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Above and Beyond: Secrets of a Private Flight Attendant
Brace yourself for a turbulent read in this hilarious and scandalous memoir, filled with shocking true stories that give a rare insight into life behind the scenes of a private jet’s cabin crew.
Heavily in debt, and earning peanuts as a 'trolley dolly', Saskia Swann desperately needed to get her life back on track. After a chance meeting, she landed a job as cabin crew - but this time on a private jet.
Suddenly, she found herself transported into the glittering world of oligarchs and billionaires where the hostesses wear Prada, seven-course meals are served on fine china, the bodyguards carry guns, and the mile-high shenanigans not only take place in luxury cabins, but in the cockpit itself.
Saskia soon realised that the job wasn’t quite what it seemed though: her billionaire boss expected far more from his hostesses than just cocktails and nibbles…
In this gripping exposé, Saskia Swann pulls back the first-class curtain on the lifestyles of the mega-rich and famous.
Saskia Swann worked for six years for one of the world's leading airlines before becoming a corporate flight attendant on private jets. She lives outside London.
Nicola Stow has been a journalist for more than 20 years working for leading newspapers and magazines. She is also the co-author of Cabin Fever: The Sizzling Secrets of a Virgin Air Hostess by Mandy Smith.
Heavily in debt, and earning peanuts as a 'trolley dolly', Saskia Swann desperately needed to get her life back on track. After a chance meeting, she landed a job as cabin crew - but this time on a private jet.
Suddenly, she found herself transported into the glittering world of oligarchs and billionaires where the hostesses wear Prada, seven-course meals are served on fine china, the bodyguards carry guns, and the mile-high shenanigans not only take place in luxury cabins, but in the cockpit itself.
Saskia soon realised that the job wasn’t quite what it seemed though: her billionaire boss expected far more from his hostesses than just cocktails and nibbles…
In this gripping exposé, Saskia Swann pulls back the first-class curtain on the lifestyles of the mega-rich and famous.
Saskia Swann worked for six years for one of the world's leading airlines before becoming a corporate flight attendant on private jets. She lives outside London.
Nicola Stow has been a journalist for more than 20 years working for leading newspapers and magazines. She is also the co-author of Cabin Fever: The Sizzling Secrets of a Virgin Air Hostess by Mandy Smith.
257 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 3, 2021
52 people are currently reading
1592 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
May 1, 2021
I love the whole premise of this book, and it reads easily. Saskia Swann seems to have an eye, or the luck, to see the next thing in her life coming, rather than just waiting around to see what life is going to toss to her. Saskia is loving her job as a private flight attendant, and her coworkers a great deal. Things get a lot shakier once she learns what her current boss is expecting her to agree to. The books shows some behind the scenes looks at different lifestyles and cultures of the high flying. Advance electronic review copy was provided by NetGalley, authors Saskia Swann and Nicola Stow, and the publisher.
June 7, 2021
I think the easiest way to describe this book is…if you saw it, looked at it and thought ‘I bet I know what that will be like’….you would be 100% right, if that excites you then this is for you
It is a non stop ride of excess,excess and errr excess that includes food, clothes, sex and basically excess in every way possible….all told by ‘Saskia’ a private flight attendant, I quite liked her and enjoyed her story telling although did feel she ‘protesteth too much’ about all she saw whilst gladly joining in when it was offered
It’s fun and frisky and I think the biggest surprise for me was by the end instead of feeling envious of all these people had I kinda felt sorry for them and wondered if they ever just fancied egg, chips and beans and some irn bru
If this is what you love to read about then its a perfect book and have to give it top marks as it does exactly as it says its going to
10/10
5 Stars
It is a non stop ride of excess,excess and errr excess that includes food, clothes, sex and basically excess in every way possible….all told by ‘Saskia’ a private flight attendant, I quite liked her and enjoyed her story telling although did feel she ‘protesteth too much’ about all she saw whilst gladly joining in when it was offered
It’s fun and frisky and I think the biggest surprise for me was by the end instead of feeling envious of all these people had I kinda felt sorry for them and wondered if they ever just fancied egg, chips and beans and some irn bru
If this is what you love to read about then its a perfect book and have to give it top marks as it does exactly as it says its going to
10/10
5 Stars
June 13, 2021
Yes yes yes! This book is a bit of ME! A captivating memoir of a private flight attendant.
