrets

One of the best things about a long haul flight is the free alcohol.

On flights, it comes as a double measure (50ml) and you’ll get a can of mixer.

But don’t be afraid to ask for a second can of mixer if you don’t like your drink strong – they will be more than happy to give it to you.

Virgin Atlantic cabin crew will also make you a cocktail if they have the ingredients.

For example, they can make a Bloody Mary and even have Worcestershire sauce for you to add to it.

They can also make a Screwdriver (orange and vodka) and even have a pre-made Mojito mix that can be drunk on its own or with rum.

Note – they will never ‘lampshade’ (where the cup is placed upside down over the top of a can) as no one knows what might have come into contact with the top of the drinks can…

Avoiding jet lag

Another Pro Tip: If you are on a long-haul flight and want to avoid jet lag, it is best to eat in line with the times of your destination.

For example, say you normally eat lunch at 12pm.

You shouldn’t eat when it is 12pm in the place you have flown from, but instead when it is 12pm at the destination you are flying to.

This helps your body’s circadian rhythm (its internal 24-hour clock) to adjust to your destination’s time zone, helping to reduce jet lag.

Something I will definitely be doing on all my flights in the future is taking electrolytes with me on board.

Group 1000 informed me that flying is highly dehydrating, hence why you should always have water on a flight and remember to drink it.

As such, cabin crew swear by electrolytes as it helps give your body minerals such as sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium that are essential for hydration, muscle function, nerve signalling and pH balance.

By keeping hydrated, you can also better manage jet lag.

For more cabin crew tips, one air steward has flown to thousands of destinations and here are three reasons why UK holidays beat them all.

Plus, a Jet2 cabin crew member shares the affordable holiday spot they go back to every year with highs of 18C in January.

With pristine white-sand beaches and azure waters, this European destination has been dubbed an affordable Maldives alternative by a flight attendant

Everyone’s heard of the Maldives, but there’s a budget-friendly alternative that’s just as beautiful, and a flight attendant couldn’t recommend it more.

The Maldives is perhaps one of the most well-known destinations, with luxurious island resorts, ocean villas, azure waters, stretches of pristine sand shores and an abundance of tropical sea life. Yet a getaway to the islands can come with a hefty price tag, in addition to a long-haul flight of around eight hours from the UK.

While it’s undeniably striking, there’s a European destination just three hours from London that Adam Hodge, 35, who has worked as Wizz Air cabin crew for eight years, said starkly resembles the Maldives. What’s more, Wizz Air offers flights to its capital from just £19.99, so you won’t need to fork out thousands for a slice of paradise.

READ MORE: Home Bargains ‘spacious’ and ‘stylish’ £10 cabin bag ‘great for Jet2 and easyjet’READ MORE: ‘I’m a travel expert – there are six British pub rules that tourists always get wrong’

Speaking exclusively to the Mirror, Adam, who hails from Newcastle but is based at Luton Airport, said: “Albania has similarities to the Maldives, especially with its beachy vibes, lovely sun loungers, and its aquamarine waters. If you want to do a city break, it’s brilliant, or if you want to do a beach getaway along the coast, and towards the top, you have the European destination alternative to the Maldives.”

The Albanian coastline stretches along the Adriatic and Ionian seas, with some of the most beautiful beaches found along the Albanian Riviera in the south. With crystal-clear turquoise waters and unspoilt white-sand beaches, they have been hailed among the most beautiful in Europe, with the Ksamil Islands being a notable highlight.

Dhërmi and Jale Beach are another standout spot for those looking to soak up the rays on the beach, with the addition of beach parties and vibrant bars. But it’s not just the south coast; the northern shores offer a quieter alternative, with stunning beaches nestled among bays and hidden coves.

Having spent almost 10 years flying to various destinations, Adam has been able to explore some of the lesser-known holiday spots, with Wizz Air operating more than 750 routes across Europe, Africa and the Middle East. And Albania, the uncrowded location away from other Mediterranean hotspots, remains high on his list of places to visit.

Adam said: “Albania is definitely one of my favourite destinations, and I’d say that it’s one to watch out for. Plus, it’s good to try somewhere lesser-known.

“It’s got everything which is great, and it’s very good value for money. Some of the destinations we fly to are not using the euro currency, so actually you do get a little bit more value for money with the destinations out of the euro currency as well, when it comes to eating out, drinks and destination activity trips.”

