Rostering Around – October

My roster for October has just been published, and although it’s my 2nd top bid I didn’t really get anything I asked for! I think that’s because as well as having 5 days leave I’m also scheduled for my visa renewal. I can’t believe how quickly that’s come around, sometimes it feels like I’ve only just joined!

I’ll be starting the month off with my Mauritius flight, which technically was from my September roster.

Then comes my birthday, and as of yet I still have no plans! Next up is:

  • KHI (Karachi turnaround)
  • KWI (Kuwait turnaround)
  • MAN (Manchester layover)
  • Leave (5 days, plus a couple of days off either side)
  • DME (Moscow layover)
  • IKA (Tehran turnaround)
  • DAC (Dhaka layover)
  • Visa Renewal
  • Can-Use (this is basically stand-by, if my visa renewal takes longer I’ll be in Dubai, if not I’ll most likely get rostered a flight).

Now, funny story for those last 3 flights. I was actually rostered a San Fransisco flight, but I’m not a massive fan of US flights so I put it up on swap shop to see if anybody had any good offers.

However, during my flight to Singapore one of the guys was asking around if anybody had any days off (which I did, 5 in a row right after my leave) and was desperate to take them. I wouldn’t normally give away my days off (understandably) but he was offering 2500 DHS (which is equivalent to just over 600 Euros!!) if I took his flights. 😀 Turns out he has a rich boyfriend who is willing to pay for him to get rid of his flights…and who can resist that kind of money just to swap a couple of flights?! I think that’ll pay for my next holiday on my upcoming leave, haha!

So there you go, that’s my schedule for next month! I would love to get rid of my turnarounds at the beginning of the month and maybe see if I can swap that Manchester, so stay tuned to see where in the wold I end up!

P.s. Follow me on Instagram & Twitter for day-to-day updates of my travels! 🙂

47 Comments

  1. October 20, 2015 / 2:19 am

    Hi Rachel 🙂
    I just came across your blog and really like it – it’s so lovely!
    If you don’t mind though, I have a question: As I’ve been just accepted at Emirates I’d like to know what medical examination they do in Dubai, and what you have to wear at the doctor. Do I have to strip to underwear or will I be just wearing the clothes I’ll have to wear during training?
    Would appreciate if you could help me

    All the best
    Steffi

    • October 23, 2015 / 6:12 pm

      Hi there, thanks for reading! 🙂 It’s not really an examination, they just take blood and send it off for tests! No need to strip haha 😉

  2. nannafaerge
    October 18, 2015 / 1:08 pm

    Hi Rachel 🙂
    I recently came across your blog and found it very useful and I really enjoy reading your posts, and following you on Instagram.

    I have a few questions I hope you can answer for me. Like many of your followers I too have a dream to join Emirates as cabin crew. This is probably a common question, but what is Emirates’ policy regarding tattoos? I can’t seem to find anything about it on their website.
    Is it only a problem if the tattoos are showing in the uniform?
    Also, I’ve noticed that some cabin crew are wearing skirts and others are wearing trousers. Can you choose what you want to wear yourself or does it depend on “status” in the cabin crew?

    I think that is all – I hope you can help me 🙂
    Thanks,
    Nanna, Denmark

    • October 23, 2015 / 6:02 pm

      Hi Nanna, thanks for reading! 🙂 No visible tattoos are allowed, it’s a pretty strict tattoo policy! The only crew who wear trousers are the CSA’s (Cabin Service Attendant, the ones in charge of the shower spa on the A380) 🙂

      • nannafaerge
        October 24, 2015 / 1:46 pm

        Hi Rachel, thank you very much for answering 🙂
        I thouht so, I just wanted to make sure with someone who is actually working there.

        The reason I am asking is that I have a couple of tattoos which would be visible in uniform, but I am really considering getting them removed, because I really feel like this job is right for me.