I’m a flight attendant myself for a commercial airline and when I was given the chance to be sent this book to review, I didn’t hesitate. I think for anyone, whether you work in the aviation industry or not, it’s a very fascinating and intriguing job. I have always been interested to know what it would be like to fly privately and this books spills ALL the beans! It’s a very easy and enjoyable read, and at points I couldn’t believe what some of the ridiculously rich bosses expected on their flights. The book takes you to the swankiest of hotels, flights where a musician is hired to play the piano and to hot tubs on private yachts.
It’s a very honest account, and Saskia comes across very likeable and warm throughout. I found it very eye opening and it’s made me realise that I’m in fact very happy with my orange wings! If you have even a slight interest in the life of cabin crew / private cabin crew or love to travel, then I would definitely recommend reading this! I don’t tend to read many memoirs, and this was a very welcome change of genre for me!
I’m a flight attendant myself for a commercial airline and when I was given the chance to be sent this book to review, I didn’t hesitate. I think for anyone, whether you work in the aviation industry or not, it’s a very fascinating and intriguing job. I have always been interested to know what it would be like to fly privately and this books spills ALL the beans! It’s a very easy and enjoyable read, and at points I couldn’t believe what some of the ridiculously rich bosses expected on their flights. The book takes you to the swankiest of hotels, flights where a musician is hired to play the piano and to hot tubs on private yachts.
It’s a very honest account, and Saskia comes across very likeable and warm throughout. I found it very eye opening and it’s made me realise that I’m in fact very happy with my orange wings! If you have even a slight interest in the life of cabin crew / private cabin crew or love to travel, then I would definitely recommend reading this! I don’t tend to read many memoirs, and this was a very welcome change of genre for me!
June 4, 2021
3.5 Be Careful What You Wish For Stars
* * * 1/2 Spoiler Free-A Quick Review
Once upon a time, in another life, long, long ago, I was a flight attendant for a major airline. Yup, I flew the skies and it was an adventure...to a degree. I only did it for about a year due to my meeting my hubby...but that is another story. I mention all of this due to the fact, this is a biography of a flight attendant who started out like I did but moved to work privately owned jets.
Those puppies are a whole other animal...and this book goes about sharing all the good the bad and the very ugly. It is like the saying goes...when times were good they were very, very good...
But when times were bad or ugly or demeaning, it seemed there were no limits as to what these entitled wealthy people would demand.
A Cautionary Tale, the extremely rich are different and may not have it as lovely as we think...
Above and Beyond: Secrets of a Private Flight Attendant
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
A gifted copy was provided by Lume Books via NetGalley for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
* * * 1/2 Spoiler Free-A Quick Review
Once upon a time, in another life, long, long ago, I was a flight attendant for a major airline. Yup, I flew the skies and it was an adventure...to a degree. I only did it for about a year due to my meeting my hubby...but that is another story. I mention all of this due to the fact, this is a biography of a flight attendant who started out like I did but moved to work privately owned jets.
Those puppies are a whole other animal...and this book goes about sharing all the good the bad and the very ugly. It is like the saying goes...when times were good they were very, very good...
But when times were bad or ugly or demeaning, it seemed there were no limits as to what these entitled wealthy people would demand.
A Cautionary Tale, the extremely rich are different and may not have it as lovely as we think...
Above and Beyond: Secrets of a Private Flight Attendant https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
A gifted copy was provided by Lume Books via NetGalley for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
June 29, 2021
When grabbing a memoir, sometimes it's hard to know what you're getting. I typically start with a little trepidation, not sure what writing style or story type I'm getting. I found this to be a surprisingly easy to read, engaging story. I loved Saskia and her wit and humor. I found her stories so fascinating, her details well done and all of it added to the story. Her side stories about her fellow co-workers added a good depth to the story and really helped bring it alive.
Being a flight attendant for the rich and famous (or even just the rich) isn't something many of us have thought of or, obviously experienced, so I love that this author shared her stories with us. I really loved this one!
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
Being a flight attendant for the rich and famous (or even just the rich) isn't something many of us have thought of or, obviously experienced, so I love that this author shared her stories with us. I really loved this one!
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
July 12, 2021
I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book and the true story of Saskia Swann and her adventures as a flight attendant. I have flown many times in my life but I've never given too much thought to the attendants and what all their work might entail. And in the case of Saskia Swann she was a flight attendant for a very rich man. At first I was really happy for her because she was a poor woman who desperately landed a good paying job when she truly needed it; however, it did come at a price.
