Joset Bechet is a freelance VIP flight attendant. Beginning her career at Saudi Araboan Airlines, she was posted to the Saudi Arabian King's private jet and has flown with many other dignitaries
How did you get into aviation?
I always wanted to travel and work with people, but I'd never really thought about flying until I applied for the job. About six months after I started flying as a regular flight attendant for Saudi Arabian Airlines, the king bought his own aircraft and 30 girls were picked to be trained for it. Can you imagine being 20 years old and getting picked for that? We were flown to Dallas, Texas and taught what we had to do by American Airlines. I really enjoyed the job. I thought this was how everyone should fly. It's not all fun, though - it can be very hard work.
What does your job involve?
Flying with VIPs is different from being a regular air hostess. You have to pay attention more to the details. It's your duty to find out what food, drink and magazines the VIP likes, for example. You do a lot of the shopping and food preparation yourself. I would never go back to an airline - it's like comparing tuna and caviar.
I have flown with many important people - many times with Yasser Arafat, for example. He was a sweet person - just like someone's grandad. He used to lie down and go to sleep on a settee. He kept his gun on him at all times, though, even when he visited the toilet.
What qualities are most useful in your role?
You need to be diplomatic, have a sense of humour and be very welcoming. You have to be a people person - friendly, but not too friendly. You can also forget about having a routine. You have to be flexible and love adventure. I like to wake up in different cities. You need more than a pretty face, though. You have to have a personality to go behind it.
What is it like working freelance?
Flights are not as frequent as they used to be, so I would like something a bit more permanent now. Some jobs have come at the wrong time. I was offered a job with the Emirates royal family, but I would have got only two months off and I can't leave my son for 10 months.
What would you advise someone wanting to become a VIP flight attendant?
I think It's difficult to get straight into VIP work. You need theexperience you get from commercial flying. You might be able to get training in the USA, but I made so many connections from starting at an airline.
Source: Flight International