One particular destination in Albania that Adam recommends is Tiranë, also known as Tirana, which he said is “very up-and-coming”. Adam noted: “It not only has the city aspect of it, but nearby, it also has the beaches and coastal areas, so it has the best of both worlds.”

He added that Albania is “somewhere a bit different that people might not necessarily realise is out there”, and noted that its appeal is only going to grow. “We fly to Albania four times a day from London Luton, which tells you that the destination is becoming popular.”

Aside from the affordable Wizz Air flights from London to Albania, you won’t need to spend much once you’ve landed, either. Albania remains one of Europe’s most budget-friendly destinations, with reasonable accommodation, dining, and transport options.

For those looking to enjoy “pleasant temperatures with fewer crowds”, Wizz Air suggests visiting in spring or autumn, while the summer months see “peak beach season” with temperatures of up to 30C. But the country is also ideal for a winter getaway, with cities to explore and diverse landscapes to hike through.

For more information about Wizz Air flights or to book your next trip, visit their website.

Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

According to a flight attendant for a major UK airline, there’s a big difference between the seats you choose on the plane, and the extra legroom might not always be worth it

Securing extra legroom on a flight is often seen as a major perk, but a flight attendant has revealed that it can have a major downside.

Adam Hodge, 35, originally from Newcastle, has worked as Wizz Air cabin crew for eight years, and during that time he’s travelled to around 30 countries. He loves nothing more than providing the best service to his passengers, and knows the cabin like the back of his hand.

So much so that Adam, who is based at Luton Airport, knows exactly where the best seats are on a plane, the seat he’d recommend for nervous flyers, along with the seats that are the least desirable. And while most travellers long for extra legroom so they can stretch out, he said it’s actually more “restrictive”.

READ MORE: Ryanair names unlikely item that should never be placed in hand luggageREAD MORE: I went to a fairytale hidden gem Greek island – it’s foodie heaven

Speaking exclusively to the Mirror, Adam explained: “It’s all great having the extra leg room at the emergency exit, but the problem is, you can’t have your bags on the floor for take-off and landing, and you can’t have your headphones on. They’re great as you do have a bit more space, but they are more restrictive.

“For me, I like to have my bag under the seat so I can get stuff in and out of my bag when needed, change my headphones, or get a book out. So it’s good to have more freedom and flexibility.”

There’s one desirable spot Adam suggests securing on the plane, but it has to be within specific rows. “I always recommend a window seat.”

On his own seat preference, Adam, who is also a representative on Wizz Air’s Cabin Crew People’s Council, added: “I don’t like to be at the very front, but I don’t like to be at the very back. I like to be in the middle.” Therefore, he recommends that passengers choose a window seat between rows 5 and 10 or 25 and 30.

“It’s the middle, but it’s not right at the back or right at the front,” he added. “You still have easy access to the toilet, or you’re not having to wait long for the trolley service to pass by.”

In reference to securing a window seat, the flight attendant noted: “For me, I like to see what’s going on, take some photos, especially if we’re flying over the Alps, for example.

“The aisle is great too if you like a little bit more access to get in and out, but not the middle aisle. I call it the friendship seat. I’ve made some very good friendships over the years sitting in the middle seat, but I definitely prefer a window.”

Having spent almost 10 years flying to various destinations, Adam has been able to explore some of the lesser-known holiday spots, with Wizz Air operating more than 750 routes across Europe, Africa and the Middle East. One capital he couldn’t recommend more highly is Tiranë, Albania.

“Not only does it have the city, but it also has the beach and coastal areas as well. It has the best of both worlds. If you want to do a city break, or visit the beaches along the coast, and towards the top are the European destinations similar to the Maldives,” he said.

“Tiranë has everything, and it’s very good value for money.”

For more information about Wizz Air flights or to book your next trip, visit their website.

Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

AS a veteran showbiz reporter, I’m used to free- flowing champagne, egomaniacal celebrities and all-round general excess.

So who knew a Caribbean cruise could beat any A-lister party?

Drawing back the curtains every morning, before me was a beautiful new backdrop. Different every day, and every day seemingly more stunning. No need for Instagram filters.

Not even Paul Daniels in his prime could have mustered up such magic.
Stepping aboard the 5,200-guest Arvia as a cruise virgin, I really did not know what to expect.

Yet absolutely everything on board this P&O Cruises ship — don’t, whatever you do, call it a “big boat” as I did — confounded all expectations.

