Frequently Asked Questions
From Cabin Crew Interview Candidates Just Like You
Q: Iām over 30 years old. Do I still have a chance at this job?
A: You will find this question answered in more detail here.
Q: How much does a cabin crew earn in the Middle East?
A: The salaries and benefits are quite similar between the major airlines in the Middle East. You will find a more detailed break-down here.
Q: Iām 158 cm and really want to fly for Emirates. What can I do?
A: Emirates has a minimum height limit of 160 cm however the other airlines (Qatar, Etihad, etc.) donāt have a minimum height requirement provided you can pass the reach test. You will find a more detailed answer to this question here.
Q: Are Qatar, Emirates or Etihad as restrictive as they say?
A: The Middle East lifestyle is different that other parts of the world, with the local religion and culture being more conservative. Cabin crew are expected to respect the local customs because they are the image ambassadors of their airline so they must represent it with grace and maturity.Ā You could find many exaggerated stories about one airline or another, but we encourage you to not judge a book by its covers. Live your own experience and make your own opinion, then decide if an airline is good for you or not.
Q: Would a cabin crew licence increase my chances at getting this job?
A: If you already have a licence, definitely include it in your CV. If you don’t have a licence yet and you are applying for one of the Middle Eastern airlines, donāt waste your time and money.Ā According to their local Civil Aviation Authorities, Emirates, Etihad, Qatar or Fly Dubai must take you through a complete cabin crew licensing training before you can start flying. So a licence obtained in Europe, USA or Asia is not valid in the Middle East and it wonāt really matter for the recruiters.
Q: I donāt have any customer service experience. Can I still become a cabin crew?
A: Fortunately, previous customer service experience is not mandatory for all airlines in the Middle East. They recruit candidates as young as 21 so the recruiters understand that most applicants just finished their studies and will not have any experience.Ā Just make sure you learn as much as possible about the hospitality industry, make your CV very appealing and be prepared to exceed the recruitersā expectation to be successful.
Q: I’m turning 21 in 2 months but there is an OD/AD in my city this month. Can I apply?
A:Ā If you are applying for the airlines based in the Middle East, the minimum age requirements is 21. Some airlines require that you already turned 21 at the time when you submit your application. Emirates will not allow you to attend an OD/AD unless you have already turned 21 years old. Some airlines will allow you to participate before you turn 21 provided your 21st birthday is within a few days or within a 2-3 weeks from the time of application.
Q: I have a scar/tattoo/birthmark. Will I get rejected?
A: Qatar Airways has a strict āno tattooā policy, so if you want to fly for them, you should have no tattoos and your scars/birthmarks shouldnāt be obvious or visible while in uniform.Ā For Emirates and Etihad, you can have scars/tattoos/birthmarks only if they aren’t visible while wearing the uniform. If you have a scar/birthmark thatās visible in uniform, the recruiters will judge based on the size and appearance of the scar/birthmark; the smaller and less noticeable the better! Tattoos that are in visible areas are completely forbidden.
Q: I failed my interview. Is it true I have to wait 6 months to apply again?
A: Qatar Airways doesnāt have a waiting period so you can apply straight away after failing your interview at any stage. For Etihad, you need to wait for 6 months irrespective at what stage you failed your last interview.Ā For Emirates, the official rule is that you wait for 6 months if you failed at anytime during the Open Day (even if it was at the CV drop off stage) or Assessment Day and for 1 year if you failed at the Final Interview.Ā However Emirates recruiters have allowed (so far) all candidates to attend a new OD or AD after 6 months no matter at what stage they failed their last interview.
Q: I have a gold tooth visible when I smile, will recruiters see a problem in this?
A: Unfortunately yes, gold teeth are not accepted; your teeth need to be of natural colour, clean and healthy looking.
Q: I donāt have a passport, will recruiters allow me to participate in the OD/AD?
A: You can carry an alternate photo ID during the interview day but we encourage you to apply for a passport as soon as possible. You aspire to a job that involves traveling the world so the passport should be a default task in your thorough preparation for this job. If your passport has very little validity or is under renewal, tell the recruiters you are changing your passport and make sure to have it ready long before your Final Interview or Golden Email/Call.
Q: I wear spectacles, can I still become a cabin crew?
A: Many active cabin crew wear lenses or glasses and the general accepted diopter limit for most airlines is +/- 4. For the interview, we would recommend lenses instead of glasses.
Q: Iām a girl and have very short hair. Is that a problem?
A: It depends on how short your hair is. If it can be beautifully styled to give you a feminine appearance, you shouldnāt have any problem. However do mention to the recruiters that you intend to grow it to a more lady-like length, especially if they ask or say anything about your hair length.