        But I have one tattoo on my leg, just above the foot (if that makes any sense 😉 ), you can’t see it at all when I’m wearing nylon tights (as I would think you’re wearing on flights? You can correct me if I am wrong 😉 ), would that also be considered a no go or do they not care about it as long as it’s not visible?
        I know that this might be a question you’re not able answer, and that is totally ok 🙂 That is why I am also considering if I should go to an Open Day in Germany, as there isn’t one in Denmark. Do you think the people there could help me get answers to all these questions or is the Open Days not about that?

        I know this is a very long message, but I hope you can help me with answers or if you have any good advise for me I would really appreciate it 🙂

        Thanks again!
        Nanna

        • November 3, 2015 / 5:40 pm

          I’ll be honest, if you declare that you have a tattoo on your leg you won’t get through the open day. It would have to be on your upper thigh or higher for them to allow it, as we aren’t allowed to wear trousers (and the tights have to be skin coloured). However if you don’t declare it and then go through with laser removal that could work!
          I did attend my open day in Germany (as I was living in Austria) and that was the closest one to me! All the best 🙂

  3. October 17, 2015 / 2:45 pm

    Hi there, congrats on getting the job! Sure I’ll definitely consider it. Food can definitely be more expensive if you shop in places like Waitress/Spinneys as it’s almost all imported, but lots of things are not much more expensive in general! The first few months the salary is pretty low as you’re not getting any flying pay, so I would definitely suggest saving a bit until December if you can! Let me know if you have any more questions 🙂

  4. Kim
    October 17, 2015 / 3:43 am

    Is it true that once you get which fleet you’re going to be trained on, that decides on which destinations you get to fly to? Is it possible to request for a change in fleet so you also get to fly to other destinations? Or can crew actually fly to all destinations that the airline flies to?

    • October 17, 2015 / 2:50 pm

      Well you can only fly to the destinations that the aircraft you’re trained on fly to. So if you’re trained on 380/777 you can fly to those places, if you’re on 330/340/777 then you can go to those places! The small Airbus’ are gradually getting phased out over the next couple of years so eventually everybody will be trained on 380/777! Occasionally they open up opportunities to cross-train though.

  5. Janelle
    October 17, 2015 / 3:41 am

    Hi! Is it alright if you decide to decorate your accommodation that is provided by the airline? Just simple stuff like bringing in new furniture, hanging in some posters, etc.?

    • October 17, 2015 / 2:47 pm

      Yes absolutely! Just as long as you leave it as it was when you move out, you can paint the walls, hang up pictures, buy furniture and all sorts! 🙂

  6. October 16, 2015 / 4:58 pm

    Hi Rachel.. Just recently i came across your blog and found it interesting.
    I also want to join cabin crew..Do airlines give job to guys as cabin crew..?
    I am young and want to explore the world along with job but i dont like typical 9 to 5 jobs..? Please help..

  7. October 16, 2015 / 4:57 pm

    Hi Rachel.. Just recently i came across your blog and found it interesting.
    I also want to join cabin crew..Do airlines give job to guys as cabin crew..?
    I am young and want to explore the world along with job but i dont like typical 9 to 5 jobs..?

    • Anonymous
      October 17, 2015 / 1:51 pm

      Yes, Emirates gives jobs to male applicants for the Cabin Crew position.

    • October 17, 2015 / 2:46 pm

      Yes absolutely, there are plenty of male cabin crew! Probably 30-40% of the company is my guess 🙂

      • October 18, 2015 / 1:58 pm

        Hey thanks for answering my query, since it will be my first ever interview , can you help me about tips on how to get selected for the job…

  8. Gel
    October 15, 2015 / 3:51 am

    Hi! I’ve been seeing posts of crew with a lot of Instax shots. Is there some sort of culture with your airline where crew often bring their cameras and take shots of the crew they meet on each flight? Just curious. Safe travels!

    • October 17, 2015 / 2:38 pm

      We actually have a polaroid camera onboard all the aircraft! It’s usually used for taking pictures of kids, honeymooners, first time flyers, that kind of thing….but more often than not it’s used by the crew in the galley, haha!