Ms. Swann had some really fun and adventurous anecdotes she told in the book and I thoroughly enjoyed "listening" to them. She used allusions to tell about some of her stories, such as Mrs. Doubtfire and Chicago (the play) and I felt those added to the details of her adventures.
I'd like to thank NetGalley and Lume Books for an e-ARC for my honest opinion.
#AboveandBeyond #NetGalley
Ms. Swann had some really fun and adventurous anecdotes she told in the book and I thoroughly enjoyed "listening" to them. She used allusions to tell about some of her stories, such as Mrs. Doubtfire and Chicago (the play) and I felt those added to the details of her adventures.
I'd like to thank NetGalley and Lume Books for an e-ARC for my honest opinion.
#AboveandBeyond #NetGalley
March 19, 2021
'Above and Beyond' is the memoir of Saskia Swann, a flight attendant for the mega-rich. With the highs (staying in the most luxurious hotels in the world) come the lows (her boss asking for more than she bargained for!) Saskia offers a behind-the-scenes look into life as cabin crew aboard a private jet.
I was sucked into this book by the cover and description. Anything involving the mega-rich is like pure escapism for me, so as soon as I downloaded the eBook, I had to start reading!
Throughout a lot of the book, Saskia reminisces about her time working for Russian billionaire, Pavel... and her experience is almost exactly what I'd imagined. However, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that Saskia had such a great relationship with the other stewardesses... I thought for sure it would be like an episode of Gossip Girl.
I found Saskia relatable. I'm currently a similar age and I can totally sympathise with her constant concerns about money. That said, the book does a good job of reminding you that money doesn't necessarily bring you happiness... some the people Saskia worked for seemed incredibly lonely!
The book was well written, and I found it hard to put down... I binged the lot over a weekend! Would recommend if you love a scandalous look inside the lifestyles of the rich and the famous!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I was sucked into this book by the cover and description. Anything involving the mega-rich is like pure escapism for me, so as soon as I downloaded the eBook, I had to start reading!
Throughout a lot of the book, Saskia reminisces about her time working for Russian billionaire, Pavel... and her experience is almost exactly what I'd imagined. However, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that Saskia had such a great relationship with the other stewardesses... I thought for sure it would be like an episode of Gossip Girl.
I found Saskia relatable. I'm currently a similar age and I can totally sympathise with her constant concerns about money. That said, the book does a good job of reminding you that money doesn't necessarily bring you happiness... some the people Saskia worked for seemed incredibly lonely!
The book was well written, and I found it hard to put down... I binged the lot over a weekend! Would recommend if you love a scandalous look inside the lifestyles of the rich and the famous!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 22, 2021
In the past, I loved reading memoirs about the adventures of « trolley dollies » from the heyday of commercial aviation back in the 50s and 60s. A TV documentary even fascinated me enough to write my own fiction novel about air hostesses and this incredibly exciting way of life. Needless to say that when I stumbled upon this new « modern-time » memoir on NetGalley, I knew I would immediately dive into it and really enjoy this read. What a rollercoaster of emotions! Saskia Swann has had a pretty hectic life and it’s definitely worthy of a book (I’m sure it would even make a good movie given the multiple dramatic twists and turns). It was a vivid, gripping account of the highs and lows of this decadent lifestyle. She doesn’t sugarcoat the more difficult parts of her adventures (it was at times very heartbreaking to read about her struggles), but it gives so much depth to her tale, you get a good sense of how far she’s gone. I found her final words in the epilogue very inspiring. A great message for strong women out there. Don’t be scared to chase your dreams, blaze your own trail and live an extraordinary life!
June 2, 2021
This was such a fun read, which almost seemed too crazy to be true. Many times I found myself in disbelief that I was reading a memoir. I suppose the old adage is true - sometimes the truth IS stranger than fiction! I had to keep turning the pages to find out what crazy thing would happen next! This was a great behind the scenes look at what life is like for a flight attendant on a private plane.
Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
June 15, 2022
3.5 stars rounded up. Quick read, interesting tales of a private flight attendant with a LOT of emphasis on money. The ending was a bit too abrupt, thankfully there was an epilogue but thought it was a little twee and convenient. But I would recommend if you’re looking for a pretty easy read and an insight into what goes on behind the scenes
May 10, 2021
I am fascinated by the stories of the glamorous life of flight attendants. “Above and Beyond, Secrets of a Private Flight Attendant,” the title caught my attention. Many Hollywood movies portray their lifestyle. Furthermore, I thought it was exaggerated.
