Virgin Atlantic Hires Whispering Coach For Upper Class Dream Suite Service

Virgin Atlantic wants to be sure that its passengers who have paid a premium for first class seats get more than extra legroom and "free" drinks. They have hired a "whispering coach" to train flight attendants in its soon-to-be-launched "Upper Class Dream Suite" service to be sure things are not to noisy in the cabin on long overnight flights.

A "proper whisper" is about 20-30 decibels (dB), according to the airline. Normal speech is about 60-70 dB.

The "whispering coach" told USA Today in an e-mail (even quieter) that whispering will help "sooth and relax" passengers, allowing FAs to communicate with them without disturbing others around them. FAs working first class are also being instructed in the proper tone to use when addressing first class fares, as well as how to properly wake them.

But for the people sitting aft of the first class dividing wall ... it's business as usual. Just so you'll know, a website from City College of New York places the noise level of a crying baby at 110 dB ... only 10 decibels lower than that of an ambulance siren or rock concert.

FMI: www.virgin-atlantic.com