Q: I am naturally brunette but now my hair colour is blonde. Is it true I have to go back to my natural colour?
A: The general grooming guidelines of all airlines in the Middle East require their cabin crew to have their hair in the natural colour or maximum 1-2 shades lighter or darker. If recruiters make any remark about your hair colour, make sure you convincingly explain you have no problem bringing your colour back to its natural colour or as close to it as possible.
Q: I am a male, do I have any chance at becoming a cabin crew?
A: Airlines recruit both ladies and gents, however it is a fact that the ratio of male to female candidates accepted for the job is significantly lower. You do have a chance, just prepare thoroughly and go for it!
Q: I’m from Africa, do the airlines in the Middle East recruit African nationals?
A: The airlines in the Middle East recruit candidates of all colour and creeds, making the cabin crew population one of the most diverse community out there.
Q: I wear a hijab (head scarf). Can I still apply for a cabin crew position?
A: At the moment, the only airline that accepts the wearing of hijab while in uniform is the national carrier of Saudi Arabia – Saudi Arabian Airlines. The carrier is also a dry airline, meaning there is no alcohol service on bard any of their aircraft. All other major airlines in the Middle East require that female cabin crewĀ don’t wear their hijab while in uniform and they also expect all cabin crew to serve alcohol to the passengers.
Q: I have scoliosis. Can I be disqualified for this?
A: It depends on how severe it is and how much it would affect your ability to perform your job once hired. Although most airlines don’t specify an official degree for scoliosis, the generally accepted limit is up to 30 degrees.
Q: I wear dental braces, can I apply?
A: Braces are unfortunately not acceptable forĀ either Qatar Airways, Emirates, Etihad or Fly Dubai. If you are close to the end of your treatment and about to remove your braces soon after a scheduled interview you wish to attend, politely explain to the recruiter that your treatment is almost over and the braces are coming off shortly. They MIGHT allow you to attend and ask you to submit photos of your teeth once the braces have been removed.
Good morning!
I should change my passport before my AD , is it mean that I will have any difficulties ?Thanks
Are you allowed to wear extensions if your hear is short?
Hello. I attended an open day in march but was not selected for AD. I have been invited fo AD. Should i go? Or should i wait for 6 months? Emirates.
Hi, I’m looking like a child, is this a problem?
I wanna know that….I completed my 12th n gave my graduation fst year exam….like If I started working with Indigo airlines…and I wanna pursue my studies with my job, can I do that?
Will they grant leave.?
I would like to know how do I get invited to your assessment day ? I’m in South Africa
Hi Monica/Simona,
I am a self confessed follower of this site and vlogs.. As a recruiter, what is your honest take on acne scars? I wanted to know since most of the cabin crew I see with their vlogs, they say it is ok as long as it is concealable but they have clear skin. I have yet to see a cabin crew with acne scars.
It makes me think that airlines have no problem with pimples as long as it is tolerable, but acne scars itās otherwise.
I would honestly appreciate your advice.
Hi i have a question . i have two choices and i hop to tell me what’s the best for cabin crew recruitment : hotel reception training or training hotel kitchen
Hello,patient Cabin Crew excellence. I have one question. Does Emirates give any pick-up service to cabin crews?
Sorry another question! Is the cost of the training cabin crew free in Emirates after succeeding in the interview?
Hello,good job. I had a nose plastic surgery.Is it a problem to be accepted for this job?
Hi Mohtaba, if there are no scars or recurring health problems related to it, you shouldn’t have any problem applying. Best of luck!
Hi Monica and Simona
I have question .. It is okay to apply for cabin Crew position if i have high school (baccalaureate) level and a patent senior technician in it management certificate ??! It’s possible or not
I known it is okay for emirates but not sur about etihad .. š
Thanks in advance
Hello Nour, if you meet all the minimum requirements, you can go ahead with your interview preparation and application. š You can find all the Middle-East based airline requirements here.
Plz, answer me. These questions are important for me. I am waiting for your answers Miss Simona/Monika!
Thanks!
Hello, is there any pick-up service in Emirates? Is the traing of cabin crews free? How long does it take to interview after applying?
Thank you so much for answering!
Comment…i hav a small cut marks on face which is visible from very near ,is it ok
Hi i went till FI in qatar airways. Yesterday they sent me regret email.. They rejected me because of my very small invisible tattoo. I plan to remove my tattoo.. Can i reapply again after remove my tattoo..plz let me know
Hello Monica and Simona. Can you guide me please?
Is flat foot a problem? Is it medically a problem?
Thanks a lot!