Above and Beyond is a memoir of Saskia Swann. She was a flight attendant for a world-leading airline, traveling the world, partying, and shopping. The salary was not enough to sustain the lifestyle and got her into debt. She left her cabin crew (trolley dolly) job. To survive, she took on temping jobs in department stores beauty counters. A chance meeting with someone in a bar in London, who introduced her to “Private Flying.”
Above and Beyond, is her experiences working for the super-rich as a flight attendant in their private jets.
After reading Above and Beyond, it brings into perspective how these ladies live a life of luxury. Additionally, never imagined their lives on the private planes of the mega-rich. Furthermore, how the rich lures the innocent girls into the extra favors, and the camaraderie of the cabin crew and the pilots.
Well written with Nicola Stow, a page-turner, an easy read, an insight into the career of a cabin attendant, with glimpses of the scenes and lives of the billionaires and their relationships with their families.
I recommend this book to all who love travel, want to know the life of other professions and detailed glamorous life of a private flight attendants’ lifestyle.
I rate it 5 stars.
I thank NetGalley and the publishers Lume Books for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Above and Beyond is a memoir of Saskia Swann. She was a flight attendant for a world-leading airline, traveling the world, partying, and shopping. The salary was not enough to sustain the lifestyle and got her into debt. She left her cabin crew (trolley dolly) job. To survive, she took on temping jobs in department stores beauty counters. A chance meeting with someone in a bar in London, who introduced her to “Private Flying.”
Above and Beyond, is her experiences working for the super-rich as a flight attendant in their private jets.
After reading Above and Beyond, it brings into perspective how these ladies live a life of luxury. Additionally, never imagined their lives on the private planes of the mega-rich. Furthermore, how the rich lures the innocent girls into the extra favors, and the camaraderie of the cabin crew and the pilots.
Well written with Nicola Stow, a page-turner, an easy read, an insight into the career of a cabin attendant, with glimpses of the scenes and lives of the billionaires and their relationships with their families.
I recommend this book to all who love travel, want to know the life of other professions and detailed glamorous life of a private flight attendants’ lifestyle.
I rate it 5 stars.
I thank NetGalley and the publishers Lume Books for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 23, 2021
Above and Beyond – Saskia Swann and Nicola Stow
This book blew my mind! I read it in one night, I simply couldn’t put it down. I still can’t believe it’s a true account of Saskia’s life...it reads like a film script for a huge budget blockbuster.
I don’t want to give too much away because it is twists and turns a plenty and fast paced throughout – a struggling ex-air hostess, a chance encounter, a new career and then the sky truly is the limit! I was shocked, appalled, jealous, thrilled, excited and stunned at points. I do think Saskia probably glosses over some of the less glamorous elements and doesn’t over emphasise how hard she has worked, the story could have stood more of both, but doesn’t suffer for the lack of them. The writing is honest and gripping and I absolutely loved it. I haven’t stopped telling friends about it since I finished reading it and I just wish I was 20 years younger, a couple of stone lighter and a million times better looking then I could have followed in her footsteps.
A word of warning – it is not for the fainthearted or perhaps for the staunch feminist depending on how you view certain aspects of her approach, but for me this fabulous lady comes out of this tale with her head held high, her bank balance substantially improved and a lifetime’s experience wrapped into a handful of years. Read this book! You will not be disappointed.
This book blew my mind! I read it in one night, I simply couldn’t put it down. I still can’t believe it’s a true account of Saskia’s life...it reads like a film script for a huge budget blockbuster.
I don’t want to give too much away because it is twists and turns a plenty and fast paced throughout – a struggling ex-air hostess, a chance encounter, a new career and then the sky truly is the limit! I was shocked, appalled, jealous, thrilled, excited and stunned at points. I do think Saskia probably glosses over some of the less glamorous elements and doesn’t over emphasise how hard she has worked, the story could have stood more of both, but doesn’t suffer for the lack of them. The writing is honest and gripping and I absolutely loved it. I haven’t stopped telling friends about it since I finished reading it and I just wish I was 20 years younger, a couple of stone lighter and a million times better looking then I could have followed in her footsteps.