  9. Anonymous
    October 14, 2015 / 7:39 pm

    Out of all the airports you’ve been to, which is your favorite? 🙂

    • October 17, 2015 / 2:37 pm

      I don’t think I have a favourite! We don’t usually spend much time in the airports as we drop our bags off and usually go straight to the aircraft, sometimes just a quick stop in Duty Free 🙂

  10. Cam
    October 14, 2015 / 4:24 am

    I want to become Emirates Cabin Crew. What does it take to get U.S. flights. I heard there’s an interview for a Visa. Is the process the same for Canadian flights? If you get a U.S. Visa are you automatically approved for a Canadian one?

    Sorry for so many questions. I’m so excited to join and see many places.

    • October 17, 2015 / 2:36 pm

      Yes you need a US Visa. The company usually rosters you for it automatically after a few months of flying and once you have it you can operate US flights. You need it to operate Toronto flights as well just in case of diversions to America!

  11. Rita
    October 14, 2015 / 3:04 am

    Hi Rachael ,

    Hope you would be able to answer me, I just received my fleet it will be a340/330 and b77 which from what I have read is main fleet.

    Could you tell me what this means in terms of destinations and people are saying its a bad thing. What is your opinion ?
    Any advice would be great
    Thanks 🙂

    • October 17, 2015 / 2:34 pm

      Hi there! It’s entirely up to you if you want to see it as a bad thing. Granted there are more turnaround destinations but then again there are still plenty of layovers on the 777. So you can still get a fairly balanced roster, and there’s actually a new rostering system that’s been put into place from this month, so that is supposed to share things out a bit across the fleets. I guess you’ll see when you get here! 🙂

  12. Ross
    October 11, 2015 / 2:03 pm

    Hi Rachel! Just 2 question:

    For the “swap shop” can you see everyones flights for the month and just send a request to swap? Or is it a difference process.

    Also you write that this is your 2nd top bid month. What are you going to bid for next month considering its the top bid month? Perhaps the new Orlando (MCO) Flight?

    If I ever became CC that would be one of my bids every month 😉

    Finally thanks so much for taking the time and doing this blog. For an EK CC hopeful like me its very informative and exciting to hear!

    • October 17, 2015 / 2:32 pm

      Hi there! Yes that’s pretty much how it works, you can also search for specific flights or crew nationalities, that kind of thing.
      I actually did bid for Orlando! We’ll see if I get it 🙂 I also bid for days off as some friends are getting married in Mauritius, so hopefully I’ll get those. I also bid for Hong Kong as I’d like to visit my old flatmate Kirsty, and Bologna as we start flying there from 3rd Nov. Fingers crossed I get what I bid for 🙂

  13. Anonymous
    October 10, 2015 / 1:38 pm

    Hi Rachel,
    thank you very much for taking the time to answer the loads of questions we wannabes ask!
    We really appreciate that.

    How old were you when you applied?

    And is it okay for Emirates to apply before turning 21, like two months before my birthday? Or would they reject my online application?

    Thank you very much
    M

    • October 17, 2015 / 2:29 pm

      Hi there! I actually applied before I turned 21, I even got the Golden Call a few days before my 21st birthday! Obviously then I moved out to Dubai a few months later so I’d already turned 21, so it shouldn’t be a problem for you.

      • Anonymous
        October 18, 2015 / 4:23 pm

        Thank you very much for your reply. I hope to see you in Dubai in a couple of months 😉

        Viele liebe Grüße aus dem regnerischen Burgenland
        M

  14. Rita
    October 9, 2015 / 1:38 am

    Hi there Rachael.

    Loving the blog. Hope you are doing well 🙂

    I just wanted to ask you something , firstly when are you able to move apartments after you join and also is it quite easy to do?
    Secondly what is one peice of advice you could give to someone who is about to start on this amazing journey?
    Thirdly, what is your favourite layover destination and what is your favourite turn around flight to operate?