Hello there, Am Godfrey from Kampala Uganda & am doing my diploma in Cabin Crew studies from Uganda Aviation School. Thanks
Which courses of education do we have to pursue in order to apply for those jobs?
Hi Monica.
Can you tell me is there any open days in Dubai for emirates airline?
If you know so do let me know, i want to submit my cv and documents.
Thanks in advance
Hi
I am a Malawian living in Malawi and I would like to apply. I see the schedule for Emirates that indicates Invitation Only assessments in Tunisia and South Africa. In this case, am I still eligible to apply or it is only meant for those in South Africa and Tunisia? What is the arrangement for aspirants residing in other countries other than the host countries for interviews? Do I need to be in one of these countries? Not the two venues are indicating Invitation Only but still I need some insight before I apply/
Thanks in advance
Hello Monica,
Greetings!
It feels so great to hit your page via facebook. Little by little through your e-books and online videos, my questions are being answered. I am also gaining more confidence in facing the assessment day. Though there is only one week left for me to prepare to invite only impact interview and walk-in interview for two different airlines- is Philippines Airlines and Qatar Airways respectively, I feel so happy and privilege with how you help all of us who are aspiring to fly our dreams and make it to reality.Thanks to both of you.
I have listed some questions below and hoping your kind guidance on how I am going to succeed through it. The following are:
*last 2015 during my assessment day with Qatar Airways, the interviewer asked me ” Have you been interviewed before with Qatar Airways?” my response gave me a facial expression that highly shows emotions and failed. In case it will be asked once again, what is the best way to respond?
*My teeth is not as perfect as white as I have a natural yellowish in color. Also, I have tooth gaps but it is really not disturbing just little spaces in between.Should I be worried about those?
*What is it really meant if you are asked to “tell me about yourself”? What is the best way to respond?
These are some of the questions that highly clouds my mind. Hoping for your kind advice.
Thank you so much!
I attended one Qatar openings i was asked if it was my fast time to come to an opening an it was ma fast i responded not sure if really qualify cos i also have agap in between ma teeth can i keep on attending?
Hello Ms. Simona and Ms. Monica,
My name is Pooja and I have seen all your interview tips and videos. I feel they are very informational and helpful for candidates like us. I am 21 years old and have recently graduated from University as a Fashion Marketing student but it is my dream to be a cabin crew member like you. My question is whether I should join various cabin crew courses from institutes such as Frankfinn Institute or Airhostess Academy because i have been advised by many people that i can become a cabin crew member without any such courses and that all airlines provide their own training…is it worth taking the extra diploma courses? What would you advise? Thank you in Advance š
Hi Pooja, you’ll find the answer to your question in the post above š
Hello Ms. Simona and MS. Monica,
You suggested that i look for the answer in the above post, but i searched a lot and cannot find any post related to my question (whether i should join institute like frankfinn or any other academy which teach cabin crew course)? waiting for your reply š
It is very clearly answered at Question 5 š
Hi Monica And Simona
This is Abdul Rehman. First of all i really want to thank you Monica its ur videos are really very helpfull the thing is i wanted to know as i just cleard my Highschool so can i apply for the Qatar Airways now ? I am 17 now so i wanted to do a jon can i do so and the thing is i do not have any past experience and as i am from Pakistan i can speak english really well but is their still need of the english speaking certificate or they just gonna test me that how i speak or not and i do not have any scar , tatoo , golden teeth any thing but the thing is i wear glasses but at he day of interview ill wear lenses but Monisa or Simina plzz solve my confussions that can i apply now and is their need of the certificate please
Answer me Asap
Anxiously waiting
Thank you
Warmest Regards
Btw Ms Monica i have one more question and that is how to basically apply for Qatar Airways like where n how ?
Dear Monica,
Your videos are really helpful to apply the cabin crew. How do I contact you ?
Hi Moe, you can reach us anytime at info@cabincrewexcellence.com š
Hello. Can you please enlighten me on the Scar subject? Actually I’ve got a bad scar of 6 cms long x 0.5 mm width on my right arm’s lower part. It’s a laceration of 11 months. Thank you.
Pls I am an African lady and I am 23years old.I want to become an etihad cabin crew, how can I submit my cv and how can I be called for an interview.
Hi, I purchased the pass first time platform but cannot get access to the facebook group. The account I am using is Ella Suhan.
should the teeth be perfect looking ?
Hi..
I just wondering, with the age of 26 years old and without an experience of becoming cabin crew before. Can I still have an opportunity to become a cabin crew?
I want to be Saudia Airline’s Cabin crew, will they allow an initial cabin crew in my age?
I have pimple scars on my face will it effect
Hello Ms. Simona and Ms. Monica
Is it okay to wear hijab on the interview or assessment day?
