What It’s Really Like to Work for Emirates as Cabin Crew
You see them strutting through the airport to the gate — red heels clicking, perfectly pressed uniforms, iconic red hats sitting just right. Heads turn. They all look like flawless clones — and honestly? That’s exactly what you’re trained to be.
It was that red hat and scarf that drew me to Emirates. The uniform is iconic — you instantly know who they are. If I was going to become cabin crew, I was going to apply for the world’s leading airline.
The selection process? Think beauty pageant meets Hunger Games. You walk into an assessment day with hundreds of stunning men and women. From the moment you arrive, you’re being watched — how you dress, how you speak, how you treat the other candidates.
Upon landing in Dubai — and mind you, I had never stepped foot in a Middle Eastern country before — I was immediately struck by the unfamiliar. Prayer music echoed through the airport, the scent of oud lingered in the air, and men in pristine white kanduras moved calmly through the terminal. My first thought? “What have I gotten myself into?”.
Flash forward — what I got myself into was a once-in-a-lifetime whirlwind experience.
The training process felt like military-style discipline meets luxury airline finesse. Over eight intense weeks, we were drilled in everything from the technical operations of the Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 to delivering babies mid-air at 37,000 feet. We learned to fight fires onboard, perform emergency water landings, manage security threats, and survive in extreme conditions.
All while mastering the art of delivering the world's leading hospitality service... and bouncing around the word “no.” Now, as an Aussie, casually throwing around the phrase “no worries” landed me in a bit of strife. For us, it’s just being polite. But let’s just say that translation doesn’t fly in every culture — or in Emirates protocol.
The Social Media vs. Reality of Cabin Crew Life
What you see on social media? That’s the highlight reel. One week we’re sipping Aperol Spritzes in Italy while you're grinding away at your desk job. Next, we're swimming with whale sharks in the Philippines, then exploring temples in Japan — all within the same week. (Yes, this literally was one of my work weeks. The whole reason we signed up on this crazy journey.
What you don’t see is the brutal jet lag, the back-to-back red-eyes, the moments when you land after 24 hours with no sleep and slump into a seat on the crew bus, praying not to snooze past your stop. You try to stay awake just long enough to wipe off your once-perfect red lipstick and avoid falling asleep looking like a clown.
What you do see is the world of flashy sports cars, glamorous Dubai brunches, rooftop pool parties, complimentary five-star dinners, and designer handbags. The yes, habibi lifestyle.
What you don’t see is the loneliness that lingers in a transient city. Friendships are fleeting. The birthdays, weddings, and births you miss back home weigh heavier than you'd expect. FaceTiming your loved ones while knowing you’re missing out never gets easier.
What you do see is flawless grooming, immaculate uniforms, and glowing smiles as we welcome you aboard. The lavish 5-star hotel stays.
What you don’t see is the behind-the-scenes pressure. Nail polish must match the approved shade. Lipstick has to be bold and intact, even after a 14-hour flight. Earrings are measured to exact dimensions. Yes, we’re weighed on day one. And again on graduation day. What you won’t see are the crew members being pulled aside and handed skirts two sizes up because their uniform has either shrunk in dry cleaning— or maybe the leftover business class deserts are starting to catch up with you. And if you don’t fall within the airline’s BMI requirements? Onto a weight management program you go.
What you do see is the chance to meet incredible crew and passengers from every corner of the globe. Each flight brings a new team, fresh stories, and unexpected connections. You never know who might be onboard — a celebrity, someone with unforgettable life stories, or even the love of your life. You’ll find us laughing on the jumpseats at 39,000 feet, swapping stories with strangers-turned-friends, planning our next layover adventure. We watch the sunrise over snow-covered mountains, giggle over the strangest passenger requests, and soak in moments that will stay with us forever.
Somewhere along the way, the magic of it started to wear thin. The jet lag got heavier, the moments missed at home started to sting a little deeper. It’s not for the faint of heart. But for those willing to say yes to adventure, to growth, to unpredictability — it truly is a life experience like no other