Emirates Flight Attendant

I’ve always been fascinated by the idea of being a flight attendant – flying around the world, discovering new places, and kind of floating above everyday life. Sounds magical, right? But life had other plans. It probably knew I’d be more of a disaster with a tray than a graceful attendant spreading smiles. But my love for travel stayed, and so did my admiration for those who made that dream a reality.

When I met Lucka, who worked for Emirates, I knew I had to chat with her. It wasn’t just about hearing stories from far-off places most of us only dream of, but also about the behind-the-scenes reality of a job that looks like a fairytale on the surface but has its fair share of unexpected challenges. From exotic destinations and hidden gems to turbulence and dealing with passengers who sometimes have very specific ideas about how a flight should go.

So, let’s dive in and find out what it’s really like to have a job in the clouds!

Destinations, requirements, iconic uniform, and unruly passengers

So, what do you actually need to become an Emirates flight attendant? And is it really stricter than other airlines?

You can find the basic requirements on their website, but here’s the gist – Emirates is pretty selective. It’s not just about looking good; you’ve got to meet high standards for behavior and representing the airline. Oh, and your BMI needs to be on point. Sometimes they’ll even weigh you, and if there’s anything that needs adjusting, you’ll get some diet tips. They want you to stay fit, basically.

Before every flight, they check your look and uniform. Nails have to be perfect, no wild hairstyles – just classic and simple. No bracelets, beads, or extra accessories. Only engagement or wedding rings allowed. Your uniform has to be perfectly pressed, stockings need to be just right, and they even check how you hold your suitcase. And of course, that signature red lipstick – it has to be spot-on, and you need to touch it up after every meal. And it’s not just on the plane – it’s at the airport and even on social media. As long as you’re in uniform, you’re representing Emirates.

One more thing – when you work for Emirates, you’ve got to live in Dubai since all flights depart from there.

How many languages does a flight attendant need to speak?

With Emirates, English is your go-to – Arabic is nice to have, but definitely not required. Every airline has its own rules, depending on where you fly, but good English is a must anywhere.

And a common question – can flight attendants have visible tattoos?

Each airline has different rules, but with Emirates, visible tattoos are a no-go. So, no tattoos on your hands, arms, neck, or face.

How many countries have you visited thanks to your job with Emirates?

I’ve been to 83 countries – not just places where I landed, but where I actually spent at least 24 hours, explored the city, or visited landmarks like the Eiffel Tower in Paris. And yes, I count the USA as one country, even though it’s a bit unfair. 

I traveled before joining Emirates, but this job took me to places I probably wouldn’t have visited on my own, especially in Africa and Asia.

Which place stands out the most? And is there anywhere tourists tend to overlook but you absolutely loved?

In my first month alone, I checked off two dream destinations – Cape Town in South Africa and Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia. Both were absolutely incredible! I’d love to go back to South Africa as a tourist and explore even more.

For lesser-known spots, Myanmar felt like stepping into another world—calm, authentic, a bit like Vietnam before it became a major tourist destination. Dakar, Senegal, and the pink lake were unforgettable. And Santiago de Chile completely blew me away with its views of the snowy Andes. Plus, it’s really affordable—the only pricey part is getting there! But honestly, it’s so hard to pick just a few favorites…

That being said, a destination isn’t just about the place itself. It’s about the people, the weather, and how much time you have to explore. That’s what really makes a trip memorable!

How much time do you usually have in a destination before flying back?

The shortest layover is 16 hours, but that’s pretty rare. Usually, we get about 24 hours, and for long-haul flights like Dubai to LA or Dubai to Sydney, we have at least 48 hours. New Zealand layovers were the best—we had 3-4 days, which was amazing for actually seeing the country!

Some colleagues took it a step further and booked quick side trips to nearby countries during their layovers—not allowed, of course! I get why they did it, though. After flying to the same place dozens of times, it can feel repetitive. But missing your return flight because of a delay or a strike? Definitely not worth the risk.