Hi Ladies,
I see Emirates has a new way of assigning people invitations. They say it’s a Online Interview. Can you tell me / us more about that process and how it works?
Lyle , from Cape Town, South Africa.
Does the Group games,Test,and scenarios for emirates change each year..you do they come up with different ones??
I have tattoo on my right hand..is it allowed if covered in uniform. PleasE check
Is hijab is allowed for a ground staff?
I have a scar on my face.So,do i have a chance in any airline as a ground staff.Please answer me frankly.
Pls can u tell me how to apply for emirate cabin crew recruitment
Hello Rahmot, the Emirates recruitment is on stand-by at the moment. Make sure to check back on their website for an update on when they resume their interview schedule. Use the time until then to prepare for your interview with the Pass First Time Platform to make sure you are among the successful 5%. Best of luck!
Hello mam,
I have a very small cut mark on my arm it is about 1 cm small. Will this be a reason for my rejection at interviews For airlines? I meet all other criterions though.
I would highly appreciate a respond for u
Hi,
I am currently looking to join Qatar Airways, but, the open days are not in my country. On their website there is an option to apply online and but also states that it is an open day.
My question is: Do I have to attend the open day if I apply online?
hello monicah and Simona, I have a scar in my breast and tummy, if I go for medical checkup and the doctor sees it will I still be rejected?
Hi Jaacinta, if the scars are not visible while in uniform and they don’t come from causes that could impair your ability to perform your duties, you shouldn’t have any problem. We wish you success!
Hi , I have boy cut hair . Is such hair accepted for cabin crew?
Hi CCE, i really need to know if there is a particular tie i have to wear for photos if i want to apply for Etihad and then Emirates
Hi my front teeth two teeths are mis ordered is I eligible for cabin crew
hello monica and simona i have a question please answer ?
is an open toe high heel acceptable on qatar airways open assessment day ?
Hi
I have small white tattoo on my wrist that is barely visible, some people think it’s a scar, and the I have small outline tattoo on my back (this is won’t be visible in uniform). Should I even bother trying out for Qatar??
I have scars on my wrist .. and I wish to become an air hostess in Indian domestic airlines .. is it permiable to conceal scars using makeup
I am so sad that my Dream job has been crashed due to the fact that i have a Gold thooth i should have known the requirements before hand is it only Emirates or is it all airlines that does not want a Gold Tooth??
Hello Phumla, it is completely up to you. A tooth can be replaced, it doesn’t have to be something that deters you from living your dream if flying is what you really want to do. Maybe consider replacing your tooth? Then prepare for your interview and go for it! š
please answer it is important to me
Hello I M Shubham
Qatar, Emirates ,Etihad or any else Airlines Can hire Male cabin crew ?
Because spicejet or other airline cannot hire male cabin crew
They do, brither. All the airlines, in fact, do hire male flight attendants.
Please what should i expect in d Emirates psychometric test
Hi i am Krish
I completed 10th pass education and give 12th science exam but i fail in this exam
Now can i join cabin crew job??
Please answer me
Hi girls, nice to meet you! I applied last week for an open day with Qatar in Bucharest. I was working on a cruise ship as animator since I’ve sent my application. Unfortunately, they rejected me before attending the open day. I don’t know the reason. I prepared my best CV in English and my photos. Do you think my previous job is a matter for them? Tnks š
Hi I am 5 feet,but I really want to be a cabin crew is there any possibility or can I get a chance???? I have done I. Com n have taken b. a exams n waiting for result
Plzzzzz reply it’s my dream job
What about if you have a tooth gap?
Hey Monica! I do have a mole on my face which is visible and I can’t hide it so will it affect me?? Will they reject me for this? Please do reply.
Good day,
I’m confuse, are the recruiters will reject me if they saw me having acne scars?
Hi Monica! I have a mole on my face, particularly on the upper left brow which is visible even after I conceal it using make up, the scub is still there, will that be fine or should I really need to conceal it? And how bout for the photos that i will be submitting, should it be visible or seen? Or is it fine if I conceal it so it cannot be seen in photos? Your response would really help me a lot. Thanks and Regards.
Hi Monica and Simona. I have a slight scar on my face. Will this affect my application as Cabin Cree in Qatar Airways? Thank you in advance! š
Hello everyone
I wanted to ask that i applied for a male cabin crew vacancy in Kw airline the time i applied there was no restriction for males but now they have changed to only females
Does any1 here let me know that will i get a call for interview or not ?
Thanku…
Is it mandatory to wear stoking on board
Please, could you tell me if I’m allowed to get plastic surgery, like a Nose job or a breast job, while being a flight assistant?? It’s very important to me