A word of warning – it is not for the fainthearted or perhaps for the staunch feminist depending on how you view certain aspects of her approach, but for me this fabulous lady comes out of this tale with her head held high, her bank balance substantially improved and a lifetime’s experience wrapped into a handful of years. Read this book! You will not be disappointed.
June 14, 2021
Sometimes the truth is stranger than fiction
Saskia had been working as a flight attendant on commercial airlines for six years when a chance meeting in a London bar bags her the job of her dreams and she becomes a flight attendant onboard a luxury private jet. This memoir gives us the insiders view of what really goes on board those jets and the extravagant lifestyles of the super-rich who think nothing of changing plans at the last second even if it means weeks of planning and £40,000 are wasted! But Saskia also exposes the darker side of this life where you can be fired at the drop of a hat for the tiniest of reasons. The pressure the attendants are under, having to remember and cater for every foible of their employers, not to mention the ‘extras’ that are sometimes expected. What really impressed me though was the way all the cabin crew helped each other and the camaraderie between the attendants. There did not seem to be any bitchiness or jealousy which was refreshing.
I found this to be a really well written, enjoyable, humorous, but at times cautionary tale, which gives a peak inside the lives of the super-rich.
Saskia had been working as a flight attendant on commercial airlines for six years when a chance meeting in a London bar bags her the job of her dreams and she becomes a flight attendant onboard a luxury private jet. This memoir gives us the insiders view of what really goes on board those jets and the extravagant lifestyles of the super-rich who think nothing of changing plans at the last second even if it means weeks of planning and £40,000 are wasted! But Saskia also exposes the darker side of this life where you can be fired at the drop of a hat for the tiniest of reasons. The pressure the attendants are under, having to remember and cater for every foible of their employers, not to mention the ‘extras’ that are sometimes expected. What really impressed me though was the way all the cabin crew helped each other and the camaraderie between the attendants. There did not seem to be any bitchiness or jealousy which was refreshing.
I found this to be a really well written, enjoyable, humorous, but at times cautionary tale, which gives a peak inside the lives of the super-rich.
April 11, 2021
Full disclosure: I sometimes get books free for review purposes, although my ratings and reviews are fully my own. When I requested Above and Beyond: Secrets of a Private Flight Attendant, I assumed it would be one of those ARCs (advanced reader copies) I enjoyed but never would have been willing to actually buy. Fortunately, I was wrong.
Above and Beyond is the memoir of Saskia Swann, a career flight attendant who documented her switch from commercial to private flight, in all its glamour and garishness. To me, it checked all the boxes of a great memoir. Saska wrote with a charming and personal voice. She shared private thoughts, entertaining anecdotes, and she provided a surprisingly nuanced critique of the industry.
Swann’s memoir could not have been released at a more perfect time* than when we’re starving for tales of travel in the midst of this pandemic and also reeling from the effects and (sometimes) startling revelations of the #metoo movement.
* Above and Beyond will be released by Lume Books on June 3, 2021
Above and Beyond is the memoir of Saskia Swann, a career flight attendant who documented her switch from commercial to private flight, in all its glamour and garishness. To me, it checked all the boxes of a great memoir. Saska wrote with a charming and personal voice. She shared private thoughts, entertaining anecdotes, and she provided a surprisingly nuanced critique of the industry.
Swann’s memoir could not have been released at a more perfect time* than when we’re starving for tales of travel in the midst of this pandemic and also reeling from the effects and (sometimes) startling revelations of the #metoo movement.
* Above and Beyond will be released by Lume Books on June 3, 2021
March 16, 2021
I loved this book! Couldn’t put it down! What an interesting insight into how the other half live and what really goes on behind the scenes with the staff of a private jet. While this book contains lots of scandal, it was so well written than it comes across as inspiring rather than trashy or gossipy. I would totally recommend this to everyone, especially those interested in an alternative lifestyle.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 19, 2021
If you love reality television, you will love Above and Beyond. This is a nonfiction book but reads like a fictional story. Above and Beyond was just the break from fantasy novels I was looking for. It was fun. It was fast-paced. It surprised me. It is a story of how women bond. It is a story of the lengths we will go to to remove ourselves from bad situations. It is a story of choosing your own path regardless of what society tells us the norms are. I loved it. I will absolutely be recommending it.