How often do you fly, and can you choose your destinations?

I usually have 5-8 flights a month, and we can’t exceed 120 flying hours—that’s the time from takeoff to landing.

We can request specific destinations or days off, but nothing is guaranteed. Each month, we’re allowed up to 5 requests, and sometimes we get all of them approved, sometimes none. It all depends on availability and how many other crew members want the same thing!

8 flights a month sounds like a lot! How do you deal with jet lag with so many long-haul flights?

Honestly? I don’t. It’s just one of those things you learn to live with. Jet lag is a struggle, especially with short layovers of 24 or 48 hours. If I want to explore, I have to accept that I won’t be getting much sleep and just push through. Plus, most of our hotels are near the airport, so getting to the city or any attractions can take forever. In China, for example, we had to take a minibus for two hours just to reach the Great Wall. We left at 5 AM to beat the crowds and make it back in time to rest before the flight back.

At the end of the day, you can’t cheat your body forever. It catches up with you at some point. I usually tried to enjoy my layovers as much as possible and then caught up on sleep once I was back in Dubai. But if I had been to a place many times before (like London), I’d take the chance to just sleep and recharge during the layover.

What are the best perks of working for Emirates? Any fun surprises?

The flight benefits are amazing! I get heavily discounted tickets—not just with Emirates, but with other airlines too. It’s helped me visit places I probably wouldn’t have otherwise. And when my parents flew to Dubai and ended up on my flight, I “snuck” them into first class. My mom was loving the comfort, and my dad? He was enjoying top-shelf whiskey at the A380 bar. It was such a cool experience for them!

Another great thing is how crew members look out for each other. If they see a fellow cabin crew on the passenger list, they’ll often bring little extras—maybe a glass of Baileys, some treats, or even, if it’s my own crew, a cheeky glass of Dom Pérignon. It definitely makes a flight more fun!

Oh, and the free accommodation and transport were a lifesaver. Emirates provides housing, and shuttle buses take us to and from work, so there’s nothing to worry about. They even take care of our uniforms with free laundry service, which makes life so much easier.

And the biggest surprise? That first paycheck—with no taxes taken out. In Dubai, there’s no income tax (at least for now), so whatever you earn goes straight into your account. No deductions, no surprises—just the full amount sitting there. Definitely a nice bonus!

Any perks for us, the passengers? Any insider tips for flying with Emirates—like getting better food or seats?

Unfortunately, there aren’t many secret hacks when flying with Emirates. Upgrades to business or first class usually come with a cost. If a flight’s overbooked and someone needs to be moved up, they’ll first offer it to Silver, Gold, or Platinum members at a discounted rate. If no one takes it, they might offer it to the highest-tier members with the most miles for free, but honestly, I’ve only seen that happen once—right at the gate.

One thing I’d definitely recommend, though, is pre-ordering special meals. If you want a vegetarian, kosher, or Hindu meal, make sure to request it online at least 48 hours before your flight.

For a long flight, definitely bring something to keep you entertained—whether it’s a movie, a good book, or a magazine. In-flight Wi-Fi is becoming more affordable, so you can even catch up on emails if you want to be productive.

Honestly, when I fly as a passenger, I often think I’d rather be working! Being part of the crew makes the flight feel shorter. Plus, flight attendants have their own private rest area with actual beds where they can sleep for 3-4 hours. They get to change into pajamas, grab a pillow and blanket, and rest while their colleagues take over. Then, they switch shifts.

It all sounds pretty glamorous—living in Dubai, traveling to cool destinations, wearing a sharp uniform, red lipstick, and that million-dollar smile. But working in the sky can be tough, right? A flight attendant isn’t just there to look pretty…

Exactly! Even when we’re boarding, we’re paying attention to the passengers—checking for any signs of intoxication or potential issues. It’s pretty common for nervous fliers to drink or take sleeping pills before the flight, but if they’ve overdone it, we can’t let them board. Of course, they’re never happy about it. I sometimes let small things slide, but stricter colleagues won’t take any chances because they know the risks. Safety is always the number one priority—customer service comes second.

