What’s it REALLY like to be Cabin Crew for Emirates?

Hi Jess!

Firstly we’d like to ask, what was it that initially made you dream of becoming Cabin Crew?

I dreamed of becoming cabin crew after studying Geography at university. I was learning so much about the world and I wanted to see as much of it as possible, so when I saw that this could be achieved as cabin crew, I had my heart set on it and couldn’t wait to apply.

What was the hardest part of the Cabin Crew application process for you?

Honestly, the hardest part for me was the waiting process. The application with Emirates is very lengthy and took seven months from applying to moving out to Dubai.The six weeks after my final interview to find out whether I had the job or not was one of the longest waits of my life!

What is your absolute favourite layover destination?

My favourite layover destination is Rio de Janeiro. I had the most amazing layover with a fabulous crew and I ticked so many things off my bucket list. Taking a helicopter tour around the Christ The Redeemer statue is a memory I will never ever forget, absolutely breathtaking.

What’s the thing that you find most difficult about your job?

The thing I find most difficult about the job is that you cannot get to everything and you will miss out on events that are important to you. Being based in another country makes you feel like you’re missing out a lot, and being away at Christmas is something I’m never going to find easy.

What has been your most frightening or shocking moment as Cabin Crew so far?!

My most scary moment was a passenger having a heart attack on one of our flights. We are trained for when this happens, but nothing will prepare you for how you will feel when something like this does. I will never forget how hard and fast my heart was beating in that moment. We managed to bring the passenger back to life which was incredible, I’ve never been so proud of myself or the crew that day. People think you’re just a cabin crew for the service but in fact you’re there for every kind of emergency scenario.

What are the three things you couldn’t be without when you’re travelling?

Three things I couldn’t be without when travelling are my GoPro, a portable charger and a face mask. There’s no better feeling than landing from a sixteen hour flight, taking off your make up and letting your skin soak up the goodness of a Korean face mask that you stocked up on in Seoul.

What advice do you have for the people out there hoping to become Cabin Crew?

My advice for aspiring crew would be to take the plunge and send off an application. The places you can see and that staff travel discounts you can reap are priceless. You see the world in a different light and become so independent. There’s so much of this world to see, so why wouldn’t you want to be paid to do it?!