June 30, 2021
With a name like Saskia Swann, you just know you're destined to live the high life in one way or another. I really enjoyed reading this book. It had everything I expected it to have - though it was actually more tame than I would have thought. I enjoyed Saskia's voice, she is witty, kind-natured & has a vulnerability that is so endearing. I am so glad she found her strength in the end. Great book!
*Thank you so much to Lume Books, the author and NetGalley for granting me a free e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
*Thank you so much to Lume Books, the author and NetGalley for granting me a free e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 5, 2021
Thank you NetGalley, Saskia Swann and Nicola Stow and Lume Books for the ARC of Above and Beyond. This is my personal review.
This book was a fun ride on a private jet and learning what goes on in this ultra exclusive world that most of us will never experience.
Going from hardly being able to pay her bills to the world of billionaires is a real eye opener.
Saskia tells us about her life without hiding much about what she saw, heard and did.
This book was a fun ride on a private jet and learning what goes on in this ultra exclusive world that most of us will never experience.
Going from hardly being able to pay her bills to the world of billionaires is a real eye opener.
Saskia tells us about her life without hiding much about what she saw, heard and did.
March 20, 2021
This book was a page turner from beginning to end. I literally couldn’t put this book down and finished in one reading. Ever wanted to know the true life of a private flight attendant? It will definitely surprise you. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 20, 2021
I really enjoyed this - it's fast paced, interesting and a lot less trashy than I was expecting. Really well written and I loved seeing the other side of flying (even if I'll never be on the "right" side of a private jet we all can dream!).
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for the advanced digital copy in exchange for my honest review
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for the advanced digital copy in exchange for my honest review
March 28, 2021
This is an unputdownable read! It is very reminiscent of Hotel Babylon and its multiple iterations. You get to see how the other half lives with the private jets as we follow Saskia who becomes a Flight Attendant for those with private jets. I ate this up like one of my favourite reality shows. This was truly a fun romp and would definitely read again and recommend!
April 1, 2021
Thanks NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC! I’m fascinated by the ultra-wealthy and this book did not disappoint. Very quick read. Fascinating topic. I don’t tend to read a lot of non-fiction, but this one kept me turning the pages to see what kind of crazy shenanigans Saskatoon was going to have to put up with next.
April 7, 2021
Ok, I'm surprised at just how good this is. Snippets of air hostess tales told in fiction form but with a wicked sense of humour and strong and unique authorial voice.
I'm currently 80% through but couldn't delay in reviewing
Recommend!
I'm currently 80% through but couldn't delay in reviewing
Recommend!
July 22, 2021
Above and Beyond is like reading the script for a reality TV show. It's absurd and bonkers in a way that you can't believe it's real but it actually is. This is people's lives and how they live, and it makes for a deliciously fun read.
February 5, 2022
A brilliant memoir by flight attendant Saskia Swann. Such a refreshing read, to read something different which truly enlightened me to what it's really what like to be working as a private flight attendant for the mega rich - with some OMG disturbing surprises! Highly recommended
July 5, 2021
Fantastic
Biliant sitting at edge of my seat at times couldn't put it down absolutely amazing it was superb . Defo.worth a read
Biliant sitting at edge of my seat at times couldn't put it down absolutely amazing it was superb . Defo.worth a read
March 21, 2021
I've always enjoyed nonfiction books written by people talking about their jobs. (I've read a few books by people who work in restaurant kitchens, in retail, etc). I believe this is the 4th one I've read about flight attendants, and "Above and Beyond: Secrets of a Private Flight Attendant" is definitely my favorite of them.
Saskia Swann dishes the details of what it's like to work as a flight attendant on private jets for millionaires and billionaires. She got her start working in commercial airlines, but the real money is in working on the private planes and she's trying to work herself out of debt. Most of the book is about her experience working for an ultra rich tycoon from the Middle East. The jet owner is a married man, but she soon comes to learn he has a mistress whom his wife does not know about, and the flight crew on his plane is expected to keep it secret. They signed confidentiality agreements, and one of her coworkers is even fired when she accidentally lets the name of the mistress slip in front of the wife (though the wife was none the wiser).
Unfortunately, for the ultra rich men used to getting anything they want because they have the money to buy it, that sometimes means they expect the flight crew to do sexual favors for them. Saskia is shocked to learn this and even more shocked when she goes along with it. She's spilling ALL the dirt - even what makes herself look bad.