I had thought, wrongly, I’d be the youngest onboard. How foolish of me.

SHIP SHAPE

F1 fans turn race weekend into luxury cruise holiday without breaking the bank

CRUISE CONTROL

Royal Caribbean ‘cancels multiple scheduled cruises for 2027’

From singletons enjoying rum-tasting at 11am to older couples, married 55 years and still finding conversational titbits over the lunch table, my gang included a 22-year-old influencer and a 57-year-old rocker in the shape of Blur’s Alex James (who played a stunning sundowner set one evening).

Also on board were more than 2,000 crew. Which goes some way to explaining the pristine levels of both cleanliness and hospitality.

Each cabin is serviced with a personal “butler” who caters for any whim.

With 30 bars and restaurants on board, endless shops, a gym, spin studio, spa, cinema, four pools and an uber-cool jazz club, you could spend a year on board and yet not repeat the same day twice.

Arvia is also utterly vast.

My Garmin watch tells me I average 15,000 steps a day simply from milling around, getting lost and exploring. On the days we moored up, this rocketed to well over 20,000

The whole mooring bit, naturally, being the very point of a cruise. So after landing in Barbados, we sailed overnight and I awoke in Martinique.

Here, we jumped in a taxi and drove 50 minutes to a Club Med hotel for a day of sunbathing at the picturesque beach club.

Surrounded by turquoise seas and an Insta-worthy backdrop — certainly the influencers among us including ex-Towie star Lydia Bright and MIC’s Ollie Locke were very happy — we enjoyed a rosé-fuelled lunch.

That evening we had dinner at one of the speciality restaurants, Keel and Cow.

The elevated gastro-pub diner may cost a little extra but it is just a little — from £3.50 for a starter of potted chicken and bacon rillette to a melt-in-the-mouth fillet steak for £15.50 that came with chunky chips, onion rings, grilled mushroom and tomato, roasted garlic and an iceberg lettuce wedge with sour cream and bacon crumb — and was well worth the extra cost.

The next morning, I rise early to check the gym. With machines overlooking the gently rolling Caribbean seas, treadmill running, for once, becomes a pleasure, not a pain.

It has everything one might need, plus a full timetable of classes ranging from stretching and Pilates to spin and weights.

As anyone who knows me knows, breakfast is very important to me. I judge places by their fast-breaking offerings. Thankfully, breakfast thrilled.

The Horizon buffet had all the options for a quick brekkie and you could enjoy table service in the main Meridian and Zenith dining rooms.

But it was the 6th Street Diner, an American-themed eatery, that nailed the breakfast brief (think waffles, over-easy eggs, bacon and maple syrup, washed down with endless coffee.)

While there are plenty of included options for dining, it was great to have such a choice if you wanted to spend a little extra. There’s even an extensive room service menu that offers a club sandwich for about £4.

Another joy was sailing around the Caribbean but still only paying in pounds onboard for everything from a beauty must-have in the shops to a drink at the bar.

The biggest jolt of the week, however, came as I went to log on to the wi-fi for the week — £150! Apparently it’s something to do with satellites and lots of other technical jargon, but with my day job kicking off — thank you, Brooklyn Beckham — I had no option but to log in.

Thankfully, P&O offers some great options to buy all-inclusive packages in advance that cost from £49 a day. The Classic includes alcoholic and soft drinks as well as essential wi-fi for browsing and credit towards speciality dining depending on the length of your cruise.

The Deluxe includes a wider range of posh spirits, craft beers and cocktails as well as fast wi-fi for streaming and video calls plus enhanced dining credit.

I’ll know better on my next cruise.

Our next port of call was St Kitts and after we sailed in admiring its verdant hills, off I trotted on a catamaran excursion.

What a day. The pinnacle to the most incredible day’s sailing — one accompanied by a banging Nineties soundtrack and copious amounts of champagne — was a spot of snorkelling before a lobster salad lunch.

That evening we had an incredible dinner at Epicurean, the ship’s fine-dining eatery.

After another day at sea, it was time for another highlight: a speedboat to private island White Bay, off the British Virgin Islands – the stuff of Robinson Crusoe dreams. I really did feel like I’d stepped out on to a movie set.

The Sunset bar proved my favourite way to unwind after another busy-busy day of sunbathing, eating, drinking and experiencing all the tropical delights of the Caribbean.

Forget those red carpets — you can give me a blue sea all day long.