If there’s an emergency, all in-flight service stops. Unfortunately, some passengers don’t get it and get upset when their coffee’s delayed.

Before we even step on the plane, we’ve got a lot to do. We go through security checks, review emergency procedures, and make sure everything’s set for a safe flight. Every year, we have to pass intense exams covering safety, first aid, and aircraft procedures. We’re trained to help with childbirth, perform CPR, use a defibrillator, and handle medical emergencies. We also know exactly where all emergency equipment—like fire extinguishers and oxygen tanks—is.

Beyond that, we get training for extreme situations like onboard fires, water landings, or even hijackings. We even do survival training for emergencies in tough environments. It’s a big responsibility, and there’s a lot to learn.

Got any crazy passenger stories?

Honestly, most flights are smooth and uneventful. The worst situations usually happen when someone overdoes it with alcohol and starts picking fights. One time, we had a guy lock himself in the lavatory, yelling at his own reflection in the mirror, refusing to come out. In the end, we had to talk him into opening the door because we were about to land. Over time, you get a feel for what different flights are like and what to expect.

For example, on flights to India, most passengers eat with their hands, so meal trays come back covered in sauces—it’s a challenge to stay clean. On the other hand, flights to Japan are the complete opposite. Trays come back neatly stacked, like they were never touched. Flights to Moscow? You had to keep an eye on alcohol consumption—sometimes, we had to stop serving drinks to avoid any issues.

Then there are flights with workers returning from Dubai to Pakistan. Nowhere else do you have to demonstrate how to open the lavatory door that many times. One time, someone even relieved themselves in the aisle. Thankfully, that doesn’t happen often!

What about turbulence or emergency landings? Ever had a moment when you were truly scared?

I’ve been through some pretty rough turbulence a few times, and yeah, it’s scary—totally normal to feel that way. Once, a food and drink cart tipped over on me mid-turbulence, and I walked away with some bruises. But most of the time, pilots can see turbulence on the radar, warn us in advance, and let us know how bad it’ll be.

That said, there was one emergency that really shook me. We were flying to Toronto, getting meals ready, when we got an announcement—we had to make an emergency landing because one of the engines was on fire. In that moment, you feel the fear, but you have to keep your cool. You smile, act like nothing’s wrong, and make sure passengers don’t panic.

People were still waving us down, asking for coffee, wondering why service had stopped. Others noticed on their screens that we were descending and bombarded us with questions. But we had to stay calm. The pilots had to circle the city for a while, burning as much fuel as possible to reduce the risk of fire. In the end, we landed safely and evacuated everyone. Of course, we got all kinds of complaints, but I was just relieved that we all made it out okay.

What kind of education do you need, and what’s the training like?

At minimum, you need a high school diploma—doesn’t matter what you studied. And honestly, no one cares about your grades. 😊

The hiring process starts with an interview. If you get selected, you have to pass a medical exam and blood tests to rule out any infectious diseases like HIV. Once that’s done, you sign your contract and send it back.

After that, they send you a packing list, your flight ticket to Dubai, and some study materials—like airport codes (LAX for Los Angeles, PRG for Prague, etc.).

From the interview to actually flying to Dubai, the whole process took about three weeks. I packed two suitcases (50 kg total) and off I went. When I arrived, they picked me up, gave me some basic info, and took me to my accommodation. Training started the next day and lasted two months.

The course covered:

• Safety & Emergency Procedures (what to do in different emergencies)

• Medical (first aid and basic healthcare)

• Image & Uniform (how to wear the uniform properly and maintain a polished look)

And that’s how it all began!

Would you like to try working as a flight attendant? Fly for Emirates?

If this life experience excites you, you can check out their official website and learn more. Just start HERE.

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