It's a raw, honest portrait of what the industry is really like. It's disheartening to learn of the sexual abuse and misogyny that occurs, but I suppose a book about the polite jet owners who aren't throwing crazy parties or expecting ridiculously over-the-top meals and making other demands wouldn't be interesting.
All in all, it's an entertaining and eye-opening book. I recommend it for anyone with even a slight interest in learning about what really goes on in the world of private flight attendants.
FTC disclosure: I received an eARC from the publisher via NetGalley.
Saskia Swann dishes the details of what it's like to work as a flight attendant on private jets for millionaires and billionaires. She got her start working in commercial airlines, but the real money is in working on the private planes and she's trying to work herself out of debt. Most of the book is about her experience working for an ultra rich tycoon from the Middle East. The jet owner is a married man, but she soon comes to learn he has a mistress whom his wife does not know about, and the flight crew on his plane is expected to keep it secret. They signed confidentiality agreements, and one of her coworkers is even fired when she accidentally lets the name of the mistress slip in front of the wife (though the wife was none the wiser).
Unfortunately, for the ultra rich men used to getting anything they want because they have the money to buy it, that sometimes means they expect the flight crew to do sexual favors for them. Saskia is shocked to learn this and even more shocked when she goes along with it. She's spilling ALL the dirt - even what makes herself look bad.
It's a raw, honest portrait of what the industry is really like. It's disheartening to learn of the sexual abuse and misogyny that occurs, but I suppose a book about the polite jet owners who aren't throwing crazy parties or expecting ridiculously over-the-top meals and making other demands wouldn't be interesting.
All in all, it's an entertaining and eye-opening book. I recommend it for anyone with even a slight interest in learning about what really goes on in the world of private flight attendants.
FTC disclosure: I received an eARC from the publisher via NetGalley.
December 30, 2021
It never occurred to me that there was such a vocation as a member of a private cabin crew. It makes sense when I thought about it having seen them on private jets in movies. So welcome to Saskia’s world!
The step from airline cabin crew to going private seems an obvious one but it also seems a difficult one. The recruitment process appears to be secretive and more about who you know, or meet in Saskia’s case. A chance meeting in a London bar, gets her that life changing interview and subsequent trial period on Pavel’s jet.
Swann’s experience was a real eye opener. The life of the rich is imaginable but this was something different and at times sordid. How much of what Swann writes is a-typical for a private flight attendant, I don’t know. Maybe she was unlucky with Pavel as an employer?
I enjoyed my trip in to the world of corporate cabin crew life. Above and Beyond was a fascinating read into what seems to be a glamorous sexy lifestyle, travelling the world at someone else’s cost but that lifestyle comes at a price. Meticulous cleaning, plans changed at the drop of a hat, never home for long. A intriguing insight into a different world!
The step from airline cabin crew to going private seems an obvious one but it also seems a difficult one. The recruitment process appears to be secretive and more about who you know, or meet in Saskia’s case. A chance meeting in a London bar, gets her that life changing interview and subsequent trial period on Pavel’s jet.
Swann’s experience was a real eye opener. The life of the rich is imaginable but this was something different and at times sordid. How much of what Swann writes is a-typical for a private flight attendant, I don’t know. Maybe she was unlucky with Pavel as an employer?
I enjoyed my trip in to the world of corporate cabin crew life. Above and Beyond was a fascinating read into what seems to be a glamorous sexy lifestyle, travelling the world at someone else’s cost but that lifestyle comes at a price. Meticulous cleaning, plans changed at the drop of a hat, never home for long. A intriguing insight into a different world!
March 16, 2021
I loved this book! Couldn’t put it down! What an interesting insight into how the other half live and what really goes on behind the scenes with the staff of a private jet. While this book contains lots of scandal, it was so well written than it comes across as inspiring rather than trashy or gossipy. I would totally recommend this to everyone, especially those interested in an alternative lifestyle.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review
April 16, 2021
Reading this was like watching an episode of Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous. Saskia, deep in debt, begins working for a Russian billionaire as part of,his private jet crew. It was boggling to read about the lavish accommodations and jetting around the globe. Something I suspected was revealed fairly early on in the memoir. It’s a lavish lifestyle, but very limiting. Saskia was constantly at the beck and call of her employer. Personally, I don’t see the payouts begin commiserate with the expectations. It was an interesting read and just confirms my casual lifestyle of T-shirts and yoga pants is my true calling. Thanks to Lume and NetGalley for the early copy.
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