    Xoxo

    • October 17, 2015 / 2:28 pm

      Hi there, thanks for reading! 🙂 Yes you can move apartments, I think it’s after your 6 month probationary period. It depends where you want to move really, I couldn’t find anywhere until 1,5 years after joining but then I got really lucky! My advice would be to have fun and make friends – my best friends are girls I met on the first day of training college! I can’t pick a favourite layover, there are so many places that I love, haha! Favourite turnaround…something quick and easy like Doha or Kuwait – home in time for dinner 😉 xx

  15. Anonymous
    October 7, 2015 / 4:39 pm

    I know the airline provides shared accommodation for crew, but is it possible to move to a single apartment? Does the airline also provide those? 🙂

    • October 17, 2015 / 2:26 pm

      There is single accommodation available once you become Senior Flight Stewardess or Purser, or there is always the option of taking the live-out allowance and finding your own place 🙂

  16. Johanna
    October 6, 2015 / 9:59 pm

    Hi Rachel, i am about to join EK in November! 🙂 I have a question for you. There is someone special in Istanbul 😉 Are there only Tournaround Flights to Istanbul or also Layover?

    • October 17, 2015 / 2:25 pm

      Hi there, congrats on getting the job! 🙂 Istanbul is unfortunately a turnaround 🙁 There were a couple of flights during the summer that were a layover, but those were basically a few one off flights! It’s sooo long though, maybe one day soon they’ll make it a full-time layover instead of a turnaround!

  17. Laura
    October 5, 2015 / 4:42 pm

    I am so glad that I came across your blog. I am 28 and would like to join Emirates, I wanted to know if I am too old, have you met people who have joined at that age? Hope to hear from you soon.

    • October 16, 2015 / 3:37 pm

      Hi there! You’re definitely not too old, I know / fly with plenty of people who have joined aged 30+ 🙂

  18. Anonymous
    October 2, 2015 / 1:39 am

    If the airline does not conduct open days in my country, can I fly to the nearest city and attend an open day there? or maybe apply online?

    • Anonymous
      October 2, 2015 / 4:09 pm

      You can apply online, and receive an invitation of when there will be an open day in your city, otherwise you can fly to anywhere as long as it says open for everyone. 🙂

    • October 16, 2015 / 3:36 pm

      Yes absolutely! I would suggest applying online and either waiting for an invitation to an assessment day, or doing what I did and traveling to your nearest open day (I traveled from the south of Austria to Munich and got lucky!) Good luck!

  19. Anonymous
    October 2, 2015 / 1:21 am

    Hi Rachel! I really enjoy reading your blog 🙂 You’re such an inspiration for aspiring cabin crew like me.

    I just want to ask, if I apply and get accepted, does your airline give a higher basic salary or give extra allowance if I speak another language other than English? Same question if the applicant has previous customer service experience as opposed to those who came from an entirely different industry?

    Thanks!

    • Anonymous
      October 2, 2015 / 4:08 pm

      No everyone earns the same salary no matter how many languages you may speak, or how much experience you may have.

    • October 16, 2015 / 2:53 pm

      Hi there, thanks so much for reading! 🙂 Unfortunately the basic salary is the same regardless of how many languages you speak and how much previous experience you’ve had!

  20. Maria
    October 1, 2015 / 7:06 am

    What a busy month for you!

    I have a question for you. I’m planning on going for an open day in Atlanta, but I have to fly there and book a hotel. The open day is on Saturday. If I’m successful, am I going to have the final interview the very next day – Sunday? Thank you

    • October 16, 2015 / 1:47 pm

      It’s been a busy but great month so far 🙂
      Well, that was how it was for me, however it depends on the size of the open day. Mostly it goes Day 1: Open Day – Day 2: Assessment Day – Day 3: Final Interview, however for me the OD turned into an AD because there were only around 50 people. I know of other people who’ve had the FI a few days later. I think that because you’re flying there they should take that into consideration and schedule the interview for the next day though. Wishing you the best of luck!

  21. September 26, 2015 / 12:44 pm

    Is it quite hard to get rid of turnarounds? Or do crew want them for extra money?
    Also when you do a swap, does it have to get approved by someone to ensure it meets rest requirements and all that stuff? 🙂

    • October 16, 2015 / 1:40 pm

      Honestly it can be pretty tricky to get rid of turnarounds (unless you’re willing to pay, which I don’t really agree with!) There’s basically an online swap system, so the system recognises whether or not the swap is “legal” and if the other person accepts the swap, then your roster will change automatically!

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